Mila_Now

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Eva Wong -- a deep practitioner of both Taoist & Tibetan (Nyingma) paths -- has suggested an at least approximate equivalent between the Taoist Three Treasures & the Trikaya (Buddhist Three Bodies of Awakened Mind): Dharmakaya = Shen Sambogakaya = Qi Nirmanakaya = Jing I have found this to be a useful & interesting way of placing the two traditions in conversation -- irrespective of whether or not the formulation could be worked out, technically/conceptually, in a way that satisfies both "camps."

If we explore this issue via Madhyamaka reasoning (a la Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamakakarika) we might say: the phrase "dependent origination" -- as a linguistic/conceptual category -- exists only in relation to the phrase "independent existence" (or "true existence" or whatever else would be its opposite). As such, its ontological status is identical to all other conceptual/linguistic categories (i.e. words or phrases), viz. it itself is dependently originated. As a skillful means, its relative value (from a Buddhist perspective) might be greater than other words or phrases; but ultimately it, like all conceptual fabrications, must be dissolved/transcended -- in order finally to rest in the Nature of Mind, Dharmakaya. To one who has realized Mahamudra/Dzogchen, phenomenal arisings (words, phrases, trees, flowers, anger, joy) are no longer a problem, because they are seen clearly and experienced directly as waves arising from the ocean of Dharmakaya.

so why does this sort of stuff appeal to so many people?

What do you charge for a chakra-lotus-flower-with-hiney download?

Thanks, anonymous, for providing this information -- as well as the link to Wendy's post over at the Healing Tao forum. I feel you've both pretty much nailed it: Here's a guy with some bona fide skills and power and good intentions; who has, in some not insignificant ways, gone astray, in relation to the larger picture. It's tricky, isn't it -- these issues of power and authority in relation to teachers? Earlier in this thread, someone made the point that ultimately it's the responsibility of each one of us (in our roles as students and teachers) to see through and hence avoid this kind of thing. And there is, of course, truth to this. Yet part of the reason for having a teacher comes from the acknowledgment of our as-yet-imperfect wisdom, knowledge, power, perception -- and a desire to associate with someone who, out of kindness and compassion, has agreed to support us on the way. And this is, potentially, beautiful! Of course our capacity to intuit the "greater" wisdom, knowledge, power, perception etc. in another person has its source in our own (as-yet-unmanifest) capacities, of that same order. To the extent that a teacher is skilled, they will tune into the dynamics of this kind of projection, knowing that they are but a mirror of their students' own as-yet-unrecognized capacities -- and, as quickly as possible, and fully, "return" this projected power/authority to the student. The Guru Yoga practice of Tibetan Buddhism is a great example of this kind of skillful working with what is perhaps a necessary projection of authority onto a spiritual teacher. We get to see Buddha/God/Tao in another, fall in love with this, and then come to recognize our non-separation from the mind of the Guru, i.e. our own Buddha Nature, our "true face." Once again, I do not doubt Dr. Sha's capacity to work within the "realms of power" (the Sambogakaya, in Buddhist language) -- I've experienced all kinds of perceptual shifts and third-eye phenomenon, when in connection with his energy. And perhaps, from his side, he doesn't really believe his own "I am God's chosen servant" rhetoric. How would I know? But the fact remains that he is using his power to "inspire" others to project their power and authority onto him, big-time -- without any evidence, to date, of an equally powerful capacity to return this power and authority to its rightful owners .....

I just learned that Michael Stevens suffered from a heart attack, died suddenly. Condolences to all involved ... I continue to have wildly mixed feelings about Master Sha's work. I have experienced -- both in person (twice) and via teleconference (many times) the power and sweetness of his energy, his joyful presence, and his commitment to a planetary awakening. I've experienced huge, positive energetic shifts, being in his field. However: from the start I've been quite healthy -- no major illnesses or injuries .... so I can't report, one way or another, on his capacity to heal such things directly. What I am clear about is that some of his methods make me very uncomfortable, and do have a cult-like vibe to them, big-time --- particularly around financial stuff. And his claims to be God's (one and only and special) "chosen servant" are so obviously at odds with Buddhist and Taoist philosophy/practice -- though he claims to have roots in both of these traditions. Charging huge amounts of money for energetic blessings/"downloads" brings to mind Jesus & the Money Changers -- with Dr. Sha playing the role of the latter, and not -- as he might claim -- the former. I admire his courage and stamina and willingness to be a visionary, of sorts --- following the intuitive guidance of spirit --- yet it's obvious that many of those following him are getting into trouble, in all sorts of ways --- and I feel that he has a responsibility to tune into this ...

I just learned of the death of one of Dr. Sha's main disciples -- Michael Stevens. Does anyone know how he died?

Hi to all .... blessings of health, happiness, prosperity & a sublimely satisfying abundance of qi