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Please everyone note: Any political comment will be hidden and if necessary action taken against the poster. We are not going to set up an alternative site or have a special section on here in the foreseeable future. This is because we tried it already but experienced problems. We ( The Mods) have received general support from members for the politics free approach and this will continue for the time being.

Across the wild, uncharted moors of the mind, where thoughts roam free as heathland winds, there lies a strange and solitary place called DaoBums, a digital haven carved from the ether’s boundless mist. Its forums, like ancient stone circles, gather souls who tread the shadowed paths of spirit and flesh, their words weaving tapestries of fervent debate and quiet wisdom, as if whispered by some eternal, unseen force. Here, seekers of the Dao, restless as the gales that sweep Wuthering Heights, clash and commune, their voices rising like sparks from a fire kindled by questions too vast for mortal tongues. Yet, beneath the fervor, a haunting stillness lingers, as if the site itself broods, holding secrets deep as the earth, waiting for those bold enough to wander its labyrinthine depths.

Raymond Chandler The DaoBums website sits like a smoky speakeasy in the dim corners of the internet, a joint where mystics and misfits trade hard-boiled wisdom under the flickering neon of digital dreams. Its forums hum with the low growl of seekers—guys and dames chasing the Dao’s shadow, tossing around koans like loaded dice in a backroom craps game. Every post’s a slug of bourbon, sharp with insight or bitter with dogma, spilling over threads that twist like L.A. alleys after midnight. The regulars, tough as old leather, sling questions about chi and karma with the kind of grit that’d make a private eye nod approvingly, while the mods keep the peace like weary bartenders, ready to cut off anyone who gets too drunk on their own revelations. It’s a place where truth’s always one post away, but nobody’s holding their breath.

Here i am.. Pillar Heavenly Stem Earthly Branch Zodiac Animal Year Yi (乙) – Yin Wood Wei (未) – Goat Wood Goat Month Geng (庚) – Yang Metal Xu (戌) – Dog Metal Dog Day Ding (丁) – Yin Fire You (酉) – Rooster Fire Rooster Hour Ren (壬) – Yang Water Zi (子) – Rat Water Rat Day Master (Self) is Ding Fire (丁) — a candle flame or starlight Any observations would be welcome. added a little more 🎯 Summary Aspect Interpretation Day Master Ding Fire — soft, wise, spiritual light Luck Cycle (68–78) Reflection, mentoring, inner power, pressure to adapt 2025 Supportive year — Fire & Wood help you thrive Best Action Teach, share, write, or pass on knowledge Watch for Burnout from overthinking or emotional drainage

Some wonderful suggestions here. Contrary to a recent thread bemoaning the fall and end of DaoBums, I see a small but vibrant, engaged, and wise group of practitioners here that still have a lot to offer if one is ready to learn in so many different areas. A few things I'd like to add from my own practice. No matter how much we try to protect ourselves (energetically, mentally, even physically), we will inevitably bump up against people and situations that drain and threaten us. Even if we avoid them we will still have to face our own isolated selves, the greatest challenge! I think it's important to look not only at how to protect ourselves and our energy but how to do so in increasingly challenging circumstances so that we can engage as fully as possible in our lives and in the world and use our practices to grow and help others. The first step is to find the right practices that give us that sense of needed protection. Each of us has to be sensitive to our needs and find the right approach and I increasingly value the need for them to be comprehensive. The second step is to put in the time to master those practices, mastery simply meaning that they genuinely work for us, we can see tangible benefits. The next step is to gradually begin to challenge ourselves, face those people and situations we prefer to avoid, little by little, using our practices both in real time and on the cushion, before and after the fact, exercising them like our physical muscles. At some point I think it's critical to bring this approach to those closest and yet farthest from us - estranged family members and the like. It's very important at this stage to be able to observe ourselves objectively, noticing reactivity as it arises without getting too wrapped up in the analysis or explanations, staying very close to the feelings, the direct experience. Then engaging in our practices with those feelings being very fresh and alive. Fire is a good metaphor for developing this type of strength in our practices. At first we are like a small flame, a match, that needs to be protected from even a light breeze, and this stage can't be rushed or forced, we need to protect until our flame can withstand some pressure. As our flame grows, we can protect it less and it will stay lit as long as the wind is not too strong. At this stage we can get discouraged because progress can be slow. It can feel like one step forward, two steps back at time. Here it is so important to feel trust in our approach, that's what can carry us through. Eventually our flame can be so strong that even a gale just feeds it and makes it stronger, like a bonfire. This is the pinnacle of spiritual practice, IMO. Not that we find some sort of fairyland where nothing ever bothers us at all, rather that we feel what we feel, good and bad, and know how to make the most of every situation. So I think it's important to protect our energy when it needs protection but to maintain the mindset and intention that we will eventually not need much protection. In fact, we may discover that at some point we can be the protector for those who are more vulnerable. This can take the form of teaching or simply being that calm, compassionate, empathetic, even wrathful force when engaging with others.

Clearing by Martha Postlethwaite Do not try to save the whole world or do anything grandiose. Instead, create a clearing in the dense forest of your life and wait there patiently, until the song that is your life falls into your own cupped hands and you recognize and greet it. Only then will you know how to give yourself to this world so worth of rescue.

In my understanding of the Krama system it seems like Sakti was the main focus and shiva was acknowledged but not central to their praxis.. They were probably the most radical of the non dual saiva Tantra sects and held some fairly progressive ideas - practice was goddess centered (Kali not shiva was the destroyer- 12 Kali process), they did not believe or support or recognize the varna social stratification system of the day ( aka caste) clearly stating so in their key texts, women held important roles and founded the sect and they included transgressive practices in their praxis. . Representative texts of the Krama include the Innate Blossoming of Awareness and the Light on the Intimations of the Chumma that both describe their yoga of direct experience . They have some pretty interesting ideas for the time (circa 900 CE) . Seem closely related to the authors of the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, which is much more well known text. First guru of Krama was from same geographic area/time that produced Padmasambhava who introduced Buddhism into Tibet. They emphasized: Shakti as the pathway and also the goal. The futility of conceptual or intellectual effort to reach the Absolute. The necessity of intense, direct inner practice followed by total surrender.

Arthur Conan Doyle Ms. TaoMeow, who was usually very late in the mornings, save upon those not infrequent occasions when she was up all night, was seated at the breakfast table. I stood upon the hearth-rug and picked up the stick which our visitor had left behind him the night before. It was a fine, thick piece of wood, bulbous-headed, of the sort which is known as a “Digging Stick." Just under the head was a broad silver band nearly an inch across. “To Nungali, Honorary Blackfella, from his friends of the Outback,” was engraved upon it, with the date “1884.” It was just such a stick as the old-fashioned Australian ngangkari used to carry—dignified, solid, and reassuring. “Well, Apech, what do you make of it?” TaoMeow was sitting with her back to me, and I had given her no sign of my occupation. “How did you know what I was doing? I believe you have eyes in the back of your head.” “I have, at least, a well-polished, silver-plated espresso maker in front of me,” said she. “But, tell me, Apech, what do you make of our visitor’s stick? Since we have been so unfortunate as to miss him and have no notion of his errand, this accidental souvenir becomes of importance. Let me hear you reconstruct the man by an examination of it.” “I think,” said I, following as far as I could the methods of my companion, “that Mr. Nungali is a successful, middle-aged Australian man, well-esteemed since those who know him give him this mark of their appreciation.” “Good!” said TaoMeow. “Excellent!”

I lost a loved one who never wore his good shirts because he was perpetually waiting for the right opportunity. When he died and I was left to sort through his belongings, I decided I would never live that way. I discovered minimalism and let go of anything that wasn't useful or beautiful. I felt free of the weight of a lifetime of things, and began to use and appreciate what remained. When I discovered feng shui, I had finally moved into my first home and just wanted to make a beautiful space that looked and felt good. Learning about feng shui led me to discovering it's true Daoist origins, and to reading about flying star feng shui, bazi, ziwei doushu, inner alchemy, the Yellow Emperor, the Queen Mother of the West, etc. A difficult beginning to my journey, but I'm very grateful for where it's led. It's been a while since I've read the book! I think I prepared for 2025's energy in late 2024 just so I wouldn't forget at the new year. But it would be a good idea for me to double check. Let me know what you think of the book, it'll be nice to swap notes!

Instructions for the Journey by Pat Schneider The self you leave behind is only a skin you have outgrown. Don’t grieve for it. Look to the wet, raw, unfinished self, the one you are becoming. The world, too, sheds its skin: politicians, cataclysms, ordinary days. It’s easy to lose this tenderly unfolding moment. Look for it as if it were the first green blade after a long winter. Listen for it as if it were the first clear tone in a place where dawn is heralded by bells. And if all that fails, wash your own dishes. Rinse them. Stand in your kitchen at your sink. Let cold water run between your fingers. Feel it.

lay down, rest, be lulled So many boats, but only one reality

google and read about the saviour complex "a pattern where someone feels compelled to help or 'save' others, often to the detriment of their own well-being."

... bit of fiberglass , new coat of paint , new oars ..... look out ducks... here I come . - it ain't over yet !

This is the YouTube channel which helped me understand the basics of bazi: The first time I saw my chart after learning a bit, it was like every puzzle piece of my life fell into place. An exact snapshot of my life. Since then I have mapped out a timeline of all the years of this lifetime and the main events that happened since, trying to associate them with the elements of those years. Like Luke, I've always associated Taomeow with a Tiger, maybe it's in relation to her fire element.My day master is a wood tiger.

It is worth pointing out that, while this is true, the reverse isn't. The early Buddhist Tripitaka teachings work fine in Mahayana teaching, but the later Emptiness teachings point at something wider in scope than the early Buddhist teachings do. Emptiness conceptually doesn't really feature in the early Buddhist works, EXCEPT possibly (depending on your opinion) in a few places by association, like the the Bahiya Sutta: The Buddha's instruction is similar to the instruction of shikantaza in Soto Zen. There is merely awareness resting in it's own nature. This is an instruction to point at emptiness of "self" and other. Most of the early Buddhist teachings only point to emptiness of self (or "no-self"). "Emptiness" teachings are a feature of Mahayana and Vajrayana trainings, which the Heart Sutra is a major fixture. Yes, I recall that you aren't a fan of the Bahiya Sutta. I am!

Kobun Chino Otogawa, on the "Heart Sutra": We have the five skandhas explained in this sutra: Form, feeling or sensation, perception, impulses, consciousness. They are elements of human existence, explained differently from present-day psychology. At the very beginning of the sutra are these words: “All five skandhas are empty.” Later the five senses are listed: “eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body,” plus “mind,” which is the aggregate of the senses. These five skandas are the vehicle of enlightenment. Or they can be expressed as mind and body. “Shariputra, form does not differ from emptiness. . .” is a more detailed explanation of “All five skandas are empty.” ("Kobun's Talks on the Heart Sutra", edited by Angie Boussevain and Judy Cosgrove) That last sentence stands out to me: "“Shariputra, form does not differ from emptiness. . .” is a more detailed explanation of “All five skandas are empty.”" Gautama's way of living included the contemplation of impermanence, as a part of the mindfulness of the state of mind: (One) makes up one’s mind: Contemplating impermanence I shall breathe in. Contemplating impermanence I shall breathe out. Contemplating dispassion I shall breathe in. Contemplating dispassion I shall breathe out. Contemplating cessation I shall breathe in. Contemplating cessation I shall breathe out. Contemplating renunciation I shall breathe in. Contemplating renunciation I shall breathe out. (SN 54.1, tr. Pali Text Society vol V pp 275-276) The contemplation of impermanence is exactly the contemplation of the "five skandas": “And how, bhikkhus, is the perception of impermanence developed and cultivated so that it eliminates all sensual lust, eliminates all lust for existence, eliminates all ignorance, and uproots all conceit ‘I am’? ‘Such is form, such its origin, such its passing away; such is feeling … such is perception … such are volitional formations … such is consciousness, such its origin, such its passing away’: that is how the perception of impermanence is developed and cultivated so that it eliminates all sensual lust, eliminates all lust for existence, eliminates all ignorance, and uproots all conceit ‘I am.’” (SN 22.102; Aniccasaññāsutta, tr. Bhikkhu Bodhi) Of course, the Heart Sutra goes on: There is neither ignorance nor extinction of ignorance... neither old age and death, nor extinction of old age and death; no suffering, no cause, no cessation, no path; no knowledge and no attainment. With nothing to attain, a bodhisattva relies on prajña paramita. ("Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra", S. F. Zen Center edition) "Prajna paramita" apparently means "perfection of wisdom" in Sanskrit, and Gautama does speak of a gnosis, a "profound knowledge" or "intuitive wisdom" that he himself gained through the experience of various psychic phenomena in the fourth concentration. My take on the four "contemplations" of the state of mind that were a part of Gautama's way of living: When I reflect on impermanence, I generally think about death, but Gautama spoke more broadly about the impermanence of any notion of self, and about how grasping after any notion of self is identically suffering. With regard to death, Gautama stated that those who correctly practice “mindfulness of death” apply his teachings “for the interval that it takes to swallow having chewed up one morsel of food”, or “for the interval that it takes to breathe out after breathing in, or to breathe in after breathing out”. Contemplation on impermanence in any form engenders a dispassion toward “the pleasant, the painful, and the neither-pleasant-nor-painful” of feeling, giving rise to the second element of Gautama’s “mindfulness of mental states”. I take the “cessation” of the third element to be the cessation of volitive action, the action invoked by determinate thought. There are other cessations Gautama cited, each in connection with a particular state of concentration, but they only have significance in the larger context of the cessation of volitive action. The “renunciation” of the fourth element I would say refers to the abandonment of any notion of “I am the doer, mine is the doer” with regard to action of speech, body, or mind. (The Early Record) "Form is emptiness, emptiness is form"--doesn't mean much to me, and I don't contemplate the five skandas often, but when I do, I end up with the interval that it takes to breathe out after breathing in, or to breathe in after breathing out (and a Dos Equis?).

OK i just found the HHS row "Hidden Heaveny Stems" in birth chart. The "hidden" HHS represent latent or hidden potential, underlying influences, hidden strengths or weakness, secrets, relationships. Latent aspects of destiny and personality. That sounds like how the "overlay" layer works in another system i have used (discussed in earlier post). so revised summary for me (also includes the Na Yin) shows: 7 Earth 5 Metal 4 Water 2 Wood 2 Fire

Yeah, that so did not help. [真人 (zhen1 ren2) true man (Daoist ideal man)] long since, far away Righto, now he’s calling mum a memory droid.

OK I found more on this regarding "missing element" or the element we have fewest of in birth chart: "In Chinese astrology, whichever of the five elements we have fewest of is termed our “Lucky Element,” which is not typical of how we think here in the West where having a whole bunch of something is usually considered lucky. In Four Pillars astrology, perfect balance is the preferred way to move on with our life and until we achieve that balance we are going virtually nowhere, although we may seem to be moving." from article by Michael Erlewine (basics for beginners) That actually makes sense then to me. If fire is "missing" then by seeking it out, that is what brings me into balance which in my view is why it feels good, or why i am drawn to it. For instance deep affinity for me with Phoenix. (or in reading through this thread, like me exhilarated burning all that stuff.)

Because each hour carries a different animal sign/energy, being off on the birth time by more than an hour alters the chart significantly. So the full picture will be less accurate without the hour pillar (first column) but you can still get a basic overview without it by focusing on the other three pillars individually. You could start by reading about your daymaster (day pillar, column two), which if I remember correctly, carriers the strongest energy of the four pillars. Each pillar has two main parts, the heavenly stem (element) and the earthly branch (animal). Combining the two parts displayed in the day pillar provides a basic profile, such as Ding Si, Fire Snake (which I also see displayed as today's pillar). Various elements interact to form beneficial "combinations" or harmful "clashes" and "destructions." Each pillar contains additional energy, like the hidden heavenly stems, na yin, and flying stars. The presence or absence of certain elements in the hidden heavenly stem row can influence whether or not a pillar is "rooted" or "supported" by the same element. Each heavenly and hidden heavenly stem also carries one of the Ten Gods (like Hurting Officer or Direct Wealth), which is another expression of energy added into the equation. I haven't figured out na yin yet. The stars are a part of Purple Star Astrology (ziwei doushu), and each star carries auspicious or inauspicious energy that influences how the elements in each pillar respond to one another and at what times.

I never understand him Was this about golf?

my face, with no trace of makeup, because Mom said you don't need that junk

one reality in and out of the holes in my face, with no trace

i am seeing on the Na Yin line of the birth chart "water" but i still need to figure out which type of the six waters available (shown on another Na Yin specific chart). So delving further into that. Na Yin jumped out at me, as it mentions musical tones, and in another teaching the personal and individual "song of the soul" is used so i am exploring that connection. Since the Bazi tool shows two charts, first my birth chart, and then the chart for today's date, i am seeing that for 2025 the year is showing "Hurting Officer." When i do very basic search on that it includes "brings inherent challenges like impulsivity and resistance to authority" so in light of the opening post topic which invites us to explore interpersonal dynamics here on Dao Bums through the lens of Bazi, i am wondering if that might correlate with for instance the pushback and resistance to compliance with forum guidelines. the charts are very interesting to explore, good topic, good discussion. Regarding this question asked in opening post, "What overlap is there between your natal charts of various astrological systems?" what jumps out at me at first glance is that for the 8 blocks in my Bazi birth chart, four of the blocks are Earth. But i am a fire sign in western astrology (Sagittarius). And there is 0 fire on the Bazi chart, here is summary: 4 Earth 2 Water 1 Metal 1 Wood 0 Fire OK, basic question here. for the "today's date chart" does everyone see the same chart for that? Is it the same for everyone? or is it somehow related to or tied in to personal birth chart. our Dao Bums banner shows Wood Snake, so that i am seeing in year column. (am i reading that right? green for wood in first row "Heavenly Stem" and snake below in second row "Earthly Branch").

@Sahaja I extracted some of the main points and within the spoilers I included Paulynne Cheng's full write up from her site, Hidden Sun. Ren Zi - Water Rat Hour Pillar - Fruit - Governs 49-late life, progeny, old age, legs and feet Intelligent, adaptable, amiable, genial Benefits from focusing efforts on careers or businesses that require a large amount of interaction with the public Self-assured, dauntless, independent, authoritative, open to taking charge under any circumstances Strong desire for constant exploration and constant learning Adept at playing the long game Ongoing emotional issues or unhealthy behaviour like escapism 'Me time' to rest, self-soothe and self-care are a must In times of doubt, remember towering ambitions Ding You - Fire Rooster - Gift of Perspective (Daymaster) Day Pillar - Flower - Governs ages 32-48, self, spouse, middle age, marriage, romance, waist and abdomen Positive, attractive and exuberant personality Ability to view things from new perspectives Natural ability to inspire, influence, motivate and enlighten Loves the limelight and revels in being centre stage Charismatic, charming, confident, persuasive, passionate Ability to link different concepts and ideas together to create new insights or breakthroughs Innovative can-do attitude, thrives on challenge Willing to abandon a struggling strategy in favour of developing new tactics Rebellious, fiercely independent, prefers to be in control, reluctant to accept advice Benefits from learning to recognize (and to accept) genuine support Fickle, restless, adventure seeking idealist Dislikes restriction and authority, needs the freedom to pursue intellectual curiosities without external interference Geng Xu - Metal Dog - Gift of Toughness Month Pillar - Seedling - Governs ages 17-31, siblings, assistance, early career Possesses mental and physical strength, stamina, and endurance Tough, proud, resourceful, unyielding Can be pleasant and diplomatic, in spite of natural ruthlessness and aggressiveness Courageous, convicted, confident, intuitive, self-willed Rejects submissiveness and compliance Has the mental and physical strength to take on any challenges and handle any hardship in pursuit of goals Ambitious, rebellious, defiant in the face of limitations Craves material security, financially conscious Potential to develop depression due to boredom and unresolved restlessness Sceptical about own powerful intuitions, benefits from learning to trust personal instincts Tends to present as domineering, aggressive, ruthless (yes, again) and very out-spoken Ability to use dominant personality to motivate teams to greater heights Benefits from being mindful to not frequently overrule other opinions and leave behind an environment of diminished morale Desires to be useful, thrives in love and friendship Yi Wei - Wood Goat - Gift of Shrewdness Year Pillar - Root - Governs ages 1-16, childhood, parents, grandparents, early tribulations, head and face Ability to tap into and make full use of every ounce of resource Instinctively a good networker, quick judge of character, adverse to competition and needless entanglement Prioritizes relationships with those deemed worthy and capable of helping attain your goals Taste for luxury living, willingness to work for that ideal lifestyle Spiritually gifted, has an interest in non-conventional wisdom Prefers to develop own mind and intuition independently from others Persevering, reliant, persistent, tenacious Reactionary to external circumstances Desire for control, demanding, critical of others out of survival mechanism Perceived as loner preferring independence and solitude Domineering in relationships, many acquaintances, few friends Benefits from cultivating strong sense of purpose

Sorry, not very aware of practices that will protect one's energy while staying sensitive and connected. Just using a little logic, it seems to me that being deeply rooted in one's practice would set one firmly in one's energy. However, being around other means that what happens with them will affect one. How can it not? If one becomes friends with another then whatever happens to the other will affect one. It is only natural. If one keeps one's distance then isn't that separation? Am I really that different from you that I must keep myself safe from your influence? Do you want to not feel love or compassion? But stay sensitive and connected?? Sorry, I am confused. How does one stay connected and sensitive while protecting one's energy? Limit one's time with others? Keep separate. Like hermits? What good is one's practice if it is only good when alone, separate from others? Again sorry for my ignorance.

very well-said, Steve. Thank you. seeing it as an arc and progression is very helpful for me.

What Begins by Danusha Laméris What begins in beauty, ends in beauty. What begins in sorrow, ends in sorrow. The seed once planted, soon in full bloom. If grief, then grief. If anger, anger. They say the first week of any love affair reveals its end. Give me the child at seven, and so forth. And didn't the world begin with a bang? Hard to argue for another truth. But I have seen a heart worn thin, take to small repairs, have watched a blue jay, born wild, eat out of a woman's hand. And didn't we begin as tadpoles, curled and gilled? I want to think the starting place is only one location on a curve that we can follow to another end. And then, begin again.

There you are!

A suggestion would be to create a separate forum to mirror this one. thedaobumspolitics.com or something. Then invite everyone over there. That way the staff's wishes are respected here.

It is a consistent theme. And not just for the sake of returning - but for also emerging again. A12: 天地之間，其猷回，管與。 The space in between of heaven and earth, its design turns around to reverse and revolve, uniting and according as with a hollow tube. 虛而元，屈動而愈出。 Formless and then Original, moved into coiled up contraction, then ever more emerges. End of A19: 天下之物，生於又，生於亡。 The heavenly descended's phenomena, emerges from creation, emerging from resolution. And yet if we do not stock up via resolving (I think I'll change take up residence in to stock up on, as this is the definition that makes sense of the theme of storing, all throughout), then we disconnect from this. A20: 困而涅之元，元若已。 Constricting, and then blocking this Original, the Original complies with ceasing. 湍而羣之元，可長保也。 Running up against, and then banding together with this Original, has to do with making possible nurturing the sustaining and protecting of it. ... 攻述，身退天之道也。 Railing against staying the course, has to do with withdrawing the bodily vessel from heaven's way.

The parts i i especially like are these. it's a flow chart showing from origin to creation (the 10,000 things), but it is also a ladder showing return to origin. the ladder goes both ways, both directions. it shows us the path home.

Ah, I found another one. I had translated A9 (received 2) before the others, and I guess I had forgotten to check it for 不 Bu's with the coded line. It has 2, and one of them is a 不 Bu without the line. But the second, does have a line over the Bu. So here is what I had before: 是以聖人居亡，爲之事，行不言之教。 Because of this the masterful person takes up residence in resolving, serving this concern, this undertaking, modeling not speaking this teaching. "modeling not" 行 Xing is about engaging, acting, conducting, moving, proceeding, implementing. My "modeling" was perhaps a slight stretch of the meaning. Now, it becomes clear that the 行元 Xing Yuan is directly extending the previous line. And we even have what could be a mark here to show that this line ends with Yuan. However this is where the binding straps would go. And it is hard to tell if it is an actual inked line, or just a dark spot from the binding cord. But this is not the first place where it seems like there is an intentional line drawn. Perhaps this could have been a hidden way of showing - beneath the cord - where a line ended, to help reveal the code. I don't know. In any case, the previous lines transforms to: 是以聖人居亡，爲之事行不。 Because of this the masterful person takes up residence in resolving, serving the undertaking of engaging/implementing the Original. As for the three characters at the end, they become the contextual opener that frames the meaning of the next lines, which I find very helpful. 言之教 Yan 言 is about talk, speech, language - and also a theory, teaching, doctrine. Zhi 之 is "this, that, these" or a possessive, like our apostrophe. Jiao 教 is a teaching, instruction, a school of thought or sect, or to convey, transfer, hand on. So already my next section was a little unusual: 萬勿作而弗始也，爲而弗志也，成而弗居。 The 10,000 do not stand up and then not commence or, do and then not attend to or, accomplish and then not rest. 夫唯弗居也，是以弗去也。 So indeed in all cases of not resting it, this is the means for not storing it up. Because I take 萬勿 literally as "the wan do not", as it is drawn, but all others render it as shorthand for 萬物 "wan wu" - the [wan/10,000/myriad] [things/phenomena]. And indeed I also render this shorthand in all other cases. But here, it seemed to fit, with the "do not" providing the initial negative that is inferred for the next two lines of this phrase. And because it seemed to fit the meaning. So putting it all together, we could go with: 言之教 Talking about this teaching. But 言之教 The theory of this teaching is: Works much better, as then it connects the meaning behind the three sections: 1 - The observation that as we descend from heaven there is a descending of tiers that create relationships of cause and effect. We all know excellence / goodness because we come from heaven, and that purity is naturally good, there for anything less than that is easily recognized. 2 - Because these things tend to balance each other in terms of relativity in their relationships, there is an ability to become stuck within their balancing. For example, mastery / peerlessness / sagacity, creates a reputation for itself. But that reputation can manifest simply by rising above its peers. It takes truly resolving and getting back to the source of the excellence - heaven / yang / oneness. And so the Sage or Masterful Person takes up residence in resolving, serving the undertaking - that is necessary for - engaging the Original. 3 - The theory behind this is simply that things follow a cyclical flow. The 10,000 (things) do not come into being but not initiate, or carry something out but then not follow their goal, or accomplish their goal and then not rest. We need to rest / settle down / stock up on, in order to store it up. This comes of resolving. Thus the undertaking of resolving allows us to store up all that we need to gather back our yin capacity and rekindle the yang clarity of the Original. This process is what allows us to always return to excellence. And this is something we all know well - the benefits of a good night's sleep cannot be understated. This undertaking of resolving to restore the original is the same idea, it just goes all the way back to the root. So this can help to showcase how I worked out the meaning I did from this text. And this also shows how when we work like this, a much greater cohesion of meaning is uncovered. It was always there, but was deliberately hidden. The use of Tian Xia as Fallen of Heaven rather than say "all under heaven" aka "all the realm" in the way I do here also shows that this idea that we and all the realm is something that has fallen / descended from heaven is very literal. It is no different from our saying that all the universe came from the big bang. Again and again, I find that the text really tries to point out that this is not just a realm under heaven, but that this is a process that when understood, can be used to return to heaven. Thus the more we resolve and bring things to an end - especially energetically, especially when we stop using our energy for thoughts - the more we return to the original. Thus this is associated with mastery / peerlessness / sagacity.

The more I learn about Daoism and Qigong, the more I sense this path goes far beyond the healing I’ve known through psychological methods. Still: Qigong can NOT replace psychology. it needs a certain psychological stability for energy work. i still sense qigong goes beyong the psyche, because it helps me connect with my soul Psychological approaches have helped me understand and process my mind and emotions — but Daoist practice feels like it works on a different order of reality. It’s not just about repairing or managing the self, but about transforming the very framework that creates the self in the first place. For those of you who can relate, i wonder how did you notice the shift from “healing” to something beyond healing? I would love to hear how others have experienced this crossing-over point.

What little I know is that bazi is a natal chart used for understanding personality and compatibility, especially for determining auspicious marriage arrangements. It's a snapshot of the stars at the time one was born, represented in four pillars (hour, day, month, year). Each pillar then represents a different stage of life. The year pillar spans ages 1-16, and represents childhood, parents, and grandparents, waist and abdomen. Taking into account the placement of various auspicious and inauspicious stars in each pillar (displayed at the bottom of a chart, usually), it can be reasonably determined whether someone had a peaceful or a traumatic childhood or parental relationship. Fire Horse energy in the year pillar will appear in a person's personality, health and wealth circumstances, and relationships differently than if the Fire Horse were present in the hour pillar, which influences ages 48-60, progeny, old age, legs and feet. An experienced Bazi reader can foresee patterns in charts that indicate success, wealth, romance, death, affairs, etc during specific years and decades. It's an incredibly complex system that is difficult to learn and it's very expensive to get a reliable reading from someone, with mostly good reason. So day to day I don't use it all that much, outside of better understanding myself, loved ones, and associates. Now, it can be determined how "balanced" a chart is, which would take into account the distribution of elements, and how "weak" or "strong" a chart is because of that. So someone lacking fire in their chart may benefit from intentionally developing fire energy in their life, like enthusiasm and passion. Someone lacking wood will need additional assistance developing leadership and discipline. In that way a chart can be worked with consistently, though the focus is on the elements and not the animals. Ziwei doushu (Purple Star Astrology) uses the same birth information to create a different chart that, while also yielding information about personality and compatibility, I think is more useful in a fortune telling sense. I think TaoMeow is the expert-in-residence on both bazi and shamanism, so I'm sure she'll have a more in-depth, holistic perspective. I do like tarot (I love a good puzzle), but I only have one deck (The Chinese Tarot by Jui Guoliang), and I don't turn to it much. I much prefer the I Ching. Yes, systems like the Myers-Briggs paved the way for my eventual interest in Bazi, though I've never fully determined if I'm an INFJ or an INTJ.

Anything that isn't present in this moment is a construction of the mind. Anything that isn't manifest in this moment is an just a thought, including here/there, past/future, "self"/other, and any mental designation or duality. Reality is what is happening in this moment. We can have intention around what we think we want to happen next, but that intention doesn't arise from a "self" it arises from the Absolute, like everything else. Free will is a delusion. Who is there to own it? Also, free will implies a timeline, a plan, an "intelligence" or something with continuity. While there is a "flow" of change, a moment before or after something happens is conceptual. This is the true value our meditation practice (depending on what it is) - making it possible to examine these things carefully. In my experience I'd say that the Relative has a provisional existence based on arising and passing causes and conditions. What is illusory about it is that any of it has it's own intrinsic reality (as a separate thing). Even this, though, is a language construct that doesn't really match the reality of what the Absolute is. Another attempt: Reality is the experience of this moment... existing even without the labels of Absolute or Relative, or any other label, concept, or structure in time or space, void of any objects that have their own existence, etc. etc. etc. It is exceptionally hard to discuss or point to except directly... wordlessly, as a teacher would to a student under the right conditions and with the student having a certain fairly easy to attain level of meditative practice with which to experientially examine this for themselves. Reincarnation and karma happen to a person. It is possible to step off of both of those with the completed realization of no-self. It isn't so much stepping out of time/space/form/"self" but seeing that they there were always just concocted intellectual designations/delusions. It is just a simple perspective shift. What is experienced after that shift is the same "universe" or whatever you want to call this moment, but without those designations/delusions being believed or seen as real in any way.

The section above is helpful. It is focusing on solution (leads to greater balance) instead of problem (leads to greater imbalance). Something learned in recovery is that at all times we are resonating and broadcasting in one of those two states. We are either broadcasting from a place of fear, or we are broadcasting from a place of love. This is not just identifying the emotions we feel at any given time throughout the day, but is also evaluating every single bit of our thoughts, speech, action, attention, and what we ingest. It is a useful exercise and tool to see how much of our day stems from "fear" and how much from "love". "fear" category focuses on the problem, it is debilitating, frantic, follows a downward spiral, exacrebates imbalance, being a victim, toxic. characterized by a sense of things are awful and getting worse. an unhealthy damaging negative mindset. "love" category focuses on the solution, it is empowering, re-assuring, feels calming, brings greater balance, characterized by a sense of there are positive steps to take and a path where things are getting better. a healthy grounded positive mindset. everything we say think do all the time falls in one of those two categories. this includes what we ingest throughout the day. How much time do you spend online? Does what you watch, read, take in (literally ingesting it and making it part of your body and cells, it becomes you) make you feel better or make you feel worse?

it is your belief in something that feeds it and makes it grow. [generic "you" applies to anyone, not directed at a specific person]. your belief, your attention, your focus on "demons" and "evil" gives it life and causes it to grow. It also acts as a magnet to draw more of the same to you. "what you focus on you become" and "wherever your thoughts go there you are" is saying attention exacerbates and makes it worse, it is pouring gasoline on fire the whole "demons" and "evil" preoccupation is fear based and it is fear driven. fear of evil, fear of demons fear of aliens, fear of harm. you are literally seeing these things internally. that makes It internal not external. And that is a good thing because it is then accessible and manageable. if something is extreme to the extent that it is causing disruption and imbalance to activities of daily life, then that is an indication to access and use the resources available to bring balance back, this applies to debilitating physical pain (extreme body sensations) or emotional pain (extreme feelings and emotions) or mental pain (extreme thoughts). the problem with "the devil made me do it" or "evil is to blame" or "the demons and aliens are controlling humanity" is that by making it an external "thing" it removes not only accountability and responsibility for tending to our own health and well-being as humans involved, but it is saturated and steeped in fear which is debilitating and tends to lead a person towards greater imbalance, instead of seeking helpful resources which provide steps toward greater balance. Extreme absorption and preoccupation with conspiracy theories is recognized as an imbalance.

It’s not escapism. You can face your own issues while helping others. Unity, compassion and helping others is part of humanity power and once united they can do great things together. A lot of people on this forum seem to be promoting selfishness. Which is what the dark forces want.

yes, seems pretty basic and intuitive, especially if you have a background in "magick." What are some basic techniques for building weiqi? I just use yi or intent to create a protective bubble or egg type thing around me and infuse it with white light. I imagine a shield coming from my skin and make it tough like a diamond. Not sure if I'm just spinning my wheels with that though.

imo yes. "weiqi" 衛 氣(wei4 qi4) guard qi; your protective shield Eventually one can learn to take the energy of the attacker to use as one’s defence, but that’s a bit advanced level. So yes I agree with you, don’t exhaust your energies with counterattacks; use the protective shield, it works.

Yes, I also thought to ask why OP believes they're being attacked in the first place. If you step in doodoo it's going to get stinky. Best to avoid it altogether. Or you can learn the hard way, I guess. "where intention goes, energy flows" 100%

sometimes the best protection and most prudent course is knowing which neighborhoods to avoid completely and staying away from them altogether. far far away. As above, so below. Just like in our physical mundane secular human life there are "bad parts of town" that we stay entirely away from, and don't go wandering around in looking for trouble or seeking out to do heroic deeds. We do this because plain and simple, it is foolish to enter such areas at all, and it is doubly foolish to enter for those reasons given. It puts self in harm's way. It is looking for trouble. you are no match for anything in those neighborhoods (just like you are no match for anything you would encounter going into a dark building full of say gangs and drug dealers and violent hardened criminals). Be careful what you ask for, what you seek out, what you see as your "mission" and what you think about or give your attention to. Because "wherever your thoughts go, there you are" "what you focus on you become" if the focus is on dark energies then that is an open invitation for same. You are opening the doors of your life and home and very being and saying "come and get me, bring it" one of the best standards ever set by a teacher for me, was for any sort of esoteric work use common sense and stay out of bad neighborhoods. or you will (not may, but will) have a heap of trouble and harm. it is foolish to seek that out. So while we journeyed to some areas (in non-physical form) we were instructed to stay completely away from other areas and situations. "You don't go to the garbage realms." it is advice that has served me well.

You are a begginer so let me explain to you why it's a bad idea: 1- He has no idea what he is talking about 2- There's no way you can kill entities in the first place, so why the hell are you going to learn something that is not even possible? I bet you can't even see entities in the first place... 3- Assuming it's possible to kill entities(which is not), but WHY would you want to kill them? How deep do you know about spirituality in general? If you still believe in demons or something similar, I'm sorry to tell you, but demons don't exist. These "entities" you want to kill are people just like me and you who died and still lost around here. We need to have compassion towards them. 4- Qigong done wrong can have bad side effects, real bad, search "qi deviations" to learn more about it, it can cause illnesses, mental and physical.

keyboard broke

Linji said to the assembly, "There is a true man with no rank always going out and in through the portals of your face. Beginners who have not yet witnessed it, look! Look!" ("Book of Serenity", Hsing-hsiu [1166-1246], 38th case, tr. T. Cleary, Shambala p167) You don't need that junk not the droids you're looking for long since, far away