Where’s max?

Max,

you never discussed my posts below. How can you leave when we are discussing valuable topics?

Could you define Merit and how it functions from a buddhist point of view?

I think we might all benefit from an explanation from your point of view of how the process of emptiness meditation works. And how the Daodejing and Zhuangzi reflects this, seeing as you claim it is at the root of Taoism as well as buddhism?

Maybe we can all go deeper with this if we can have a discussion instead of antagonistic comments.

I feel that we have not had any real explanation of Bodri’s practices other than people saying they are great. Which is all good but could you give us any more information than that?

will, intention, body movement and jing
From: singing ocean
Subject: General
Date/Time 2005-12-04 03:38:21
Remote IP: 154.20.12.53

Message
“The safest strategy would be to merge with the flow of Life Force, not tring to lead it through visualizations/actualizations. It may sound like a good idea at first, but do you really think you can open the orbit by visualizing the energy flow through it?” (Max)

First, let us clarify a few terms here. Generally, a visualization is a dry mental exercise with no “juice”, or jing. Visualizations may work but only over a very long period of time, without going very deeply. This is very different than actualizing something, which implies the engagement of the jing, and giving something substance, bringing it into the physical plane.

Since you are asking, a very effective way to open the orbit is to use the will (Zhi) and intention (yi) combined with meditation through movement (qigong). This is an effective method of actualization. If one were to use the mind to force the qi to flow in a certain pathway there would most likely be resistance.

If one asks the qi, since it is an intelligent part of us, for help to flow through the orbit and combines that with body movement, there is often a very positive response. The body movement engages the intelligence of the jing substance, which continues on with the meditation even after the physical movement stops, creating an effective method of having a permanent meditative state.

Daoist alchemy is about the process of merging with the mind of nature, in which there is a will and intention both collective and individual. By connecting to all levels (jing, qi, shen) of our individual life force, we are effectively merging with and opening deeper portals to the collective qi field.

Virtue serves the whole through harmonization
From: singing ocean
Subject: General
Date/Time 2005-12-04 19:20:02
Remote IP: 154.20.12.53

Message
>”If you don’t have desire, my advice is to force yourself to do good deeds until the merit from doing them will open your heart and then you will be doing it from your inner calling.”< (Max) Someone can do "good deeds" but still have ego problems, abuse children etc. My point is that if a person has the free will and motivation to cultivate inner virtue qualities that may be expressed inwardly or outwardly, doesn't that cover the same ground (and more) that is accomplished by "doing good deeds" for merit? I think it goes without saying that once a person harmoizes their inner life, their profession, occupation, actions toward family friends, lovers and colleagues are all affected in a more harmonious way. Cultivation and fusion of the five inner virtue wualities in Heaven, Earth and (Wo)man serves to harmonize the whole of the dao in all its interdimensional manifestations. Isn't there a proverb that says "if you want to change the world, start with yourself."