Rara

Ok, as an example. We are breathing...that's a fact, right?

Prove it Sorry, couldn't help myself. I'm too tired to get twisted up in this right now. Maybe next month.

Indeed I did, thanks. I was typing on the phone and got carried away by the testosterone transmitted in page one.

Belief is a choice...what you know as fact cannot be belief. I wonder how many atheists have such realisations. This thread is making me horny. God knows why. And that's just a figure of speech ... I don't believe in a God. Well not a man in the sky anyway...but that consciousness and everything around us could be likened to a God-like presence for it is far greater than I... There must be a region for this...

True. But for mentality, maybe something competitive like football? Again, he's still young, but perhaps one day...

Very well said. Although I would open up just two things to argue: 1. Spirituality is a positive way to help someone in need of getting away from things such as addiction, anger, depression etc. Its what I went out to seek and it led me here. At the same time though, you are right to point out how it can easily lead to a religion of dogma, superstition and craziness. 2. Not ALL meditation is bad. Mindfulness on the breath and body will always provide benefits for those conflicted, both mentally and physically.

Or martial arts when he's a bit older then

A decent self-defence class (I emphasise - decent) that will teach you assertiveness...not anger

NAMPAT for short.

Most people do though...right? The label defines what we are...and therefore we cannot possibly be something else *says sarcastically*

Oh...also, I came from £700 of debt 4 years ago and saved £4k in 4 years...despite building a business from scratch and losing this gig and that gig, screwing up etc etc. If you learn to live frugally, you can still save big time. I don't know why this works, but it really does! Save that money, then spend it on what you need. I'm nearly 27 and just started driving lessons. I had to wait, but it was worth it. Opt for freedom fella...and find your way

Yes my friend, I feel ya. I lost an acting part the other day because the director had seen me before and thought I was a quiet person. Ahem...like, no audition, just straight up judgement! I whinged to my agent and he said "whatever you do, do not change...I have too many loud-mouths on my books". I took it with a pinch of salt... My motto being f*** it and carry on. Just try your best...at least you're conscientious of this! I went self-employed...and I often drop clients if they start bossing me about....there's always a client/boss for you. As for materialism, sure...by all means don't slave to the material world. Don't be afraid to adorn your surroundings though...we all need a bit of pleasure in this department. I bought my first flat screen telly the other day and I kinda like it! It's still not on very much though.

Just curious...could you differentiate between a sales/marketing manager and a businessman? I mean, one could technically be both. And I still ponder...maybe a sage can be those that you listed as "wouldn't be"....I mean, knowing one's path/role in life is quite Tao, no? And musicians/writers can still have ego...boy, don't I know it! XD

I haven't read a lot of posts here but will answer first off my take on this. While lots of practitioners decide to meditate to diminish ego, I only feel this is necessary at the beginning of cultivation. If we're not careful, the ego will be close to non-existant. This will make us more prone to not caring about our own selves in a self-defence situation and therefore losing in what could be a life or death situation. As is the yin and yang, balance is the answer. If you have too much ego, cultivate modesty...but if you are so modest, reverse this! Either way, it doesn't stop one practicing self-defence/martial arts

No harm in cherry picking from multiple ideas. It's you that decides what to keep and what to discard. People here aren't trying to put you off getting a "master"... But they are understanding that you will only be led if you are wanting to follow... There is a fine line between blind faith and discovering yourself. Knowing yourself is enlightenment - Lao Tzu... So just beware, and follow your needs.

I think he will have combusted by now.

Finally, some sense. @Non , can you explain why you are doing this? Do you know what the pros of celibacy might be or do you just like the idea of it as some form of escape from the norm? Do you want girls to like you? Do you want a relationship, or a family? Is sex dirty to you? Is sex without climax the way? Whatever your answer, celibacy is dangerous for you mentally AND physically unless you have a specific reason and method at doing it healthily. The OP is clearly confused on this matter and using speculation. Don't tell yourself no girl will be interested in you, that's just disrespectful to yourself. If, alternatively, you don't like girls or the idea of having a relationship or sex, just be honest with yourself. Edit: Ugh, then I realise the thread is 4 years old. Still, my point above still stands for anyone with this complex

Learning quality practical techniques from a book is never a good move. A teacher can always help guide you if you do it wrong...a book can't. PS You're probably being suckered.

This. Despite chronic illness, do what you can. I don't know your exact condition but I always feel we could always do that little bit more. I often give myself excuses to let things slide in my training. If I tell the voices to shut up, I surprise myself sometimes on what I can do!

Nightmares is just a hurdle. Take it as a positive...you're clearing some crap out. Must be quite a bit of crap there...I've been there plenty of times. Tackle the challenges in front of you hands on, I think this is what you could be missing, especially as you lack the drive for this. As I said, mojo cultivation will help, of you're interested/that way inclined.

Cultuvate your mojo. No kidding... ...are you in to sports, martial arts, business or boisterous types of things?

Hello! I echo Apech and GMP partly. 15 minutes of meditation (done properly) is very hard, so doing this daily is great...and the more you can eventually add will benefit you well. Progress takes time [insert relevant Lao Tzu quote here ] I don't do qigong, but I still cultivate all day every day. Meditation is my "formal practice" if you will, but Wing Chun is my way to self mastery and being an all round conscientious good guy is also important! So don't feel you need to be on the floor for two hours a day if you're family is in need etc. Go with the flow, and stay strong As for "powers", I won't go there. This is too vague. EDIT: I mean, I work on cultivating all day every day. Not always successful but meditation can always help bring me back if I do lose my way a bit! Also, mindfulness in all daily activities is very useful.

I know some that practice philosphies/religions simultaneously. My friend in Indonesia told me about "tri-dharma"...elements of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. If you don't know your path, explore and the path will open up for you by itself. Don't necessarily seek out famous masters either. Sometimes the best people to learn from are all around you. Enjoy yourself!

I can only imagine that it's the same feeling... ...whatever that feeling was. I'm going to say yes? (Question mark very important there )

You said "If". There is, however, nothing to varify/solidify the statement. So as per usual, I dispute the statement.