Nanashi

The harder you struggle the longer it takes?

The bird of paradise lands on the hand that does not grasp.

Big Bob's BBQ needs to expand their vegetarian entrees.

Sounds like it was a fascinating, powerful experience. I've heard accounts from Daniel Pinchbeck and Aubrey Marcus from when they underwent the Ayahuasca ritual in South America. One remarked it was like tuning into the frequency of the spiritual world already around us (akin to a radio dial).

I was able to procure a sampling from my local apothecary, and though he had a reddish-black mushroom, I was encouraged to try the more psychotropic gold variety.

After consuming 1g, I spent time meditating on swordsmanship. I was able to construct two new techniques: zan-uchu-ken (the sword that cuts through the universe) and zan-mu-ken (the sword that cuts through the void, or no-thing).

I will test a larger dosage soon.

Police surrounding protesters in St. Louis and Atlanta-- media blackout all over.

Seattle camps now being raided by police, against mayoral orders.

there may be casualties, media has been barred.

Police are starting to attack the protestors in Boston

I think Aaron is stereotyping the demographic of the movement, but that doesn't matter. In another thread, he mentions being forced to work while ill just to have enough funds to afford basic bills like power and rent, yet here shows major cognitive dissonance while writing off these protests as meaningless.

People are protesting, as have many in the past all over the world, for the chance to be treated like a human being, with some sort of basic decency.

After hearing Graham Hancock explain his theories on Joe Rogan's podcast, I can see some merit in alternative history. It is pretty interesting, and time has a way of eating things away. I doubt much evidence of our stuff will be around in 10,000 years.

this thread is stupid

when trolls leave their turds behind

in the zen garden

Peculiar wonder

...

I get it now, you've been possessed by a mischievous cat-demon.

It is one thing to offer constructive direction for Aaron, it is another thing to be a dick about it.

best wishes

"The Empty Mirror: Experiences in a Japanese Zen Monastery" by Van de Wetering

A great book, along with "A Glimpse of Nothingness: Experiences in an American Zen Community". Anyone interested in Japanese monastic life, or dream of an American commune life, should give these a read. The author has a unique experience of both worlds, starting off his spiritual seeking by abandoning everything, and his European perspective on things makes for a poignant narrative.

ralis: haha, wtf?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtXQ31F1A-k

Manitou: how lovely; you are a good artist. Do you have any more to share?

I like how Tom's silhouette resembles that of an Alfred Hitchcock shows' opening caricature. Also familiar is the "tortured genius" look in his eyes, and accompanying bags under the eyes. Mystery and excitement is my overall impression, intelligence and sorrow.

The drain, I think, looks a lot like the I-Ching triagram Chen-- coincidence?

With my painting, I started with an enso (zen circle) then spontaneously kept going-- adding the taiji, and something I don't usually do: add color. The blues represent water and spiral movement/energy. I am fond of painting/drawing with little thought about it beforehand, and seeing where the brush-mind takes it.

I posted this recent painting by me in an off-topic thread last night, but it seems topical here.

And here are a couple paintings I am a fan of:

Ogata Gekko's Dragon Rising to Heaven (Ryu Sho Ten)

Shingai's Universe (Uchu)

Painted a recent one, turned out well:

Article

Looks like he's performing a mudra while harnessing ki.