mrtiger

I think you're exactly right here. We have to be graceful and at certain times in our life when we're offered meat in certain situations we should accept. I think this is particularly true in alien cultures or foreign countries. I've recently realised the Jain perspective on eating is actually a really good one. I.e. that eating itself is actually violent because of the micro organisms we consume. So the ideal is just to eat what is needed and nothing more. It's easier said than done but a nice aspiration.

I think that this may have been said by others but I'll say it again. As soon as we start to think of ourselves as a Taoist or a Buddhist or any others ists or isms then we're separating ourselves from others. The whole point of the Tao, to me a least, is to reject these notions of separatism from the rest of the world. So if you think of your self as a Taoist, then surely that's paradoxical.

Hi all, I've been practicing the five standing meditation for about three months now and just wanted to share my observations from a beginners perspective. Maybe it'll be of interest to others, if not it'll be cathartic for me! - Flying Phoenix is without a doubt the most powerful form of Qi Gong I've practiced so far. I had tried a few different types in the past but was really surprised at how instant FP is. - I've read on this board that the exercises can be practiced in any order but I think the order given on the disc is perfect with exercise 3 and 4 feeling like a release with 5 being a bliss out at the end. - My favourite exercise is Wind Above The Clouds. I do this as slowly as I can. It feels so gentle and graceful. I must confess to doing a very slight modification on this - when bringing my hands hands up over my face, I actually turn my hands 90 degrees so the entire length of my palms are across my face. I love the warmth and it feels very blissful. - I struggle to quiet my mind on the static exercises My advice for any one just starting out is learn the postures and movements off by heart as soon as you can. I wrote the breathing percentages down on a piece of paper. I feel much more motivated when I don't have to turn a computer on to watch the DVD plus I've been practicing in the garden when the weather has been good enough.

Hi there, Been a lurker for a while and finally decided to join up! I'm interested in all things spiritual from all cultures but feel closest to Zen and The Dao. I practice Flying Phoenix Qi Gong and Zen meditation. Quite interested in Tai Chi ruler, but have yet to try it. Looking forward to making a small contribution to these boards. Mr T