Chang

"Visions better than drugs have not come. Intelligence exceeding genius has not come. Titanic strength has not come. Beauty to attract lovers has not come. Visitations from the Gods have not come. Freedom from weariness has not come. An end to vexing annoyances has not come. Great wealth has not come. Fame has not come. Unlimited understanding of others has not come. Supernatural powers have not come. The skill to spontaneously heal has not come. The gift of prophesy has not come. None of these things have come. Yet still I would not forsake this spiritual path." Deng Ming Dao I hold this view but what do others think?

The original quote encourages us to practice without thought of results. It can be summed up with yet another quote "Think not of the harvest but only of proper sowing." When the speaker lists the things that have not come they are a list of the flowery trappings of the Tao, things that can distract us from our desired destination which in my case would be enlightenment. "The peace which passeth all understanding."

It is not a case of optimism. Everything that happens effects us. If I were suddenly kidnapped and kept chained in a dungeon just about everything in my life would change, far more so than winning a million dollars. But this is not what is meant by the original quote, that is something quite different. Read it again and try to see what the writer is suggesting.

Hello and welcome to the forum. Before starting with posting please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of as things are pretty easy going here. Good luck and best wishes, Chang

Hello and welcome to the forum Joolian. Before geginning your participation please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of to make a start with posting. Good luck and best wishes, Chang

Hello and welcome. Yes you will find a wide range of topics discussed at depth here. Before diving in however please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of to make a start with posting. Good luck and best wishes, Chang

Hello and welcome. There is certainly no shortage of information on the site. Before getting started please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need to know to make a start with posting. Good luck and best wishes, Chang

Glad to have you back. Welcome. Before you get started with posting please read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of to make a start. May you continue to detach yourself from vices and worldly things. Best wishes, Chang

Nothing would happen and I would continue along the path. These things are but the frilly trappings of the Tao.

Hello and welcome to you in the land of the cream tea. It is often the case that the simplest of things has the greatest effect hence your return to the inner smile practice. You are sure to find much to interest you here but before you start posting please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules. http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of to gest you started. Good luck and best wishes, Chang

Hello and welcome to the forum. We are glad that you found us. I have read Jed McKenna but remember that his is only one view on enlightenment. I am sure that you will find mention of him in the forum as well as much else. Before you get started however please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of to make a start with posting. Good luck and best wishes, Chang.

Hello and welcome to the forum. You will find no shortage of views or discussions here. Before getting started with posting please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ Things are pretty easy going here and this covers all you need be aware of to make a start with posting. Good luck and best wishes, Chang.

Hello and welcome to the Tao Bums. There are no shortage of paths leading to the same destination and it is simply a question of finding the one which best suits us. You will find no shortage of advice here and I wish you well in your search. Before you make a start with posting please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of as things are pretty easy going here. Good luck and best wishes, Chang

Hello and welcome to the Tao Bums. Now that you lurk no longer you will be free to join in with posting, it matters not if you post little or much - we are glad to have you aboard. Things are pretty easy going here but please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of. Good luck and best wishes, Chang.

Hello and welcome to the Tao Bums. You will find no shortage of information here on all manner of subjects but before getting stuck in please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of to make a start with posting. Good luck and best wishes, Chang

Hello and welcome to the Tao Bums. You will find no shortage of information on the forum regarding the cultivation of generative force and likewise no shortage of advice from those who practice such cultivation. Before getting busy with posting please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of when getting started on the forum. Good luck and best wishes, Chang

Hello and welcome to the forum. I am sure that you will receive no small amount of advice and information regarding your subject of interest. However, before making a start please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of to make a start with posting. Good luck and best wishes, Chang

Hello and welcome to the Tao Bums. I am sure that you interest in subjects Taoist will be invigorated by this forum. However, before getting started please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules. http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of to make a start with posting. Good luck and best wishes, Chang.

Hello and welcome. You will find all manner of suggestions and advice regarding possible paths to follow on this forum. My suggestion would be to go slowly and carefully. There really is no rush. Before getting started please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of to make a start with posting. Good luck and best wishes, Chang.

Hello and welcome to the Tao Bums Nicu. Time will tell whether or not you get hooked but you are sure to find a great deal to interest you here. However, before you get started with posting please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of to get started. Best wishes, Chang

Hello and welcome to the Tao Bums. The art of retaining generative force is one of the most discussed topics on the forum so you are sure to find much to interest you here. Before getting started with posting please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of as a new member. Best wishes, Chang

Hello and welcome to the Tao bums. Glad to hear that you have become "activated". Before you become even more active please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers everything that you need be aware of to make a start at posting. Good luck and best wishes, Chang.

Hello and welcome. There is a great deal of information regarding Tibetan Buddhism on the site and I am sure that you will find a great deal to interest you here. Before getting started with posting please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of as you get started. Good luck and best wishes, Chang.

Hello and welcome to the Tao Bums. I am sure that you will find no shortage of advice here regarding your questions and I wish you much luck. The forum is very easy going and there is not a great deal that you need be aware of, just read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/. Best wishes, Chang

Hello and welcome Arjun. I am sure that you will be able to get help and advice on the forum though you may need to put your questions in the Taoist Discussion section of the forum which will be read by more forum members, the Lobby being very much for introductions. Please take the time to read the two posts pinned at the top of the Lobby and also take a look at the forum terms and rules http://thetaobums.com/topic/19575-forum-terms-rules/ This covers all that you need be aware of to make a start with posting. Good luck and best wishes, Chang.