shontonga
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Posts posted by shontonga
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What is the Most Common Problem on the Minds of Cultivators these days?
A question I ask for all you cultivators of the way out here on this forum.
What concerns you in your cultivation, which is basically your daily lives?
What is most prevalent in your minds throughout the day? What do you all contemplate
in regards to your daily life conditions, situations that arise, relationships, family, work,
ideas in cultivation?
Peace and Blessings,
Lin
Thank you lin.
*bow*
replies with heart.
Not intending this to be complaints or confessions, lol
But will try to say what's confronting me often as of late.
Tend to work with what comes to me to work with?
Have worked diligently and for the most part steadily for a long time,
probably for about 15 years or so in this way now, steady,
without much of a break between things.
Work with different concepts/natures/energies/elements/whatchyamacallit's
Some constantly. Some separately. Others as "needed".
Often with the focus on one(most recent) thing
but am also solidifying what had previously been worked with.
Work in a way of becoming that which is being worked with.
And when learning, in general it takes about 5 months before "starting"
to really learn (to understand even a little) can begin!
What is learned is put into practice, then learned in deeper layers.
Usually one thing leads to another.
Easy to know what to work with, obvious.
Finished with some stuff a few months ago, back in July or August or so.
And that's it.
Not working with "anything" right now.
No direction.
Feels more like a FORCED vacation, hahaha.
Lots that can be called on and played with
but feel like I am just twiddling my thumbs...and i am.
Meditations are fine. Trying to discipline myself with my practices.
But doesn't feel like there is a reason for it if I'm not working with something.
Get depressed If I don't feel I'm learning enough.
Like always being hungry.
Find myself reviewing stuff, going over it and getting bored.
Then Getting short with myself and with those around me.
Like having an itch i can't scratch, lol, shoot.
Get depressed, then angry, lash out for no real reason.
Know better, yes, but still do!
Not much direction from outside this self.
Not any from within.
Just sitting and waiting.
All be it very impatiantly! LOL.
Ok. So it is a complaint and confession of sorts
But if you see me lash out at anyone or start looking for a fight you know why now!
It's not personal ... I'm just bored, lol
mwight ?
I send you a hug kid.
It's hard, heavy stuff.
Hope life feels gentler for you soon.
Am confronted with "Death" stuff daily, it seems.
Even If I'm not working directly with it, folks will come and tell me about
their last 3 boy friends that um,? "Jumped off the planet". Daily.
Keep yourself connected with life, whatever way u find that works.
Pay attention when you see beauty, and things that are "good"?
It doesn't change what you may feel always,
but it reenforces the other side of things sometimes.
For what it's worth if anything!
Good luck, stay well,
Shon
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No, I'm not investigating anyone here, but I get that all the time.
I guess that my first question would be about conflict. Since I started, I've been limiting my conflicts just by the way that I've been thinking. Instead of jumping in / causing obstruction and in the end prolonging problems, I've allowed things to resolve themselves. However, what happens when conflict is unavoidable? When something needs to be done.
Since I'm a novice at this, I'm guessing that a lot of it is my old thought patterns are kicking in. Does this pass with time or is this a legitimate concern?
pghpi
sure u do get asked that alot, sorry!
Couldn't resist!
OOooo.
good questions.
Yes.
Very legitimate but don't get caught by it.
No.
Not with time,
but with practice.
Every action is a choice.
Every moment a choice
to be made in that moment.
Great observations.
How often it is
how we are within our selves
that influences life around us, hmm?
To watch and observe
yourself and those and those around you,
it can be an interesting "game" to play,
To see when those choices are being made?
thank you.
good questions will have to sit with that.
made me think too.
Shon
P.S. (my disclaimer !)
...As if i actually know anything lol!
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I'm Just Curious
Me Too!
Thanks!
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Hi pghpi,
Welcome to the 'bums, we need an investigator here sometimes / often
Have funHi!
... yur investigating us???
So, A? What kinda questions you got there kid?
LOL, U poor thing!
Any certain Taoist's school of thought that catch your attention
more than others these days?
Stay well,
Have fun here!
Shon
Cool telescope!
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i was wondering if someone could list
everything as far as taoism goes and buddhism goes
AHHHHH!
That's a big list?!?
Looking for a side by side comparison to see the similarities/differences?
What is it you want a list of?
Good luck Genuine Art!
Shon
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anyone
hahaha, love it!
Um???
Think U left folks speechless !
Lots have looked but they are unsure maybe?
They are all sitting back on their laurels trying to figure
how it isn't?
How is "something" that's a part of Everything
not a part of something??? LOL
Not sure how to answer myself, Gen?
But if you narrow it down a little I will try!
My own knowledge is very limited i'm afraid but will attempt?
Like do you mean Where does one see Tao in their life
or how does one practice day to day taoism/buddhism?
Are you looking for the religious aspect taoism/buddhism?
Or more into he philosophy of Taoism?
More specifically
What are you specifically pondering ?
Nice to meet you!
Shon
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I got this from mgd:
Trick or Treating By Astrological Sign...
Aries pushes the others aside to get to the door first.
Taurus will only eat the finest of Swiss chocolates.
Gemini goes around the neighborhood once, changes costumes and goes around again.
Cancer stays at home and gives candy to the other trick-or-treaters.
Leo plans their costume for months, then won't go out because someone else had the same idea.
Virgo wears a neatly-pressed suit and tells everyone they're a bookkeeper.
Libra is still standing in front of the closet trying to decide on a
costume.
Scorpio isn't in it for the candy.
Sagittarius will manage to wander to the next town.
Capricorn makes a list of all the houses that give good candy and the
optimal route to take.
Aquarius builds their costume out of spare flashlights and spends all
night tinkering when it shorts.
Pisces skips the whole thing to compose poetry to the Moon.
~~~~
Don't forget to say hi to our ancestors!
OUCH.
IT' TRUE ???
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
WHAT ARE FOLKS GOING OUT AS
OR BUM'S KIDS GOING TO BE FOR HALLOWEEN?
HAVE FUN !!!
*edit ~ whoops sorry had the caps lock thing on : )
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I'm glad you're back.
I don't remember goku getting banned, what did he do?
WOO HOO!
Hi, missed you!
Missed your writing!
Missed your pictures and videos!
Glad your back man!
Shon
LOL, HEY! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
What a perfect day to come back from the "dead"
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You can go to your local flower and garden shop and buy San Pedro cactus and extract the mescaline from that.
Like people say . . . States can be induced but levels have to be earned.
Ugh,
The first one kinda freaks me out to!
Folks usually leave it to soak in a special brew ...
Looks like bloated swollen fingers floating around in jars.
Thanks for the second line there.
Important maybe to remember... thank you!
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I've heard this herb is supposedly the most potent mind-altering substance yet known (and is used by South American shamans for their visits to spirit realms). I assume that includes the psyche drugs like LSD, etc. Has anyone here ever used it?
How is a vision quest/spirit quest/whatever different after taking it than one induced from say...drumming?
Are there any places where one can obtain samples of this herb legally?
LOL,
Open up a taoist page to read about a South American "Herb" ???
DUDE!?!
Just hit me funny.
How are you Serene Blue?
Nice to meet you!
There are plants on every continent that can be used in such ways.
To understand though, in Shamanism, it is not the plant you are working with.
It is the Spirit. You know it as you know you mother, brother, neighbor.
You Don't just go up and kiss a random person, lol,
well some may but they are apt to get
slapped/kneed in tender places/or kissed back unexpectedly!!!
Just as in meeting a person, you are introduced, you shake hands so to say!
Some you maybe inclined to "kiss" a bit faster than others
Some you may have to work with for many, Many years before you would ever dare.
Some you may never and be thankful for it! Hahahaa!
And as with a child folks are usually introduced to such things by someone they trust.
A Parent/teacher usually shows and teaches how to work with the "plants" Spirits.
They learn from an early age how to be respectful.
How to be humble and sincere.
If it is an act, one gets knocked on there ass.
Usually harder each time it seems!
For those who see energy it's easy to see if someone has taken/worked with Ayuhasca(spelling?).
It's obvious. Unmistakable in how they "look"/"feel". It changes them.
There eyes are very telling. Everything about them is very telling.
The changes are permanent usually, lots of times they still don't know it though,
they don't realize it, can't see it. Have been around very very many.
Don't ingest such myself. Do work with many things though but not like that if i can help it.
But I am sure that ingestion is never really needed if one knows how to work with them.
Others may say different . There are things not necessary to me? Minds change though too.
For one thing am one of those folks who would rather literally die than throw up!!! True!
So won't do it!!!! BLAAAA!!!!
In The U.S.A. It is Illegal.
They can come in and basically take all you own not just the plant.
Yes. You can look it up. If it were Native American religious stuff
and one has the papers to prove they are native themself , who knows???
Still it's Not a native american "religious thing" not like peyote is/was. Laws get weird.
Shamanism isn't usually an advertised thing by those who practice it! It's life.
Why bring more attention to oneself ! One derogatory name that's used for folks who do is "plastic indians".
Considered a very bad thing to do. (and don't say that to anyone unless you want to fight:) )
There are still groups that do use it though and places one could go.
There's a bit of stuff around the east coast so must be else where also!
or one could go with a group to Peru or some such.
LOL, Shoot, I know of folks that do tours. Won't say who they are though.
Find someone you TRUST if U do such a thing. Have to know your self well.
I would not recommend it... but that's because of my own beliefs and experiences in this life.
Am giving you a very biased opinion.
Your life is yours to experience as u see fit my friend.
Treasure it .
Ayuhasca is never worked with by it's self, it always has a companion.
At times more than one.
By those who Know it it is not compared with altered chemicals
only with other "natural" substances usually.
LOL, Vision quests are done over a period of a year or more,
living a "clean" life, usually with someone who is your sponsor present in your days.
Knowing if, when, and how, you mess up. And helping you learn to correct it.
and they don't "stop" after the quest. (The effects of this plant don't either.)
Before doing one there are other cleansing things that are done (i.e. fasting or Sweat lodge are just one.)
Most who are working in such ways are not looking for a quick fix, it is a way of life.
It is LIFE...
Only
*LIFE*
Most "Altered" States can be reached with No more needed than your own body.
They aren't something to be chased after and caught like many think and attempt.
Others on this page may have more techniques or ways to offer.
Be careful in your searches, know yourself well, always listen pay attention.
NOTHING IS ABSOLUTE.
If working in such a way always greet the one your working with respectfully
and depart the same way. As you would an old grandmother/father you love and cherish.
No matter the results you think you see. Be respectful, honest, direct, lovingly strong.
The start and end should be clearly defined.
Have a lot more to say, but always do!
This should be good as an introduction to it a little?
Stay well, Stay safe,
Shon
There is a man who is an artist here in the U.S.A.?
Don't recall his name. Has got books of his paintings out there readily available.
The place is called "The Hall Of Mirrors" or something like that.
Think it may be in an old church in New York.
He has Life size paintings your meant to stand in front of,
like a mirror.
It is supposed to be the equivalent of a energetic transmission,
The "drugs" with out the side effects,lol!
Might be good to look into.
Told it can be creepy to some folks, told by others that it is the most
meraciously profound thing they've ever seen or felt.
Lots of storys have been told to me about them though I've not seen them in person.
I don't know ?
but his work is interestingly accurate in some of what it depicts.
Some He could only know by "seeing" it in order to paint it,
not stuff most know about even if they "see" energy.
Good luck.
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all in all become
as each and everything
we are what we are.
we are what we are.
The sunrise and falling stars.
Ugh. Need some coffee.
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Save me a seat!
In the meantime, your Ka or is it your Ba... one of those dudes in any case, can ride a viking ship up a river of blood to feast in the Halls of Valhalla!!
They have a goat there on the roof who pees beer for an eternity!! Gotta love that.
Apparently the Akh finds all this to be distasteful. What's up with that???
Your pal,
Yoda
CAN SMELL 'EM COOKIN'!
... Not bad?
Bit disturbing and all
but not bad!
Hmm, goat doing WHAT off a roof?
Yup. Am GLAD I don't drink now, Thanks! LOL
Ugh.
Interesting the river analogy,?
How the river is found in (most?) every culture
when it comes to death stuff.
... Haven't thought about going up it???
LOL, Always trying to git across it! (kinda)
Was taught a map (formula) as a child.
Just normal stuff of "folk tails" but every word a symbol,
every word very full of meaning.
This one just happens to be from an irishish part of the family
but it's not an unusual story, also found in many parts of the world.
Have seen/heard the same from South America and Asia and other places too.
An old map, like any other.
Used when working with many different layers,
depending on the view of the individual.
Used (taught to me for) "Shamanism", but also works for "enlightenment".
Or just trying to figure out "normal" everyday stuff.
Yantras, mandalas, and such are often used the same way, as a "map"
but I like the old stories!
The one I speak of was learned as a song
...what better way to teach a child! LOL
But anyway, I ramble on and on, sorry!
But this story has one first cross over a "crystal" river (understand? ie. tears)
Then a river of Blood, LOL, The next one comes upon is a thorny path!
... which is avoided because it leads to "hell".
Or rather the "instructions" are ya might (definitely!) want to "avoid" it!
It can be done and sometimes has to be traveled upon
but ya really don't want to do some things!!!
Goes on and on also, making lots of stops along the way.
Typical disappearing from the earth for "7 years and a day" folk tale stuff,
but fun. Takes a good 45 min. or more for me to tell it as it was learned.
And that would only be such a rough outline at best!
It is said that the tales are alive.
They are creation.
Creation doesn't end.
If creation ends what is it?
Dead.
(though there are other ways to think about that!)
So the stories change, move, live, and teach
according to the individual and there needs/experiences.
Their are so many tales like this!!!
This is just one I like!
So Go Up The rivers ???
... What's up the crystal river then ?
Stay well!
Shon
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Welcome wuliheron, find a seat, how do you like your tea?
I like your name.
Creates interesting images...
hmm?
Welcome!
Nice to meet you,
I am Shon
Stig makes the finest tea, by the way!?!
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but soon i must go,
that second cup of green tea
is making me pee.
(LOL??? Oh, No.
Ya know, some of these are just wrong.
Just wrong. finding myself stumped by this haiku? )
is making me pee.
Drain to sea, humidity.
Bad for curly hair?
(Yer Up, kitty!)
(or anybum!)
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Don't forget the second rule too
So what do we want?
Endless strings of numbers?
"1, 2, 3, 4, missed a day, 1, 2, missed a day, 1 etc"
A daily post to signify compliance?
"I'm a squatter
ask me how"
Or (my favourite) a "signup sheet" then only post excuses.
"I've done 1904 days in a row but I missed today because my cat was sick"
replies
"Not good enough"
"1st loser"
"Is your cat ok?"
"Drop and give me 20!"
Any way works!
I've just been polluting random pages like yours saying ~ It's been done?
Do have my "own" journal but been neglecting it lately!
Lol, I Can Trash talk you guys!
and get away with it!?!
... This is gonna be great!
Guess i gotta do them tonight then?
Was thinking of slacking off, am home and kinda sick and all ....
excuses excuses excuses ....
But mYTHmAKER's bet hurts and would mean i couldn't post
so was gonna do them , but whine whine whine.
LOL
I might be the one in need of trash talk, hahaha!
What did I get myself into???
They're all great Mal,
Kinda like the last one?
Three Tiered Muskateers
Unite Level Mirrors
One Compass Point
XQZk_LzHOkA
OMG
That looks like fun!
U Folks Should All Come And Live In My Back Yard!!!
So We Can Do Push Hands All The Time!!!
I Think I get cravings for that
like some folks would for chocolate or sex!
(just reading the celibacy page!)
Darn.
Think I'd gotten to play like that only once since september
Whish my dogs were better at push hands.
Stay well,
Shon
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LOL.
I'll try to speed it up. I'm moving to a new server and theoretically DNS prorogation can take 48 hours. So I'd rather be on the safe side to ensure no stragglers are posting to the old database.
In other words:
Geek. Time.
Sean
THAT WAS TORTURE OF THE KEENEST KIND SEAN!
LOL
Got it back up pretty fast!
Looks good so far!?!
Thanks to some of the bum's for saying hi!
Appreciate it, was feeling lonely!
Thank you too Sean!
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Isn't
First rule of Squat Club was NOT TO talk about Squat Club
Actually Squatting is great, huge bang for the buck muscle wise, I've been feeling the burn lately doing low horsestance bouncing/vibrating part of Varjattsu's KAP1 program.
AWWW.
COME ON!
I'M A GIRL FOR CARP'S SAKE!
NOT TALK ABOUT IT???
THAT'S WHY I JOINED!!!
Hahaa! You are right about the burn, man!
Didn't realize this old body of mine was that out of shape!
Wow!
The Kap programs sound pretty cool?
Have fun!
Shon
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S'OK Darin ... I'm here ... *hold my hand please*
I know!
Let's have some tea!
LOL
Taoist boys are so cute and sensitive!
OMG
Love it!
... all ready made my vows to "my squatting buddies" in Mal's post
You guys should join the SQUAT CLUB!!
Comeon! Be Cool!
Right!
I send you both a hug in these hard times though.
I know it's gonna be rough but keep breathing,
We can get through this,
together.
Together we can git through anything!
Ok?
See ya!
... by!
Shon
Hey, you know
Gonna miss the bum's.
It is truth by the way!
This bit here.
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Alright, here we go !
YM
I put me in the wrong place ?
seems true to form! LOL.
just clicked?
and there i was!
...even though i'm not there.
Maybe it's a premonition??? NAaaa.
hahaha! I like seeing where you are all livin'!
Be it near of far to where you're really livin!
Adds another layer of life to all the tao bums out there!
Cool idea Mantis!
Thanks all!
Sweet dreams!
Shonton Ga
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Seeing the best in people is a gift
.The lunatics have the crazy wisdom, often the deepest kind, that we can't get anywhere else.
Michael
Lunatics are fun.
Different ways to play push hands!
(just terribly "LOST" to one this past week. Haven't yet recovered!)
They have SO MUCH to TEACH!!!
(She said banging her head against wall and pulling out hair in frustration! LOL)
... although there are some that are more fun than others!!!
God(yer word here!) Help Us All!
Shon
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Squat Club!......too lazy to photoshop
Anyone want to squat everyday (except thursday)
# of reps and flavour of squat up to your personal preference.
Loser not allowed to post that day?
(AAARRRrrggg..... the agony)
Oh, yeh. That could suck!
Except thursday??? (why? class night?)
It's thursday morning here(12:08ish am!), just finished doin' them, and now ya tell me!
used a 8 lb medicine ball.
Didn't think it would be so ...
well it made my heart beat, that's for sure!
This is gonna be great!
Thanks for the incentive guys!
Great picture Mal.
Hehee! Think i have use of that ...
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towards tomorrow
while leaning on yesterday
happily now is
happily now is
playing on this computer,
but soon i must go.
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A friendly bet - not necessarily for money- might help you keep at it.
Interested!
15 squats a day to start then up it 2 a week ?
Is that it, or is there more to it I missed ?
in a bit of need
of discipline!
might help!
was thinking about adding low horse stance into my mix
for 2 min at a time (if able to do 2 min.?)
like squats better!
Been lax for the past month or so on practices.
needing to get back to some stuff.
miss it but still seem reluctant?
Current practice is mostly just a little form and sitting at night for awhile.
... lol, so what kinda bet you thinkin' there mYTHmAKER?
Thanks kids!
What is the Most Common Problem...
in General Discussion
Posted
HAHAHA! Yes.
Ahh, Such a fine line between friend and enemy! LOL.
Great! Yes, yes. ok.
Thank you for echoing the voices in my head!
Keep getting to wait. Just wait.
I So HATE WAITING!!! Haha
This line hit hard~
"Cultivation leads one to attain a state of no effort to get things done. "
But I like the effort !
patience is my friend. grumblegrumblegrumble.
Will repeat it till it becomes a song,
without the grumbling!
Think Patience is a very good kung fu partner!
Sweet dreams!