Home Posted October 7, 2018 Hi everyone, Long-time lurker, first-time poster. I’m a newbie in internal alchemy, and from day 1 of practice my mundane reality has done multiple flip-flops with a sprinkling of “newer” experiences via accessing subtler layers of mind, I guess. I suspect this is at least partly because I started practice sorely lacking in virtue and calmness, so when the dark stuff arose thanks to my own churning I freaked out. My work goes as basic as “how to be a good person”, and hoping I gain wisdom with my power in my cultivation. Also to remind myself that whilst on the yellow brick road, I am already home, so stop rushing towards the destination at which I’ve already arrived. Blessings to all 🙏🏼. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fa Xin Posted October 8, 2018 Hello, Home, and welcome. Your membership is approved and we're happy you found your way to us. We look forward to accompanying you on some of the way that you still have to go. Please take the time to read the post pinned at the top of this Welcome page and take a look at the forum Terms and Rules. This covers all you need to know when getting started. For the first week you will be restricted to ten posts per day but after that you can post as much as you like. Also, until you’ve posted fifteen times in the forums, you’ll be a “Junior Bum” with somewhat restricted access and will be allowed only two private messages per day. Good luck in your pursuits and best wishes to you, Fa Xin and the TDB team Hi Home, Welcome to the forum. Yes, cultivation has a downside too...and can be very challenging and tough. Fortunately, there's many guides here who can help. Enjoy! You are welcome to jump right in to the ongoing discussions, revive an older thread, start a new thread of your own, or start a discussion in the "Newcomer Corner" sub-forum to expand on your introduction or ask general questions to help you get started. May you enjoy your time here. Fa Xin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marblehead Posted October 8, 2018 Hi Home. Welcome. Yeah, we all should practice on “how to be a good person”. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Home Posted October 8, 2018 1 hour ago, Marblehead said: Hi Home. Welcome. Yeah, we all should practice on “how to be a good person”. This has turned out to be a lot harder than I thought, I thought I was a "good person" before engaging in practices, and now I'm more confused about that than ever. I actually looked up "how to be a good person" and didn't find an answer on Dao Bums, but that may be a bit too basic for this forum 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Home Posted October 8, 2018 Also, shout-out to @Jeff who has given me some very illuminating insight and a bit of a surreal exercise! Thank you so much for your help. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dosa Posted October 8, 2018 (edited) Hello Home You said “how to be a good person". I can assure you that you will succeed. Edited October 8, 2018 by dosa 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Home Posted October 8, 2018 31 minutes ago, dosa said: Hello Home You said “how to be a good person". I can assure you that you will succeed. Thank you Dosa. I hope so. I'm probably going to start a thread asking the bums Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cheya Posted October 9, 2018 Welcome home, Home... Pretty sure you're going to be fun to have around... So... glad you finally took the plunge and joined in. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Home Posted October 9, 2018 (edited) 24 minutes ago, cheya said: Welcome home, Home... Pretty sure you're going to be fun to have around... So... glad you finally took the plunge and joined in. Thank you! Fun to have around - only because I'm not afraid to learn the hard lessons and make a fool of myself (then post it on a public forum) Edited October 9, 2018 by Home 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
inthe5am Posted October 9, 2018 Hello home, I am a new student, you've probably been lurking way longer than I've been here, honestly I am in the lurking phase and just posting in the welcome forums for a bit while I read up on topics. It's easy to "be a good person" it just takes time and dedication, don't put too much thinking into it, writing about being good doesn't make you good either, it's something that has to be a verb in your life, not so much a concept. It sound like you have strong humility and courage already, I think you kind of hit the nail on the head when you said you should just relax and not try so hard to strive for something that is already in you. Self control is key. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Home Posted October 9, 2018 Thanks @inthe5am! Best wishes to your journey here. Yeah, I’m trying not to work myself into an ethical analysis paralysis here. Doing a moment-to-moment self-study on my thoughts, actions, and fruits of my actions to burn up old habitual patterns. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marblehead Posted October 9, 2018 Don't let the fires get out of control. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Home Posted October 9, 2018 2 hours ago, Marblehead said: Don't let the fires get out of control. They definitely have before - I'm learning everyday, hopefully not the same lessons twice. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thelerner Posted October 10, 2018 I think dharma talks, ie discussions on wisdom and living well are as important as exercise and esoteric energy development. Gain 'energy' without gaining wisdom, discipline, compassion and restraint and a person get lopsided. Personally I enjoy listening to Ajahn Brahms and Michael McAlistar and a few others who have thoughtful teachings on the net about being a better person, living a better life. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
inthe5am Posted October 10, 2018 @thelerner you're right. Feeding your mind with good knowledge is like vitamins for your development. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
