Ikkyu

I am sorry, where do you see aces being 4 to 1 favorite here? You are really expecting barryg to fold aces to durrrr here?

I don't want to be harsh with you but it looks like you have no idea what you are in for. Playing poker for a living is probably one of the worse things you can do right now. The games are so dry and online poker being banned in US is making pro players tear their hair out. The problem you are facing is very silly. Gambling is not advised in Buddhism, period. But, playing poker for a living does not make you a bad person. Many people enjoy poker now and it is viewed as a semi 'sport' so most likely you won't be playing against people who are gambling addicts and ruining their lives. You will be playing on the other hand a very strong group of players. With information readily available, there is a huge surplus of strong solid players. If there was a 'easy money' poker train, then it left in 2007. I invite you to 2p2 forums to read about some harsh realities of being a poker player. You are not taking into account living expenses, health insurance, emergency fund, unemployment gap, taxes, tough competition, dry games, swings, consistent income, etc. I am not even talking about certain lifestyle choices and sacrifices. It's just stupid. You sound young and a bit naive. If you want to give it a shot. Go watch Rounders, take $2000 and go to Las Vegas, when you come back broke it should be out of your system. If there was one of the worse times to become a poker player, it would be in 2013.

Don't hesitate get laid that's wisdom Sitting around chanting what crap

Take Maca, Tribulus, Citrulline/Arginine.

Shadow people? Is this what taobums came to? Honestly, you should relax and discard anything "paranormal", shadow people dont exist.

Um, it seems like this forum becoming mixed religions rather than Tao focused...

I would think that teaching that lust is a sin and must be repressed (Christianity) will lead to more trouble and abuse rather than teachings of being aware of lust (Buddhism). The former is not a good strategy, it is no surprise that such powerful repressed desire can manifest itself in a very unstable and perverted way. The later on the other hand is a much better way to cope with desire, when you are aware of it, you become aware of many other emotions and can choose the right course of action. I have a hard time accepting that such claims are true about Buddhists. There might be some abuse going on, its a statistical certainty, but nothing compared to Catholicism, imho.

tulku, serious question. Why do you have a need to show everyone your belief system? If you want to share, that's great, but how come your replies are always so defensive and vague? People have tried to engage you in a discussion only to be shot down by you. It is simply disrespectful. If you want to share something, share it openly and without judgment. You mix alot of religions and philosophies. Why? What is the connection between Christian belief of hell/heaven, Hinduism, Buddhism? End of the world in Dec. 2012, why bring it up? You also preach ascetic life, then what are you doing here on internet spending good portion of your time here? You don't think its contradictory?

Posts by tulku are like hardest koans, no matter how much you try to think about them you will never penetrate them, defies all logic and reason.

It is a great read. For some reason this is the only book that I've read 4 times in a very short period of time. Fascinating story.

"Tantra says be aware of the desire; do not create any fight. Move into desire with full consciousness, and when you do, you transcend it." - Osho

No thank you. For some reason your bold statements and snappy come backs in particular are not inspiring. My mistake for thinking there might be some value.

Tulku, you sure do talk alot for some who is in pursuit of enlightenment. If you have any techniques on eliminating lust, please do share your experience.

Yes, do read some Ikkyu

+1 for Convict Conditioning Been practicing his approach to calisthenics for a bit, great stuff. Too bad I fell of and stopped, this summer I will definitively get back on track.

Just dropping by and saying hi! I currently live in San Antonio, go to university and study eastern philosophy in my spare time sometimes. My main interest is Zen Buddhism and Tao, I also practice Zazen and want to start learning Tai Chi or Qigong.

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre History of My Life vol. 1-12 by Casanova Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu Yes.. I am weird like that

I do agree that fasting and celibacy in a proper and moderate context can be a good thing. I've had great experience with Intermittent Fasting and voluntary celibacy for couple of weeks. Really makes your mind clear, energizes your body and mind, gives you vigor and a certain hunger for life. But this article is a bit extreme for my liking. Natural bi-sexual state, blame on occultism, prophecies?