Miroku

And let us not forget that we all have a male and female aspect in us, so not only does surrounding mother nature proves him wrong, but his inner feminine principle does so too from the inside.

I believe that in case of H.H. it can be also cause by his diet as he is most probably eating not too much and quite healthily and regularly (these three things can make a huge difference, I remember when for a week I ate bit less and in more regular manner and I have never felt as good). Plus the fact that he is a truly accomplished meditation master. However, even he says that the age has caught up and has been feeling fatigue lately, which resulted in a less demanding travel programme.

A good session of a legit yoga (like yantra yoga) can do things with a body that might be harder to achieve with soft qigong. One can have pretty clear experiences when using body. Qigong can be bit harder as it involves bit more of mental calmness and relaxation. However yes. It does not matter how many hours of yoga or qigong you do if you do not train your mind to be loving and compassionate.

Zen is a good movie. It is Japanese tho... but about a japanese monk who went to China to study Zen sooo

Don't live a good live despite evil's existance. Live a good live because evil exists. Honest good live filled with love and care is an open defiance to anything bad and nurtures many positive things. Kinda like Tolkien wrote: “I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo."So do I," said Gandalf, "and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

I am always surprised how open, liberating yet normal meditation is. It is simple. Easy. Constantly reachable, on and off the cushion. It gives life a new dimension. One that is often very raw as one awakes from the dream that things are solid and once again realises the fragility of existence. Well enough of my faux "expertise". Just... you are right. Thx for sharing.

Sure genocide is the answer to all of our problems. Ofc it is. But we do not have just cold logic, we also have or should have compassion and the will to go and find real sollutions that don't involve killing. It is enough that the rich have already doomed us all. No need to kill each other.

It doesn't turn you into unfeeling robot. Buddha was mad because that was hinajana approach there it is almost impossible to attain enlightenment when one isn't monk. But in mahayana when one has compassion and does things with the compassionate motivation then one can even has pretty nice sex and still progress. Easily. Desire isn't necessary. Sometimes you do not desire sth yet it is pleasurable. Things (thoughts, emotions, etc) still appear when you are enlightened. How do I know it? Easy. Buddha was infinetly compassionate. Compassion proves there still things arise. And you can have a joy caused by others progress and virtue. You can feel sadness and pain. The thing is it doesn't bind you because you recognize the enlightened state of mind.

Yes, but again the same point. If you do not want the fruit y bother with the tree? Plus trust me before reaching anywhere near enlightenment you will have enough time for girlfriends and enjoyment. Plus one can enjoy even in an enlightened state. At least from buddhist point of view.

Honestly if you do not agree with Buddha why would you seek nirvana? Find a different path. If you do not want to get enlightened Buddhism is apparently not for you.

Dunno really. Sometimes people change and lose interest in things. It is good if your practice is fullfilling. However, remember you are part of the world. It is important to stay informed. Find a good source of information and go through it everyday for few minutes to know what is going on. My experience is that I am becoming more picky when it comes to reading, but at the same time I watch all kind of s**t on youtube. So, my advice would be do not renounce just find some quality. Some books, or movies are worth being seen/read repeatedly.

Thanks guys! I will experiment then.

My feet tend to be very cold at night, partly because I live in an flat that is on the ground floor and there are only cellars underneath the flat. What do you think about adding the salt?

A long strict retreat can be bit too much for a beginner. But if you think you can do it do it. There are many ways how to go forward after that. The best would be keep on sitting everyday at least a little bit. To keep up the momentum. In the end it is all basically about going to a retreat practicing and keeping the momentum. If you are really interested then this is what your life will be like, kinda. The online course ... it really depends on you. What you want and expect. If you are into theravada then the best will probably be to move in that direction. The best would be to find a teacher or sangha. Meet with them from time to time and that itself helps a lot. Also read some translations of sutras and commentaries. Good luck.

From Siddharta's Intent: So go and enjoy this dharma gift!

I am not gonna lie, this is heartbreaking for me. 6 and half years ago I have received my first teachings from Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche and I cannot say I was a good student. I have barely moved since those days but I am incredibly thankful and grateful for the little I have learned and for opening the treasure of dharma to me. Namkhai Norbu Khyenno!

The best how to do it is through engaging with a teacher. Yeah I know pretty unpopular opinion, but yeah. Teacher can help you save years of progress or even lifetimes. Why? Well easy, they can point where you have gone off the right track and suggest new way or different practice to develop what is needed. But nice instructions. Thx.

"The online seminar series will introduce the Madhyamaka or “Middle Way” teachings, the foundational view of emptiness/nonduality upon which all Buddhist practice is based. The seminars will be based on Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s teachings on Chandrakirti’s Madhyamakavatara, the Heart Sutra, and the Vajracchedika Sutra, as well as other related teachings by Rinpoche such as the Two Truths and the Four Seals." http://madhyamaka.com/ This seems like a great opportunity to deepen one's understanding of buddhist philosophy. In Buddhism right view is of great importance and is essential in one's practice and daily life. Week 1 is already online. Happy Saka Dawa!

Oi wei, this is meshugge.

Meh

There is quite few of them. There are also online programs like Tripe Tara sth by Chokyi Nyima rinpoche... etc. :-)

Garchen Rinpoche shares his teaching openly via webcasts quite often. There is also Chamtrul Rinpoche from bön. Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche will give direct introduction to dzogchen in 7 days. Also from gelug there is FPMT and their ... I forgot the name. Well if you want there is this site on FB https://www.facebook.com/groups/173742296293947/

Meh

Don't like to play this card but please be a bit more respectful. The thing with sutras is that they were written after his death. One of his attendants I think Ananda had perfect memory so from that it came and other students who attained arhatship also gave their testimony. So that is where sutras are from. We do not imagine we do not exist that would be nihilism and it is a wrong view. And check the news and you will see many great masters like H.H. Chetsang Rinpoche or H.H. Gyalwang Drukpa do a lot of important work. The gospels are (tbh) at least the same level of reliability as sutras.

"Embodiment of all the buddhas’ compassion, holder of the white lotus, Having set aside the apparel of the saṃbhogakāya, You appear as a monk in saffron robes to protect this world, Victorious lord Tenzin Gyatso, in heartfelt devotion, we bow to you!" —— Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche