everseeking

"I'll be doing DVD's first and later have a the book, the DVD would be much easier to learn it from as its in real time so to speak." Here's another question-- Assuming that there are liniments to use with some form of striking training (a bag, maybe?) will the DVD have a list of ingredients and measurements for the herbs? I read on the youtube videos that there will be herbs used somehow. Do you use a specific jow/Iron Palm liniment with this training? Just curious. Feel free to PM me if you want. (!) Thanks again- Nate-

Here's my two cents--If the DVD will be complete enough that one can begin to learn and train the material, then PLEASE!! RELEASE it FIRST!! Sooner the better! If you do this, you could consider keeping track of everyone you sell it to, and *maybe* give them a discount, or first chance at buying the book, like if it will be a limited run. Also, as for the book, you can always just make it like a um..spiral bound notebook type thing--the kind with the plastic spine that binds it-that might be cheaper than having an actual book made. Or you could just print the pages, 3 hole punch them, and put them in a file folder. I personally don't care about the appearance of the stuff, as much as the information in it-others may feel that way too..? I offer these suggestions to possibly save you money, and make it faster for you to get the material out to us!! A lot of times, at least here in America, you can get book binding and related stuff for a great price by going to a local College or University that has a printing/newspaper type school/program, and having them do it. Lastly, I for one do want to get both a DVD and a book, no matter which comes first, or when the other part is done. But, I think I share everyone else's enthusiasm, and want to check it all out, so whatever would be easiest for you!! Salivating in patience-- Nate-

Thanks for the info. BTW, I meant to type 'Prince', nor 'Prine'. As for all my questions, the only ones left are about the way it changes a person. I assume I would still be able to live in this society, right? I mean, 'Santi'-I dont know him, but he seems pretty normal. I'm still gonna like Stanley Kubrick films and Martial arts, right? I imagine I'll just have to do it to know what it might do to me. I feel pretty safe about it, and I;m sure it will only help my Martial Arts practice. Nate-

Prine--thanks for the reply! Heres a question for anyone-- I have spondylosis between my fourth and fifth lumbar vertabrae. I have absolutely no nerve damage or impingement that I am aware, its just that the vertebrae have shifted at that junction. Would this constitute an impossible blockage of any sort? I only ask because if the whole relationship between the spine, chong mai, and kundalini. Thoughts? Nate--

So, I think there is a class in september, and if I were going to do it, that would likely be the time. But I have to ask, is this (KAP1) something that is a good idea to do during a stressful period of ones life? I have my final year of nursing school starting this August, and it will be brutal. I've read in some of the practice journals about people going through a dark phase, and I don't want anything to screw with my getting through the already difficult year. Is there a general guideline for this? Thoughts? Greatfully, Nate-

Thank you very much! Now I will google this elusive 'Skype'.

Hello, I appologize ahead of time if this is the wrong place to ask this, I just havent been getting the replies I was hoping for in the new members section. I have a post there with some questions in it, but one in particular I'd like to ask is this-- What sort of meditation is considered safe--of unsafe--to do while fasting? I want to do a cleansing fast that consists of 2 days prep-eating less, taking herbs-then 5 days liquids only plus herbs to stimulate digestion-followed by one day of re acclimating to solid foods. The fast comes as a kit from blessedherbs. I might also include their total body internal cleanse, I'm not sure. Either way, this would be in preparation for committing to opening the microcosmic orbit and doing various standing meditations in general for mostly martial arts purposes. I would also be committing to a serious 100 days of no ejaculation-with sex though. I do some standing now, and regulate the frequency of my emissions, but I want to take things to the next level, and I feel I'm ready to commit to a higher level of cultivation. As safely as possible, of course. If someone could please give me some feedback on the fasting issue, it would really help me along. Answering any of my other questions would be nice too! Thanks to everyone-- Nate-

Id like to jump in for a sec, if I may... So, Im new here, and curious. If I am unable to attend an in person session, what will I need to do to go through KAP1? How much cost am I looking at? Are repeated online sessions needed, or just one time, then follow the book and CD? How does doing KAP1 affect being able to open the microcosmic orbit, and do other meditations/qigong (of any sort)-will it make them easier? Harder? Pointless? There are some martial qi gongs I do, and wish to improve on. I would like to know these things, then I might want to start planning for it all. Thanks-- Nate-

Hello, hello. I am new here to the Tao Bums, though I've been on this earth for a little over 27 years. Well, life has shown me that so much of what we take for granted can be a veil of crap. It seems strange to me that I have spontaneously arrived at this place where I am in my mind, seeing things so much clearer than I used to. Whether is is my age, or divine providence I'm not sure, but I do know that I'm not going to live forever, so I want to make the best of my time here in the way that most feels natural to me. Not necessarily the most comfortable way. I'm not sure what to say--money is just an obstacle to me, not something I idolize. So I tend to follow path's that seem nonsensical to most-if not all-of my family. For instance, I am VERY dedicated to Iron Palm. I have learned its basics from more than one teacher. One of them has very generously guided me through it, as well as answered my many questions about Taoism. So, I am increasingly more comfortable taking that leap, and immersing myself. Life is so amazing. And so short. I would just like to say hello to everyone who might read this, and thank you all for being here in spirit to keep this place alive, so that newbies like me can make that leap, and not drown. My name is Nate. I have been searching through various methods of Iron Skills--I like to think that is is my method of pursuing the Tao. It is at least, for me, a method of cultivating my self. So, I have searched and searched, and by setting my mind on the essence of these martial arts conditioning methods, I have concluded that what I need now is not new instruction (though I could still benefit from it, and do enjoy and value it) but simply to strike out and experiment, and find what works best for me. What I do NOT have as much experience with is Meditation. I have learned standing meditation from a friend who is very proficient at it. Actually, He is a master, though I doubt he would call himself such. Well, here is where I am at-- I wish to experience a more dedicated cultivation of energy. I have the 'Essence of Internal Martial Arts' vol. 1 & 2 by Jerry Alan Johnson. Since I dont have a teacher in person for this sort of thing, I am asking for any guidelines I need to know. I would like to work on opening the microcosmic orbit, then Marrow washing/draining/bone squeezing as outlined in the books. I feel that I can do so safely. Plus, I can always call my friend and ask questions. Im not the type to do this sort of thing recklessly or forcefully. And like I said, I feel good about it. I want to start part of this by doing a colon cleanse which will consist of a five day liquids only diet. Is it safe to do standing meditation, microcosmic orbit, or quiet sitting while fasting? Thank you all for reading, whoever you are. Nate-

So, Im new here, and curious. If I am unable to attend an in person session, what will I need to do to go through KAP1? How much cost am I looking at? Are repeated online sessions needed, or just one time, then follow the book and CD? How does doing KAP1 affect being able to open the microcosmic orbit, and do other meditations/qigong (of any sort)-will it make them easier? Harder? Pointless? There are some martial qi gongs I do, and wish to improve on. I would like to know these things, then I might want to start planning for it all. Thanks-- Nate-

Someone said-- "But most humans are not jellyfish" A HA! Thats it!! We must find the ones that are!! Their DNA will bridge the gap between immortal jellyfish and human! I recommend we start with Michael Richards, from 'Seinfeld'.

goldisheavy-- Thank you!! THAT is what I needed to hear. I was more interested in avoiding dangerous practices. I have not completely committed to or opened the microcosmic orbit. As of yet, my meditation consists of holding static postures, with little visualization or 'move the chi/energy/awareness here, or there, or up this path.' I just do my standing (or sitting!), relax a deeply as possible, and focus on my posture, with some visualizations, all while breathing naturally from my dan tien. But what you said is very insightful--I will be sure not to force anything, or focus one specific points. I will try not to wear myself out, and just try to relax and breath deeply from my belly. The only thing that really made me feel the need to ask is that sometimes I can get a sort of buzzing type energetic feeling from standing, and in the past I have tried to go vegetarian several times, but always quit, because I got this sort if nervous energy from it. I remember describing it by saying that I felt like a crack head. So, since this fast is for physical cleansing and purification, I expect to at some point get a similar nervous energy. Then there was the thought I had about doing abdominal breathing while there is to food in my abdomen-is it a bad idea? I think I will figure it out when the time comes. I wouldn't want to compound that feeling, nor would I want to aggravate a full blown emotional melt down. I have heard that some people experience emotional releases during these colon cleanse/fasts, and I am sure I have some pent up emotions somewhere inside. I'm hoping that this will be a time when I can open up some blockages mentally, physically, and or spiritually. I just don't want to magnify any negative aspects of whatever may happen. I think I will make it a point to do some specific amounts of time meditating, and as much more as I feel like. Also, I will try to meditate to relax if Im tense, and if that doesn't work, I have some awesome holosync cd's. And If Im tired, Ill rest. I would like to thank you for your input!! When I do finally order the kit (which I will now that I think its pretty safe) I will make a journal about it, and share the results. It is tentatively scheduled for the very end of july or sometime in early to mid august. I hope it lives up to my expectations!! I'm sure it will do me some good either way. Thank you so much.

"also the child could be knowing what she or he are doing! I mean she could be 15 or more years old also some very very few child are really bad, some had kill some had been like born for lucifer or satan i had read some were!" There is such a thing called 'the age of consent' here in the U.S.A. and though it is different in every state, there are many instances when, depending on the age of the older person, the younger person in the sax act can legally be younger than 18. For example, it may be legal for a person under 18 to have sex with someone over 18, but only within a certain number of years of age difference. This might make it legal for a person of 19 to have sex with someone 16 years old, or 18 and 15, etc.. In some states it is legal for a person much younger than 18 to be married to someone much older if the parents sign consent. But we aren't talking about marriage, but something different entirely. There is such a thing as statutory rape- consensual sex between a person over a certain age (over 18) and a person much younger(under 18 )-which is illegal and punishable by law , even though both parties consent. In America, the laws seem to keep taking away personal responsibility from adults. Signs must be posted everywhere and on every product you can buy-all of which are designed to keep people safe by warning them of any danger, not matter how remote or unlikely. Anything which could be over used or mis used is taken off the shelves. It would seem people are either litigious or stupid. However, burden of responsibility still remains with adults whenever it comes to sex. (I mean 'burden' in the legal sense) I really don't see the point of this discussion going much further--There are surely other ways to increase/balance/supercharge, etc.. your chi, besides ones which make a person look curiously like a pedophile. This cant possibly look good for anyone (Taoists, for example) to be engaging in acts which, no matter how innocent in their intention, look REALLY, REALLY bad. Not an image the community needs. Also, why not just hang out with (your relatives) kids, and play games with them? That is pretty acceptable, and needs no explaining. Im curious, where did this idea -that sleeping (literally) with children is beneficial-come from? I know lots of parents, and their own kids seem to deplete their energy, not balance it. This idea reminds me of the tales of ancients consuming cinnabar as an elixer of immortality--a misguided and bad idea.

Yes, thats good to know. I hope you find the energy to get it done soon!! The more the better!! So, initially, on DVD and one book will be released, right? Thats looking like this coming Sept. or Oct.? Without pinning you down to an exact price, I think I say you say that it will be around 60-75$ or so, right? Regardless of the price, is that amount you quoted for the entire thing (all dvd's--whole program) or just the first DVD and book? Any idea on how much you'll charge for the rest of the DVD's? Will there be a new book for each DVD? Any idea on how long before all the material is made available? Im interested in this. Looking forward to your reply.....:-) Nate-

In the event that I am reading things totally out of context here, and by sleeping with you DO NOT mean sexual acts, then I appologize now. I just think that right or wrong on this issue should be pretty clear. Also, sleeping with other peoples children-without sexual acts involved-draws a lot of negative attention. Think about the late 'king of pop' and what it did for him. aAssuming he never touched any child in a sexual way, it is still innapropriate. Like it or not, the appearance of guilt can be as damaging as actual guilt. Laws are laws. If I were flying somewhere by plane and happened to be wearing a vest full of grey play dough with wires sticking of it with a switch in my hand, airport security is going to think Im a bomber, not a performance artist. so I guess the point there is common sense. Nate-

HM--Seriously, I am getting a creepy vibe from you. What is deemed innapropriate is determined in part by society and culture, and what you are talking about-sleeping (having sex ) with children is very unnacceptable in this culture. If you want to discuss it with people who are memebrs of cultures that engage in such acts, you are in the wrong place. And no, its not just wrong because people say or think it's wrong in this culture- It is wrong because of the consequences for the children. Children should not be scarred for life to fulfill someones fantasy. Or for any other reason. There is no justifying it. Some cultures throughout history have regularly engaged in raping (sodomizing) the men of the tribes they conqured. Should the military now go around sodomizing prisoners of war? NO. Wrong is wrong, and we (the majority of us) aren't living on an island in french polynesia. Aside from pitcairn island and some other small places in the world, people dont think its okay to have sex with kids. Not all truth is subjective-If you plant corn, you'll get corn, not carrots. So please stop trying to get people to talk privately about these things with you, and quit posting about it. This crap really puts a damper on my spirits when I come here and read the kind of crap you posted.

Hello, I appologize ahead of time if this is the wrong place to ask this, I just havent been getting the replies I was hoping for in the new members section. I have a post there with some questions in it, but one in particular I'd like to ask is this-- What sort of meditation is considered safe--of unsafe--to do while fasting? I want to do a cleansing fast that consists of 2 days prep-eating less, taking herbs-then 5 days liquids only plus herbs to stimulate digestion-followed by one day of re acclimating to solid foods. The fast comes as a kit from blessedherbs. I might also include their total body internal cleanse, I'm not sure. Either way, this would be in preparation for committing to opening the microcosmic orbit and doing various standing meditations in general for mostly martial arts purposes. I would also be committing to a serious 100 days of no ejaculation-with sex though. I do some standing now, and regulate the frequency of my emissions, but I want to take things to the next level, and I feel I'm ready to commit to a higher level of cultivation. As safely as possible, of course. If someone could please give me some feedback on the fasting issue, it would really help me along. Answering any of my other questions would be nice too! Thanks to everyone-- Nate-

Any Idea how many DVD's/books total it take to encompass the material? I'm interested! Thanks. Nate-

Thanks, will do. By the way, what is KAP?

Did some more searching.. Does anyone have anything to say (good or bad) about Mantak Chia's information? Is his microcosmic orbit info/method pretty safe? Thanks again-- Nate

I just read through some posts about retention, and I must say, that I certainly am not to the point where I can do this. I can once in a while, but not regularly. Any advice? As of now, my internal practice consists of a few standing postures. I'm interested in any advice that anyone can offer on where to find information about Taoist practices in general. I have a few books that I should be getting shortly, such as Taoist master Chuang By Maichael Saso, and Essential Taoism by Thomas Cleary. But I'm interested in following the I-Chuan postures and Bone Marrow Washing/Draining/Bone squeezing stuff I mentioned earlier, and --I feel/think that Spending the time on the microcosmic orbit and 100 days of no ejaculation will probably help that out. However, I'm also interested in any complete system of meditation/chi gung etc. that will help me 'retain' and thus reach my goals. I am not really sure where the best place to start is, so any books that anyone can recommend would be great. I would like to have a teacher that I could regularly learn from in person for this, but I dont have the money right now, and have another of class before I will be able to afford to attend seminars, etc. So, a push in the right direction would be very helpful to me!! Thanks everyone. Have a nice evening. I just found this website--it was linked in a thread here on the site. I think I will start with this stuff. Any book reccomendations and/or advice are still appreciated. Thanks again!! Nate-- I just found this website--it was linked in a thread here on the site. I think I will start with this stuff. Any book reccomendations and/or advice are still appreciated. Thanks again!! Nate-- heres that link- http://www.alchemicaltaoism.com/

So, uh..as my screen name implies, I AM ever-seeking the information I need and want. And lately, due to my increase-well, more a return, really---to spiritual cultivation, and also martial arts, I am seeking information about how to head toward marrow washing/chi wieght lifting. I am new to this. I will not cease my seeking, but I will beg. Im begging any and all of those on this forum who practice this to point me in the right direction. The direction that I feel I could follow right now would be books, dvds, etc. I dont know where to start or what steps to take to (eventually) get ready. I know its a question that is posted here too often. Kind of like how I would always laugh at all the people posting on martial arts forums wanting to know about Iron Palm, talking about using sand bags and tiger balm to train with. Well, luckily some people with REAL knowledge saved those fool hardy people and a few of them have stuck with it and achieved some real skill. Im not like those foolhardy types who will start a Gung first, thinking they can figure it out, and then asking "How do I do it righ?" later. I have patience, and I listen. But all I hear is silence. I beseech you all who have real skill with this, please end the silence. Knowledge is music to my ears. Thanks--- Everseeking

I cant afford to travel right now, or for quite a while. As I stated, I need to know who to contact, and what books and or dvd to get.

Hello all. I am new to chinese martial arts, and I wish to train in marrow washing-as in chi weight lifting from the scrotum/testes. I want to do so safely, and as cheaply as possible, avoiding costly seminars if at all possible. The trouble is, I ont know where to begin! I have been taught the 'standing the tree' posture and several other satingding (nei gung) excercises, but I have never larned to open the microcosmic orbit. While reading a book by Dr. Yang, Jwing Ming, i read that there is a specific progresion of practices needed if internal cultivation is to be achived on a moderate to high level. I have been taught a standing form called the internal iron vest, consisting of about 24 or so postures with movement. This version of Iron Vest was meant to have an internal herbal formula which makes the training effective, but I was never given the herbal component. I could talk more about this through private message. In summary, I am asking for help to start on the path to 'chi weight lifting' with the scrotum and/or testes, starting from a newbies perspective. Meaning-- ----What books and/or videos must I buy to safely and effectilvely get to the point where Im hanging weight? I mean from beginning..Starting with microcosmic orbit or whatever is needed to precede the weights. ----Also, any info on who or where I could purchase (or get free!) the herbal formula (pills) that is meant to acompany the internal Iron Vest set. --I ask this because I have heard differing opinions from Kung Fu Masters about what the herbs are intended to do. One opinion is that it is a cleanse, andnothing more, and the other said it makes the organs more dense over time and some other stuff. I need the right tools for the job! Thank you all!

Thank you all for replying. What I would really appreciate is if someone knowledgable could point me in the right direction as far as where exactly to start. Im not sure what videos and books might contain the information and practices I should start with. I think Mantak Chia has the necessary videos and books, but Im not sure. Also, I cant afford to travel and learn in person, so I need to stick with formats I can purchase, such as books, VHS, DVD. Is it possible to safely progress from beggining to the point of hanging weights without personal instruction? I dont really know the terminology, and long before I ever start I would just like to know more about the benefits of this practice. Thanks again to any and all who reply. --Everseeking