trailmaker Posted March 19, 2009 following up on suggestion from shontonga facebook posting. was facing the draft (way back then) so voluntarily joined to have some measure of control. figured the only way to get through the next three years maybe without having to violate all kinds of principles was to go as an infantry medic. it worked; didn't have to shoot anybody and got a feel for healing. if you can't be good, be kind, right? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Taiji Bum Posted March 19, 2009 Thats exactly what I tried to do after 911. But the Army didn't want me back. I did my first 8 years as a grunt but I wanted to be a medic the second time around to keep in line with my values. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpiralTrance Posted March 19, 2009 (edited) I wouldn't join the army full stop. And luckily I doubt I'll have to either as I can't imagine fate/karma making me end up in the armed services. Edited March 19, 2009 by SpiralTrance Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailmaker Posted March 19, 2009 I wouldn't join the army full stop. Luckily I doubt I'll have to either as I can't imagine fate/karma making me end up in the armed services. no blame - don't think i would have but for conscription. however, when life gives you lemons get some tequila and salt. going with taoist convictions turned a three-year sentence into rich experience that continues to serve well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpiralTrance Posted March 19, 2009 no blame - don't think i would have but for conscription. however, when life gives you lemons get some tequila and salt. going with taoist convictions turned a three-year sentence into rich experience that continues to serve well. What country do you live in trailmaker where they have conscription? And is conscription very popular with the masses? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailmaker Posted March 19, 2009 What country do you live in trailmaker where they have conscription? And is conscription very popular with the masses? living in canada many years now - originally from usa. during the vietnam era conscription was definitely NOT popular with the masses in america. they stopped conscription after vietnam. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aetherous Posted March 19, 2009 My opinion is that we shouldn't base our life decisions on what Taoists would theoretically do. Our heart knows what's best. The difficulty is in being quiet enough to understand its language. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailmaker Posted March 19, 2009 My opinion is that we shouldn't base our life decisions on what Taoists would theoretically do. Our heart knows what's best. The difficulty is in being quiet enough to understand its language. for sure. initial difficulty in being still, later really easier - action with less thought-effort. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wayfarer64 Posted March 19, 2009 Back in 1971-'72 my draft # was 1 -yes one out of 365!- They ended the darft about 10 days before my supposed induction. At that time - I said train me and see what happens....I won't fight your war. I was not alone. We were not only pacifists we were also wariors who would fight for what we believed to be right. If you want to be a warrior, deside for yourself who your enemy is, study the enemy. Do not let Governments deside who you will fight. They are often badly mistaken. If in your heart you are a pacifist than make sure that any fray you get caught up in lets you remain non martial in your activities. I am not a pacifist, but I make damn sure I know what I fight for and against! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailmaker Posted March 19, 2009 Back in 1971-'72 my draft # was 1 -yes one out of 365!- They ended the darft about 10 days before my supposed induction. At that time - I said train me and see what happens....I won't fight your war. I was not alone. We were not only pacifists we were also wariors who would fight for what we believed to be right. If you want to be a warrior, deside for yourself who your enemy is, study the enemy. Do not let Governments deside who you will fight. They are often badly mistaken. If in your heart you are a pacifist than make sure that any fray you get caught up in lets you remain non martial in your activities. I am not a pacifist, but I make damn sure I know what I fight for and against! right on - central and correct. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Prince... Posted March 26, 2009 I did 4 years in the Navy. It was an interesting time, I got to see the world and do some and see some things I may not have ever done/seen had I not joined. It wasn't all good, but it wasn't all bad. Had I not joined the Navy I never would have had the chance to study in one of the best wushu/performance tai chi schools in the country. I never would have studied Wingchun. I never would have learned about Qigong or met a student of a real Taoist Priest. I never would have read the Magus of Java...and I definitely would not be here on TB. I did study Taoism in my Asian Religions class in undergrad, but that was back in 2000. I purchased a copy of the Tao Te Ching, but back then it was just good bathroom reading material. Actually, it still is bathroom reading material, but I pay a little bit more attention to what I'm reading. I'm considering going back into the military, most likely in the Naval Reserves-- but I'll be going in as a chaplain. You know, study in my office, give advice to those seeking help or just wanting to vent, provide for people's spiritual needs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trailmaker Posted March 27, 2009 I did 4 years in the Navy. It was an interesting time, I got to see the world and do some and see some things I may not have ever done/seen had I not joined. It wasn't all good, but it wasn't all bad. Had I not joined the Navy I never would have had the chance to study in one of the best wushu/performance tai chi schools in the country. I never would have studied Wingchun. I never would have learned about Qigong or met a student of a real Taoist Priest. I never would have read the Magus of Java...and I definitely would not be here on TB. I did study Taoism in my Asian Religions class in undergrad, but that was back in 2000. I purchased a copy of the Tao Te Ching, but back then it was just good bathroom reading material. Actually, it still is bathroom reading material, but I pay a little bit more attention to what I'm reading. I'm considering going back into the military, most likely in the Naval Reserves-- but I'll be going in as a chaplain. You know, study in my office, give advice to those seeking help or just wanting to vent, provide for people's spiritual needs. when i was in as a line medic, there was no work would rather have been doing. had several years of taoist focus and special forces medical training back then. the latter was invaluable at times, and at other times, counseling, that focus was equally strong medicine. remember a couple of multi-denominational chaplains that were real good to drink beer with and talk comparative religion. airborne chaplains - surreal. best of wishes in the ranks of military clergy. noble service. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
