spyrelx

Excellent article. Thanks.

Thanks Yi Tao for a dose of much needed sanity. It’s astounding to me how people who view themselves as free “thinkers” buy into so much conspiracy theory crap simply because those theories are promulgated by people outside the mainstream.

Taking the word of a blogger over most any “establishment” source is a questionable way to conduct…[Read more]

Next time I’m in the neighborhood, I’ll look you up. Feel free to look me up next time you’re in NYC. Don’t have a stone circle, but and make you a nice cup of tea.

thanks.

One thing I love about this board is you can ask if anyone’s had any interaction with Michael Morgan and have the group launch into an extended conversation about Iamblichus, elemental spirits, god and gnosticism. Some very interesting stuff.

It is, of course, also one of the things I find frustrating about this board. (What can you do?…[Read more]

Love the house Michael.

I’ve often fantasized about someday living in a log cabin (and find it somehow endearing that you reside in one).

Good luck with the tubing system.

I didn’t mean my list to be a comprehensive re-write (though I think it’s comprehensive enough for Tao USA purposes).

I meant it more as an example of what the thing should look like (clear writing, limited number of thoughts per sentence, cohesive, etc.)

Singing Ocean wrote:

“Just out of curiosity, is it:

1) the concepts you disagree with,

2) the statements are confusing to someone who doesn’t understand the concepts, or

3) the concepts are presented in an unclear way?”

All three actually. As to point (1), I don’t think a mission statement has to pander to the completely…[Read more]

Here’s a few thoughts:

1. Embody Taoist principles of Unity, Balance and Harmony with nature.

2. Support the investigation and dissemination of Taoist practices and philosophy.

3. Further develop and synthesize these practices, including chi gung and “inner alchemy” meditative practices, into new and more accessible p…[Read more]

Brace yourself because this is gonna be harsh.

I think you’re out of your mind. I think you should come back to earth and try to communicate with people instead of making up a vocabulary that no one else (and perhaps you) don’t understand.

See below:

1. Embody Tao principles of Natural Unity [WHAT DOES THAT MEAN, I MEAN REALLY? IT…[Read more]

Thanks for the response. I think I’ll have a bit more to say tonight or tomorrow but now have no time. In the meantime I just wanted to offer my condolences to you and your family about your dad.

Hey Rares,

Thanks VERY MUCH for your insight and candid comments. It’s given me a lot to think about.

I might have some more questions later. If so (and if you’re interested in answering them), should I post to this board or can I reach you by email?

thanks again,

spyrelx

Thanks for that Michael.

I’d be interested in her (or your) further explanation of “the chan immediacy is different from the immortal existence in zuowang which is again different from the ultimate neidan transformation”.

In other words, a brief explanation of what these three goals are. What is the ultimate objective of each of thes…[Read more]

I’m glad Max asked the question because I’ve had similar questions for you. So thanks Max, and thanks Rares for answering.

Rares, I’m hoping if you’ll indulge me and respond to a few more.

I’m wondering if you’ve noticed any physiological/energetic changes since you’ve been practicing his method? I imagine you’re not lighting…[Read more]

Well, Max, you know, I just dipped in here and did my best. I don’t think I’ll be back for a bit so if you choose to answer this you can have the last word. Either way, I’ll just leave you with your own words, something you said to Wendy in a post below, and worth considering once again:

“You see, it takes a strong man to admit you are not…[Read more]

And how often do I say that?

Winn slips up and character assassinates all the time. His most typical error is to attack someone on psychological or emotional grounds rather than on the merit of their arguments (e.g., “Buddha lost his parent at an early age so that’s why he believes . . .” ). This is what I’d call Winn’s “habitual flaw”…[Read more]

thanks.

Most greatly appreciated.

The Gospel of Thomas is quite interesting but is NOT considered to be w/o agenda by anyone who seriously studies this sort of thing. It’s been a few years since I looked into this but I believe it’s associated with a school outside the mainsteam that had a DEFINITE agenda — basically one of the “mystery” schools that were all about “hidden…[Read more]

It seems to me that, according to everyone’s analysis, zazen (basically kneeling on a cusion or a bench) is the WORST option — i.e., not bubling spring points on the ground and know pretzel-like intersection of yin and yang.

What depresses me about this though is that zazen is the easiest position for me. I’m never getting into lotus and…[Read more]