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I discovered that at night time while lying on my back, with my eyes closed, elbows resting on the bed, discarding completely about how I am breathing, just holding the chi ball above my navel in a very natural hand position start an energy flowing, which feels like a whitish light and transform my state to a very blissful one. By moving the ball without lifting my elbows, I can feel the corresponding centers under the ball react and energize, especially if I start fom the root and go up to throat very slowly. I cannot go further towards my head without lifting my elbows so I stop at the throat, because I don't want to mess with my upper dan tien with this experimental qi gong. I also experimented with turning my palms into many positions and gently focusing on my individual fingers, and find out many parts of my body can be bathed with this light by these corresponding experiments, some movements are like opening a tap. The trick for me is always to keep very slow relaxed moving,and not completely stopping for more than a minute. After a period of time, I cannot feel the the energy any more (my body's time is around 40 mins), Then I turn my palms away from my face above my belly and easily project anything on my dream body without falling asleep. (I have really vivid imaginations this way) The palms act like projectors and help me meditating. When my hands start feeling numb,I put them in the closing position on my lower dt, and go to sleep fast with wild dreams. I am not forcing any astral travel and did not experienced one yet, but I feel it will come naturaly if I do that pactice long enough. I am doing this only for a month and will keep you informed about any progress if anyone is interested. Cihan

Ah, so its more like freedom of thought. Isn´t control over time Greater? That is for me the Greatest imaginable power for human to have. Beyond time, my mind stops. It is the limmit of my imagination. In lucid dream we have control over time, thus we can change space. Anything is possible in a lucid dream. You open your bedroom door and walk right into a greek castle built on top of a tibettan mountain.

I don´t really know if there is a diffrence in revolution and evolution, hehe. When I speak of conscious evolution, I´m speaking of the global values or the average set of values that the people have. This consciousness forms the reality. It is the lens trough which all people see. When someone wakes up while other people are sleeping, he or she will be hung or burned. This happens in Libya, where all the people are very united and where Gaddhafi gave his ruling power over to the people. These people refuse to have their land owned by some invaders. They are so couragious that they´re willing to die for their purpose. Even the children are tought to pray even when NATO drops huge boms nearly 100 a day nonstop and send in sleeping rebels. It is literally AVATAR in Libya. All around Africa people are coming on horses with blade and bow&arrow. They fight for freedom, for their values and believes. So what you say is true and can sum up the current AVERAGE consciousness. Basicly, its obvious that this consciousness is on a lower level of civilization. I woulden´t even give this level the number 1. It should be somewhere between civilization 0 and 1. I don´t think its going to stay this way aswell, because there has been signs of a waking up in humanity since hundreds of years ago. When consciousness slowly evolves to higher levels it doesn´t happen in any specific amount of time or moment. Not to mention that on occasions consciousness falls down and goes into sleeping mode. You have golden ages and then dark ages, etc. Some say the conscious evolution has cycles like that. When conscioussness, because of some cycle, the consciousness increases and suddenly, like a waking up, you have lots of people that pop up all around the world and speak of new ways of thinking. The Golden Age seems to be near, but first there will be allot of resistance and violence. The duration of the violence depends on how long it takes for everyone to wake up and addopt the new values. So lets say that at first 10% of the worlds population becomes conscious of the flaws in their current values and believes. This slowly increases. The more it gets towards the middle, the more conflict rises. In the end, changing someones values is not easy. Not even during the waking hours of the consciousness cycle. There will always be people who are asleep and cannot let go of their old ways of thinking, because it has become a habbit that is unnoticed. They experience cognitive dissonance and their natural survival instinct tells them to defend their ways of living that is essentially outdated. During the waking hours, some people are basicly still over-sleeping. You will have people who will hold on to their property, because they believe that nature can have an owner. While people that wake up believe that nature is for everyone equally. So conflict arises. At first the owners win, because they have more power. The problem is, alot of people will starve and they will try to steal land from the owners of land. So violent will rise very quickly, especially when more people are forced to wake up. The owners say `you are criminals, coming here to my land!´ The rebels say `you are criminals, not sharing your land!´ and people who have societies where land is for everyone, they will have to fight the rebels who want to make the land for only a few elite chosen people. So in the end, all the people that own land or want to own land will be killed. Simply because very few people own land these days and thus very few people cannot defend their land. So the owners will eventually all change their mind, seeing that if the land is for all the people, then no one will have to fight over it. It all depends on how fast people wake up that determines how quick all the violent will be over. If spiritual miracles take place, this will boost the overall speed of changing values because it increase the consciousness. With high consciousness less cognitive dissonance is experienced, so the best values and believes naturally finds its way on the top and remain. If the land is only for few people, many will have to fight for it. If the land is for many people, few will have to fight for it. The only peaceful way is thus making resources of this world the common heritage of all the people. Its like sharing a scarce meal with your family. Everyone gets a little. The thing is, when all war stops, we can actually have abundance for everyone on the planet. War is a suffering away of energy. With effecient use of energy, we could have 300% the current population without war and conflict or teritorial dispute. However, before everyone has woken up, I believe half of the population will have been wiped out already. So then no one will worry about having scarcity anyways. By the time we reach high populations, we will be able to live on mars or roam the stars and directly harvest energy from the sun and stars. When the earth resources and all of the recourse in this universe becomes the common heritage of the people, no one will have any reason to waste time with useless stuff. Especially in science great minds will be born that are not hold back by hunger or poverty. People who don´t have to make commercials or take part in any form of corrupting the world in order to put food on the table. In a world where food is free, there is no competetion over who has the best. Its simply about who contributed the most to their fellow earthlings. Contribution is a universal desire for humanity according to science, for male and female. When food is free, you don´t have to be the best to have a nice family without struggles of money. Simply having eachother and nature around you will be enough. Business models will change all around the world. When there is no fear of hunger and poverty, everything will change and technological growth will burst like a maddog. Art, creativity will also grow much much more when artists no longer have to beg for money. Their lifes purpose will be to evolve music constantly to higher planes and give better and better performances instead of many stupid perfomances as a way of begging for money to put food on the table. Every person on earth will want to contribute instead of take money because of fear of poverty and hunger. Infact, in muslim communities you this incredible freedom everywhere. This is because they are thought to only fear god, not even death or hunger. So they either have a united society or a dead one. That is how consciousness grows. We actually had this consciousness in many civilizations in the past. Like the Indians who also believed that money can´t be eaten, and that people have to cooperate with nature in order to live in harmony. I have dreams of half the population wiping out everyday now. Wether its commets, nukes, tsunami´s. Whatever... I´m always the only one with few other people that knows of this end of planet in my dreams. We run around and find out what is exactly going to happen to prepare. The last hope of survival. What happens in my dreams is all the time I become lucid because I´m so scared and everyone around me is just minding their own business and having fun. So as I see the end of the world arriving and look at my watch to countdown, the watch is blurry. I throw the watch away and ignore the end of the world and just talk to some people to ask what they´re doing. I choose the light and not have fear. Fear bounds darkness to our hearts. When we fear violence, it will only be worse. Fear is what causes resistance to the light. This is what the ancients have said. By fear they actually mean worrying. Without worry, there is no fear. Fear is naturally though, especially when you worry alot. To sum it up a great society can relate and yet differ. We can all relate in a way that this earth is our common heritage. So we have to share in order to become Great. Yet everyone will respect eachothers diffrences in personality and archetype. We will respect the others life purposes. Only in a Great civilization, people don´t stop relating to eachother because of these diffrences. When the Great human civilization talks about food, energy, resources, they do not consider them selves diffrent from the rest. When the Great human civilization talks about culture, they do not try to relate to the rest. This is the way of peace. To reach this point, inevitably some conflict will arise. Conflict itself also raises consciousness, so its not that bad. Also hope for spiritual miracles that raise consciousness, reduces cognitive diffrences and speed up the process of the transition. We´re in an important and dangerous transition of civlization level. I´m personally hoping for huge spiritual miracles or uniting of consciousness right before a Great War is about to break loose. Like in my dream, where everyone will wake up right when they were about to watch the last seconds on their clock. Wether this spiritual miracle comes from science, religion, old cultures, wise people, I don´t care. It should unite the whole world this time. Not just certain civilizations like in the past. The prophets of the past have created the atoms of human civilization, the prophet of the future will create the molecules.

Good idea to avoid Siberia in winter. I've never been as an adult, except in haunting dreams, and memories of early childhood. Someday... The very first dream I remember -- I was about 3 -- is of a snow-horse. It was very shamanic.

As I replied to manitou, I have done quite a bit of mediation that, at times, has actually led me to that "dream-like existence," you have described. That's a feeling that comes and goes for me and it can be alarming, but I assume it requires great practice to reach a stage where you are always inside of that space; even so, would one want to be? I can't say I know what being one with the Tao means, though I'm sure one who practices so extensively must be quite auspicious. I simply want to ease my suffering and avoid becoming permanently damaged and scarred as much as some of the people I have seen in the world. But that attitude in itself is somewhat judgmental and negative. I guess it depends on what you want. Which leads me to be grateful for your advice regarding, "wu-wei towards others." I have tendency to want people to accept me in the ways I accept them. I really like people, and love them for who they are much of the time, though I do face resentment and other unkind feelings at times. I find positive people, whether they are relaxed or tense, happy or sad tend to be best for me. As long as they make a point to be positive and try their best to be kind. Thank you for the post

From the Diamond Sutra: "World-Honored one, this true form is not true form and so the Tathagata calls it true form." "This is why, Subhuti, Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas should develop a clear, pure mind which does not dwell in form, sound, smell, taste, touch or dharma. They should develop a mind that does not dwell anywhere" "Therefore Subhuti, Bodhisattvas should go beyond all conceptions of form and appearance in order to develop the Supreme Enlightenment mind." "Subhuti, one who seeks anuttara-samyaksambodhi, in regard to all dharma, should thus know, thus perceive, thus believe, and comprehend: Do not give rise to the notions of dharma." "Subhuti, the Dharma which the Tathagata attained is neither real nor illlusory." "If all form and appearance are seen as illusion, the Tathagata will be perceived." "Don't attach to form and be one with Suchness." "If one perceives that all phenomena are not phenomena, one will perceive the Tathagata." "One who looks for me in appearance, Or pursues me in sound, Follows paths leading astray, And cannot perceive the Tathagata" "How should this teaching be expounded to others? Without attachment to form, at one with Suchness. Why is this? Because: All phenomena are like a dream, an illusion, a bubble, and a shadow. Like a dew drop and like a flash of lightening, Thus you should view them"

(edited to remove quote) I second Manitou's advice above about practicing sitting meditation. Just sit with a straight back, ears over relaxed shoulders, start with your palms face down on your lap. It's not easy at the start to just do nothing, much harder than it sounds so it is actually doing something. You could practice by just lying down with no radio or anything for 20 minutes just to get past the first part. This is like the home base of any spiritual practice. For it to carry into the rest of the day, it helps to maintain the same relaxed but erect posture. Posture often tells the mind how to feel so keeping a relaxed and straight posture helps to do the same with the emotions and mind. As for ego, to understand anything you need a point of reference, ie., yourself, so a bit of ego is necessary in the meaning that ego means self. What is not ego is false-ego or super-ego which basically plays make-believe about who it really is. This is not evil, it's a mistake. People that say "the self does not exist" are looking much deeper to the point that they see this whole existence does not exist but is like a dream. That is not something that we can just go "oh, yeah, right" right off the top, so don't worry too much about that. And to be one with the Tao, just don't worry about adding all these things to the ego and you'll be on your way. Really being one with the Tao is an incredibly high attainment which people fast for weeks and such before they do. But being one with who you are is like a micro-cosm of this, let that part approach you first. Also, wu-wei is mostly about trying too hard, using more effort than is necessary. You need to make some effort just to stand still, but to be tense and flex all your muscles is not necessary. It also applies to meeting people.. don't try to force them to like you, or to force them to hang out with you, and you will practicing wu-wei.. this is also a better way to interact as it more morally correct and considerate. It's hard to have no false-ego in the real world since everything tells us to envy everyone else and to be superman. That causes confusion for everyone that falls into it. My advice for being social -- be "fun-loving." Love to have fun. A good piece of advice I once recieved "if you want to be happy, hang around happy people." got to go peace HE

Yep, look at what Nazism, The American Dream and British sovereign rights have done to our world. Even here at TTB's I have had Fanatics tell me that the American Dream is Sacred and Holy The sense of entitlement over others that Nationalism seems to breed is hideous. Then the bleating Sheep cry "We have a right to defend our way of life!" Even when that way of life is murdering Innocents all over the world and sucking the few valuable precious resources owned by third world country's off them for almost nothing in return. Here is an Interesting Timeline: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_United_States_military_operations

Very cool Simple Jack I have just started practising dream yoga. I would love it if you would give a run down of how to/you practice, or even start a thread on this great subject. I have the books on it but I would love to know hints or personal elements you have found that help make this practice effective... Seth

But this is my point. That you should share any personal or direct knowledge you have regarding these. And since you are reluctant, I get the feeling that you have no direct insight into any of these things you propound to be true. If people want better understanding of the Buddha's teachings there are far better sources to learn from than you or me. And if most fundamental aspects of the teaching have not been self verified, I'd present those teachings with caution, because I wouldn't know for sure they were true or not. All I have is my experiences. I do. Your posts can be readily found on a Buddhist wikipedia page, a book on Buddhism. Anyone can write out what you did after reading an article on Buddhism. They show understanding of how certain ideas relate to another, but not necessarily how you came to believe in them or their logical or experiential evidence. The present moment doesn't bother me as much. My day to day attachments don't cause me too much suffering, and I think these are generally overstated. I don't see much self-created suffering from day to day. It's rooted much deeper in our ignorance of our identities, and this includes insight into our past and future births, karma, the role of consciousness, generally the big ideas. Actually I believe It is the primary cause of these day to day attachments if you dig far enough. Yes, yes. But let's not put this state of mind on a pedestal. It's just a psychological shift in viewing things. That's all. It has potential to lead to greater awakening because the depth of the shift can alter denser forms of our existence and deeper conditionings, but there are other ways I can use to not dwell on things so much. It's not so special in its ability to remove attachments as you seem to think. For instance this body, in your idea of things, is considered another form of attachment. But believing things to be mere lacking of substance does not remove the body from experience. In my experience, to put over emphasis on these ideas can be counter productive to cultivation, because it can delude oneself into becoming stuck to shallow states of awareness that regurgitate on its own fascination with non-attachment. Or you may begin to consider everything to be a dream, like phantoms, but don't really delve into how it is like so, the mechanics of it, or why you have came to such a conclusion. To me this is an important part of the spiritual path, the "how things work" aspect. Only then can we utilize our understanding to truly lead out lives. You don't haver to prove to me that you have good reading comprehension. That's not what I look for when I'm having a discussion. I like it better when people share experiences and verified knowledge. That quote to me is filled with unnecessarily repetetive. It's really just pointing to a state of mind. See everything as a dream. See everything as impermanent. See this in everything. They are just pointing to a relaxed, spontaneous, clearer state of mind. And this can lead to deeper effects, but calling it nirvana or enlightenment or effortlessness is mere wishful thinking. Classic cases of overestimating one's attainments in this natural states can be found in a lot of teachers, in neo advaita or even Tibetan traditions, like Sogyal Rinpoche, Kalu Rinpoche, or Chogyam Trungpa, who left their fare share of scandals despite all this supposed knowledge. It's not so easy. I'm not criticizing any "head" realizations. There are actually no such things because any realization affects the whole awareness, the term is really a straw man idea one develops due to arising friction among beliefs. And one's inability to console them results in labeling one a "head" realization and the other something else. There are depths of realization and in my experience it's not "head" or something else but how willing one is to delve into one's being. This willingness is an attitude of the skeptic, an openness, that is usually set back by a lot of these useless terminology and ideas we develop from reading terms like "everything is like a dream." Two people saying that can have extremely varying degrees of how this idea has penetrated his being. And if one does not know how that idea holds true, worse, one becomes a slave to that doctrine. And doctrine, imo, is never any good unless it is utilized to rise interest in sets of ideas that aid in one's own evolution.

tenzin wangyal rinpoche. Hes a bon lineage holder. In sound form and light, he gives instruction for tsa lung breaths, which is most similar to the thunder breathing described. Its a form of alternate nostril breathing which focuses on clearing channels and expelling poisons. There are exercises to clear the centers that go along with it. I start my long meditation sets with tsa lung, and it really really helps to create the space in which to have fruitful sittings. GREAT book. so is "the tibetan yogas of dream and sleep". And everything else i have ever seen that he has written. He is one of my favorites.

DMT is the hormone in our brain that is responsible for dream sleep. It is secreted by the pineal gland and explains the Amrita phenomenon in kundalini active individuals. Amrita is known as a psychedelic substance naturally produced by the human body after the kundalini that allows the mind to precieve mystical aspects of consciousness. I am currently only taking advantage of my naturally produced dmt. I am practicing dream yoga and meditating. It really gives you a feel for what your made of. It binds with the 5htp receptor like serotonin, Lysergic acid compounds, and psilosybin Dmt is the primary psychedelic substance present in Ayahuasca brews, used by amazonian shamans. Reports of ayahuasca ingestion by experienced users produces more psychedelic effects than more commonly used hallucinogens (acid, mushrooms ect). Ayahuasca vine also contains harmala alkaloids that act as psychedelic maoi-inhibitors. This allows for Dmt to be active by oral dose. Ayahuasca can allow you to experience Dmt for 6+ hours. This is an advantage as normal methods of ingestion usually last only 10-20 min. Anything is possible. Say hi to the elves for me.

Mentorship may be too loaded a word. Maybe what I'm suggesting is closer to sharing. I don't expect actual teachers to be involved in this, because they're professionals and are paid(rightly so) to teach. I do hope that if you're going to share something with someone else you have a level of expertise above beginner. Honestly for many people to have a 'mentor' relationship with the goal of better sitting or zhan zang standing is perfect. If you don't have a regular practice, or if you want to deepen one getting advice and feedback from a senior student is going to help. It will also help the mentor, because to teach is to relearn. I'd recommend keeping the practice simple. There is nothing wrong with basics. I Want to have Lucid Dreams, Astral Travelings, but what I'm working on is dream recall. Slow and steady wins the race, move along step by step and you climb mountains. There is another agenda too. That is bringing people a little closer together. Send emails back and forth for a month and you know what..you've probably made a friend; and thats invaluable in this world.

Yes, hence my comment to you to go try holding your breath and tell yourself its just just another interdependently originated appearance. There is a Zen story that goes something like, A student came up to the master and explained to him how empty all phenomena is, how they were all dream like appearances. The master who was sitting there just smoking a pipe threw his ash tray on the student's head and the student screamed in pain. The master replied, "that's empty too eh?" Something like that. Anyways, my original comment was just that much of Buddhist mumbo jumbo here doesn't come from direct experience, stuff like the rebirths, the bardo, consciousness-only reality, escaping the cycle of rebirths. Usually it's limited to experiencing relaxation, spontaneity, mindfulness, bliss, sense of freedom, generally stuff of psychological nature. And I find a vast majority of practitioners are at these stages, especially in the West. You like Nan Huai Chin's writings right? I found it insightful when he mentioned how many Buddhists travel the path upside down, mistaking the cause and the effect, because they are so well versed in Buddhist ideology, like interdependent origination, the twelve links, anatta, emptiness, that their "enlightenment" and realization of these aspects of reality are often inevitably shallow, if not imitative. Discovering them yourself is very different than "seeing" their validity, so I find that what you wrote extensively on Yogacara and "thought based reality" to be mostly jargon and doctrine.

So when you don't dream, do you recognize that you are not dreaming? I'm a bit confused here, because from what I read you didn't write about the jhanas. You wrote out a lot of theory. Also, try holding your breath for a long time telling yourself that it is simply just arising appearances. Or as a Zen master would do, throw his ash tray on your head!

Does this make sense? I'm imagining one month mentorships, where for a month one person gives another a practice that should take 10 to 30 minutes. There would be short daily feedback for advice and encouragement. Many people here have practices they find invaluable and are amazed few do them. They run the gamut from Zhan Zang to Mantras. I'm envisioning this as focused on a single practice. It should be taken seriously, done daily, with short emails to each other regularly. Trying large classes, often doesn't work well. But I wonder if 1 on 1, a single practice would be more conducive for this kind of medium. What do you think? Any interest? 30 days could start a lifetimes practice. For example I stink at dream work, but its an area I really want to get into. It'd be great for me to have a mentor who has experience. On the other hand I have experience with Ecstatic Kabalah and Rawn Clarks IHVH chants. For the right person it'd be an interesting introduction to the field. The practice could be simple or complex, its the feedback and dedication that will make it special. >edit expanding the scope of this idea: To include 30 Day Yin Yan Self Improvement Promise. 30 Day Yin Yan Self Improvement Promise: You make a 30 day commitment to subtract a habit and start a habit to fill the void left by the subtraction. The habit should be a specific easily measured thing. Example: I will not eat blank (wheat/sugar/fries) and I will have a blank each day (juice/salad/green smoothie/sasquatch) (subtraction). Here's mine- I will not watch TV in November. Instead when I feel the urge I will- meditate/exercise/walk. This shouldn't be too hard. Good to start out easy. Next month diet. No vegetable starches, potatoes, corn. Positive Have a green or colorful low sugar smoothie every day. Third month maybe something harder no baked grain ie grain/cake. Positive eat good salad and soup each day. The idea is to grow- gain some discipline and develop the 'will power' muscle. The hope is this becomes a consistent practice. Subtracting something bad, gaining something healthful. Yin/Yan, bringing life into a better balance.

Love is the only thing you will find that is purely objective. Call it a dream or whatever, that is your right. Once you find it, it will cease to be a dream or fantasy. If you think you are truly without an ego then I think it is as simple as: You just find love and cultivate it. Find something you love and feel it. Then feel it for something else, and eventually for everything. Forgo having an individual perspective, but take on a perspective of all humanity. Be one. I am sure you have heard of mettā, as a self-proclaimed buddhist and all, seriously you should know this by now.

Sure, why not... such are after all lofty ideals which many beings dream of, and many strive to create in their lives since time immemorial. What's the cutting-edge flight-plan?

Did you know that you cannot convince other dream charactersnto become lucid? If they are lucid, they were already lucid before you even manifested them. Making one lucid means to kill him, denie his/her existance, attack his existance. You should try it one time. Also, did you know that a lucid dream is more vivid to the senses then the waking world? its because you're more awake in a lucid dream then while in broad day light. Well, not for everyone...

Seek out other dreamers and guide them to lucidity... or wake up and smell the .... uh i dunno what the world beyond the dream smells like.

What would you do if you became lucid in your dream?

Quite the philanthropist, then? I dream of everyone's nightmare; I await with positive outlooks at the destruction of the majority of mankind. The return to primal needs at the expense of humankind's deccadance.

What is the wrong impression? How do you stack up against him: http://ymaa.com/publishing/authors/dr.yang_jwing-ming Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming Learning With The Grandmasters Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming (楊俊敏博士) started his Gongfu (Kung Fu) training at the age of fifteen under the Shaolin White Crane (Bai He) Master Cheng, Gin Gsao (曾金灶). In thirteen years of study (1961-1974) under Master Cheng, Dr. Yang became an expert in the White Crane style of Chinese martial arts, which includes both the use of bare hands and of various weapons such as saber, staff, spear, trident, two short rods, and many others. With the same master he also studied White Crane Qin Na (or Chin Na), Tui Na and Dian Xue massages, and herbal treatment. At the age of sixteen, Dr. Yang began the study of Taijiquan (Yang Style) under Master Kao, Tao (高濤). Dr. Yang's tai chi can be traced back to the Yang family through Master Kao's teacher Yue, Huanzhi (樂奐之), an indoor disciple of Yang, Chengfu (楊澄甫). After learning from Master Kao, Dr. Yang continued his study and research of Taijiquan with several masters and senior practitioners such as Master Li, Mao-Ching (李茂 清) and Mr. Wilson Chen in Taipei. Master Li learned his Taijiquan from the well-known Master Han, Ching-Tang, and Mr. Chen learned his Taijiquan from Master Chang, Xiang-San. Dr. Yang has mastered the Taiji barehand sequence, pushing hands, the two-man fighting sequence, Taiji sword, Taiji saber, and Taiji Qigong. Becoming a Teacher When Dr. Yang was eighteen years old he entered Tamkang College in Taipei Xian to study Physics and also began the study of traditional Shaolin Long Fist (Changquan or Chang Chuan) with Master Li, Mao-Ching at the Tamkang College Guoshu Club (1964-1968). He eventually became an assistant instructor under Master Li. In 1971 he completed his M.S. degree in Physics at the National Taiwan University and then served in the Chinese Air Force from 1971 to 1972. In the service, Dr. Yang taught Physics at the Junior Academy of the Chinese Air Force while also teaching Wushu. After being honorably discharged in 1972, he returned to Tamkang College to teach Physics and resumed study under Master Li, Mao-Ching. From Master Li, Dr. Yang learned Northern style Gongfu, which includes both barehand techniques, especially kicking, and numerous weapons. Ph.D in 1978 In 1974, Dr. Yang came to the United States to study Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. At the request of a few students, Dr. Yang began to teach Gongfu (Kung Fu), which resulted in the foundation of the Purdue University Chinese Kung Fu Research Club in the spring of 1975. While at Purdue, Dr. Yang also taught college-credited courses in Taijiquan. In May, 1978 he was awarded a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering by Purdue. Yang's Martial Arts Association was established in Boston, MA in 1982. With the intent of preserving traditional Chinese Kung Fu and Qigong , Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming began training students in the rigors of Shaolin Long Fist and White Crane Gongfu as well as Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan. Currently, YMAA is an international organization, including 56 schools in Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Chile, France, Holland, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In the early 80's, Dr. Yang wrote several books, published by Unique Publications. In 1984, Dr. Yang retired from his engineering career, to undertake his life-long dream of teaching and researching the Chinese arts and introducing them to the West through many books, videos and DVDs. Becoming an Author Founded in 1984, YMAA Publication Center has published many of Dr. Yang's groundbreaking books and videos, and is a pioneer in the cultural exchange between the East and West. While the West has successfully developed the material sciences, the East is celebrated for its levels of spiritual cultivation. During this ongoing period of exchange, the building of bridges is critical for the successful integration of the achievements of both societies. His books and videos have been translated into French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Czech, Dutch, Bulgarian, Russian, Hungarian, Portuguese, Croatian, German, and Farsi. In summary, Dr. Yang has been involved in Chinese Gongfu since 1961. During this time, he has spent 13 years learning Shaolin White Crane (Bai He), Shaolin Long Fist (Changquan), and Taijiquan. Dr. Yang has more than thirty years of instructional experience: seven years in Taiwan, five years at Purdue University, two years in Houston, TX, and 24 years in Boston, MA. On November 29, 2005, Dr. Yang conferred the title of Taiji Master to one of his senior students (Roger Whidden)for the first time, which by tradition bestows the honorable title of Grandmaster upon Dr. Yang. Worldwide Acclaim Throughout the year, Dr. Yang travels between YMAA International Branch and Provisional schools worldwide. He also frequently travels within America and around the world presenting lectures and seminars on Chinese martial arts and Qigong. He has visited Argentina, Austria, Barbados, Botswana, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, China, Chile, England, Egypt, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, and Venezuela. Dr. Yang has published over 35 books and more than 50 videos on the martial arts and Qigong. Currently he is president of Yang's Oriental Arts Association, Boston, MA. Since 2004, Dr. Yang has worked to develop the nonprofit YMAA Retreat Center, a training facility in Humboldt County, CA, where he is training a select group of students in a comprehensive 10-year program. He continues to offer seminars, in California, Boston, and around the world. Offices President of Yangs Martial Arts Association, YMAA International. Board of Directors of YMAA Publication Center Vice President of the International Wushu-San Shou Dao Association Co-Leader of the 1994 North American Martial Arts Demo Team Honorary Member of the American Shiatsu Association Honorary Advisor of the Martial Arts of China Historical Society Honorable Appointee to the Eastern U.S. Kung-Fu Federation Awards Prix Bushido, French Book Award, 1st Place, 1997 Inside Kung Fu Magazine - Man of the Year 1990 Black Belt Magazine - Kung Fu Artist of the Year 2003 Inside Kung Fu Magazine - Man of the Year 2007 Martial Arts Publisher of the Year 2008 by the 11th World Congress on Qigong and TCM, Dr. Effie Chow and the American Qigong Association Dr. Yang can be contacted by e-mail. BOOKS Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na 2nd ed.: Instructor's Manual for all Martial Styles Ancient Chinese Weapons: A Martial Artist's Guide Arthritis Relief 3rd ed.: Chinese Qigong for Healing and Prevention Back Pain Relief: Chinese Qigong for Healing and Prevention Baguazhang- Theory and Applications, revised edition Baguazhang-Theory and Applications 1st edition Children's Storybook - Fox Borrows the Tiger's Awe Children's Storybook - Mask of the King Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na Eight Simple Qigong Exercises for Health: The Eight Pieces of Brocade Essence of Shaolin White Crane: Martial Power and Qigong Essence of Taiji Qigong: The Internal Foundation of Taijiquan Northern Shaolin Sword: Forms, Techniques & Applications Qigong for Health and Martial Arts- Exercises and Meditation Qigong Massage: Fundamental Techniques for Health and Relaxation Qigong Meditation- Embryonic Breathing Qigong Meditation: Small Circulation, The Root of Spiritual Enlightment Qigong, the Secret of Youth- Da Mo's Muscle Tendon Changing & Marrow Brain Washing Classics Tai Chi Ball Qigong - For Health and Martial Arts Tai Chi Chuan Classical Yang Style, The Complete Form and Qigong Tai Chi Chuan Martial Applications: Advanced Yang Style 2nd ed. Tai Chi Secrets of the Ancient Masters: Selected Readings with Commentary Tai Chi Secrets of the Wu & Li Styles: Chinese Classics, Translations, Commentary Tai Chi Secrets of the Wu Style: Chinese Classics, Translations, Commentary Tai Chi Secrets of the Yang Style: Chinese Classics, Translations, Commentary Tai Chi Theory and Martial Power: Advanced Yang Style 2nd ed. Taiji Chin Na: The Seizing Art of Taijiquan Taiji Sword Classical Yang Style: The Complete Form, Qigong, and Applications Taijiquan Classical Yang Style: The Complete Form and Qigong Taijiquan Theory of Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming: The Root of Taijiquan The Root of Chinese Qigong: Secrets for Health, Longevity, and Enlightenment Xingyiquan: Theory, Applications, Fighting Tactics, and Spirit DVDs Advanced Practical Chin Na In-Depth Analysis of Shaolin Chin Na Chin Na In Depth Courses 1 - 4 Chin Na In Depth Courses 5 - 8 Chin Na In Depth Courses 5 - 8 Chin Na In Depth Courses 5 - 8 Chin Na In Depth Courses 5 - 8 Chin Na In Depth Courses 5 - 8 Chin Na In Depth Courses 9 - 12 Eight Simple Qigong Exercises for Health - The Eight Brocades Emei Baguazhang (8 Trigrams Palm Kung Fu) Essence of Taiji Qigong Five Animal Sports Qigong Five Animal Sports Qigong Knife Defense - Traditional Applications Knife Defense - Traditional Techniques Against Dagger Knife Defense - Traditional Techniques Against Dagger Knife Defense - Traditional Techniques Against Dagger Kung Fu Body Conditioning Northern Shaolin Sword Qigong Massage Saber Fundamental Training Shaolin Kung Fu Fundamental Training Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu Basic Sequences Shaolin Saber Basic Sequences Shaolin Staff Basic Sequences Shaolin White Crane Gong Fu Basic Training 3 & 4 Shaolin White Crane Gong Fu Basic Training Courses 1 & 2 Shaolin White Crane Gong Fu Basic Training Courses 3 & 4 Shaolin White Crane Hard and Soft Qigong Shuai Jiao - Kung Fu Wrestling Simple Qigong Exercises for Arthritis Relief Simple Qigong Exercises for Arthritis Relief Simple Qigong Exercises for Back Pain Relief Sword Fundamental Training Tai Chi Ball Qigong DVD 1 Tai Chi Ball Qigong DVD 2 Tai Chi Chuan Classical Yang Style (long form Taijiquan) Tai Chi Chuan Classical Yang Style (long form Taijiquan) Taiji & Shaolin Staff Fundamental Training Taiji 37-Postures Martial Applications Taiji Chin Na in Depth 2-DVD set Taiji Fighting Set - 88 Posture, 2-Person Matching Set Taiji Fighting Set - 88 Posture, 2-Person Matching Set Taiji Pushing Hands Courses 1 & 2 Taiji Pushing Hands Courses 3 & 4 Taiji Saber, Classical Yang Style Taiji Sword, Classical Yang Style Taiji Sword, Classical Yang Style Taiji Wrestling - Advanced Takedown Techniques Taiji Wrestling - Advanced Takedown Techniques Taiji Wrestling - Advanced Takedown Techniques Taiji Yin/Yang Sticking Hands Taiji Yin/Yang Sticking Hands Understanding Qigong DVD 1: What is Qigong? Understanding the Human Qi Circulatory System Understanding Qigong DVD 2: Keypoints of Qigong & Qigong Breathing Understanding Qigong DVD 2: Keypoints of Qigong & Qigong Breathing Understanding Qigong DVD 3: Embryonic Breathing Understanding Qigong DVD 4: Four Seasons Qigong Understanding Qigong DVD 5: Small Circulation Understanding Qigong DVD 6: Martial Arts Qigong Breathing Xingyiquan (Hsing I Chuan) YMAA 25-Year Anniversary 2-DVD Set VHS Videos Advanced Practical Chin Na V1 Advanced Practical Chin Na V2 Arthritis Relief: The Chinese Way of Healing & Prevention Back Pain Relief: Chinese Qigong for Healing & Prevention Chinese Qigong Massage V1: Self Massage Chinese Qigong Massage V2: With a Parnter Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na V1: Defense and Counters for Barehand Attack, Blocking & Kicking Comprehensive Applications of Shaolin Chin Na V2: Defense for Knife Attacks & Grabbing, with Additional Offensive Techniques Eight Simple Qigong Exercises for Health: The Eight Pieces of Brocade Emei Baguazhang Volume 1: Basic Training, Qigong, & Eight Palms with Applications Emei Baguazhang Volume 2: Swimming Body and Its Applications Emei Baguazhang Volume 3: Bagua Deer Hook Sword and Applications Northern Shaolin Sword: Kun Wu Jian and Its Applications Northern Shaolin Sword: Qi Men Jian and Its Applications Northern Shaolin Sword: San Cai Jian and Its Applications Shaolin Kung Fu V1: Fundamental Training Shaolin Kung Fu V2: Fundamental Training Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu: Gong Li Quan and Its Applications Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu: Lian Bu Quan and Its Applications Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu: Shi Zhi Tang and its Applications Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu: Twelve Tan Tui and their Applications Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu: Xiao Hu Yuan and its Applications Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu: Yi Lu Mai Fu & Er Lu Mai Fu with Applications Shaolin White Crane Gong Fu 1: Basic Training Shaolin White Crane Gong Fu 2: Basic Training Shaolin White Crane Gong Fu 3: Basic Training Taiji & Shaolin Staff V1: Fundamental Training Taiji & Shaolin Staff V2: Fundamental Training Taiji Ball Qigong 1: 16 Circling Patterns Taiji Ball Qigong 2: 16 Rotating Patterns Taiji Ball Qigong 3: 16 Circling, Rotating & Wrap-Coiling Patterns Taiji Ball Qigong 4: Applications Taiji Chin Na In-Depth 1: Cross Hands & Clockwise Yang Coiling Taiji Chin Na In-Depth 2: Rotating Neutralizing and Counterclockwise Coiling in Crossed Pushing Hands Taiji Chin Na In-Depth 3: Parallel Hands Taiji Chin Na In-Depth 4: Against the elbow’s Na in Pushing Hands Taiji Fighting Set: 2-Person Matching Set Taiji Pushing Hands V1: Yang Style Single & Double Pushing Hands Taiji Pushing Hands V2: International Yang Style Double Routine Taiji Pushing Hands V3: Moving Single and Double Pushing Hands Taiji Pushing Hands V4: Large Rollback Moving Pushing Hands Taiji Saber Classical Yang Style: Qigong, The Complete Form & Applications Taiji Sword, Classical Yang Style: The Complete Form, Qigong, and Applications Taiji Wrestling 1: Taiji Shuai Jiao Taiji Wrestling 2: Taiji Shuai Jiao Taiji Yin & Yang Symbol Sticking Hands 1: Yang Symbol Practice Taiji Yin & Yang Symbol Sticking Hands 2: Yin Symbol Practice Taijiquan, Classical Yang Style The Complete Form and Qigong The Essence of Taiji Qigong: The Internal Foundation of Taijiquan The Scientific Foundation of Chinese Qigong: A Lecture by Dr. Yang at The University of Massachusetts White Crane Hard Qigong: The Essence of Shaolin White Crane White Crane Soft Qigong: The Essence of Shaolin White Crane Xingyiquan: 12 Animal Form Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan: and its Applications

yeah JB , i know you know where i stand. we're always cool. as i am so indifferent about politics and no one can ruffle my feathers here , it is a safe conversation, also i am not trying to ruffle any feathers either. i just want honest examination and critical thinking and maybe some valid solutions can be agreed upon for the serious challenges we all face as americans. i really see both sides at fault as this gridlock continues into some kinda trench warfare. and when i use terms like that- yes, realize i am an anarchist ideally and not militantly. i know i am lucky to live in any part of america. if i did not feel this way i am able to go elsewhere. i am not imprisoned here. ideally i would want - individuals who are independent, self reliant, self disciplined, responsible, folks that realize they cannot inject their morality upon others, as morality is a very personal thing. imo a lack of exposure to independentness or an over dependency to anything , a govet) has a way that it seems to discourage resiliency or an ability to adapt effectively in the face of adversity. what i think would be good are conditions encouraging self discipline & self responsibility, for folks to be able to make their own decisions and reinforce resiliency. folks that take their futures into consideration. folks that take responsibilty for their own affairs to include their health. for some i probably seem very cold hearted? for me tho i dont think sympathy and compassion is always bailing someone out of whatever trouble they have found themself in. explore resiliency. imo with resiliency one finds insight, independence, initiative, creativity, humor, good moral character and good relationships. it fine tunes one into the ways of our world. i dont want america to be a europe. let europe be europe , let america be america. let folks choose where they want to live and under what system. maybe south america is a great choice for some. like i said this my my ideal it is not exactly what i see as our current landscape. i do suggest an ethological approach. lets adapt and change. is our current 2 party system actually serving us? does each side have its own media? does each side continue to parrot party lines? is the constitution actually the law of the land? what i see is there is way too much stress. there is a wealth of evidence that stress, poverty, negative interactions even including family negative interactions as divorce etc, mental illnesses, all types of abuse to include drug abuses, environmental risks all pre-dispose our children, our youth , our future to future problems. are there solutions? i dont think any regualtions of any kind leads us away from these problems.and these problems i feel is what is contributing to our other more obvious problems. is it hopeless? do kids , do children still play? is anything gained just by playing? being playful? idk as i am just some mindless wandering wanna be taoist trying to flow effortlessly like water or floating carefree as a cloud. there is nothing i can offer to help to all these folks i see living and showing the effects of a stressful life. when i observe small animals playing , what i notice is that they develop basic skills, they learn to interact and share. they learn how to take themselves out of a dangerous situation. for a moment can i dream that our elected officials can "play" that they are lawmakers and are there to interact in a way with each other that will adress our problems? playfulness or stressfulness? idk i just aint much for stress. guess thats why i dont have any in my life? i hand over this thread to you guys, it would be awesome if any type of hint of a solution could be found. i am going out to play now.

be gone till morning wandering tall hills, dream-like on a moon-lit trail