forestofclarity

It is not unusual for the same terms in spiritual traditions (such as Buddhism and some forms of Daoism) to have more refined and less reified meanings as the student progresses. Which is one reason IMO that strong opinions and ideas literally block progress. I note how carefully he handles this. It is not something you're creating or trying to accomplish, but something you are aware of in the event it arises.

Because it has form.

If I had to guess, because Damo is using "pre-celestial" in a relative way instead of in an ultimate way. Evidently, in the oral tradition, multiple versions are used (not unlike various forms of Buddhism where terms are more refined depending on the context). So some people may listen to this and say it is not neidan it is neigong. Also because it is Damo.

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A few more tips occurred to me. Regarding using the easier sentient beings first, some of the easiest include animals, especially if you have a pet. An interesting thing for me is that by studying oneself, an insight begins to open for other beings. Seeing how our delusions form into hindrances and cause suffering, we get first hand experience of how suffering arises for us, and how we want happiness. At some point, we begin to see these same patterns in others--- but we know that others, like us, are struggling to be happy and free and are only acting out of ignorance. This makes it easier to extend compassion to more difficult people.

I'm not sure what country you might be in, but I've practiced in public all over the U.S. (including in very conservative Christian areas) and have never gotten any of that. One time, a little boy asked his mom what I was doing when I was doing standing practice and she said "He's working out." Other than that, no one has said anything. Most people are too caught up in their own stories to care as much as we think. Also, a lot of people are generally familiar with tai chi, yoga, etc.

Does fajin have a point outside of martial arts?

I don't know any good sources in book or course form personally, but I applaud the effort. I need more metta. I think we all need more metta. From my POV, this is exactly what the board is often missing. The most striking thing about advanced practitioners I've met is the natural radiance of metta. One thing I would suggest is that whatever the source, an important tip is to feel the metta, it whatever form it arises, usually in the heart area. Some people repeat phrases or visualize it, which is fine but I think and have been taught it is more important to cultivate the feeling. It may sometimes be barely felt, but like tending to a little a fire it will expand.

First off, the mind is much more powerful than you think. Second, most lineages have physical changes involved, but many don't talk about them. We are idea making machines. Once formed, an idea may be nearly impossible to remove. Third, it is more important to walk the road than collect other people's signs, in my opinion. But I have no idea how it will unfold for others. The Dao isn't a one trick pony. Gravity applies, even if one is not a physicist.

Yes, I like this version. It is interesting to revisit over the years to see how it deepens.

This: Is not the same thing as this: English words do not have exact meanings. Meaning also depends on context. One word may have several denotations, and additional connotations. Not to mention words definitions drift over time. Linguists have tried to create a more exacting language and failed.

Some one once posted a piece of this, in an effort to point out how confounding the language. It was "good, bad; sick mind." I always thought that was clearer than most translations! This poem cuts to the bone.

I don't see the connection between power and wisdom. There are many teachings in many traditions. In the Suttas, different disciples had different powers and some had none depending on their karma and disposition. Given that lay followers tend to support those with powers, there is a general ban per the vinaya I believe on discussing one's siddhis and powers since lack of support can end a monk's career. Further, I find that talk of power is quite popular, because it appeals to our baser side--- clinging and craving. These hindrances, per the teachings I've received, block one's progress. All right, I will acknowledge that we have different ways of processing written information, social cues, etc. Here is my limited POV: there are provocative posts that challenge the prevailing orthodoxy. When questioned, there is a tendency to fall back on secrecy or something similar. In exoteric Buddhism, this is sowing doubt in the sangha, which is one of the worst things a Buddhist can do. There are mental functions (samskaras) that criticize, rank, and distinguish "good and bad." Typically IME these functions are limited, and imposing limited ideas on the world due to mental habit. These functions tend to weaken as one progresses in my experience and from what I've seen. Source? One is a fixed point external on the physical body, and one is a point within the body. Concentrating on them has different effects on the body-mind.