Shadao

25 minutes ago, RiverSnake said:

 

Few people are skilled enough to teach Qigong beyond just doing the motions. Here's a few names that i believe are reputable. 

 

-Jenny Lamb 

-Tao Semko 

-Michael Lomax 

-Chunyi Lin 

Many thanks.

 

I'll search for them and see what I can find.

EDIT: Now that I realized one of the names if from the guy of SFQ

40 minutes ago, RiverSnake said:

I tried the movement from the 2nd video of Swimming Dragon Qigong. Back in the day i experimented with it as a way of sublimating sexual energy. I found it to be quite effective. 

 

Ba Duan Jin or 8 Brocades is a set i experimented with when i first began training. Good for health....but i have not heard of anyone using it as a tool of deeper cultivation. 

 

Don't know anything about the rest of the videos. 

 

Yeah, my question was more on the people teaching these things than the content of their teaching per se.

Do they seem legit?Or are they mixing legit knowledge with fake stuff?

 

This is what I am in doubt.Their legitimacy to be teaching what they are teaching.

I was browsing YT and found a few videos/channels that I wanted to know if the stuff they're teaching is legit or if they are "making it up".

Be as it may, online stuff is the only way(for now) for me to get anything related to qigong and such, and of those I can only get either what's cheap or what's free so I do have a habit of(once starting to learn something) searching for and "acquiring"(saving) what I find to see it later all together.

 

The videos/channels in question are:

 

 

 

 

 

Not much to do with Daoism/Taoism, but one thing I tend to enjoy doing is watching/listening to videos like this one:

 

Videos where the one recording does not make a sound, trying to give the viewer the illusion that it is them there, not the one holding the camera and walking, and these videos(usually filled with the sounds of nature of either kind) seem to always put me into a contemplative mood, not unlike when I would just sit somewhere and indulge in a bit of "people watching".

 

Feeling as if I was outside time and space and observing people living their lives, following their routines, many just worrying about their work or where to get food for dinner next time.

 

I like it, maybe it's just part of my introvert tendencies but I do like to feel as if I can just distance myself and "notice".

 

Anyone else tends to do something similar?

 

ps: Yeah this is a very simple post, nothing too fancy nor wise(i.e. no talk about qigong or teachings and such), reason why I also posted here instead of in other places of the forum.

 

57 minutes ago, Cleansox said:

Jerry Alan Johnson 

Daoist internal alchemy: Neigong & Weigong training. 

The secret teaching of esoteric daoist magic. 

 

Www.daoistmagic.com 

I will check it, thanks for that.

 

39 minutes ago, silent thunder said:

I have had a copy of Jerry's book Daoist Internal Alchemy: Neigong and Weigong Training/The Secret Teaching of Esoteric Daoist Magic for 7 years now.

 

There is so much more in that manual than I will ever be able to incorporate in this lifetime.

That book is a veritable cornucopia of Daoist knowledge and wisdom.

 

621 pages of pure, distilled taoist theory, practices, meditations, rituals.  I highly recommend it.

One of the more practical books I've encountered.  No nonsense.  Organized.  Functional.

Oh, a huge one!The more descriptive it is the better for an easier understanding.

 

Thanks.

 

EDIT: only now realized it is the same book, ah I should stop reading things with a tired mind -.-

I want to know if anyone here knows of books, youtube channels or websites that may contain legit content about the subject on the title(i.e. Taoist magic).

 

It is a subject that I find interesting but honestly don't have much access to materials of such content.

 

Thank you in advance!

Just now, Wu Ming Jen said:

A 10 year old girl told me this joke today. we trade jokes often. made me laugh

 

A little girl had a cat that died. She pleaded with her mom that she wanted another one. The mom said to her  "what in the world are you going to do with two dead cats?"

 

 

 

 

Should've asked to Schrödinger for a cat.

6 hours ago, liminal_luke said:

I´m guessing that there is a range of experiences that could fall into a general category: experiences of inner boundlessness.  I´ve had inklings along these lines and am also sure that the experience can become much more profound than I´ve discovered thus far.  

 

One thing´s for sure though -- there´s nothing a bit foolish or nonsensical about your perceptions, Knowthing.  I think it´s great that you asked your question because it lets others who have had similar experiences know they are not alone.

 

My feeling is that we´re sometimes at our most vulnerable, our most open, when we´re having what we might call "spiritual experiences."  And because we´re vulnerable, it makes sense to protect ourselves.  Unfortunately, not everyone we meet online is a friend.  It´s rational and self-caring to be a bit discriminate about sharing our deepest and most tender spiritual moments. LIke with anything, people differ.  Some can reveal a lot without negative consequences and may even benefit from doing so, while others are better off keeping their own counsel.

Hmmm, personally I don't tend to feel vulnerable with spiritual experiences, usually I'm "cool" with it regardless of what it is(although it ain't cool when people hex you).

 

My feeling of talking about this being foolish or non-sense is due to the fact that I'm still new here(don't know much of the people and even less of the paths and knowledge) and I was a shy kid growing up so when it seems to me that I lack experience or knowledge at something AND I'm new, I feel like I go back to that shy kid.So, I guess it would be more of a psychological thing?

 

 

1 hour ago, steve said:

 

 

Apparently you and I do, at least...

 

 

I don't so much feel "bad" talking about it.

For me, there are a few aspects of talking of these things that can feel a bit uncomfortable.

There is the feeling that perhaps I'll say something "wrong," something "incorrect" and that others may think less of me.

This is the spiritual ego speaking.

There is the feeling that maybe I'm sharing things I shouldn't, sharing things that my lead others astray unintentionally.

Part of me wants to share to help and support others and part of me knows that we are not always ready to hear things and some of these discussions can have negative effects on some people.

There is a sense of reverence, due to how valuable and rare such experiences are, making me feel a bit protective, even defensive that can make me feel uncomfortable sharing, as if I am being disrespectful by putting some of these experiences into words.

 

Ah, my question was more on the line of "is this such a serious/bad/heavy topic that people feel discomfort?" while my comment was more about the fact that I thought that talking about feeling that would be seen as "foolish" or "non-sense"

 

 

11 hours ago, RiverSnake said:

Boundaries of self and other can get a bit slippery....as you go deeper into these things. 

Really?

 

Then should I be thankful that I(or at least the "I" I see on the mirror) is selfish enough to have a strong sense of "self"? 

 

In truth though, when I get in one of my "philosophic moods" I do tend to question any and everything...not gonna lie, it can be a downer moment.It's only this selfish, delusional "I'm a Sovereign, a God-King, bow to me peasants!" that somehow stops me from feeling lesser.

 

2 hours ago, steve said:

 

Yes, it is an experience I’ve also shared.

In the tradition I follow it’s often referred to as the unbounded space of being.

It’s an important part of our practice and theoretical paradigm. I agree that words are inadequate to describe such things. I think such experiences can be very meaningful and profound, hence the sensitivity and discomfort in discussing them openly.

Welcome to the DaoBums.

People feel discomfortable about talking of such things?I get not being able to properly explain with words, but is there another reason why people feel bad talking about it?

I don't know if it's because I'm a newbie at this site or if it's just my own introversion "speaking" but I am feeling a bit stupid of writing of this even though I know there is no need to feel like that.

 

Does any one here also feels like there is an infinite deep/infinite universe inside yourself?

 

This happened alot in the past, nowadays not so frequently but sometimes when I feel excited(even if due only to my own imagination/visualizations...of which I do alot as a frequent daydreamer...) or just "feel at peace with myself", I'll feel as if I have no bounds "inside myself"...I don't know how to explain it better, I feel like words are hard to use to explain certain things.

 

I'll just feel like I'm not this body, or that this body is just a "gate" linking "this" to the physical world...man, words are really hard to use.Specially when it's another language not your own.

Mostly certain meme pages on reddit(first link), as well as the dad jokes sub(second link).

 

1 minute ago, Nungali said:

 

Man !  ... is that little bird that lives next door going to be pissed off !

 

 

Bird: Quit yer knocking!

Just now, dwai said:

I like Vidyut...he is a world-class action star. I'd love to see him collaborate with some of the international action stars like Michael Jai White, Scott Adkins, Tony Jaa, et al. Also love the fact that he practices and promotes Indian martial arts. 

While not a collab per se, he and Scott Adkins interviewed each other for their own YT channels.

 

And yes I see many posting this on his videos, how he "remembers his roots" and "is a true hero" and such.

Just now, Cleansox said:

One of my teachers, a Police officer, had us training out in the snow, in stair cases, and one memorable weekend, in a bar (including the restrooms). 

If anyone slacked he could ask: "Did you take a rest?"

Since we're talking about channels that have kalaripayattu in it...

(and yes, this is from an actor that is known to practice kalaripayattu)

 

Here are some of his videos:

 

 

For someone like me that does not speak the language of the art, nor lives there nor is of the culture, his videos(and those of Karate TV) are my main sources to learn more about kalaripayattu(or, learn what they show).

Mostly stuff from works of fiction:

 

“My mind," he said, "rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis, and I am in my own proper atmosphere. I can dispense then with artificial stimulants. But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for mental exaltation. That is why I have chosen my own particular profession, or rather created it, for I am the only one in the world.”
― Sherlock Holmes

 

“The game is afoot.”

― Sherlock Holmes

 

“How often have I said to you that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?”

― Sherlock Holmes

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Zaheer: Like all great children's tales, it contains truth within the myth. Laghima once wrote, "Instinct is a lie, told by a fearful body, hoping to be wrong."

Guard: What's that supposed to mean?

Zaheer: It means, that when you base your expectations only on what you see, you blind yourself to the possibilities of a new reality.

― Legend of Korra

 

Zaheer: Focus on the sound of my voice and clear your mind.

[Cut to Korra envisioning the day that Zaheer almost killed her. Korra starts hyperventilating in panic]

Zaheer: Let it play out.

Korra: I can't!

Zaheer: You can. Accept what happened to you. Don't fear what might have been.

― Legend of Korra

 

Korra: You wanted to create a place where you and your people would never be vulnerable again. I may not have been an orphan, but believe me, I understand what it feels like to be afraid. After I was poisoned, I would've done anything to feel in control.

― Legend of Korra

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“The true mind can weather all lies and illusions without being lost. The true heart can touch the poison of hatred without being harmed. From beginningless time, darkness thrives in the void, but always yields to purifying light.” – Avatar The Last Airbender

 

“It is important to draw wisdom from different places. If you take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale.” – Avatar The Last Airbender

 

“It’s always best to believe in one’s self but a little help from others can be a great blessing!” – Avatar The Last Airbender

 

“You need to find someone who WAITS and LISTENS before striking.” – Avatar The Last Airbender

 

“The past can be a great teacher.” – Avatar The Last Airbender

 

“When we hit our lowest point, we are open to the greatest change.” – Avatar The Last Airbender

5 hours ago, RiverSnake said:

 

Can't believe i didn't ask this before....but what are you studying at university? This can be a powerful clue. Mathematics and Engineering are 3rd Eye oriented studies...meaning you have to access that domain.....different areas of learning resonate in different spaces. 

I don't know what is the best translation in english but I study Performance Arts(which in my country seems to be the equivalent of studying Theater and a mix of other disciplines for performances in general).

 

We do learn about proper breathing(for singing and voice projection) and both about postures and body control(for obvious reasons).

We do alot of physical exercises, visualization exercises, we learn about methods of acting(and training), how to "have  stage presence/project 'X' presence on a scene or performance", how to take care of our bodies and etc.

16 hours ago, RiverSnake said:

Another way to use this exploratory strategy is through "game". D&D can be an interesting experiment.

 

The most revealing part of this game is when people actually create the characters they wish to play. You cannot "create" something that is not "you" in that moment. Look at the common resonances and archetypes you pick as your "role" to play. It can be profoundly revealing. 

I probably would end up with some characters or one that is very flexible/adaptable, as this is a constant to me.The "not being limited to chosing just one thing", not "being just one thing".

 

Although...is there a class(or mix of classes) that has melee/brawler/fighter+stealth+magic/spirit?

Just asking so I know which ones to check later

11 hours ago, forestofemptiness said:

I hate to say it, but when it comes to general health, wellness, and vitality, I have not found anything better than Western style exercise. You also don't need to spend hours a day doing it, it is easy to learn, and there are many competent teachers. It is good therapy for stress. 

 

There are several problems with qigong. 1. is finding a competent teacher, which is harder than it seems (at least for me). To really get the alignments, you need a good teacher.  2. is finding a competent teacher willing to show you the system. A lot of competent teachers veil the teaching in mystery, stretch out the training, etc. 3. it is, in my mind, a form of meditation, which means it works better if you have focus. 4. it takes time. 

 

For a busy university student in the midst of stressful changes, I would recommend regular exercise, and once settled, look into qigong. 

I'm already doing some kind of calisthenics and IF, and am already looking to do martial arts so you can be sure that, body-wise, I'm "covered"(I think that's the right english expression).

2 hours ago, RiverSnake said:

 

These archetypes will manifest in your reality whether you realize it or not. When i was younger i was involved in a swim team, martial arts and loved playing video games. There are different underlying energetics in all these areas. 

 

I had a guy friend who had a very yin personality and felt completely calm when around water. For me, watching a tiger stalk its prey is pure joy. Keep gathering clues.  

I might even end up writting about all the clues gathered, just for the fun of it.

I would like to request space for me to keep track of my journey on the PPD.

Just now, RiverSnake said:

A basic movement of Spring Forest Qigong. Simple but powerful. Video below. Chaos magick...not something i have in depth experience with, but have learned enormously by listening to several practitioner of the current. 

 

I was subscribed to Gordon White's course (a chaos dude) through Rune Soup and enjoyed it thoroughly. I have listened to Andrieh Vitimis's Deeper Down the Rabbit Hole podcast for many years and gained an impressive haul of knowledge. Both of them have books in the field and i am currently reading Chaos Protocols. 

 

Jan Fries whom is also a coyote has many books on Shamanism. 

 

I used to study Silat with an instructor in Florida whom is excellent...but i doubt you live around there. Finding a good martial instructor can be tricky. Once you learn a bit of Chaos Magick, can throw a sigil to work that pathway.  

 

Best of luck. Feel free to Pm me if you need any help. 

 

 

https://runesoup.com 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deeper-down-the-rabbit-hole/id434344872 

 

 

 

 

 

Much appreciated for the assistance.

 

I have a site where I can find many books regarding the subjects(it's an archive type of site) I intend to study(save the martial arts, as those I prefer to focus on the practice-side only) as well as some people that are(or at least appear to be) knowledgeable in the areas(both chaos-magic and shamanism).

 

 

 

I like to move, I like to fight(even if I am not fighting against someone, even if it's just shadowboxing).

I like to learn, to learn of the ways of thinking and development towards a final goal more than the goal itself.

I like the occult/supernatural, the idea of something beyond the regular senses and knowledge.

 

So...I don't know if it's a good idea, but it is what I chose for myself.

 

Since I'm new to this Qi/Ki/Chi(the "practicing side") bussiness I decided to pick the Spring Forest Qigong as it is stated to be one that can be easily learned(or at least it's easier to start in).

 

I also decided that while I do this I will learn both Muay Thai and Kalaripayattu(although this last one will be more of a "learning moves than the entire thing" due to: 1.Not being in India, 2.Not knowing the language and 3.Very few places actually seem to put decent content about it so I have to make do with what I have) as martial arts.

 

Finally, I decided to also learn more about Chaos magic/meta-magic and Shamanism, which seem to be the paths that call me the most.Of course, not forgetting about Taoism/Daoism.

 

I hope to be able to have results to talk about in a few weeks.

Just now, RiverSnake said:

There are millions of methods but only a few suited to your nature. Seek out thyself. 

I understood that a person should or could only pick one as to avoid issues between the methods...is that right or is there a way for someone to learn more than one?