Ikkyu

The Dao Bums
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Content count

    27

  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by Ikkyu

  2. Posted

    I was playing limit, i played a lot of online poker on yahoo games for practice, it was more like 1 hour days, right now, I just need to know if its against the precepts or if buddha prohibit "gambling", i've been researching on this topic, there hasn't been a clear cut answer, people say its okay, people say its not okay to gamble or play poker

    I don't want to be harsh with you but it looks like you have no idea what you are in for. Playing poker for a living is probably one of the worse things you can do right now. The games are so dry and online poker being banned in US is making pro players tear their hair out. The problem you are facing is very silly. Gambling is not advised in Buddhism, period. But, playing poker for a living does not make you a bad person. Many people enjoy poker now and it is viewed as a semi 'sport' so most likely you won't be playing against people who are gambling addicts and ruining their lives. You will be playing on the other hand a very strong group of players. With information readily available, there is a huge surplus of strong solid players. If there was a 'easy money' poker train, then it left in 2007. I invite you to 2p2 forums to read about some harsh realities of being a poker player. You are not taking into account living expenses, health insurance, emergency fund, unemployment gap, taxes, tough competition, dry games, swings, consistent income, etc. I am not even talking about certain lifestyle choices and sacrifices. It's just stupid. You sound young and a bit naive. If you want to give it a shot. Go watch Rounders, take $2000 and go to Las Vegas, when you come back broke it should be out of your system. If there was one of the worse times to become a poker player, it would be in 2013.

    • Like 2

  7. Posted

    I would think that teaching that lust is a sin and must be repressed (Christianity) will lead to more trouble and abuse rather than teachings of being aware of lust (Buddhism). The former is not a good strategy, it is no surprise that such powerful repressed desire can manifest itself in a very unstable and perverted way. The later on the other hand is a much better way to cope with desire, when you are aware of it, you become aware of many other emotions and can choose the right course of action.

     

    I have a hard time accepting that such claims are true about Buddhists. There might be some abuse going on, its a statistical certainty, but nothing compared to Catholicism, imho.

    • Like 1

  8. Posted

    tulku, serious question. Why do you have a need to show everyone your belief system? If you want to share, that's great, but how come your replies are always so defensive and vague? People have tried to engage you in a discussion only to be shot down by you. It is simply disrespectful. If you want to share something, share it openly and without judgment.

    You mix alot of religions and philosophies. Why? What is the connection between Christian belief of hell/heaven, Hinduism, Buddhism? End of the world in Dec. 2012, why bring it up? You also preach ascetic life, then what are you doing here on internet spending good portion of your time here? You don't think its contradictory?

    • Like 2

  13. Posted

    How do you know that one can't burn up all karma with fire from the third eye like Siva?

     

    How do you know one can't destroy lust with his Will alone?

     

    Have you tried it? Obviously you have not otherwise you wouldn't be here talking bs.

     

    Are you the Creator himself who profess to know the spiritual potential of every living soul on earth?

     

    As I said before, the fact that you can't destroy lust before attaining Samadhi doesn't mean others can't do it.

     

    Plenty of monks before me have destroyed lust and plenty of monks after me will continue to do so.

    Tulku, you sure do talk alot for some who is in pursuit of enlightenment. If you have any techniques on eliminating lust, please do share your experience.

  15. Posted

    Two of my favorites as well. '3 Pillars' was the first meditation book I ever read. It describes the entire process of enlightenment from the Zen perspective from a practitioners direct experiences.

     

    The Eight Gates of Zen by John Daido Loori is also a good one if your into Zen.

     

    For myself:

     

    1. Kunlun by Max

    2. Combat Conditioning by Matt Furey

    3. Convict Conditioning 1 and 2 by Paul Wade

     

    +1 for Convict Conditioning

     

    Been practicing his approach to calisthenics for a bit, great stuff. Too bad I fell of and stopped, this summer I will definitively get back on track.

  17. Posted

    I do agree that fasting and celibacy in a proper and moderate context can be a good thing. I've had great experience with Intermittent Fasting and voluntary celibacy for couple of weeks. Really makes your mind clear, energizes your body and mind, gives you vigor and a certain hunger for life. But this article is a bit extreme for my liking. Natural bi-sexual state, blame on occultism, prophecies?

  18. Posted

    Just dropping by and saying hi! :)

    I currently live in San Antonio, go to university and study eastern philosophy in my spare time sometimes. My main interest is Zen Buddhism and Tao, I also practice Zazen and want to start learning Tai Chi or Qigong.