GrandmasterP

QiGong is very simple. Just do it. Job done.

Expressing the inexpressible can be a tricky business and using language to point at exactly what language can't point at, for example the Tao is a bit of a struggle. The constant attempt to construct things, or 'ourselves' out of language is the sort of fun that keeps us busy online yet most of us on here, if only from time to time; seek silence as a refuge from wordy selfhood. Silent, solitary cultivation might then be our attempt to express or reify the transcendent in terms of its radical difference from anything we can say or post. That sense of 'sacred dance' be it QiGong or TaiChi or howsoever we cultivate when we are not talking about cultivation. Cultivation then as an active escape from our attempts at construction of its meaning via language. To overcome language by means of language is obviously impossible. Turning within, we will only find words and images that are part of ourself. But to turn outside ourself - lost in moments of cultivation and those quickly changing places where Tao might be sensed yet never described, only 'known', fleetingly. Now that's a struggle and I have struggled here by using language to point towards exactly what language can't point at. Forgive me. :-)

42 Is the answer. HTH

As a general observation based on many years of university teaching, yes. Young people today are far less generally intelligent than those in the past. Time was they needed a modern foreign language plus A Level Maths and English Language to get into univerity alongside degree relevant A Levels too. These days an attendance certificate in finger painting or similar is deemed sufficient.

In common parlance though... " I can't stop smoking as I have no will power" (For example). That urge to do that which we really don't want to do. Wasn't here a spooky film in the thirties called 'Triumph of the Will' ? Thought so.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_of_the_Will nasty!

In the UK anyhoo a degree is a good investment as graduates earn a lot more over their working lives than do non graduates. that's the majority of ALL graduates. Some don't, but most do earn considerably more than their non graduate peers. Strange though it may sound, of the non vocational-specific degrees on offer; media studies graduates do especially well. Sound research been done on this it's not speculation. Next best alternative to a degree is a vocational trade qualification. A time served 21-year old with City & Guilds Plumbing, Heating & Ventilation at Level 3 award under her/his belt ( a first degree is Level 6) is looking at a very lucrative career indeed.

Welcome to TTB.

I think it was on the MoPai forum, not been on there for a while. Will see if I can find it and paste it in here. Just had a look and can't find it but that forum is creaky and just about on its last legs anyway. I posted this query on there but don't hold your breath as there's barely any traffic. http://mopai.forumotion.com/t106-is-jim-mcmillan-still-with-us#498

I thought that name didn't ring a bell. ;-)

I had a NDE, died on an operating table and came round in intensive care. Classic NDE, tunnel of light , loved ones gone on before were there waiting and saying 'Not yet'. Big snap and back into a clinically shocked and shivering body I came. Never was afraid to die, just the process of it. Ideally there would be a big pile of sweets ( candy) and a special lady involved next time I die. Since that NDE though I've 'known' for sure what I only 'believed in' before.

I dibs the top hat. :-)

I think he's still alive, someone elsewhere posted recently about having been in touch with him. He must be a good age though.

In Karnataka in the fishermen's bars they have snakes and ladders boards on the tables with dice and counters. Big gambling game is snakes and ladders out there. Very popular.

Good call buddy. There are no reliable sources. ;-)

I forgot to add to my list... Eating Cake

Posted this elsewhere but it's worth repeating here. The Power of F*ck It Excellent book and resoutce pack from The Barefoot Doctor looks at issues through a practising Taoist lens. http://www.amazon.co...55415172&sr=8-4 'I believe (Fuck It) is a major contribution to the human race' says the Barefoot Doctor in the Foreword. Like a magical modern mantra, just starting to say Fuck It can transform your life. Saying Fuck It feels good. To stop struggling and finally do what you fancy; to ignore what everyone's telling you and go your own way feels just great. In this inspiring and humorous book, John C. Parkin suggests that saying Fuck It doesn t just make us feel good, it is a spiritual act. Indeed, the highest spiritual act. Fuck It is the perfect western expression of the eastern spiritual ideas of letting go, giving up and finding real freedom by realising that things don't matter so much (if at all). But also has the added balls that most of us westerners need to lead us away from our stressed out, uptight, meaning-full lives. Plus, it doesn't require chanting, meditating, wearing sandals or eating beans. So find out how to say Fuck It to all your problems and concerns. Say Fuck It to all the 'shoulds' in your life and finally do what you want (no matter what people think). Show More Show Less

A kind Bavarian might be giving you directions to the cake shop and his accent makes it sound as if he's swearing at you.. The South African accent is similar, it sorta sounds aggressive to unaccustomed ears.

Point taken. Access to decent healthcare tends to prolong life.

Apart from the land and the horses which are chores as much as interests. ... for fun.... Bird Watching Dowsing Classic Omnibuses Steam Trains. Mea Culpa. I am an anorak. :-)

Now you are talking bro. Tilley hats are most excellent. I had one with the air mesh, the lace hole metal oxidised, sent it back, got two hats almost by return of post and a nice letter. No problems since.

And bushmen die kinda young is all. The ones who move to the cities last a bit longer as a rule. Healing dance is nice but antibiotics are good too.

Go for it bro. Some things are meant to be.

Average life expectancy of a native Bushman living a traditional lifestyle = 38, much less for females.

I realised emptiness years ago. Dead easy, anyone can do it. There's nothing to it.

I just threw double six. :-)