GrandmasterP

Our old teacher listed it thus... Intuition Intelligence Instinct Intuition is at the top and trumps the other two every time. We cultivate best intuitively. Mind/intelligence is like monkeys chattering in a tree. Intuitive-Cultivation calms the monkey mind. If we let it.

Loonies. They're a bit mad. Working a job you hate isn't mad it's sad. Economic necessity is a bummer. Working a cushy well paid job that bores the malas off you likewise. In younger days I lived in an Ashram, same place where Tony Parsons started out in the guru business. Self sufficient very spiritual, lovely countryside, lots of laydees [i was single]. Bored the bits off me after eighteen months so I left. Ashram folded a year or so later due to fallings out and main setup moving to Oregon. That didn't last either.

Well our two cockers were Alchemists last time round. Seems to be a pattern that devout Alchemists come back as a dog. I like to see that as both reward and encouragement to aim higher next time around. Dragon Gate sect priests tend to come back as domestic cats, Tantrists as feral tom cats and Kundalini wonks as moths. Think on chums. Cultivate seriously to escape karmic recycling. Our dogs and cat have an easier life than I do but we all agree that the Summerland [Western Pure Land, Realm of the Immortals,Merger with Tao.. call it what you like] is what we're aiming to get to eventually.

Excellent post Sinan. The Xtians say that thinking something sinful [their word NOT mine] is the same as doing it. If you look lustfully at someone that to them is as bad as actually boffing said person whether or not you make them breakast in the morning. I'm not convinced that's actually right. I'd far rather somebody wished me flogged rather than being really flogged. The thought does not necessarily precede an action and it's actions that do damage not thoughts. Even someone who has a lot of negative thoughts is only hurting themself just so long as they don't act on their negativity to hurt someone else.

Well we're not dogmatic about being non dogmatic it's just a dogma hence not important so that's fine. It's all Tao any way up you look at it. ;-)

The only dogma in Taoism is that it's non-dogmatic.

Both our dogs have been humans and both say they much prefer 'dog' thank you very much.

Yep that'll work. Leads to achey legs though. 8 Strands of Silk Brocade or Horse Stance are kinder to the knees.

60 but I was a leap year baby so only 15 birthdays so far. Feels about right. ;-)

Welcome aboard bro. What you describe is sound cultivation. Whatever gets you there is good. It's all Tao. Whackiest religion you can think of. And there are some doozies out there. They're all Tao too. They just don't know it.

If as you say the Tao was created then you are describing the Tao hence you aren't actually doing so accurately as Tao transcends definition. Absolutely nothing wrong in seeking to attempt to explain Tao just as long as we realise that the minute we begin to do so, we are wrong. That's kinda what separates Taoism from any other path. All the rest have pretty clear definitions of what's what such as creators or prime cause etc. Our starting point is that Names can name no lasting name or more poetically... The Tao that can be spoken is not the Tao... That does save a lot of faffing about. Definitions are futile and Tao endures without a name. Yet nothing is left undone.

Round our way at the whacky end of Taoism we have ritual, liturgy, robes n silly hats, the works. Not to go shopping in but for special occasions. Fortune telling, all sorts so supernatural is kinda second nature. But if I broke a leg the last thing I want to hear is...'Let me through, I'm an acupuncturist' No sirreee I want someone with seven years medical school minimum tending to me. That whole supernatural schtick is window dressing really. It works if you believe it. Sometimes. Other times it doesn't. Probably is an explanation for it but nobody has come up with one that everybody can agree on. Yet.

Atheism just means not accepting a God figure. Not necessarily believing in science or anything else. Taoists (some of us) have lots of Gods n Godesses we just don't 'believe' in them 'per se'. Some atheists are very devout about their atheism it's almost like a religion for them. They have atheist books, songs, poets, meetings, merchandise. High 'Priests' of a sort such as Richard Dawkins who is a bit of a pope figure for many of them. They revere him.. Bit like the Roman Catholics in a way. There's lots of atheist kit to buy if they want it.

That's a good way to think hydrogen. When we are doing something for someone else, even 'just' cultivating with intention for their wellbeing then we tend to put our own problems to one side to focus on the other person. The less there is of 'self' the less problems attach to self, cos there's not as much there for them to stick to. Chanting is good for depression I'll try to post a link.

Best way to treat with 'power' is to flow around it. I'm a union rep in my day job. Meets lots of 'powerful' people. At bottom, once you talk to them; most of them are OK but with one or two power has gone to their heads. Best place for it too, north of the neck. We're more Tan T'ien focused. No room for 'power' down there.

I reckon most people cultivate thinking WIIFM (what's in it for me) to start off with. Then some who don't find much or get bored pack it in, a few stick with it and maybe get beyond that whole 'ego' thang. Eventually. Shaking set has its place but it can be a bit radical. There are other sets more conducive to a meditative calm state, certainly for beginners. Eight Strands of Silk Brocade is my own all time fave. Deity figures also have their uses. Amitabha in Pure Land Buddhism and we have all sorts of deities in Taoism, take your pick. There's one to suit everybody from warrior gods to flower maiden goddesses and all sorts in between. I like Quan Shi Yin but that's only a personal preference. None of 'em are 'real' it's what we do that matters, but they are a handy focus out and beyond the 'I'. They act as a focus, reifying the inconceivable. Plus rituals and festivals bring folk together and chanting is a good cultivation.

http://www.tharpa.com/uk/give

Ooops, type calendar into the search box that link above opens up and it comes up. Nice piece of kit and only £7-95 plus p&p. Full weblink won't post.

Buddhists beg rice Confucians watch rice grow Taoists grow and cook rice

Sorted SunLover. You are a seeker and that is good. We are all on the path here. Nobody' an expert in everthing but some are Masters of some things. Grandmaster Sinfest is a horse stance Sifu and that's a brilliant set to cultivate. He could probably teach you how to have a go at that. Keep at it and positie change will manifest. The trick is to keep at it. Beyond the 'boredom' barrier where many fail, only to go off chasing after fresh whims. There is no secret to culivation. It is all out there in plain sight but the deeper meanings remain hidden from all save those who persevere.

The advantage of belonging to a like minded group be it Dojo ore Temple,Centre or even a Class is that there is mutual support and usually a qualified teacher on hand. Beyond a certain poit in cultivation [which varies depending on each individual] it's tough to progress alone. There's a barrier of boredom or maybe lethargy or discouragement when a lot give up and turn to something new. A supportive group can help folk surmount barriers. The flip side of course is that not all groups are supportive. Some can be toxic whilst a few are thinly disguised money spinners for one or two at the top. The village hall class or friendly Dojo or centre type places can be much better than some of the posh places. I had an email yesterday inviting me to one such for an 'exclusive transmission' led by one of the big names. £350-00 for a one-off three hour gig. I replied with apologies for non attendance. In some quarters the title Sifu seems to now translate as 'Merchandise Peddler'.

Good thread yeah. Well I have had an evening well spent. Only week night bar Friday I'm not at work til nine. Flask of green tea. White Crane 1&2 on the old DVD. [that Darryl Hannah looks like a tranny eh?] and brain switched off. Cultivate next then bed. Life is good bro. ;-) You been down the Dojo yet Sinan?

I shall cultivate tonight with intention that you might find happiness SunLover. You are amongst friends here. Anger is unnecessary and restricts Qi flow. Sleep well.

Change is inevitable. Positive personal change is an option. Journey of a thousand miles....... etc.