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Thank you for raising this most significant question Mal. It merits serious consideration, especially for those who accept the implications of rebirth. I do, therefore this post is forwarded accordingly. In Tib Buddhism, there is a practice called Phowa which deals specifically with familiarizing oneself with the processes of dying well, which is crucial because, in the greater scheme, it carries one to an auspicious rebirth, and in the lesser scheme, if death occurs without warning, one would hopefully be quite prepared for the humbling occasion. The following commentary was given by a well-respected Tibetan teacher called Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche. It explains the moments when death occurs. May it shed some light on our understanding of death. "One who has not trained in the recognition of non-dual awareness, will not know how to effect the dharmakaya phowa, therefore the bardo (bardo meaning the intermediate state between two points of time) of dying will progress further. The outer breath of perceptible inhalation and exhalation will cease, while the inner breath of subtle energies still continue to circulate. Between the ceasing of the outer and inner breaths occur 3 experiences called Appearance, Increase and Attainment. These take place when the white element from your father, situated at the top of the central channel at the crown of your head, begins to move downwards, inducing an experience of whiteness that is likened to moonlight. Next the red element from your mother, situated below the navel, begins to move upwards to the heart centre, generating an experience of redness that is like sunlight. The meeting of these two elements bring about an experience of blackness followed by unconsciousness. Simultaneous with the unfolding of these 3 experiences, all the different '80 innate thought states' arising from the 3 poisons of desire, anger and delusion cease. There are 40 thought states that arise from desire, 33 that arise from anger, and 7 from delusion. Every one of these ceases at the moment of blackness. It is like the earth and sky merging: everything suddenly grows dark. The conceptual frame of mind is temporarily suspended. For a practitioner who is familiar with the awakened state of non-conceptual awareness, he or she will not black out and fall unconscious at this point. Instead, he/she will recognize the unceasing and unobstructed state of Rigpa (rigpa is similar to what one feels when all association with body/mind collapses - my own add.). To reiterate, first there is the whiteness of Appearance, second the redness of Increase, and finally the blackness of Attainment. These 3 are followed by the state called the Ground Luminosity of Full Attainment, which is the dharmakaya itself. People who are unfamiliar with the awakened state of mind revealed by the cessation of conceptual thoughts will at this point revert into a state of oblivion - the pure and undiluted state of ignorance that is the very cause of further samsaric existence. For most beings, this oblivious state of ignorance lasts until the 'sun rises on the third day'. However, an individual who has received instructions from a spiritual teacher and has been introduced to the true nature of mind can recognize dharmakaya and attain enlightenment at this point, without falling into unconsciousness. For someone who fails to be liberated at the moment of death, according to the teachings on Liberation Through Hearing in the Bardo (Tib. Bardo Todrol), the ensuing bardo states after death are said to generally last 49 days, with a sequence of events occurring once every 7 days. This is true for a person who has engaged in a mixture of good and bad deeds. For one who has done a great deal of evil, this bardo state (the 49 days) can be very short; he or she may plunge immediately into the lower realms. For very advanced practitioners this bardo is also very short, because there is immediate liberation. But for the ordinary person who is in between these 2 states, this intermediate period between death and rebirth is said to last an average of 49 days." (Rinpoche goes further to explain in detail what transpires during this intermediate period, but its too long to include here.) For those who are keen to further explore the Tibetan teachings on death and dying, the following books are recommended: 1) The Tibetan Book of the Dead [shambala Publications] 2) The Mirror of Mindfulness by Tsele Natsok Rangdrol 3) Bardo Guidebook by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche 4) The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche {Highly recommended - Clear, practical advice} All the best!

True spirituality is not some *thing* outside of you. Some regard it as some kind of commodity, or a drug to be bought over the counter. Its not, and never will be. There are innumerable lost 'souls' floating around, dabbling with all kinds of weird and wonderful *stuff*, following a phantasmagoria of systems, its like spiritual shopping!! I hope you will not go down this road. Find an authentic set of teachings that agrees with your own view. This will give you a grounding for exploring deeper into your 'Self'. Begin with the philosophy, and progress from there. Some prefer to remain with just the philosophy, and that is okay too. Much of the energy/spiritual systems of the Eastern traditions, the cultivation of occult and mystical powers for example, were created for the Eastern psyche, which is totally different from the Western one. Hence such practices may not be very suitable, and to pursue it, even under guidance, could be detrimental to authentic cultivation. Personally, i adopt practices that trains the mind, because i believe that is the only aspect of the *Self* that is the tricky monkey. When the mind is trained, everything else follows, and aligns in harmony. After many, many years of stabilizing the monkey-mind, it will be tamed, and remain quiet. From this quietness, the fruits of true beauty, love, peace, contentment and joy will ripen. These are the true powers of spiritual cultivation. While this works for me, it may not work for you, so its good to have some clarity as to what resonates with you. If you have connected with a teacher of some sort, that'd be a good source for advice (sometimes). One last thought - love is all-pervasive; if it demands one to be selective, its not love. (Not sure why i wrote this, but there you go...) Best of luck. Hope you find what you are looking for...

Aye!

There goes a hot dog Ahoy! Here comes a hot log Yes! Yes! Work and wok!

The society in which we live thrives on structure. Structure demands meaning. Transcend society, pull out all societal roots, and you may forsake meaning. As long as you remain in society, to will meaningless-ness could be troublesome. Depart from society, leave everything, give up all attachments, cut off all ties - only then will meaning mean less.

What one should or should not eat is revealed gradually as life rolls on. One need only to listen wisely and truthfully to what inner guidance says. Never indulge in forced participation, for this dampens the intuitive nature of one's guide. When we were born, all we could ingest was milk. Inner guidance dictated. When the body is well, eat moderately, and we stay well. Inner guidance shows. When the body is well, and we over-indulge, we pay some price. Inner guidance warns. When the body is unwell, we refrain naturally from the desire to eat normally, or not eat temporarily. Inner guidance directs. When the body is unwell, and we neglect this inner voice - yes, we may still heal, but over time, as the body weakens with time and age, the inner guide begins to give up guiding, and this allows for the perpetuation of more complex un-wellness, compounded until such time we are forced to listen, or the body shuts down. So this is how we should regard going vegetarian or not. One simple way of knowing when to ease up on meat eating, is when the inner guide starts to loosen our teeth. Thats plain telling us "slow down" on the harder-to-chew foods. Its also telling us our digestive system is asking for softer foods. But how many of us listen? Instead, we get the tooth/teeth fixed, and think everything's ok, and 3 years down the road, we start to have digestive disorders, and wonder what the heck is the problem, and one thing always lead to another, right? But we still dont listen, so we eat as we always have, only this time with a couple of bottles of digestive aids close at hand. Another few years pass, and there'd be more than digestive aids needed. Medical attention for secondary illnesses, like ulcers, gastritis, IBS etc etc, and all the while the profits continue to pile up for the doctors, the consultant specialists, and the pharma industries. And then we scream in horror at how much the medical bills are and blah blah... and we get stressed out, and shouts at the wife, who slaps the young son for not tidying his room, who then kicks the dog in retaliation, who bites the cat, who then chases the mice, and the mice, out of sheer frustration, chews up the medical insurance certificate..... The perpetuation of cause and effect, or samsara... Vegetarianism? Just listen to your inner voice. Listen attentively, and you will never ever be forsaken..

Reveals contentment These papayas are sweet! Yum! A child's wisdom mind..

"Why not?" the young monk retorted, almost arrogantly. This shook the master, and the professor was taken aback, which was precisely what the young monk wanted. Taking 2 steps forward, the young monk asked the master, "Do you see those 5 stone buddhas in the ornamental garden and the visitors walking near them? Even the stone buddhas do not turn people away...and you dare call yourself a living buddha master?!" Before the master could say anything, the young monk turned to the professor, winked at him, and left.

Whiskey shots. Diesel. Lets go catch the white weasel. Aye! Tribadism rocks!

"How does one get closer to the Tao?" Answer: Move further away from the Tao. (Try it?) Thats all. Here's a little story that kinda has a place here : In ancient China, students of the Tao are usually with their teachers 10 years before they are permitted to teach others. Kuo-xin was visited by Hui Ching, who, having passed his apprenticeship, had begun to teach. The day happened to be rainy, so Hui Ching wore wooden clogs and carried an umbrella. After greeting him, Kuo-xin remarked, "I suppose you left your wooden clogs in the hallway. I want to know if you had left your umbrella on the left side or the right side of your clogs?" Hui Ching, confused, had no instant answer. He realized then and there he was not yet able to carry his Tao every moment. He became Kuo-xin's student, and studied with him for another 6 years to accomplish his every-moment Tao. Zenny Tao..

Its good that suffering is acknowledged as a universal condition, and not exclusively a morbid buddhist creation. Thank you. "If there were less pity, and more empathy, there would be more warmth and kindness to spread around, and less selfishness and self-cherishing, which dries the heart." (Anon)

Realistically speaking, it is very hard to ignore suffering. Take a serious look around, and one can see plenty of lost and confused people. That is a form of suffering. Any form of un-ease is also suffering. Of course one can deny its existence, and say one does not associate life with suffering. That is a cop out. Suffering usually has implications that extends beyond oneself. Selfishly speaking, one may not be suffering, on the contrary, one may be totally enraptured in bliss, joy and contentment, but one's spouse, children and parents may be suffering. This is quite common among cult followers. Some guy goes off with the family savings to join some new-age hullabaloo that *shows* the way towards a life free of all the shite blah blah, he gets hooked, lined, and sinkered, and neglects all the life situations that he has been told is holding him back from freedom. Yes, he is 'happy', but at what price? And this scenario is only the tip of the iceberg... Therefore, it is good to approach suffering from a wider perspective. This creates accountability and compassion. The above example may not relate directly to you, but you may know of friends, relatives, neighbors who may be struggling with drug or other major issues with a son or daughter, and its havoc. These are very real situations. If we engage with it, it will soften our hearts and make it kinder. If suffering was denied, there is no longer any use to develop a good heart, which is so essential if there is to be a way to heal this world. Most of us are living fairly good lives. We have our comforts, and fair enough, it was gotten thru plenty of sweat and tears. We think we have paid the price and have a right to enjoy the fruits. Screw everyone else with with their problems and suffering and blah blah. What suffering? I am doing great, living a simple life, free to do anything I want when I want. Why bog myself down with the illusions of suffering, right? Well, wrong actually. Think about it. What is the ultimate purpose of spiritual cultivation? What is the major theme of all authentic paths? Is it narcissistically *Look out only for myself*? Or is it kindness, joy, compassion and love for OTHERS and oneself? Ignore this, and you are ignoring the fundamental causes for bringing about positive changes in the micro and macro world around us, beginning with ourselves, and our attitude to this *dirty* word called suffering. Of course, if you still think suffering is a Buddhist creation and an illusion, good on you. But i believe there are those who sincerely want to make a difference, however small it may be. A good heart is above and beyond beliefs, creeds and religions. It is the universal creed of true humanity, one that connects heaven and earth, if that is what you want to attain. Bless your kind hearts.

Here is a little story. Its not a koan i'm sorry. But its a good tale nonetheless... Its called A BUDDHA. In Tokyo in the Meiji era there lived two prominent teachers of opposite characteristics. One, Unsho, an instructor in Shingon, kept Buddha's precepts scrupulously. He never drank intoxicants, nor did he eat after 11am each day. The other teacher, Tanzan, a professor of philosophy at the Imperial University, never observed the precepts. Whenever he felt like eating, he ate, and when he was sleepy during the daytime, he slept without giving it a second thought. One day Unsho visited Tanzan, who was sipping some wine at the time, not even a drop of which is supposed to touch the tongue of a religious Buddhist. "Hello brother," Tanzan greeted Unsho. "Wont you have a drink with me?" "I never drink!" exclaimed Unsho solemnly. "One who does not drink is not even human," declared Tanzan. "Do you mean to call me inhuman just because I do not indulge intoxicants!" exclaimed Unsho in anger. "Then if I am not human, what am I?" "A Buddha, of course," Tanzan replied, without hesitation. ..................................................................................................... Here's another one. NOTHING EXISTS... Yamaoka Tesshu, as a young student of Zen, visited one Roshi after another. He called upon Dukuon of Shokuko. Desiring to show off his attainment, he said, "The mind, sentient beings, and even Buddha, after all do not exist. The true nature of phenomena is emptiness! There is no realization, no delusion, no superiority, and no mediocrity. There is no giving, and nothing to be received." Dukuon, who was smoking quietly, said nothing. Suddenly, he gave Yamaoka a big whack with his bamboo pipe! Shocked and infuriated, he demanded to know why Dukuon hit him. "If nothing exists, where is the source of that pain and anger?" asked Dukuon, still smoking away quietly.

Master basic selling skills... Whenever possible, ask open-ended questions to incite curiosity. Questions that a person would answer with a 'yes' or 'no' usually give rise to awkward silences. Create relevant opportunities for the the other person to draw upon their own life experiences, and how your philosophy can be reflected from their perspective - not yours. In any conversation, as in any sales pitch, make the other person, in those few minutes, the most *important* person in the world. If you can succeed in doing this, you can 'sell' anything, even combs to monks! Everybody likes to hear their own names. Makes them feel important. Repeat it as often as you possibly can in a conversation. Addressing them by name, ask them how comfortable they are with (subject). Gauge body language. When their names are used often enough (if you are sitting across from one another), you will notice the other person will start to lean forward very subtly at first, and then a little more each time you make them feel like they are the *star*, and not you. Be the best listener ever. These are just simple guidelines. Hope you can find them helpful in simple ways.. Thank you. Be well.

The English Zen monk asked his Japanese counterpart, "Why are you so happy ALL the time, even in your sleep you have this big smile of contentment on your face. What's your secret?".. to which the reply was, "Me no mind, me no mind, you no mind too...hahahahaha..!!".

Yes, being grounded is crucial in the avoidance of *spiritual* psychosis. Tree-huggers for example, have very kind hearts by nature, lovely individuals most of them. If they were more grounded, it would be better for the trees, i think. On the other hand, people who spend too much time in front of their Macs ought to go hug more trees!! So off i go... to balance! Thanks for the post, Witch. Tis nice to meet you

Speaking of Wing Chun/push hands, any one heard or trained with Gary Lam before? I was informed by a Wing Chun sifu from Texas that he is one of the best there is in the States. There are a good number of his videos on youtube for those interested. Cheers!

Wow, you lucky son of a gun! Wishing you the bestest day ever MH.. Have a fun day, and let us know how it goes? Cheers to fizzy colas!! hehe Take care!

A bird in a cage is nothing more than a bird in a cage. Security is a false projection. To me, the attempt to project the cage as some kind of security is like trying to name a rose differently. Asking if the bird is happy shows non-acceptance of reality, the fact that its in a cage, and just be immersed with that reality. No need for happiness, no need for security..just be. That, i think, is the spirit of true warrior-ship on the quest for emancipation. Just Be-ing sounds simple. Needs to be tested anyhow. Thats why in ancient China, some MA student beginners are asked to do nothing for 3 years except to train in standing on the spot for hours each day. That is an example of a true test of Be-ing. As one teacher friend of mine put it, "There is no such thing as an expert. There is only 'getting used to'..". Non-acceptance is the root-cause of all projected dis-ease and dis-ability of mankind, imo. Peace!

Hi Chogori, Lazy monks indeed! Thank you for the reminder - i will try to practice this with much diligence! I agree - good *stuff* are very hard to come by these days... You have a pretty unique name btw - does it mean anything?

God bless little innuendos and subtle hint-droppings MH! hehehe Its funny sometimes how ridiculous it can get, when you read someone's comment, and are slightly intrigued by their slant/take on things, and then pose them a question, and suddenly they assume the *teacher* role, thinking that the questioner is asking for advice and answers! Nonetheless its all good i guess.. Each time i get responses where i feel as though this 'i' was being talked down to, it kinda rubs me the wrong way, and if not for being mindful, i could easily have reacted with some smart remarks/comments, but what the heck, what does it achieve eh? I mean, all you want is to know whats in a person's thoughts, right?? And all they can offer back is some advice that are found in basic topical literature.. and it does not help either to learn afterwards that these same individuals actually portray themselves to be some kind of spiritual adviser/teacher!! Wooo weee... nothing worse than cloaking oneself in *spiritual* garments, looking all nice and cool outside, while the pride and arrogance are so apparently crude - bare for all to see. Such is life. Btw, this is not in reference to any of our exchanges, just to be clear! Just airing my mind a bit here! You be good my friend!

Hmm thanks for the reply DC. Short and sweet, but gained nothing. Thats ok. I suppose since Buddha did not discuss it, you too, chose not to. Namaste!

SHIVOHAM - Manish Vyas NAMO RATNA TRAYA - Ani Choying Drolma (Recommended for doing healing practices) MEDICINE BUDDHA MANTRA - For healing work as well. HEART SUTRA CHANTING posted by theverygentlegiant (for those who like deep chanting) All Snatam Kaur's music is transcendental, so worth listening imo.. VAS - Sunyata (a couple of very good tracks here) *All the above can be found on Youtube.

Thanks! Really good..