BaguaKicksAss

Here is my first question in the NOOB question series . Yes I really am curious. Also yes I am new enough to such things to still not be quite sure. Also what is the difference in each compared with the standard folk religion or practice? What is the difference of them to shamanistic practices? I know most say that the shamanistic ones allow the entity to take over, but I mean aside from that, which other differences? (But also, doesn't one allow Buddha to take over, but in a different and more peaceful sort of way?) I mean aside from different Deities... what are the main differences? Especially on a practical people practicing them, level. Also, how are these not religion? (I have always been told they are not religion; I'm having trouble seeing the differences. Keep in mind I was never raised religious though) I should already know this I'm sure, but somehow it confuses me.

I have recruited 3 people so far...

Or a few lifetimes... Good thing it's about neigong .

Actually, I did mention the forum to a person or two during the event LOL. They haven't come by yet as far as I know though.

Oh to practice it sure . But tell others how it is, and teach them how to do it? Not so much IMO. Not saying the folks here don't have the necessary experience, I'm more saying IF they don't.... (and not just about MP)

Unless you have practiced Mo Pai for many years; there is no way you can know what it is. (same with any system really). Lets see some lineage charts from everyone . It is interesting though, to pick apart a system and see how it works. I just see a lot of "this is how it is" on the forums. How about a personal experiences with it thread!!! :) I think MP might just be too popular for only those taught, and who have practiced it to discuss it, (unfortunately) by this point.

"living" out the rest of your existence as a half aware/conscious hungry ghost... Though if you could somehow be at perfect peace, and not have internal turmoil and anguish, it could (in theory?) perhaps work out.

I have seen folks take the practice the wrong way (imo), and just stuff all the emotions and/or block them off. I mean intentionally, all day everyday, thinking it is the proper path to moving onwards and upwards spiritually or energetically.

It is easily seen and measured though, by those (JC for example) who have been on the path awhile. Oh hell even some noobs can see it and tell the diff between someone who had a LOT of it within/around them) .

I think being at peace with our emotions is the trick. Easier said than done for many.

I'm a little short on online time today SotG, but if you can wait until tomorrow, I might be able to stop by to troll your thread.... .

Well maybe in 2 weeks. TTBs stress, piled on top of my offline stress, finally got to be too much of too much. Even the fact that TTBs was causing stress definitely was a bad sign. I have some really important camping to do, and Bagua, and some more of those Buddhist lectures to attend, then there's the Bagua teaching, and magic teaching, and the website for the local lapidary club, my job, and my portfolio to finish... Crap, no access to the Tiki bar now... .

If it was the extreme practice (of napping) thread, I'm good with that . Still posting in my PPF though. Mmmmm time off, mmmmm .

I was training with a "student" today (he's had 30 years experience, I'm not entirely sure I'm the teacher lol)... anyways, we started discussing martial arts and qigong teachers. He said how does he know he had gotten the proper closed door teachings from his various teachers? It was more of a rhetorical question, so I didn't have time to answer. It is something interesting to ponder though. Everyone either thinks their teacher is the best and has the most secret indoor teachings of them ALL! , or tends to worry that they aren't getting the true transmission and so forth. (well OK and some folks just enjoy training and don't worry about such things). But anyways, so how does one tell? There are most definitely different quality of teachers, and you sometimes wonder if a certain teacher didn't quite get all the teachings (or perhaps they just don't want to teach them in a group class, or to you in particular). Then people wonder how can you tell which teachers are better than others? Difficult when you are brand new. I have had people explain to me how when they were new to the art they gave up a good solid traditional teacher who really new their stuff, for a fancy wushu one who didn't teach nearly as deeply. So how did/do each of you tell? I personally don't feel asking on internet forums to be very reliable unfortunately, as it really is a popularity contest, though sometimes it can work I'm sure. Also when online, advertising does play a role. I think asking around in person, but also trying a few. You can sort of tell which one... well at the very least which one you mesh the best with and get along the best with. Sometimes I wonder if that is more important than perhaps just a bit more skill? Folks tend to learn a LOT faster when there is a connection between teacher and student. Also one can look for commonalities. There are some basic principals that folks all cover, or at least should cover (that are unfortunately left out of group classes a lot). I found asking experienced martial artists isn't necessarily the best idea, they all tell you that their teacher and their martial art is best .

This was in jest?

I just spent $80 for a week of lectures, daily meditations (twice per day), an offering ceremony and an empowerment... (something had to pay the monks' airfare) There was this local teacher who used to charge thousands for each secret technique! I always find this unfortunate when only the really wealthy can receive certain teachings. The humorous part of that is most of these teachings originated in countries where an evening meal for 2 out here (north america) would cover their expenses for an entire year .

On bus, am bored lol, to noisy for decent meditation

Do u use Gmail? Sometimes Gmail doesnt get along with ttbs (and i mean not even in spam folder)

I would highly recommend an anger management class for dude...

Thank you so much for the well wishes everyone, here and in PM . My first day off was awesome! For more info see my PPF about sand mandalas. Those things are pretty amazing! Those monks who put so much time and effort (or I guess that would be no effort? ) into their practice are also amazing. Impressive. They are good influences on me. I think they found one of the secrets to overcoming stress . Though if that doesn't work, the TIKI bar it is... Today, I got to start the day with realizing I didn't have to look up new member IPs!!!! Then I realized I didn't have to do any tech requests today! (apparently I needed a break lol). A bit later, I'm going to go hang out with some monks and learn/experience more about sand mandalas, as well as do my interview and show my portfolio for jewelry school (I thought it was Wed, but now I realize it is Monday, ack). I think only hours of meditation, lecture and ceremony would have cut my stress yesterday; good timing! Did I say 2 weeks? That was a maybe 2 weeks . Sean thinks that I should stay and such... so I told him I need at least 2 weeks off.

Ahhhh, I don't see an IP address beside every post now .

Yeah the same settings which give someone the ability to make someone a mod of their own PPF, are the very same abilities which would allow you to ban Sean.... so wasn't part of the concierge package. (the forum software does have its imperfections).

Oh I don't know, if he had gone 100% public, no one would have likely been interested and everyone would have been long since bored of it by now .