Rara

Just come out of one thread, walked into this one to see the exact same conversation going on! Carry on

Bless. And I hope that people can tell that under the surface, you have the best intentions for them. The toughest of Bums have stopped yelling at me in recent years It helped that I stopped arguing back to the ones that knew their shit, no matter what their attitude.

Well, you can't stop someone's curiosity. Thankfully I pulled myself out of that hole. My postes here 7 or so years ago should actually be wiped from the forum imo haha

Perhaps, although for some, just standing works. It'll take some trial and error. @Boerewors Just on what @Gerard said...if everything still gets a bit much, do consider simplifying your reading. Often I find it more useful to ditch the books altogether in order to make progress. Emptying the cup, and all that jazz.

Bruce was adding Daoist pinciples to martial arts and with that managed to save lots of time by not doing things that didn't work. I don't think it's the be-all-end-all, but a good lesson to go back to when something you're doing isn't working out. Aka, common sense. That's a big part of Daoism. It's practical.... ...hang on, isn't there a thread on that?

ROFL

Fair post. I must emphasise that to call (genuinely) Shifu/Master out of respect is no problem, to a renowned master of his or her craft. Correct, they are teachers, but they will have other teachers under them, so for a human realm, the labels themselves are useful still for us to differentiate levels of experience. Yet a good Shifu is modest, fatherly/motherly, understanding, nurturing and also tough. Because they want to ensure you learn correctly! Without them, the teachings of the Dao will be lost. But a great sage will always lead from the back. I admit, the works of Frantzis have been useful to me in their own right. Profits and so forth are none of my business, but I have gained some good techniques and understanding from his writings. He, and others, are bridges between eastern and western teaching. But I would also tell you that the distance between him a true master is a country mile. You are right to post this though. One must be very careful who they go to for instruction because the easiest trap to fall into is to follow the one with the biggest gob, shining pretty lights and throwing their cloak around. Ah, advertising. Gotta love it.

Dear Jim, I was away from the forum, and when I came back, you were gone. Funny how we take things for granted, isn't it? You know I wasn't the best at turning up to the Chuang Tzu studies...life takes me away, and if death takes you away, you and I both know that at this present moment, you would now rather be where you are But you never really left. Look at the legacy you have left behind. Now I think you can finally chuckle with me with the understanding that you are immortal. I will always remember being able to feel such relaxed warmth from your words on the forum. So much so, that I reached out and came to you for direct advice time and time again. And your answers were direct, simple and kind. You never lectured, you let me be me, and always treated bums with respect, like they were your elders. Forever a sage on TTB, you will be missed but never, ever forgotten. Hope you're enjoying riding the clouds x

And this Good company, food, life at a steady pace and being away from distractions/stresses.

Works for me!

Like, neo-pagans and witches? As for the "Ohm", I meant because it is said that the sound/resonance creates a calming meditative experience.

I came to this realisation recently in Wudang. Despite having an English-speaking teacher, she nor shifu understood my question about religion and worship. After 4 or 5 attempts it dawned on me that it wasn't even a thing for them. Their attitude to religion is completely different to Abrahamic ones, and it would take a lot of undoing for any westerner to understand. It's taken me over ten years!

But of course, the formal training transfers to everyday life eventually

Straw ones as far as I know. I got one off ebay real cheap ...most places rip you right off!

Wait, so you mean, it is actually an exercise rather than literally treating him as a deity? If so, then that's really useful to know. I used to do the chant when I was exploring Buddhism, but stopped due to my understanding from teachings that there was no worship/God in Buddhism. I admit, the chanting was very peaceful and felt good. But a part of me felt I was leading myself down a road of deities, heaven and hell again etc. So please let me know if I was mistaken!

So, we could just "Om", as Daoist, but reap the benefits still...

Are we expecting some ferocious behaviour from both nature and world leaders, do you think?

Anyone seen the film "Shaolin"? Jackie Chan's character is the one that actually does no kung fu, but gives a speech that it is the mastery of something that will lead to enlightenment (he's the chef if you haven't seen) I'm painting my house at the moment and I'm using martial arts training for that. Same for when I cook, clean, play and instrument etc. I guess it's the same as what the mindfulness movement has suggested over here in the west. Religion is pretty much removed, but the art of focus is emphasised outside of "formal" seated meditation.

I wish I could remember its name...someone posted it in a thread here years and years ago. A Japanese form of archery where monks spent a lifetime aiming for dead centre. Or something like that. It is considered a martial art. Your post reminds me of the Zhuangzi butcher tale I play guitar, fairly well I'd like to say. The moment I pick up someone else's, well, it takes some getting used to. People rave about the Gibson Les Paul. I see how it is made amazingly to be very easy on the hands...but when I first picked it up, I was clunky! Mastering the art is one thing, but the tools themselves are an extention of this mastery. Edit: Note - I am a jack-of-all trades, master of none!

Yeah...no one else around me gets it. I don't bother talking about this sorta thing because people it either goes over people's heads or they think I'm talking some barmy, floaty new age stuff. Oh, how more lonely I get as I grow older and practice more.

Who's your master, dude? If you don't mind sharing? Also, yes. This is why it is important to meditate regularly. I see it as like brushing your teeth...the mess builds up and you just have to let go of that mess regularly.

And on the flipside, ever noticed those days when absolutely NOTHING goes right or to plan? I always look back and think, "if only I'd read the signs then I would have had a different day" Sometimes all you gotta do is change direction and do something completely different to radically make a difference. Sounds obvious, but we are often stubborn as humans, and keep grinding it out, and wearing ourselves out!

Nice. I feel the value of learning a martial art is to understand that you can build a huge toolset of moves to realise that most of the time, you won't need to use them. But yes, very important to acknowledge that we have to take action to be a part of the solution...but only when the action is necessary. Tens of thousands of hours in practice in something will train the mind and body to act accordingly

I get hung up on this a lot. Thanks for reiterating this point

Stop, I'll start banging on about Zhaungzi soon. Hang on, isn't that "philosophical Daoism"? Psych!