I see where you are coming from, and it’s interesting how our psyches arrange things. For me, for some reason, I don’t see moon as separate from the Earth. Perhaps it is from a grade school science textbook drawing that I can still remember that posited that the moon came from the Earth as the Earth was rapidly spinning during its…[Read more]

The tonal aspect is very helpful. I drove my kidneys too hard over the past few years of residency and as I have been tuning in lately, I have noticed that my weakened kidney energy has resulted in some tinnitus. I am on a home practice retreat this week, and am doing some rebuilding/nourishing. Deep listening…[Read more]

I was looking at the new retreat schedule,and it looks like a number of retreats will be starting on Fridays. Is this Friday night or Friday morning? The previous retreats started on the evening of the first day if I remember correctly.

Thanks,

Brian

Pema

I’ve been away for awhile, but have checked out the recent postings. I wanted to start a small thread to check out your experiences and insights on arranging a ‘universal energy body.’ For a number of years I struggled a bit working between Western Magickal, Hindu, Tibetan, and Taoist practices that I felt all had worth, and probably…[Read more]

This quote from Michael summarizes my basic point:

The tools a magician use employ exactly the same principles, only they are directed at a particular end. If the end is selfish (in the negative sense) and harms others, the effects are mirrored back to the magician – but others meanwhile may have suffered.

I am relatively young…[Read more]

Sorry the above post didn’t come through completely for some reason. The part that made it got the main point across though. The second part just mentioned being aware of using techniques to ‘bind spirits’ or subjugate them, and how that can backfire in REALLY bad ways. Also be aware of rituals in which you may be bargaining or making…[Read more]

I can’t speak to the Taoist perspective on this, but I suspect it is similar to the following Western perspective.

In the Western Magickal tradition, there comes a point where one takes the oath of obligation. It’s somewhat like a very serious bodhisatta vow, in which you commit to completing the ‘Great Work’ and acting ONLY for…[Read more]

I can’t speak to the Taoist perspective on this, but I suspect it is similar to the following Western perspective.

In the Western Magickal tradition, there comes a point where one takes the oath of obligation. It’s somewhat like a very serious bodhisatta vow, in which you commit to completing the ‘Great Work’ and acting ONLY for…[Read more]

I have wondered about the relationship between the kan and li practices of Taoism and the tummo practice of the six yogas. I have limited experience with both and am planning on studying the lesser kan and li this summer. I know that others have had some experience with both traditions on this site and I welcome their input on this…[Read more]

Pema

On another note, I have read Mantaak Chia’s ‘Stress and Vitality with the inner smile’ but I haven’t read the ‘Cosmic Inner Smile.’ I…[Read more]

I have seen a number of practitioners get into the abstract aspects of sacred geometry and number, and have no way to ground these dimensions into their bodies/substance. One can skillfully work the mental plane to effect alchemical…[Read more]

The whole argument is circular and cannot be answered in the logic of our normal concepts. People have been debating for many years about this topic. A succinct Buddhist teaching called the four incomplete/wrong views is worth note. It states basically:

1) Eternalism is not…[Read more]

I’ve been very busy as of late, but I have been thinking about your post a good bit. There is so much that could be said. I’ll start a new thread up at the top of the list if I get a chance to respond today.

Pema

I’ve been very busy as of late, but I have been thinking about your post a good bit. There is so much that could be said. I’ll start a new thread up at the top of the list if I get a chance to respond today.

Pema

Thanks for your input. I initially came to practising Tibetan style Buddhism after having a natural affinity for shamanic practice and training in traditional yoga ashrams. While in the ashrams I was gettig tired of the people zoning out into blissful janas and not really facing some of the fundamental truths of life. Slowly I began to…[Read more]

Thanks for your input. I initially came to practising Tibetan style Buddhism after having a natural affinity for shamanic practice and training in traditional yoga ashrams. While in the ashrams I was gettig tired of the people zoning out into blissful janas and not really facing some of the fundamental truths of life. Slowly I began to…[Read more]