Long Yun

It made sense, satyagraha. I'm still thinking on it And I still want all your opinions on what someone in my position should do. I'm not afraid of making the decision (I've already decided that I'll go it alone if a teacher doesn't start a practice within a reasonable distance from me), so my reason for wanting your opinions is to learn a little more about how you all got your starts. Give me some of your experiences. Tell me if you know of any teachers that may be nearby to Georgia (nearer than China or California at least). I appreciate everything that's been said on here so far, as it's all worth noting and pondering. Let me know of some way I can get my basis started. Thanks.

Quit calling me poor... Just kidding. I really like the types of things being discussed here. Satyagraha's philosophy makes perfect sense. On the other hand, your's, Hern Heng, makes just as much sense. SO Since I have no local teacher (I live part of the time at college in south Georgia, part of the time at home in north Georgia), am I to rely on books like the Tao Te Ching, Hui Ming Ching, and the Yellow Emperor's Classic on Internal Medicine? Or am I to put my life on hold, impacting not only myself and my education, but the overall well-being of my family as well? My logic tells me to do the best I can reasonably do for now, which is refer to the texts... I guess someone had to figure it out some time:)

The only thing I've ever learned about this comes from the Hui Ming Ching. It's my understanding that the breath aids intention in circulating energy up the spine and down the front. I think this is also the same as the Jen and Tu meridians used for accupuncture.

Satyagraha, I think you are mistaking my point. It's not that I am unwilling to pay for training, it's that I am unable to pay. Perhaps one day I will have enough to spare, but not now. However, you really struck home with your comment. It is plain as day to me when put into terms of attachment that I am not ready to attain the Tao. But I still want to try, and I have to get a good beginning foundation to do so. P.S: vitagong, you got me:) I can honestly say that had I not read that book, I wouldn't be thinking along these lines. Maybe I need to be taken down a notch...

Thanks folks. But I mean, can anyone tell me why Verdesi has these fees? And Brian, why do these Taiwanese masters ask for this? I know that just giving away teachings is not part of any Taoist doctrine, and I know that many would take for granted or even take advantage of such teachings. But if people are genuinely committed and sincere, why should they have to remain uncultivated just because they can't afford to go to Denmark or China or where ever else to train? On the other hand, what are some real justifications for charging like this? Is the money going to the greater good? Is it paying towards a better school for the master to teach in or something like that? Again, I'm pretty new here, so I'm using these threads to get these answers, but also to get to know some of you better. P.S.: Buddy, that's the way I think it ought to be. If I were training in China, I'd have to pay for room and board anyway, so why should there be a huge tuition fee? Right on.

Hey, I'm new to the forum but I've been reading along for a while now. I don't think Verdesi is any cult leader, but I think it's strange that such a "well accomplished" individual would need to charge thousands of dollars just to show some basics. And the connection to the Healing Tao that has been so discredited here is also strange. I know I'm not saying anything new here, and I'm not trying to fan the flames. I just don't think this kind of practice should have a price tag on it. And if it does, it shouldn't be enough to buy a new car with.