Michael Sternbach

While I agree that we need to be careful superposing one another terms from different traditions, the attempt can sometimes be valuable in providing an extended picture. While there are many variations in classification schemes, different traditions nevertheless refer to the same underlying metaphysical realities after all. I had some experiences during lucid dreams when I found myself in a body of light energy which I call astral body. It feels quite fantastic every time. Now in my personal cultivation, I synthesize elements from both Western and Eastern practices. I recall one dream in which I was clearly aware of a chi reservoir in the Lower Dantien and of the chi flow as it is considered in Taiji. How much my experiences with the astral body resemble what Gurdjieff and Ouspensky describe, I can't say off the top of my head. If you could guide me to relevant texts and chapters that are available online, I will be happy to look into this further.

I guess to convey my meaning to you, I should have written, it is reasonable to assume. Of course not for you. But frankly... I couldn't care less. "Science" that ridicules psychic phenomena such as clairvoyance is of the materialistic and mechanistic variety and a relict of the 18th/19th century. True that there are still scientists clinging to the belief that they are somewhere near to explaining everything there is to explain. Although they don't have a clue what roughly 95% of the mass in the universe consists of. But why does it matter as long as they have such devout, nicely brainwashed followers like yourself? Luckily, there are also numerous scientists who realize that the still missing answers will lead to the exploration of new realms. That's the way it has always been when philosophically naive and historically blind scientists thought their job is almost done. This time, the answers might well open up the door to realms of existence that have been the sole domain of mystics and seers so far. The prerequisites for that are certainly in place. It's not me who needs to wake up to the (post) modern era... Don't waste your tears. If anything, cry about your own rationalistic limitations... and lack of forum manners. If you reply, I can't assure you that I will continue this dialogue with you. Unless you show me clearly that I'm not wasting my time. Best, Michael

I beg to differ. The ancient texts talk of superordinate principles that are timeless. Although their concrete manifestations may change over time.

The one great classic on the chakras, based on old Hindu texts, is Arthur Avalon's The Serpent Power. http://www.amazon.com/Serpent-Power-Secrets-Tantric-Shaktic/dp/0486230589/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1441580037&sr=1-1&keywords=avalon+the+serpent+power

DreamBliss, You reminded me of another passage from The Nature of Personal Reality (chapter 15) that ties in beautifully with what you said in your last post and supposedly also with Tolle.

Time to tackle another chapter.

I have so many less troubles since I changed from Windows to Ubuntu. I still have my Windows on the same hard disk drive though because I have a few important "Windows only" programs. But especially for surfing, I find Ubuntu much better. Viruses and some other annoyances become a non-issue. Surely, other Linux distributions are cool, too.

<Michael goes into some kind of epileptic fit and starts talking with a strange voice.> Listen up, Nungali, my son! This is true, without lying, certain and most true. Renounce the Windows crap! Embrace Ubuntu, and what you wish shall be yours! That which I have said of the operation of your computer is accomplished and ended.

Not directly, as far as I know. Although there is a theory that models particles as pure "probability waves" - which also have relevance for Schroedinger's hapless kitty.On some level, everything relates to everything else, I suppose.

The thing is that quantum mechanics agrees with and predicts observations with uncanny exactness. There are however a number of different interpretations possible in various areas, but yes, they all take the existence of quantums (in some form) for granted. If you have a theory that doesn't presuppose them, yet still satisfactorily explains the observed phenomena (WITHOUT the contradictions you abhor), do let me know, please. But we know this to be factually incorrect nowadays. You are entitled to believe whatever you like, of course, but I am afraid you won't get a lot of followers if your theses are obviously out of touch with what we know to be real. Of course, there are some people who believe all research to be superfluous and maintain that our ancestors shouldn't ever have descended from the trees in the first place. Which would be a respectable position, had it not been found very recently by scientists that our ancestors were not tree climbers at all, in fact...

The photon is pure energy, it doesn't exist independently from it. However, there is something called "soliton" that may offer a way out of the dilemma. By the way, I like Tesla too, and alternative scientific theories in general. I feel that in many cases, there is truth to them. The problem is that when such alternative models can't explain certain experimental evidence, their inventors often choose to simply ignore it, call it irrelevant, resort to a general rant against mainstream science etc. That way they only "convince" those who are of the same mind already.

Limiting this discussion to the double slit experiment at the moment: Depending on the most unobtrusive "alteration" of the double slit experiment (it will do to enable us to/keep us from reading the particle detector), it confirms one of our presumptions or the other.

Quite possibly, you unwittingly did.

Hi Nikolai, I basically agree with your conclusion. What is challenging our comprehension is that our intellectual overlays alter the behaviour of something that supposedly exists outside of us.

Mike Tyson once said that everybody has a plan until they get smacked in the mouth. Personally, when dealing with some kind of opposition, I tend to consult the I Ching or a similar oracle on how to handle the affair best. Right. I showed different reactions during different stages of my life. They all had their pros and cons.

How would you coordinate large numbers of people (or, by analogy, large sets of informations etc)? There would be the risk to see the trees for the forest. So you would want to organize the whole according to some simple structure that enables you to keep the grand scheme in view. Further, you would apply that pattern also to its parts, for the same structures and principles are applicable to every level of a whole, as was understood long before modern Chaos Theory. The trick is being able to switch between the overview of an eagle and the close-up perspective of a mouse at will. There must be a common terminology understood by all the parts. Smooth communication is of great importance. Direct maneuvres are the ones that are out in the open, plain for all to see. Indirect maneuvres are not as obvious. They include deception, espionage, secret operations that strike the opponent out of the blue, sometimes even the use of psychic/magical forces (sorry MH, I had to say this). A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Using your own strengths against your opponent's weaknesses is a key to victory. That's why it's so important to know both yourself and your opponent. The general who doesn't know the "night side" of warfare lacks finesse and is limited to crude and predictable tactics. Again, we are talking about breaking things down to their simplest constituents. Some of the most effective martial arts are based on a fairly limited number of basic moves, although their applications, combinations and permutations are innumerable. Here, Sun Tzu summarizes the methods of war into the two most basic categories of Daoist philosophy, yin and yang. They keep moving in a circle, and from their combinations, the ten-thousand things arise. Provided that a suitable gradient has been established, especially by strengthening one's own position (as we saw in the previous chapter). A metaphor for action from a superior position with good timing. The bending of a cross bow is synonymous with the build-up of potential energy. Bear in mind that potential energy is in a state of containment and order, just like Sun Tzu's army. However, its release is likened to an explosion. Being able to discern hidden order will definitely give you the edge in any kind of chaotic situation. Sometimes it's best to intimidate the opponent by a show of strength. At other times, it's preferable to simulate weakness as to make the opposition careless - then take them by surprise. For an example, watch this video especially from 2:30 onward: Keeping them running around in circles will make them dissipate their energy and resources. To use minimum effort for maximum results is another important principle both in fighting and in Daoism. Energies properly combined will resonate with and amplify each other. An example (which Sun Tzu wouldn't have been familiar with) is laser light. Or soldiers marching lock-step making a bridge collapse... Fighting from an elevated position (the so called high ground), both literally and metaphorically, is generally of great advantage.

Good one. I would say it's yielding (although with resistance) while building up potential energy for pulling.

If you see an opposition as enemy has a lot to do with your own perspective. Is it compatible with a spiritual attitude in general, and a Daoist one in particular? I think, no, as it is an expression of strong dualist thinking. I basically always had, but also further developed this attitude despite (or because of) some pretty fierce conflicts with certain people.

Daoists don't even have enemies. (Okay, ideally speaking.)

Alright, let me try again. Okay, Chewbacca. Let's use an example from Aikido. Opponent rushes at me. I avoid him by a circular step out of his way and use the energy generated by my evasive action plus his attack to gently redirect him, so he goes crashing right into that wall. Aren't yin and yang really close to each other here?

I am not sure if I would want to have it on my wall, but it's quite interesting.

When I was around the OP's age, I composed a "treasure map" for my spiritual aspirations. Among other things I wrote on it: "The way that can be shown is not the eternal way." I believe that we may need a certain kind of practice during certain stages in our life. We may maintain it all life long or abandon it one day - perhaps to come back to it later on another level. The only instance that can truly show you your way resides deep inside you. Best wishes.

Transcend zebra thinking. Bear in mind that there is a white yang "fish eye" in the black yin "fish".

Unless you are a beginner or a practitioner of "flower power Taiji", when you are doing push hands, you must consider yourself in a combat situation. But you obviously didn't regard it as such, otherwise you could never have turned away to address somebody's request. How polite and considerate of you! But that practitioner, when she is in combat mode, is not polite and considerate, she is acting from her reptilian brain which takes no prisoners! Consider that you may be misreading her when you think of her as a treacherous bitch - she could genuinely be a kind person under most circumstances but turning into a fierce warrior when engaged in combat. Be that as it may, there was an opening in your guard and she showed it to you in a way you would remember. I think there was a good reason why your instructor had you work out with that lady... When you happen to train with her again, don't let anger or fear control you - but show her that you have learned your lesson and make her respect you.