everseeking Posted June 26, 2009 Hello, I appologize ahead of time if this is the wrong place to ask this, I just havent been getting the replies I was hoping for in the new members section. Â I have a post there with some questions in it, but one in particular I'd like to ask is this-- Â What sort of meditation is considered safe--of unsafe--to do while fasting? I want to do a cleansing fast that consists of 2 days prep-eating less, taking herbs-then 5 days liquids only plus herbs to stimulate digestion-followed by one day of re acclimating to solid foods. Â The fast comes as a kit from blessedherbs. I might also include their total body internal cleanse, I'm not sure. Â Either way, this would be in preparation for committing to opening the microcosmic orbit and doing various standing meditations in general for mostly martial arts purposes. Â I would also be committing to a serious 100 days of no ejaculation-with sex though. Â I do some standing now, and regulate the frequency of my emissions, but I want to take things to the next level, and I feel I'm ready to commit to a higher level of cultivation. As safely as possible, of course. Â If someone could please give me some feedback on the fasting issue, it would really help me along. Answering any of my other questions would be nice too! Â Thanks to everyone-- Â Nate- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goldisheavy Posted June 27, 2009 What happens to the mind during a fast? I think that should give you an idea, if you examine it. Â If fasting makes your mind more sensitive, then all the previously dangerous meditations become more dangerous. If fasting makes your mind duller and less alive, then all the previously dangerous meditations become safer. Â At the same time, you have to distinguish different kinds of sensitivity. Is it just irritability or is it insightfulness? If sensitivity comes in the form of irritability, it makes everything less safe. If it comes in the form of insightfulness it makes things safer. Â Also when the mind is less alive, is it less alive due to lack of insight? If so, that makes it more dangerous. If it's less alive due to more peace and having less work to do, it's safer. Â As you can see there is no straight answer, at least, not from me. I don't think there can be a simple answer like "this is safe" and that's it. You have to use your own good judgment and rely on some sound contemplative principles to examine the issues. Â That's how I would approach the issue. I don't think I would be happy with a mindless prescription like "this meditation is safe, and this one is not". I would want to know why? Why is it safe? Why is it dangerous? I would want to become an owner of knowledge instead of just a user of second-hand knowledge. And in order to possess knowledge I have to know how the knowledge originates, lives and dies and what makes it tick. I can't just receive it in the form of a recipe or series of step-by-step instructions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
everseeking Posted June 27, 2009 goldisheavy-- Â Thank you!! Â THAT is what I needed to hear. Â I was more interested in avoiding dangerous practices. I have not completely committed to or opened the microcosmic orbit. Â As of yet, my meditation consists of holding static postures, with little visualization or 'move the chi/energy/awareness here, or there, or up this path.' I just do my standing (or sitting!), relax a deeply as possible, and focus on my posture, with some visualizations, all while breathing naturally from my dan tien. Â But what you said is very insightful--I will be sure not to force anything, or focus one specific points. Â I will try not to wear myself out, and just try to relax and breath deeply from my belly. Â The only thing that really made me feel the need to ask is that sometimes I can get a sort of buzzing type energetic feeling from standing, and in the past I have tried to go vegetarian several times, but always quit, because I got this sort if nervous energy from it. I remember describing it by saying that I felt like a crack head. Â So, since this fast is for physical cleansing and purification, I expect to at some point get a similar nervous energy. Â Then there was the thought I had about doing abdominal breathing while there is to food in my abdomen-is it a bad idea? I think I will figure it out when the time comes. Â I wouldn't want to compound that feeling, nor would I want to aggravate a full blown emotional melt down. Â I have heard that some people experience emotional releases during these colon cleanse/fasts, and I am sure I have some pent up emotions somewhere inside. Â I'm hoping that this will be a time when I can open up some blockages mentally, physically, and or spiritually. Â I just don't want to magnify any negative aspects of whatever may happen. Â I think I will make it a point to do some specific amounts of time meditating, and as much more as I feel like. Also, I will try to meditate to relax if Im tense, and if that doesn't work, I have some awesome holosync cd's. Â And If Im tired, Ill rest. Â I would like to thank you for your input!! Â When I do finally order the kit (which I will now that I think its pretty safe) I will make a journal about it, and share the results. It is tentatively scheduled for the very end of july or sometime in early to mid august. Â I hope it lives up to my expectations!! I'm sure it will do me some good either way. Â Thank you so much. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kameel Posted June 27, 2009 It's as dangerous as wearing pajamas in the daytime...or eating a ham sandwich with chips... Believe me, you will be fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DaoChild Posted June 27, 2009 Just pay attention to your physical energy levels. When I went fasting I was fine for the first 3 days. The 4th day & on without food I had a hard time standing, got light headed very easily, and was very much almost dissociated from my body. I guess they say that's why the 4th day is special.. Â But anyway, use common sense . Â I assume you'll be at home, so you'll have many more safety measures you can easily call upon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites