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Quite often, striving to do all one can to overcome addiction, leading to a perceived freedom from a hellish addiction, could also branch off to another form of addiction. Simply put, the elation of becoming free, or the taste of being 'clean', can also be an addiction. The bliss and ecstasy of thinking one has finally succeeded in tackling what one thinks is a harmful form of abuse could potentially sow the seeds of becoming a different sort of abuser.

Compassion is like a spiritual muscle... it needs to be pumped, to be worked on in order to grow. Its love in action. Where expectations and discriminations cease, true kindness reveals itself, just as the sun's brightness and warmth is felt when clouds disperse. Each time an opportunity to practice loving kindness is forsaken, ignored, missed, procrastinated... love dies a little. Its like a purposeful intention to invite and to allow clouds to gather, instead of living in the light that is one's true nature. Practicing compassion does not mean doing great and noble deeds to benefit masses of beings. Sometimes, all it takes is a genuine, heartfelt desire, an inner feeling of intent, for wanting others to experience freedom from anguish, pain, desperation, desolation, hunger, abuse, and last but not least, helplessness. In Buddhist understanding, this is called generating bodhicitta. This is an excellent teaching on the wisdom cultivation of bodhicitta - http://www.lamayeshe.com/index.php?sect=article&id=433&chid=767 Equanimity is not a buddhist thing, not a taoist thing... its not even a thing, dammit - its simply having the even sight to see others as equally deserving of joy and happiness, just as oneself is. Its like an attitude...

Then you are just as silly as the Haves and the Have-Nots. Everyone eats. Not everyone eats mindfully and with a grateful heart. This is one of the chief causes of so much disease linked to consumption of food and drink... If you do not know what i am speaking of, you ought to open your eyes a bit more, and see that not everyone lives where you live, and those that do not, numbering millions, often have no choice, due to lack, but to eat what is donated to them, or else starve and die. Just open your eyes. These same people are fortunate to eat one decent meal a week, so please dont preach about being sub-conscious/ignorant about being fed poison that then numbs one from being grateful. This is absolute hogwash. If you are willing to trade places with one of these less fortunate, you might learn a thing or two about not taking what you have, what you eat, and your general condition for granted. In short, you will learn to be more appreciative, instead of coming on here and griping about your problems. Boy, you have no clue what it means to be so lacking that even a spoon of rice becomes a luxury.

Instead of scrutinizing what one eats, which can be taken to extremes sometimes, why not incorporate an attitude of learning how to eat with gratefulness, and also, with a mindfulness around wasting food? Being in the restaurant/food business, i get opportunities to observe the whys and hows of eating habits and attitudes, and i'm both amazed and saddened to see how people take eating for granted, and also, how much wastage of good food there is. No wonder the world is out of balance, and erupting in all manner of ill... The Haves have no understanding of value and virtues of having, and the Have-nots, more often than not, are trying so hard to emulate the Haves, mistakenly perceiving that if they somehow make it into that elite band, then life will become more fulfilling... how silly. And this, btw, does not only apply to the materialistic-ism side of things - a similar sort of silliness is quite rampant in the spiritualistic-ism side of things as well. When hungry, there is grasping - when full, aversion arises. To cultivate an equanimous and graceful disposition, where graspings/aversions do not overtake one's being, try adopting a grateful poise each meal time. Then what is eaten not only benefits the body - simultaneously, mind and spirit becomes filled with nourishment as well. Diet may be vital, but even more vital, i believe, is to adopt an attitude of thankfulness for each and every thing we sensibly consume, be it into the belly, or into the mind.

May i presume that you, dear Taomeow, values an ounce of Timeliness over a pound of thyme?

Sincere thanks, Stig - nice share. Wise words indeed - wiser is him/her who embodies such simple qualities in life. One decides to become a slave or a free person by virtue of one's virtues(habitual attributes).

Does anyone have time to read this? (some thoughts by Alan Watts). Quite relevant to this thread... http://www.secondattention.org/articles/watts1.asp A quick Alan Watts' clip, also a tiny bit relevant: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HPQQ8MWU8Q Enjoy!

The outer body dies. Spiritual cultivation, where one moves and digs within, is a 'forever' task... many give up after a few lifetimes, even more do so after a few attempts in this one life; however, those who have found the zeal, the courage, and the perseverance to penetrate the inner life that some Buddhists like to term 'The Deathless', then, for such a one, naturally, there is no death... and no birth. Perhaps the key to immortality will only be found when one fully grasp what the Buddha meant when He pointed to 'No self'. I have long been aware that many here reject this notion - that's ok, because this rejection simply illustrates clinging to a self that is unable to overcome discrimination. It is difficult to fully comprehend 'immortality' when there is such a clinging/grasping at a separate self, and a body. Of course, there are also those who fundamentally fail to understand, or adamantly refuse to accept, that all true mystics, regardless of tradition or spiritual inclinations, when attaining to deep wisdom, at the point of realization, spontaneously loses the small 'self'. The fruit of this loss of the 'small self' (and where the larger Self is seen clearly) is the stepping forth into the way of the deathless. "The gates to the deathless are open. The one who listens, sees and pays attention, is awake. Trust and relax into this moment with faith. Its a simple ability; Its not a complicated and difficult thing to do. Its not like you have to spend years trying to 'get it', its a natural state that is relaxed and attentive, open, receptive in the present. So when we learn to trust in this, then we begin to recognize the way it is..." (Ajahn Sumedho)

--- dotto ---

i have always had a rather silly dream... one that sees the purchase of a large, tropical island off the coastal regions between Malaysia and the Philippines, and set up a (self)sustainable community dedicated to spiritual cultivation and open to anyone who is flexible enough to adapt to communal living, with the added incentive of potentially becoming an awakened soul.. This will give you an idea of the location i have in mind: http://www.google.ie/images?q=sipadan+islands&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1281&bih=602 (my plan to get this off the ground would require winning the European Lottery, with a guaranteed minimum prize of 25 million euro, or roughly 33 mil USD. A few years ago some lucky lady in Ireland, from the same city where i am, won (tax free, mind you) 116 million euro in the same lottery game, with a 2 euro investment on a quick-pick ticket [meaning the computer randomly selects the numbers for the player] I reckon that if she could do it, so could i - so far i have invested quite a bit into the game, but the most i have won was 11 euro. I have not given up.... as yet. ) I did contemplate writing to her shorty after her windfall to explain my lofty yet noble intentions and to ask if she would be willing to 'support' such a compassionate ideal with a small loan of perhaps 10 million or so, but after a few days of hard thinking, decided that she would probably reject the idea of parting with some of her gains. So if any bums here were to come into a lucky win (B I G one, okay?) please, PUHLEAZE help donate towards this good cause. In the meantime, i really send my very best wishes to you, MPG, and pray that your aspirations are fulfilled. I think its a darn good thing to cherish such a grand notion. Even if you do not succeed in this life, as long as you have the motivation, one of these days, it will happen.

Perhaps you missed this page: http://www.dzogchenbeara.org/index.php?pid=123

Hi Eviander, Are you interested to spend some quiet time in Ireland? This Tibetan Buddhist center (Nyingma - Led by Sogyal Rinpoche) is currently building a temple, and are always welcoming volunteers of various skills and backgrounds. Its a big community, with lots going on all the time. They also have a respite care/hospice on the grounds. Truly one of its kind in terms of View, feng shui, and conduciveness towards spiritual cultivation. Lots of their caregivers in the hospice are from Christian backgrounds, so its not an exclusively Buddhist environment. Very balanced energies around all the time. Its my haven whenever i need time out. http://www.dzogchenbeara.org/ If nothing else, being simply there, present, for a few days helps recharge the batteries. Let me know if anything comes up - who knows, we can meet up at some point for tea? (If anyone wants to visit, please PM if you need further information. I know some of the people who runs the center.)

ooops! Must be the full moon? sorry to hear of your roller coaster-like week, moonshadow. Here... something that could hopefully cheer you up -

It would be helpful if you had given a brief account of your experience with retreats, and your inclination as to which tradition you favor. Most of the Tibetan centers organize retreats ranging from weekend-long ones to ones that lasts three years. As you may already know, the longer retreats are for practitioners who have been on the path for a while, and feel ready to commit themselves to spending lengthy periods 'locked' away in seclusive practice and contemplation. These longer retreats - starting from one month - are in a group format, led by a retreat master, usually someone who has already attended at least one 3-year retreat, or it could be directed personally by a senior lama of that tradition, although this is quite rare, as these teachers seldom have the time to lead such groups full-time hence they assign one or two of their trusted students to oversee the daily running of the retreats. During the retreat itself, the senior lama will visit on occasions and partake in certain practices with the group, explain certain 'higher' practices, and/or give empowerments for such practices to proceed. The longer the retreat, the more protocols involved. Retreats that last from one month on require the participant to temporarily release him/herself from the mundane world so as to eliminate distractive elements. As per the norm, all worldly things have to be put aside, even communications with family, unless dire emergencies arise. Basically, its about renunciation - on the outer level, this renouncing takes the form of cutting out 'worldly' life with its array of distractions, on the inner level, its about renouncing dualistic thinking, and on the secret level, one renounces all subtle attachments to attain the ultimate realization of Great Perfection. A typical day at the longer retreats usually begin at half four in the morning with meditations for a couple of hours, then breakfast, followed by a short break of half an hour, then formal practices or sadhanas would begin, and these lasts right thru to lunch time (usually this would be the last meal of the day), after which another short break of half an hour of free time, and then back to formal practices again until maybe 4 pm. From around this time, for about an hour, physical exercises like walking, prostrations, reflective moments are encouraged.... Then its back to group practice, chanting, recitations of sutras, doing prayers as per healing requests sent in from sangha members, and phowa practices too for the recently deceased or those who are close to dying. Bed time/lights out is about 9 pm, but this is optional. As the retreat pushes on, less and less sleep is needed. I have heard of some retreatants who, towards the end of the retreat, no longer has the need to sleep at all. Sshhhh.... cant say why though. Its a regimented routine and can be quite blissful once the gears are engaged fully. This is why some people get addicted to these retreats and get lost in substituting distraction of a worldly kind for one more potentially harmful, the spiritual kind. As a caution, its been observed that some retreatants become quite huffed up with pride and arrogance, usually disguised as humility, after completing the long retreats, so this is something to be watchful for. Hope this information helps. All the best.

Six Session Yoga (Ngulchu Jeydrung) I take safe direction wholeheartedly from the Three Supreme Gems! I shall free all wandering beings from suffering and secure them in everlasting bliss! To reach full enlightenment for their sake, I reaffirm my Bodhicitta aim and shall train myself in Bodhisattva behavior. In the sky before me, on a throne, a lotus, a sun and a moon, sits my root Guru, Vajradhara, ruler of the all-pervasive, with blue-colored body, holding vajra and bell, embracing Dhatu-ishvari, and sporting with co-arising bliss. Your body's three spots are marked with three syllables. Light from the HUM invites the beings for deep awareness: You become of one taste! I prostrate at your lotus feet, Vajradhara, and present you with an ocean of clouds of outer, inner and hidden offerings. I present you also with the peerless offerings of Samantabhadra: Including Mount Meru, their island-worlds, the precious fixtures of royalty, treasure vases, suns and moons. All supreme and common actual attainments, without exception, follow upon correctly relating to you, my Guardian, in a healthy manner. Seeing this, I fully devote my body, and even my life: Inspire me to practice what only will please you. Requested like this, my guru alights on the crown of my head; We merge, and become inseparably one taste. Now I arise as Vajrasattva, holding vajra and bell, embracing a Bhagavati, and sporting with co-arising bliss! Without sense of a loss, I give, for the sake of my mothers, my land, my body and wealth, and the network of my constructive acts throughout the three times. I shall never transgress, though my life be at stake, the bounds prescribed by pratimoksha, bodhisattva, or tantric vows. I shall fully uphold the scriptural and realized Dharma gathered in the three sutras and four tantra sets. I shall totally liberate wandering beings with skillful means, I dedicate this constructive act for the deeds and prayers of the Blissfully Gone Buddhas and their spiritual offspring throughout the three times to be fulfilled, and for the hallowed Dharma to be upheld. By inspiration from the supreme Triple Gem and the force of infallible dependent arising, may all my excellent prayers come true so that I swiftly attain the state of a Buddha! Second poem, by Naropa: "The Summary of Mahamudra" - http://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/N/Naropa/SummaryofMah.htm

The new, modern-day personification of the famous Vimalakirti of Buddha's time! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vimalakirti_Sutra As with all things, i am glad it went over your head! Non-sticky mind, yes? hehe

Excellent post, Sunya! Expounded like a true gentleman scholar. If i could articulate my thoughts in the same vein that you have, i'd seriously consider applying for the post of Vimalakirti 2011! :lol:

Very insightful indeed. Thank you for taking the time to share this. I am sure many here will find such an impartation of knowledge quite useful. You are quite right to state that the goal of Tantra is not (exclusively?) about energy experiences - but i do not agree that the yogi seeks to satisfy all desires so that these may be removed. Satisfaction implies going after desirable experiences - this is not the case traditionally. The yogi fears not desires because there is nothing inherently right/wrong with having desires - what is achieved thru renunciative yogic practices is to see all desires as having one essence, one taste - thru this deeper seeing, cravings (tanha) for what is enjoyable, and aversions towards what is repulsive is transcended. This is why in some yogic traditions they work so much with filth, death, rot and decay, corpses, human skulls, bones etc. Liberation from being dualistically bound is attained when the yogi no longer differentiates between conditional/impermanent aspects of good/tasteful/sweet/ecstatic/sensual/pleasurable experiences etc. and each of their opposite arisings. Union follows, usually effortlessly. All experiences then naturally transform into bliss. In fact, in the higher tantras, the more negative the experience or emotion, the greater the potential for transformation. Without the attainment of One Taste, this is not possible. Again, thank you for taking the time to tirelessly share so much experiential knowledge - i am always learning from your posts, so please keep it up.

Have posted this talk by Master Thich Nhat Hanh before, but its always refreshing to hear it again and again, until its profound simplicity on the message of Interdependent Causation and Emptiness permeates our thick resistance to the fact that D. O. is the basis of relative existence, and to understand it deeply one does not need to convert to Buddhism. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYhti6fcVIk Its not a sin, and there should be no fear, to accept a truth that weaves and shapes our lives, whereby we, thru its understanding, learn to be more sensitive and mindful as to how each of our thought, spoken word, and action affect our lives and the lives of both animate and inanimate objects around us. One of the primary causes of the mess this present universal society is in today, i believe, is because we do not engage the practicality and immense usability of the principle of Interdependent Origination. Once it can be understood/accepted, there will arise great liberation... we will no longer want to remain closed, insecure and fearful of what we project to be an existence that is fragmented and full of cravings to satisfy the self. We will hopefully also see that satisfying others, even if its just the mention of a kind word of appreciation or empathetic understanding of another's plight, is enough to bridge the illusory gulf that we, as a unit of humankind, is somehow less than what we truly are, and what we truly are, when recognized, would indeed cause us to burst into a great laughter, because so many of us take ourselves and our problems so so seriously. This is due to the constant refusal to acknowledge that our essence is beyond purity or defilement. How else can we see this, and practice to come to terms with our primordially perfected state, other than thru the realization of how one thing brings about one result, and how the absence of another thing would mean the absence of another result? This, in essence, is why D. O. is so efficacious. The beauty of understanding this principle, as in all other principles found in the Buddha's teachings, is that, once the teachings have helped one, or has become a habitual aspect that shapes one's life, one can let the teachings go. Otherwise, the very same teachings has the potential, again because of D. O., to weigh one down and causes one to falter, thru useless contemplation. This is why i love the Buddha's teachings so much.... there is no requirement for indoctrination.

@ Mr Ya Mu.... D. O. is not a belief system. It is that which underlies and underpins every aspect of existence, and non-existence, for that matter. For want of a metaphor, it is like the ocean, and everything (the waves) else that breathes, moves, does chi gung, have orgasms, have kids, not have kids, be kind and compassionate (or not - one's choice, based on what one has integrated in life, whereby this integration would largely be moulded dependent on many, many causes and conditions), which, at the fundamental level, is what D. O. is all about, which then, hopefully, also helps one understand how to take proper responsibility for working out one's own freedom, but, BUT, while working out one's own freedom (from whatever one thinks one needs to be free from - although when perfectly understood, D. O. will shine the words, "Freedom has always been yours" right inside your heart), one will see clearly that this exercise of trying to free oneself is indeed dependent on many factors that has to come and go in order for one to make one's quest (in your case, attunement with higher energetic sources?) possible, otherwise, the quest, which cannot be an independent thing, becomes rather meaningless. What we do in life gets meaning only to the extent we are able to give what we have, the fruits of our quest, to lighten others who are also on the same journey, after all, of what good are spiritual aspirations if its only to save oneself? In many ways, insight into D. O. helps one to see that others are just as pertinent when one aims to realize one's aspirations, howsoever big or small these may be. The more one can accommodate and assist others, the greater the rewards for every one involved - this is also another principle of D. O. btw. I am assuming that your primary role in life now is to help others attune and attain that which you have realized? This is very noble; when you look deeper into this noble motive, you will see D. O. at work, whether you are conscious of its principle or not, it does not matter - D. O. does not need anybody's approval, verification, belief, or study, to work - it is not like Chi Gung, or Nei Gung, or a form of anything - it is formless, yet all forms are dependent on it. It also transcends all cultural trappings, yet at the same time, cultures also build around it, or sometimes, disintegrates because of it - at the microcosmic level, this applies to us as single humans as well. Naturally, it would be more helpful if you did understand D.O. ... and this is where a lot of the Buddhist practices (not beliefs) can be quite enlivening. Much respect.

Those who are caught upon the wave of enlightenment is as much caught upon the wave of what un-enlightenment is. For it is what it is not that creates the idea that there is such a thing as 'enlightenment', and many, many people die wondering if they are 'doing it the right way', instead of learning, as the process unfolds, to lose that sense of being overly self-conscious.

EXcellent, L7! No fear, as there is, essentially, no 'one' to feel the fear. Fear is a conditioned response... where you are now, your understanding, has gone beyond there being a 'person' to suffer the effects of fear-generated egoic conditionings, hence the expansion and prolonged undistractedness of remaining in this way would certainly mean no accumulation of new karma. Finish the old ones thru purification practices, and then perhaps you may consider making Jalus a prospective and worthwhile culmination of your quest? Its apparent you have done the work, so why not enjoy the fruits? sadhu! sadhu! sadhu!

Cat Pillar, May i recommend a book that i found to be quite related to some of the issues that are being discussed here? I have worked with it many years ago... gladly, it had worked with me as well: "Love is Letting Go of Fear" (G. Jambolsky) - http://www.amazon.com/Love-Letting-Fear-Gerald-Jampolsky/dp/0890872465 Somewhere in the book, it says, "Teach only love, for that is what you are." Wishing you liberation!

The point is, to put it bluntly, some of what you assert are really nonsense. Like as if you just pluck things from thin air or make things up yourself. Am i aware, you ask... the real question you ought to ask is, are you (as in YOU) awake or asleep? And why do you always hide behind what someone else says?