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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

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.

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!

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?

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

Your dream has come true, open the eyes!

lol, I am not sure about this but maybe this is how your prayer got answered. There's something along what you said in the Vimalakriti Sutra "Vimalakirti replied, "Manjusri, a bodhisattva shouldregard all livings beings as a wise man regards the reflection of the moon inwater or as magicians regard men created by magic. He should regard them asbeing like a face in a mirror; like the water of a mirage; like the sound of anecho; like a mass of clouds in the sky; like the previous moment of a ball offoam; like the appearance and disappearance of a bubble of water; like the coreof a plantain tree; like a flash of lightning; like the fifth great element;like the seventh sense-medium; like the appearance of matter in an immaterialrealm; like a sprout from a rotten seed; like a tortoise-hair coat; like thefun of games for one who wishes to die; like the egoistic views of astream-winner; like a third rebirth of a once-returner; like the descent of anonreturner into a womb; like the existence of desire, hatred, and folly in asaint; like thoughts of avarice, immorality, wickedness, and hostility in abodhisattva who has attained tolerance; like the instincts of passions in aTathagata; like the perception of color in one blind from birth; like theinhalation and exhalation of an ascetic absorbed in the meditation ofcessation; like the track of a bird in the sky; like the erection of a eunuch;like the pregnancy of a barren woman; like the unproduced passions of anemanated incarnation of the Tathagata; like dream-visions seen after waking;like the passions of one who is free of conceptualizations; like fire burningwithout fuel; like the reincarnation of one who has attained ultimateliberation." Robert Thurman's translation of Vimalakirti Sutra http://www2.kenyon.edu/Depts/Religion/Fac/Adler/Reln260/Vimalakirti.htm

Do you remember when you were a small kid and you really wanted something. Just thinking about why you wanted it made you want it even more! Then when you got it, you were really dissapointed, felt ashamed for wanting it so much, regret whining for it, and realised that this void within you is still not filled. You are seeking friendship, not objects, but you're too stubborn to admit it. So you convince yourself that this object is not good and there must be something else you do want. If you do not convince yourself of this, other people do it for you! They say "why don't you want this anymore, you wanted it just a minute ago!" While I say to children "It doesn't matter, you never wanted this anyway" and I give them a hug. Thats all they want to hear... It seems that the desire for spiritual is the only real desire that can be fullfilled. Trough friendship and sharing. The toys don't mean shit when it is not shared and shit means everything when it is shared. Don't you guys feel the same way? I realized this during my excersize that I do often. I'm still filled with alot of irrational desires that I can't seem to get rid off. This is what I did: Today I imagined that I could magicly conjure money into my hands. Then I decided that I would quit all of my work/study efforts to make money, because I could magicly conjure it... So now I opened a website for laptops. I'm crazy about laptops. So I put together a laptop. My dream laptop would be 700 dollars or so... But while dwelling in my fantasy I had infinite money so I no longer looked at the figures or numbers of the price! At first... Slowly I selected the best things I could find, because I wanted the best parts for my laptop. So as I slowly selected more and more stuff, this laptop really got me excited and my desires were raging like maddogs. I even got smiles on my face by selecting the best of the best parts that I did not even knew existed. Pure technical stuff... It gets the nerd out of me. Then slowly as the price came to 10000 dollars the excersize ended, because I realized something shocking... I realized that even with infinite cash the price of materials still bothered me. So I meditated and tried to remember why it bothered me still a bit, I tried to recreate the experience. This is why I bothered me: I recalled that the price of this material bothered me, not because of my lack of money for it in that fantasy... It bothered me because other people could not enjoy the same thing, it bothered me because I could not share this object with others, it bothered me that other people would want my laptop if I bought it for my self... Conclusion? If I had infinite money, I would never stop buying the whole world this 10,000 dollar laptop untill everyone had one. Only then would I buy myself this laptop. Only then... I have to put my self last, else my heart wont be at peace.

The emptiness of self is not just about realizing no separation of subject and object. You can realize no separation, and yet you still cling to the notion of an inherent knowing. If for example, you think that there is a substance of knowing, like a mirror, which nevertheless is inseparable with its reflections, or can only be known through its reflections, and therefore is not separated... you see through the separation, but you still cling to an inherent substance of knowing. So the view of duality is gone, but the view of inherency is in tact. The view of inherency is only removed after realizing anatta and shunyata. The view of inherency is twofold: the view of inherent self, and the view of inherent object. When you realize anatta, you realize that 'in seeing just the seen, seeing is just the seen', you no longer see a mirror that is inseperable from its reflections. At this point it is no longer about the inseparability of subject and object: rather, there is no subject, the subject is empty. You realize: all along no mirror, reflections alone is, i.e. all alone no subject, manifestation alone is. The process itself rolls and knows, no knower is necessary or exists. At which point, you move from Thusness Stage 4 into Thusness Stage 5. But there is still the view of inherent objects - a subtle trace of grasping at phenomena as 'truly there'. This is removed through having right view and penetrating into dependent origination and emptiness. You can only be truly clear about dependent origination after you realize anatta - as the Buddha teach, I do not say 'I see' but 'with what condition does seeing arise?'. Anatta allows you to overcome the dualistic view, then with the right pointers, teachings and learnings, one enters into　ｔｈｅ non-dual, non-local　ｖｉｅｗｌｅｓｓ view of dependent originated activities and processes. At one point, all phenomena becomes realized as a shimmering mirage and display of D.O. - nothing truly there. Like a magic show, like an illusion, like a dream, yet vivid and clear.

An interpretation of what you percieve as a real tiger. Of course depending on what sort of dream it is. The mind can manifest myserious calculations that is the epiphany of infinty and chaos.

In a dream, is there a real tiger being reflected?

Not even a 'something' - just reflections, shimmering appearances, much like a dream but very vivid.

No. Here's something to consider: your illusion is not based on the desire for material things. Your illusion is that other people are being deprived and need someone else to fulfill their fantasies... This isn't a criticsm. I think we all suffer from this illusion on some level.. Bear with me You claimed that in your fantasy of infinite money that what bothered you was not being able to share your fantasy laptop with everyone. Why would giving to others your fantasy make you feel better about having what you want? What is the perceived gain you would get from being able to give everyone your laptop? Love? acceptance? The right to enjoy your fantasy? I wouldn't want your laptop. I have my own fantasy objects. I am sure there are many others that would not want your fantasy laptop either. So, if you were going around the world fulfilling your fantasy of sharing your dream laptop with everyone there would be alot of people who would not want it. There are many people who would not want or need anything from you at all... But the idea of sharing your fantasy goodies makes you feel better and gives you permission to enjoy them yourself. So, the illusion is in projecting your desires and perceived needs on other people. Another illusion is that you feel guilty when you get the material things you want. That somehow if you are given what you really want that simply by getting that item you are stealing from someone else. So, by giving everyone else your fantasy laptop, you are not really giving to them out of a selfless desire to give, but to give yourself permission to enjoy the laptop. Your desire to give is based in guilt, not true charity... The illusion is that by sharing your fantasy with others that you are helping them... But another way to look at it is that by you freely giving to others what you yourself want would be to deny others the privelige of getting it for themselves. The real illusion that I hear in your post is: that you believe that we are all being deprived of good things. Again, this isn't a criticism. I think we all share this illusion in some form or other. So, why not just work for your fantasy laptop and be the only person in the world with that amazing laptop? You are not depriving anyone else of attaining their own fantasies and you are not a bad person for being the only person in the world to have that really cool laptop. It is not "unspiritual" to enjoy your fantasies... Any feelings of discomfort that you have after you get your laptop would be excellent fodder to meditate about your percpeptions of yourself in comparison to others... It would be a great way to meditate about our boundaries and the how the universe treats us as individuals as well as a community... Something to consider...

Hi Tulku, Yes, it is true that deep meditation can be more nourishing than sleep. I find that I feel not only more fortified, but also my insights and clarity are increased. The replenishment has a cleansing quality across many levels of body and also a deepening of awareness. This state requires that you have already experienced a level of awakening and that in this awakening you are also able to consciously reside your spirit into other planes of state. Meaning you must have not only awakened but you must also understand the 'mechanics' of the subtle bodies so that it can garner the nourishment of spirit to deliver back to the corporal body. While sleeping and meditation both require physical bodies, the majority of the transmutations that occur are not actually on this plane (hence the various and also differing associations of 'mystery' in these conditions). It is in these 'other' states that one's corporal body is fed, thus the physical replenishment through spirit. To clarify, this is not necessarily a mystical state. It is not the same as intentional dream travels or astral projections. And ideally, it does not come from a purpose in discipline. It is effortless and inherent. If you have not been under guidance or if your practice has not reached a point where this comes naturally to you, then my suggestion would be to continue on your path and not concern yourself with these "advanced" methods. Because both sleep deprivation and certain forms of meditation can lead to insanity, not 'advancing' beyond where you are at in practice is important. And, for that matter, it is not possible to experience this level of quality in 'waking rest' from a state of desire, even if that desire is for enlightenment; in fact, it is rather a contraindication. A 'disciplined' lack of sleep, even in meditation, will simply become another practice, not a transcendence. A threshold must have first been crossed. The forms reveal themselves naturally as you open into being. Warm regards, Mila

The harder I try...the further away I get. I have never had a dream, never known what I wanted to BE, I try this and that for awhile...then lose interest and blow into some other cranny. I injured my rotater cuff and have been out of work for six weeks. Here are all the hot pursuits that I have thrown my energy into...I will be a novelist...but writing is really hard, think I'll just be a reader; I will be an artist...but painting is boring...I will get my business license and open a Reiki healing place...but no one is buying massages too much in this economy; I will go back to school and learn secretarial programs and get a job in a law office, I will be a housewife and a darn good one, I will be a Bhuddhist, I will be Wiccan, I will be a Taoist, I will do qi-gong...oops this falun gong thing smells of cult, I will travel to beautiful places with my family...boy that gets pricey; I will be a tarot card reader...but that is too much responsibility because someone might take my advice and what if it is wrong? Everything I get hot on turns to dust. Stop seeking...and it will come. How does one actually 'be' a Taoist...and if I knew would I really want to do it? I feel like giving up. Am I crazy?

You can get a book on Dream Yoga and practice. Tenzin Wangyal and Namkhai Norbu each wrote a book on the topic with instructions

Dream yoga is one way.

Maybe it was Dream Meditation? I would rather put that in PM rather than posting about it.