Simon V.

It doesn’t take long–a minute, a few minutes each. It depends on my overall state naturally. Sometimes it is very fast, and often the flow gets going and then seems to be better off with just “light maintenance”, where to intense/continuous of a concentration makes it feel too obsessively blissful or something like that, which also tends to be…[Read more]

It doesn’t take long–a minute, a few minutes each. It depends on my overall state naturally. Sometimes it is very fast, and often the flow gets going and then seems to be better off with just “light maintenance”, where to intense/continuous of a concentration makes it feel too obsessively blissful or something like that, which also tends to be…[Read more]

I find this to be a great post too.
I would add that tantrik buddhism can be similar to this kind of taoist view-practice, and in agreement with Michael, especially the dzogchen/nyingma variety.
Although the relationship to nature is not as obvious and emphasized, come to think of it.
Simon

I find this to be a great post too.
I would add that tantrik buddhism can be similar to this kind of taoist view-practice, and in agreement with Michael, especially the dzogchen/nyingma variety.
Although the relationship to nature is not as obvious and emphasized, come to think of it.
Simon

It’s very straightforward–steady attention on the lower back of head (and to a lesser extent neck and middle upper back), followed by steady attention on the upper lip but mainly on the philtrum (thanks). The ovelying intent I have is to move the energy along the microcosmic orbit where that includes arms and legs (back and front outside channels…[Read more]

It’s very straightforward–steady attention on the lower back of head (and to a lesser extent neck and middle upper back), followed by steady attention on the upper lip but mainly on the philtrum (thanks). The ovelying intent I have is to move the energy along the microcosmic orbit where that includes arms and legs (back and front outside channels…[Read more]

My view is that there is a similarity in the goal of refining connection to intrinsic, primordial awareness; the energetic source of reality; and that no matter how you get to this refinement, which could also be called attainment of the philosopher’s stone, the result is the same: Skillful action in harmony with the dao/buddha nature/god;…[Read more]

My view is that there is a similarity in the goal of refining connection to intrinsic, primordial awareness; the energetic source of reality; and that no matter how you get to this refinement, which could also be called attainment of the philosopher’s stone, the result is the same: Skillful action in harmony with the dao/buddha nature/god;…[Read more]

I only sometimes focus directly on the spine.
Usually I do the method I mentioned a while ago–focussing on the lower back of the head, which triggers a general rise in energy up the back and back sides of legs and arms. Sometimes this kind of bleeds deeper into the spine and often the heart chakra is triggered.
Well, and then I follow with the…[Read more]

I only sometimes focus directly on the spine.
Usually I do the method I mentioned a while ago–focussing on the lower back of the head, which triggers a general rise in energy up the back and back sides of legs and arms. Sometimes this kind of bleeds deeper into the spine and often the heart chakra is triggered.
Well, and then I follow with the…[Read more]

Lao Tzu was not a “taoist”. Sakyamuni was not a “buddhist”.
In the Jewel Ornament of Liberation by Gampopa, among other places, it is pointed out that starting out with form meditation is best for most, as starting with formless is very difficult and invites getting just plain spaced out and confused. Even pure Japanese zen types will tend to at…[Read more]

Lao Tzu was not a “taoist”. Sakyamuni was not a “buddhist”.
In the Jewel Ornament of Liberation by Gampopa, among other places, it is pointed out that starting out with form meditation is best for most, as starting with formless is very difficult and invites getting just plain spaced out and confused. Even pure Japanese zen types will tend to at…[Read more]

Hi Max,

Well, they probably don’t know exactly what each other is teaching in many respects. It seems fair to say that they are each very competent in their own feilds; they are both superfreaks who have pushed beyond the threshold of the ho hum. I’m glad there is open debate about the whole matter.

Simon

Hi Max,

Well, they probably don’t know exactly what each other is teaching in many respects. It seems fair to say that they are each very competent in their own feilds; they are both superfreaks who have pushed beyond the threshold of the ho hum. I’m glad there is open debate about the whole matter.

Simon

–“Authoritarian double think?”
Well, it depends on the teacher, and on how much the person approaching the lama has developed his own (accurate) intuitive insight.
I’ve learned that Tibet has it’s fair share of crappy politics, including in the “reincarnated tulku” department. But there are genuine ones, to be sure.
A good “lama” wants you to…[Read more]

–“Authoritarian double think?”
Well, it depends on the teacher, and on how much the person approaching the lama has developed his own (accurate) intuitive insight.
I’ve learned that Tibet has it’s fair share of crappy politics, including in the “reincarnated tulku” department. But there are genuine ones, to be sure.
A good “lama” wants you to…[Read more]

Agree with the more apparent than real differences idea.
Lao Tzu and Sakyamuni taught the same thing.

“My opinion is that you can never find happiness until you stop looking for it.”
–Chuang Tzu

All “buddhas” teach the same thing.
But aren’t there a few details that might remain elusive as to how to attain this? What if to begin with…[Read more]

Agree with the more apparent than real differences idea.
Lao Tzu and Sakyamuni taught the same thing.

“My opinion is that you can never find happiness until you stop looking for it.”
–Chuang Tzu

All “buddhas” teach the same thing.
But aren’t there a few details that might remain elusive as to how to attain this? What if to begin with…[Read more]