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I should preface, I'm no expert or academic. I grew up Christian. I grew up poor. Most importantly, I grew up a poor Christian. I turned away from faith, because I demanded so much in terms of knowledge to fix my mistakes and find some avenger for my tribulations. But since I turned 30, I decided that I can't continue like this. My life felt like a grotesque sludge that encased me, and above me, in a blackened mirror sustained on the ceiling, I saw what I was and what I was becoming. Cynical. Miserable. Angry. Hateful. So long, I've been lost. And lost, I think, is an odd way to describe it. I had no path. To be lost, is to have a destination. And there was nothing I was moving towards. And then, recently, I discovered the Tao De Ching. I just finished it, and have found two translations of the Secrets of the Golden Flower to next read. This has... Changed my life. I don't feel lost anymore, because I realise I'm not pursuing anything. For so long I've had the GPS open, wondering why it wasn't showing me the best route, and yet I had no destination in mind in the first place. For so long I've wanted out. Out of the present. Out of the past. Yet I seldom considered tomorrow anything but a lamentable fact. And now I see that tomorrow is a blessing and I'm lucky that I have yet another day to try and understand the Dao. The quiet is no longer overbearing. My racing mind is no longer a curse. I have read a hundred books with 100,000 words laid out, all that say nothing. Yet the Tao Te Ching, with 1/20th the words of even a single one of those pieces has my eyes opened. I just wanted to thank this subreddit. I found it today, but I'm just glad there are others out there. The world feels so much more gentle.

Well, what did you expect starting a thread on avocados? How much does an average person have to say about avocados?.. If you wanted the thread to stay on topic, you should have dedicated it to shrimp.

Thank you for replying. I agree that “context” is everything. No further comment from me, I’m gathering info.

Elsewhere @Mark Foote talked about “one-pointedness".

Never in my wildest dreams did I think this string would morph to human anatomy correlations/ lessons and pointers on marriage for women!?

In practice, I do not answer the question, I do not describe, define, or express anything at all. I simply be as I am, open to whatever is present in my authentic experience. When thoughts, feelings, and ideas about that, or anything else, come up, I leave them be just as they are. They can’t sustain themselves for very long and eventually self-liberate. This is, in fact, both the view and the practice. My teacher’s teacher would say something like, ‘look to the thought, without engagement it cannot sustain itself for very long, when it is gone what is left? It is clear and present, not unconscious because everything is fresh and vibrant and displayed there, but there is really nothing that can be said, it is an indescribable state, rest there.’ There’s a wonderful Bön pith teaching that comes from the 8th century master Tapihritsa called the Four Goodnesses. It describes briefly the view, meditation, conduct, and fruition of dzogchen; the view being the correct understanding of the essence of mind. It simply says, For the self-liberating, non-grasping view let go into unbounded awareness which is free of any point of reference. After practice, in order to teach and communicate, we can put labels on it and describe its characteristics but the teachings in my tradition call it unimputable, nothing we project onto it is it. The best we can do is use metaphor and simile to describe some of its characteristics and make up a name. These metaphors and similes are some of the most beautiful and poetic writings in the Bön canon and are wonderful pointers, but never it. Always best to simply connect nakedly, without words and concepts that can never do it justice.

Back to healing pets ..... I got a possum baby .... I got a possum baby .... I just found out . I have a possum box over my bed head that opens to the outside and has a little 'hammock' extending out , under the roof eves . Possum lived in there for several years , had a few babies , got very tame . But then she got a bad eye infection, it got worse , she didn't seem well and I was " If that doesn't look better by tomorrow , I am going to have to catch you somehow in a box and take you to town to wildlife vet . " That was the last I ever saw of her - a ring tail . Then a couple days ago after months of vacation I hear a noise in there again . It has leaves in there - a sign of a brush tail ( ring tails don't use nesting material ... no mattress , just a hard bunk ) . I spotted her, she seems small and has a dark ring around her snout . She was wary but honey fixed that . Instant best mates . But then ' little scrabbling fighting noises ( 'rouses ' or squeals from someone ? ) " What's going on in there ? Have you got a baby in there ? " She came out more this time .... little joey on her back ... with a bright orange belly (as they have ) . - I got a Mamma and baby possum over my bed ....... again .

Hi there Ryder, Great to hear that you've taken up FPCK! The general rule about mixing FPCK with other spiritual practices is that it tends to be okay, as long as there is a gap of a few hours between sessions. And yes, after you've done the breathing pattern, just breath normally and naturally through the nose.

The metta chants I believe are a fairly recent addition to Thai Buddhist ceremony, 19th century. That's my understanding, though a Google search failed to shed any light. The main sutta that is mentioned is from the 5th Nikaya, that is historically of later composition than the first four. Sort of like, John versus the synoptic gospels, John being a later composition with the accent on love. Hope you're happy, 'Bob.

When the Buddha- or any being whose consciousness has dissolved into Emptiness- offers a blessing, it is not for the fulfillment of psychologically derived states and mundane desires; these are not wishful words welling up from want, but Realization as inspiration bestowed in blessing. And so, the joy spoken of here is deeper — a quiet bliss arising from the formless, known in the seat of shen (the heart) as the stillness of peace, even if called 'happiness'. Its essence does not depend on circumstance, nor is it touched by time. It is offered to all beings, without measure, without exception. This joy then, is also love — the wisdom within compassion, the radiance of the Tao — spoken in many tongues, revealed not only through words but through wind, stone, and the hush between all things as created by Tao. Thus, it is more a recognition than a feeling, more a remembrance than a state. Not a thing, but a Way. Not a possession, but a return. For this is the truth of unconditional love — the grace of noncondition — the beauty of Nothingness when it flowers through the silence of Enlightenment. From this view, you can see that the terms I use — love, peace, joy, emptiness — are fairly interchangeable. Not because they lack nuance or discernment, but because in the light of Unity, all things are distilled into essence and returned to Emptiness. This is why, when we overanalyze or dissect too many terms, we risk losing the heart — becoming entangled in logic, we fall away from essence. So this Unconditional love as blessing of happiness is just that: prior to, and untouched by, condition. It is what we are — all of us! And the wish for beings to return to this, to realize this, is the very same wish held by all Buddhas, Immortals, and sages throughout time: for all beings to be as we Truly Are. Sometimes this is spoken using small words, like “happiness.” Sometimes in great ones, like “peace.” But regardless of language or scale, what is offered is the same... In true realization, one sees how distinction gives rise to unity, and unity gives rise to distinction. This is the living truth of non-duality —not merely a term, but a direct, transcendent unfolding. The Buddha gave it shape in these words, so that its vibration might echo in the heart. But its truest form is found not in sound and thought, but in the stillness where all longing ends, where everything beloved is already whole; where happiness is the essence of all Being: a happiness in the True Being that you already are. <3

Hi, I'm posting to say hello. I've developed a strong interest in Daoism. I have a very beginner understanding but the concept of going with the flow of the universe is very exciting to me. Too long have I tried to force myself to succeeding. Now, I want to try to let the universe guide me. I understand that there is also an emphasis on knowing oneself. I'm familiar with exploring my mind, as I come from Buddhist thought. I'm happy to meet new people here. Thanks for reading.

Freedom

RC beliefs what has a beginning (e.g. my soul), can become eternal.

the physical universe yes has a beginning and an end. it is finite. our union with the Divine has no beginning and no end. it is eternal and infinite. in the beginning God created. the created has a beginning and an end. the Creator does not. always was and always will be.

yes, we are beings with free choice. that includes whether to comply with what is permitted on this forum, or not

Life is meditation already. The question is are in touch with reality or are you lost in fantasies/psychological drama.

RC has no “cosmic cycle”, the ‘staying with’ is for all eternity.

perhaps along the lines of let thine eye be single a devotional puts it this way, "When our eye is single, it is focused. It gives direction and allows us to see that which is of greatest importance. It means ...purposeful and directed. There are no distractions, detours, or deviations. We remain on task."

1. Yes. A person benefits even from a single exercise. 2. Are you able to do any of the seated exercises in your current condition?

I hope so, I’m RC. RC is dual - no “merging” but staying with God in union as friends.

the wisdom of the sages meets a person wherever they are at in life.

no problemo with most morphing or... .

You're not wrong. I've trusted my own intellect for everything. Yet... Where did that lead me? I do intend to find a senior to assist, but I'm also excited to hear from my own heart what comes next. I am a very simple amateur, though, so forgive me in the mistakes I'm sure to make on the way.

I agree. I see this a lot in the church I go to: the householders are unaware of what they do not know and start bullying the renunciaties, ‘teaching’ them how they should be (like them ). Historically a lot of the mystics got excommunicated.

Huh … ? c. 2 millennia later? dates? John is more like 2 decennia later (synoptic gospels c. 70-85 AD, John c. 90-100 AD)

agenda much?

that is actually quite funny. what a quaint notion! because people, trees, and animals are all quite capable, they can and do live and reproduce without money.

hunter-gatherers!

Hi, Cobie. Likewise!The followers offer money to the temple. How do you think that they can survive without money?

She's almost two thousand years old by now, so the age difference may be a bit too much for some. The fact that women are at a stage where they are ready to share this information, especially with a guy, is at least a step forward, albeit a small one. "Ladies don't move" used to be what both sexes were taught about "proper" sex -- and of course they don't talk either. I've read, don't remember where though, been a while -- that in matriarchal societies teenage boys competed for the attention of older women hoping to learn The Real Way from them, and only approached girls their own age after having been properly educated. Ah, the good old days...

Speaking on behalf of the many women around here who have shared some intimate information regarding their relationships ; Could that experienced Greek woman come here and teach the guys how to do it properly ..... please !

< not quick enough >

No .... they take them back home again .

Yes but I wasnt going on 'means ' ... I was going on 'memes' .

You can’t eat money. “Only when the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught, and the last stream poisoned, will the white man realize he cannot eat money." - Native American Proverb

waves on the water God’s spirit is moving it constant creation

... in Nahuatl speaking communities I have never met anyone who considered the word /a:wakatl/ to refer to anything but avocadoes. Molina himself gives a clue that this is the case because if you look in the Spanish part under compañon. Here, he does not give auacatl as a possible translation only the word atetl, which is a normal, anatomical, non-slang word for testicle in Nahuatl today and clearly also in the past (another common word is xitetl). It would appear that the anatomical meaning is a euphemism, based on a certain similarity of shape, the same kind of euphemism that we make use of when we refer to a penis as "a wiener" or to testicles as "nuts" (or when Spanish speakers refer to testicles as "huevos" "eggs" or cebollas "onions"). We would however not generally consider it to be "partly correct" to say that "wiener schnitzel" kind of means "Penis schnitzel" or that "nut case" kind of means "testicle box". Nor would Spanish speakers consider it meaningful to say that "torta de huevo" kind of means "testicle sandwich". https://nahuatlstudies.blogspot.com/2016/02/no-snopescom-word-guacamole-does-not.html

Sitting shikantaza is the place itself, and things. …When you sit, the cushion sits with you. If you wear glasses, the glasses sit with you. Clothing sits with you. House sits with you. People who are moving around outside all sit with you. They don’t take the sitting posture! (“Aspects of Sitting Meditation”, “Shikantaza”; Kobun Chino Otogawa; http://www.jikoji.org/intro-aspects/) Who's sitting! From here you must still go on to master transcendent action. An ancient worthy said, ‘Find the seat and put on the robe, and afterward see for yourself.’ (“Zen Letters: Teachings of Yuanwu”, translated by Cleary & Cleary, 1st ed pp 65)

didn't mean the word but the saying related to it: "Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy." by Max Ehrmann ©1927

You approach them with mindfulness. If I only eat half, I cover the other half, the one with the seed, with the eaten out empty shell. No discoloration this way (provided you eat it the next day and not two days later.) I don't use salt on them when eaten in situ -- not opposed to salt in general, far from it, but on avocado I just don't like it -- unless I'm incorporating it in a salad with other veggies. Before I broke my alligator chopper, I used to make a salad that combines two separate Mexican dishes, pico de gallo and guacamole, into one. (I wanted to replace the alligator with a stainless steel one but Amazon wants $119 for it, and the plastic ones don't survive for long, I broke two... plus I'm gradually exterminating as much plastic as possible from my environment... just a turn-off for me, anything plastic...)

In some of the oldest shamanic traditions (e.g. Mongolian), meditation is called a "horse." Same idea as your "walking" -- only faster. It's neither the goal nor the destination of practice, it's not self-serving. It is a vehicle that serves to take the practitioner to some kind of "elsewhere." A meditation aiming to get "nowhere," to arrive at "nothing," may accomplish just that. An exploratory one -- "wherever it may take me" -- may accomplish that and take you "somewhere." A taoist meditation (the kind I'm most familiar with) may be "free form" or highly structured (typically combining the two, either in one sitting or in different ones), and the goal you're aiming at may keep shifting, or even disappearing, and something entirely unexpected might take its place instead. It can be "boring" (with a nod to @liminal_luke ) or joyous (when I experimented, rather briefly, with Max's kunlun, it often had me in stitches -- I would wind up laughing half the time, at nothing in particular, it was just "funny" in its "unattached" state, sort of like the Platonic idea of "funny.") It can be easy or difficult -- I'm in favor of difficult, there's things to overcome there and if one gives up unless it's easy, it's like what Castaneda's (possibly made up) protagonist, Don Juan, called "indulging like a son of a bitch." On the other hand, you don't want to whip that "horse" mercilessly, you need to understand that it's alive and feeling, and just summarily ignoring the fact may finish off your "horse" before you arrive anywhere interesting.

The biggest exporter of avocados in the world is Mexico. California also produces quite a lot but those are eaten domestically. Both places have various axes to grind and I believe avocados are one of the passive-aggressive manifestations of the fact. A perfect one is worth its weight in gold, but try not wasting three out of four to under- or over-ripeness. Which explains why that perfect fourth one is worth its weight in gold.

Money is fundamentally a delusion of man; its value is only that which we assign to it. Unfortunately, in modern times, that tends to mean that money is power. Money is the power to live, the power to reproduce, the power to 'own' something or someone, the power to get oneself elected, the power to ignore laws, the power to kill, and many other powers. This is why business is equated to warfare; both are a method of using power to dominate others.