Forms of Consciousness Expansion's topics - tribe.net

complain about RPT leaders

2009-12-30T03:31:42Z

To all guruji seeders,

YOGA JANA SITHAR OHM SRI RAJA YOGA GURU SARANAM

i would like to bring a problem in to light.

one of our leader Shasi kala and Mano sharma is cheating in singapore in the name of our beloved guruji,

she collects money saying that the products she sells in the name of QUEST NET which is blessed by our guruji and worth,

At first she collets money and later she will say the product has not arrived / some times she will say that the product price is doubled and will collect extra above that, for me for the last 3 years, i have been belived her for my money all my efforts went on vain.

I am one of the guruji seeder who has been fallen pray to her tactics. there are many more of our seeders
who have been victim of her tactics.
below are some of the names & amount lost by them.

1. Rajeswary - 2300.00 S$
2. rukumani - 3200 S$
3. susan - 800 S$

and some of the names i didnt mentioned,

Dear guruji and concenred officials please look in to the matter and kindly do the needful and oblige,
I am writing this letter with a heavy heart, i am writing this to alert all and in a good intension, this type of cheat never happened hear after in future for our seeders, or any other lay man.

all these happening below our singapore centre.

Thanking you guruji in Anticipation of a favourable action..

Rgds.
Sivakumar (siva_ncums@yahoo.com.sg)

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Tantric Buddhist empowerments and retreats ( San Francisco area ) by Lama Tharchin Rinpoche ( January - June 2010 )

2009-12-27T23:23:21Z

Tantric Buddhist empowerments and retreats ( San Francisco area ) by Lama Tharchin Rinpoche ( January - June 2010 )

Keywords: tantric empowerment, yoga sadhana, Mahayana, Buddhist yogic teaching retreat, Tibetan Buddhism / Nyingma lineage, Guru Padmasambhava as Wealth Lord Padmasambhava / Orgyen Khandro Norlha, Lama Tharchin Rinpoche, Orgyen Dorje Den Alameda CA, Vajrayana Foundation Corralitos CA, Heart Teachings audio video resources for tantric Buddhist practice.

Tharchin Rinpoche's coming to town!
Tharchin Rinpoche's coming to town!
Tharchin Rinpoche's commminnnng to towwwn!

. . . And he is giving a large cycle of tantric transmissions and retreats this January through June, in San Francisco East Bay and at his home center in Watsonville ( down the coast from San Francisco ).
Tantra means magic and yoga, in this case in the definite context of Buddhist ethics and practice. ( I provide context and substantial information on these below. )

These tantric practices are mainly focused on the lineage of Guru Padmasambhava i.e. the Nyingma school, and lead towards or incorporate the central Awareness Yoga known as Dzogchen, the Great Perfection. To do any of these practices, personal initiation is required. That is why the teacher is of central importance.

For more background on the Great Perfection and Dzogchen, see the book
"The Crystal and the Way of Light", by Namkhai Norbu
also
"Dakini Teachings", by Padmasambhava
and view the extensive materials at
http://keithdowman.net/dzogchen/index.htm

For background on Guru Padmsambhava see
http://www.rangjung.com/authors/padmasambhava.htm
"Padmasambhava : A Short Biography by Jamgon Kongtrul the First"

The home center for Lama Tharchin is
The Vajrayana Foundation
web site
www.vajrayana.org
contact info:
Phone: (831) 761-6266
Email: office@vajrayana.org
Address: 2013 Eureka Canyon Rd., Watsonville,CA 95076

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche is a teacher of Buddhist tantra, extremely gentle and open, yet also profound and powerful. I first began taking teachings and transmissions from him in the early 1980s. This is one of my most favorite people on the entire planet. Just to see him brings real gladness to one's heart, just to remember him is greatly comforting. Please note that I do not represent him in any official sense.

I use texts and practices from his fellowship, the Vajrayana Foundation, which principally focuses on the lineage transmissions of HH Dudjom Rinpoche. HH Dujom Rinpoche was a profound Nyingma lineage holder whose efforts were of central importance in saving major parts of the Buddhist tantra during the destruction of Buddhist Tibet by the Chinese. HH Dudjom Rinpoche trained and authorized Lama Tharchin as a vajra master. Lama Tharchin can train westerners to become full fledged tantric Buddhist gurus - on a basic but functional level - in the Nyingma lineage of Guru Padmasambhava.

KT

See also
http://heartteachings.com/index.html

"Heart Teachings by Lama Tharchin Rinpoche"

"The Friends of Lama Tharchin Rinpoche have put together this site for Lama Tharchin Rinpoche's video series. The video series is the main vehicle Rinpoche uses to disseminate his vast knowledge of Buddhist teachings. Each month Rinpoche records a 1-2 hour long video.

"Anyone interested can purchase any of the past Series as an individual set, or subscribe to the Series in progress on an ongoing basis. There are also a few teachings offered as individual DVDs or DVD sets."

Note - many of these recordings require specific authorization, i.e. empowerment.

From the above site
"Turning the Three Wheels of Buddhadharma: Learning, Practice, and Teaching
Lama Tharchin Rinpoche is a Dzogchen (Great Perfection) master of Vajrayana Buddhism. He is the tenth lineage holder of the Repkong Ngakpas. This is a family lineage of yogis, or householders, and was the largest community of non-monastic practitioners in Tibet. Rinpoche was trained in His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche's monastery, engaged in five years of solitary retreat and then completed the three year retreat with three others under Dudjom Rinpoche.

"In addition to Dudjom Rinpoche, his main teachers have been Chatral Rinpoche, Lama Sherab Dorje Rinpoche, and Dungse Thinley Norbu Rinpoche. Rinpoche left Tibet by foot with his family in 1960.

"Many of the early years of Rinpoche's life were dedicated to intensive study, practice and retreat. Mastering the many traditions of his lineage under the guidance of His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, Lama Tharchin Rinpoche benefited countless beings through the purity of his heart and his compassionate dedication to all beings. Through many years of practice and retreat, Rinpoche developed the skills and qualities most needed to bring maximum benefit to beings in this lifetime.

"Fulfilling the request of his teacher, Lama Tharchin Rinpoche came to the West with the intention to protect the holy Buddhadharma and to plant authentic seeds of dharma in the West. With an incredible flurry of enlightened activity, Rinpoche's blessings and accomplishments have flowed like rich wisdom nectar. Founder of the Vajrayana Foundation, Rinpoche has established the College of Tibetan Buddhist Studies (Shedra), and the three-year retreat program (Drupta). He has directed study and practice retreats, given us bountiful empowerments and pure Dzogchen teachings, and he has shown us the true nature of our own minds."

From the home page of
www.vajrayana.org
with some notes and commentary

•Orgyen Khandro Norlha Wealth Empowerment and Teaching: January 23rd
Orgyen Dorje Den, Alameda,CA

Orgyen Dorje Den
2244 Santa Clara Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
www.orgyendorjeden.org

"Lama Tharchin Rinpoche has offered to give the empowerment and teachings on the Orgyen Khandro Norlha wealth practice at Orgyen Dorje Den in Alameda as a benefit for the Vajrayana Foundation. “I not only want to benefit Pema Osel Ling,” he said, “but to share this with all the sangha with my love, care and aspiration for positive results for all of us. As the whole world, and I am thinking especially of our country and sangha, are having a difficult time financially, so I would like to share Guru Rinpoche’s wisdom and compassion solution to remove obstacles; how to get success not only for short term material results but long term enlightenment."

•Namchak Putri (Vajrakilaya) Gutor and Losar Retreat: February 5 – 14
2013 Eureka Canyon Rd., Watsonville,CA 95076

Note - this is an ultimate wrathful Vajrasattva practice, commonly practiced to clear away negativity and obstacles in preparation for the Tibetan New Year, 14 February 2010.

•Spring Retreat: April 2 - 4
2013 Eureka Canyon Rd., Watsonville,CA 95076

Lama Tharchin Rinpoche to teach on Shabkar's Flight of the Garuda
Note - this is a primary dzogchen text. See part of the text online at
http://keithdowman.net/books/fg.htm

'Dzokchen, the Great Perfection, is the quintessence of the tantric paths to Buddhahood. This book contains the translation of four Dzokchen texts belonging to the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. These sacred revealed texts, never before freely available, provide inspiration and instruction for the Dzokchen aspirant. The Flight of the Garuda, which gives the collection its title, written by Shabkar Lama in the nineteenth century, comprises a series of twenty-three songs designed to inspire and instruct the yogin practising Dzokchen trekcho meditation. Secret Instruction in a Garland of Vision is one of three texts said to have been written by Padma Sambhava, Tibet's great Guru, himself, who visited Tibet in the eighth century. It belongs to the lam rim genre, a stage--by--stage description of the path to Buddhahood. An extract from Emptying the Depths of Hell, revealed by Guru Chowong in the thirteenth century, provides a Dzokchen confessional liturgy, and The Wish-Granting Prayer of Kuntu Zangpo, revealed by Rikdzin Godemchan in the fourteenth century as part of an extensive Dzokchen tantra, is a prayer for attainment of the Dzokchen goal.'

This collection includes four shiningly clear and starkly beautiful Dzogchen texts. Their common denominator is the soaring freedom of the Dzogchen viewpoint as symbolised by the Garuda -- the divine eagle that is said to fly as soon as it breaks free of its egg.' Robin Cooke in The Mirror.

•Summer Retreat: May 22- June 21
2013 Eureka Canyon Rd., Watsonville,CA 95076

Dorje Drolod: May 22 – 30
Note- this is wrathful Padmasambhava guru yoga

Throma Nagmo: June 1 – 9
Note - this is a profound and comprehensive great goddess cycle of the Buddhist Kali

Shitro Nakso: June 11– 12
Collection of Seven Treasures Drupchen: June 13 – 21

Note - This is a comprehensive cycle of Great Perfection teachings, but I cannot comment on it. The drubchen means intensive ( day and night ) practice.

------------------------------------------------

. . . And from Orgyen Dorje Den, more upcoming events

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Gutor & Losar coming soon, February 11th-14th, 2010

On February 11, 12 & 13, we will practice Vajrasattva at the request of Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche. (Just like Vajrakilaya can be done to remove negativity from the past year, so can Vajrasattva be done to purify our negativity & obscurations from the last year. Same result.)

Ven. Lingtrul Rinpoche will preside as the Vajramaster and we will practice the sadhana of Dorsem Lama Chodpa from the Dudjom Tersar tradition.
There will be 3 sessions per day and all are welcome to join.

February 14th is Losar, the New Year, according to the Lunar & Tibetan calendar.
On this day we will also practice Vajrasattva, although we will use a more concise sadhana.

Ven. Gyatrul Rinpoche may join us and offer a Vajrasattva empowerment if he is available, in other words, if we have the merit!

Orgyen Dorje Den
2244 Santa Clara Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
www.orgyendorjeden.org

Dedication:

Sarva mangalam!
Siddhi rastu!

May this be greatly beneficial to all!
May the lineage of the Dudjom Tersar and of Lama Tharchin long endure!

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Sustenance

2009-12-17T17:41:30Z

Psychopomping and Howler
By Kathie Wallace

I have been reluctant to share this information because it is sacred. I feel moved to speak about it at this time partly in light of what happened with Howler leaving this world this past summer.

In 1989, a phone call informed me that the only real ally I had had in my family was dying. I was devastated. I immediately booked a flight back to Ontario to be with my cousin, Bronwen Wallace. In making my plans to go, and at a time in my life when I was not at all spiritual, I realized that I was somehow “altered” and being guided to do “strange” things. I accepted the guidance. I went to a crystal store and bought a double-headed amethyst crystal; I found a particular poem and copied out two lines to take with me; I packed a bell and a very sacred picture of mine; and I took a mauve scarf even though I never wear scarves.

When I saw Bronwen, her pain was so unbearable I could only be with her a very few minutes. I showed her the picture and she said, “Yes, that is where I am going.” I asked her to keep it but she refused. She kept the crystal. The other rituals I was moved to do I had to perform with her partner as she couldn’t see me any longer. So I put on the scarf and rang the bell several times, read the lines of poetry, and flew back home to Calgary. I had told Bronwen I would fly back to see her again. She died a few days later before I could return.

Several years later I received a package from her partner with a note,”This doesn’t belong with me.” It was the crystal Bronwen had kept with her. It had transformed. The solid violet colour and form had become a clearly visible, striated crystalline structure. Some sections appeared as clear quartz in colour and there was a rainbow in it. I “knew” that Bronwen had gone through the crystal to pass over to the other side.

About seven years after Bronwen had passed over, I was reading about shamanic practice and was electrified to read about psychopomping as the practice of helping others to the other side with the use of things like bells, rattles, drums, crystals, pictures and poetry.

Since then, I have helped several people pass over as well as a dearly beloved pet. I have never sought out the work.

Later, Bronwen came to me in a dream and asked me to help her mother pass over. I painted a picture, like Bronwen had showed me, focusing on the tops of a grove of trees which were in a closed circle with the sun pouring through them. After I gave it to her mother, she told me later that for the first time she was able to communicate with Bronwen through that painting.

I have also experienced people on the other side. Some of them, like Bronwen and my pet cat, pass over and become “one with all that is”. At Bronwen’s memorial, I heard her laughter in billions of pieces of all existence. Others, like my father and grandfather, remain unhealed and as toxic as they were here on Mother Earth. Much like the spectrum we all exist along here on Mother Earth, there is a spectrum of what appears on the other side.

When Howler passed, what I felt from him initially was sadness, greater wisdom, an understanding of what he had done and where he was, regret, resignation and…he is the same Howler. Being the Heyoka he is who gave himself permission to do and be anything he wanted, especially if it was outrageous and pushed our buttons, he appeared in a dream of mine and did something totally unacceptable.

The thing I want to share about Howler is that I could have helped him, like I have with many people, move out of his despair and sadness and he knew that. There was more than one opportunity for him to open to me and reach out for the help that he was looking for. But he never reached out. Perhaps his Heyoka contraire nature just couldn’t do it or perhaps his ego got in the way. Or perhaps Howler, with his huge mind, was meant to be on the other side to more effectively help us here on this side as we go through the most amazing transformation in the history of human existence. In the end, I don’t pretend to know.

About two days after the news went out that Howler had swum out to sea to drown, I was startled to see an internet video that came to me of a young child, completely costumed as a jester, dancing through a country setting. He was in every way energetically Howler the Heyoka. I took that as a sign that Howler will be coming back as that energy again on this planet. (The video has disappeared).

I do know this: In the face of the horror we are living on this planet at this time, I will ground into Mother Earth; I will connect with the whole universe that runs through us right here and now; and I will sing fierce self-love because our very lives depend on it. Yes to life! And yes! to the new world that we together here and now are dancing into existence. We are meant to be here. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Suffering ~ A Path of Awakening: Dissolving the Pain of Incest, Abuse, Addiction and Depression

2009-12-16T15:08:41Z

This is an exerpt from the book:
Suffering ~ A Path of Awakening: Dissolving the Pain of Incest, Abuse, Addiction and Depression, written by my friend Shellee Rae. Her story is an inspiration, and it offers hope of moving beyond struggle and extreme challenge and into Enlightenment. This excerpt is being shared with her permission.

From the chapter “Check Out Time”:
In June of 1997, in a blackout, I swallowed every prescription in the medicine cabinet (there were quite a few) and chased them down with a bottle of tequila – after drinking all day with a “friend”. In the wee hours of the morning wearing only a tee shirt and my underwear, I dragged my blankie with me and curled up on the railroad tracks out in the woods to die…

For years I could not recall anything about that illustrious event but something began leaking into my consciousness over time and though it’s not like a memory, more like a feeling, I know that I was on my knees crying out to a God that I felt had abandoned me and praying for help like I had never prayed before, desperately and from the depths of my soul.

…I vaguely remember the paramedics reviving me and asking me a bunch of questions about what I had taken then I slipped back into the fog. I was rushed to the hospital, stomach pumped, spent two days in progressive care and then shipped off to the ward where they take all sharp objects and shoelaces away and there is only one handle on the door – on the other side. I was there for four days before I remember anything.

From the chapter “Falling In ~ The Journey Home”:
The first big occurrence: I had a kundalini experience in April (2008). With that came such a feeling of purification, lightness. So much burned off. It was incredibly intense and not something that I would recommend to anyone given a choice! It was right around that time that my partner of four and a half years started backing away from our relationship. He began house-sitting (we had been having some relationship issues) and he was gone for weeks at a time. I kept falling deeper and deeper into every feeling, every experience, and I slowly came to realize that something very profound had shifted. I was no longer in the same relation to pain as I had been for so many years.

My eighteen year old cat, Tigger, passed on June 30th, my partner ended our relationship July 2nd, and that evening I was bit on my right leg by a brown recluse spider which caused great physical pain and fear as I watched the skin continue to deteriorate as if acid had been poured on it; it took a couple of months to heal and has left quite a scar as a reminder of my initiation.

As I began to experience the losses, the first thing that happened was the heartache, great sorrow, deep misery that felt like it might be endless. Mentally I kept making my list over and over of all the things that I had to feel pain-filled about, which had been my modus operandi for most of my life. What was different with this grief was that I was not fighting any of it. I was just falling right down into the middle of it, feeling it deeply, fully, expressing and venting it by crying, primal screaming, or punching pillows; whatever was needed in the moment to allow the feelings to fly freely… At times, the bottom of the emotion would seem to drop out and I would either land in a pool of peace or bliss. I remember thinking ‘wow, you mean pain can be blissful or peaceful too’? Not resisting anything, everything began to change.

The double-whammy of losing Tigger and not having him to console me for the loss of my partner, our house, the recently built cottage for my clients and my garden, and also of losing my partner and not having him to console me for the loss of Tigger created a volcano inside of me that felt like it imploded (once the eruption subsided) and I landed right smack-dab in the middle of me; someplace I’d never been before…home…complete…nothing needed. All of a sudden, it all felt sacred, all of it, from the very beginning of my life, every piece a gift to help me land here…Here. As I cried, now from a love that was alive in me, I wanted to thank my partner and Tigger for the gift they gave me. This heart that I thought was shattered and taking on one more battle-scar was washed clean and filled with amazing gratitude for Life and all its dips and curves. Love like no other…

What an incredible sense of freedom living in this Heart space. How did I miss this all these years? So close, so far, so beautiful, so very sacred.

…Love seems to dissolve or transform all the pieces that no longer fit who I am.

…It is amazing to be so alive in this body. What a gift. Today I can’t imagine missing one moment of this sweet gift of Life…so precious. Awareness has expanded so much at times that the local self seems like such a funny trick that I am playing on myself. An example: I went to Mount Shasta to pick up some class supplies and on my drive there, my awareness expanded. Gradually I became aware that I Am so Big. I am all of it and nothing is moving separately from the whole and it seemed so funny to have all my attention on this “little me” driving in this little vehicle, moving around in myself and not really going anywhere at all. I felt like I should have a sign displayed on my vehicle: “Caution, driver under the influence of God and may be in an altered state”…

Shellee Rae, following her heart, relocated from the Boston area in December of 2006 to live in Ashland, Oregon. A Holistic Practitioner since 1999, she shares her open loving heart with clients through Reiki, Massage, Nutritional guidance, and Spiritual counseling. Following many spiritual paths, Shellee has been seeking Self realization since 1986. In August of 2008 she had a sustainable full embodied Awakening and now also assists people in their awakening process. Her book, released in May, has recently gone world-wide. Shellee’s story is inspiring hope and deeply touching the hearts of those who read it. To contact Shellee, please check out her website at: http://www.shelleerae.com

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 2 replies

2009 U.S. Teaching Schedule/ Intro For H.E. Gochen Tulku Sang Ngak ( Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma lineage )

2009-12-10T22:23:44Z

2009 U.S. Teaching Schedule For H.E. Gochen Tulku Sang Ngak ( Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma lineage )

Keywords: Nyingma, Great Perfection / Dzogchen, tantric transmissions and retreats, H.E. Gochen Tulku Sang Ngak, Ewam USA.

Here I provide details on the current 2009 teaching schedule, practice centers, and background for H.E. Gochen Tulku, a most accomplished Tibetan yogi.

His Eminence is a major teacher and incarnate guru in the Earlier Transmission ( Nyingma ) of Buddhist tantra into Tibet from India, as established by the Great Guru Padmasambhava, in particular of the Primordial Awareness Yoga known as "Atiyoga", that is, the Great Perfection, a.k.a. "Dzogchen" in Tibetan.

For more information on esoteric Buddhist tantra in the form of Nyingma and Dzogchen materials, see Snow Lion Publications online
http://www.snowlionpub.com/
and the book
"The Crystal and the Way of Light", by Namkhai Norbu.

For current information on H.E. Gochen Tulku, his Evam USA organization and their projects and teaching schedules, see
http://www.ewam.org/

H.E. Gochen Tulku is a lineage holder and has even transmitted a major tantric / atiyoga cycle TO H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinbochay, but is not yet well known in the West. He is nevertheless a very important teacher in several western Nyingma fellowships such as Chagdud Gonpa Foundation and the Dudjom Yeshe Nyingpo.

I have seen this teacher several times from 1997 to 2000, and received numerous major transmissions, including some that are both extremely rare and very powerful. He is truly extraordinary and I strongly recommend him to those who wish to connect with the inner Early Transmission and the Great Perfection.

This year he is teaching in Montana, Colorado, and California ( see below ). This schedule includes extraordinary healing practice ( Vajra Armor ), and extraordinary goddess yoga ( White Dakini ). Note that I do *not* represent this teacher, and schedule details are subject to change.

The merit of sharing this teaching is dedicated to the life and spiritual work of H.E. Gochen Tulku, with great gratitude, and to the continued development of these tantric lineages, with the hope that these will be profoundly beneficial to many.

Sarva mangalam. Siddhi rastu!

KT

"Tulku Sang ngag Rinpoche, the sixth Gochen Tulku, is an incarnation of Gyalwa Chokyang, one of the close disciples of Padmasambhava. Recognized at the age of three, Rinpoche began learning religious rituals and liturgies, as well as traditional Tibetan medicine, at an early age.

"Rinpoche met his root guru, Tulku Orgyen Chemchok, in a Chinese prison where he was held for nine years. Here he received teachings and secret transmissions. Upon release, Rinpoche met his other root teacher, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, with whom he traveled, studied, and practiced intensively for nearly fourteen years.

Rinpoche teaches worldwide and oversees his two retreat centers in Pharping: Yuloko Nunnery and Phurpaling, a dharma center in Taiwan and his U.S. retreat center, Ewam Sang-ngag Ling, located in Arlee, Montana."

Contact info

- - Ewam USA - -

Sang-ngag Ling - Arlee, Montana
406-726-0217

PO Box 330
34574 White Coyote Road
Arlee, MT 59821
ewammontana@blackfoot.net

Samten Ling - Tuolumne, California
(near Sonora)
209-928-1326
michaelirw@mlode.com

- - Ewam Nepal - -

Phurba Sang-ngag Ling
Phone: 977-1-4710-093

Turquoise Leaf Nunnery/Yuloko
Phone: 977-1-4710-094

To contact Nepal Centers:
P.O.B. 7032
Devi G.B.S. Pharping
Kathmandu, Nepal
e-mail for both: ewamnepal@hotmail.com

- - Ewam Asia - -

Ewam Phurba Ling Taiwan
Dr. Choeji Lodoe Tashi
1F and 4F, No. 76, Sec 1. Hsiu Lang Rd
Yung Ho City, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
Phone: (02)2928-7993 - (02)2920-5294

Ewam Taichung
Dr. Choeji Lodoe Tashi
F3, No. 105 Nan Yang Rd
Feng Yuan City, Taichung, Taiwan
Phone: 886-4-2529-5973

Ewam Hong Kong
Flat F, 18/F. Block 1, Pierhead Garden
Tuen Mun, NT, Hong Kong

-------------------------------------------------

Schedule for H.E. Gochen Tulku Sang Ngak for 2009

White Dakini Drub Chen
with Tulku Sang ngag Rinpoche & Lama Tsultrim Allione
August 23 - 31, 2009

Tara Mandala Colorado
See http://www.taramandala.org/

White Dakini Drub Chen. For the first time in the West a Drub Chen (Great Accomplishment Ceremony) of the White Dakini ( White Goddess ) practice from Do Khyentse’s Dzinpa Rangdröl (Self-Liberation from Fixation) treasure cycle will be performed. This lineage comes directly from Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche to Tulku Sang ngag who will be the Vajra Master at the Drub Chen.

We will experience a traditional empowerment given by Tulku Sang ngag, and we will be lead through an in depth process of learning and practicing the White Dakini mandala. This White Dakini practice is the union of Machig Labdron and Yeshe Tsogyel surrounded by the dakinis of the five families. During the retreat, in addition to the precious teachings from Tulku Sang gnag, Lama Tsultrim will help frame the experience through discussion and further teachings.

The White Dakini practice will be established as a key practice at Tara Mandala and links directly to Machig through Yeshe Tsogyel, her previous incarnation. This is an opportunity to be in the first group receiving this lineage transmission and is open to anyone interested. In addition, it is a strictly closed retreat and requires intensive practice and the ability to hold the container.

During the Drub Chen traditional instruments will be played, a mandala will be created, and continual mantra recitation will occur. The participants will experience deep immersion in the Vajra world. This is an exciting deepening of the tradition at Tara Mandala and we encourage everyone drawn to be here to come. Mipham Rinpoche said, ”One Drub Chen is equal to seven years of solitary retreat.”

Price
Double: $1,553 - $965
Queen Double: $1,575 - $1,080 - SOLD OUT
Queen Single: $1,685 - $1,190 - SOLD OUT
Camping: $925 - $650
Suggested Dana: $160 - $320

Buddhahood Without Meditation

Sept 8-15th, Arlee Montana
http://www.ewam.org
http://www.ewam.org/pages/directions.php

Please register by August 1st, to register and pay for this retreat, click here, see below for retreat costs. This is a restricted retreat so please contact Devi in the office for more information at 406-726-0217.

Widely known by its subtitle, Nang-jang (Refining Apparent Phenomena), presents the view of the Great Perfection through the approach known as t'hreg-chhod (cutting through solidity). The nineteenth-century master Dudjom Lingpa received these teachings in visionary dialogue with fourteen enlightened beings, including Avalokiteshvara, Vajrapani, Longchenpa, and Saraha.- The Dudjom lineage, based on the terma, or hidden treasures, revealed by Dudjom Lingpa and his immediate rebirth, His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche (1904-1987), late head of the Nyingma school of Buddhism, is one of the principal modern lineages of Dzogchen Transmission.

RETREAT COSTS:
Non-Member $560.00
Non-Member/Camping $505.00

Member $476.00
Member/Camping $428.00

Guya Garbha ( Hundred Deities / Bardo ) – Shedra Retreat

Sept 20-27th
Arlee Montana
http://www.ewam.org
http://www.ewam.org/pages/directions.php

Prerequisites for these teachings are the prior Shedra retreats on the first part of a commentary on the Treasury of Precious Qualities - A Commentary on The Root Text of Jigme Lingpa. This book presents the entire Buddhist path according to the Nyingma School. Tulku Sang-ngag began giving these retreats at Ewam in 2002 and finished the text in 2007 which are available on CD. , Lama David Curtis also taught this text over the course of 3 years. This year Rinpoche's brother, Khenpo Ngawang Gelek, will continue these teachings and Rinpoche will give the empowerment. There are no translations of this part of the text yet.

If you are interested in this retreat, please contact Devi in the office as soon as possible at 406-726-0217 or via email.
( It is important to get an idea of how many people are coming to this retreat to plan accordingly. )

RETREAT COSTS: Non-Members $500.00
Non-Members/Camping $450.00

Members $425.00
Members/Camping $382.00

The Nature of Mind ( Great Perfection )
Root Text by Jamgon Mipham Rinpoche

October 14th - 19th
Ewma Samten Ling, Tuolumne California ( near Sonora )
Contact phone 209.928.1326
Email
michealirw@frontiernet.net

Vajra Armor Retreat

November 5-8
Mt. Shasta, CA
please contact John Cashman at (530) 926-5196.

"The Vajra Armor Mantra (Tib. Dorje Go-Drab), is among the most powerful healing practices in Tantric Buddhism. Long held as a secret practice, it has been practiced for over a millenium by tantric adepts and Tibetan physicians as an effective method for treating diseases, purifying negative energies and protection from misfortune.

"The Vajra Armor Mantra was first introduced into Tibet in the eighth century by Padmasambhava, who had collected various teachings and practices on this mantra from the ancient Indian Buddhist tradition. After teaching his close disciples in Tibet, he hid the Vajra Armor teachings in 124 places, to be discovered by future ‘treasure finders’ as prophesied in his writings.

"Padmasambhava predicted that a time would come when there would be a great need for this mantra and to preserve the integrity of the teachings and lineage, he hid different versions of this practice in many different places for safekeeping, until the designated treasure finder would reintroduce them to the world.

Over the past one thousand years, there have been numerous major teaching cycles of the Vajra Armor Mantra that have been revealed, including those of Dorje Lingpa, Mipham, Dudjom Lingpa, and Trak-t’hung Namkha’I Jigme. These teachings outline a deep and profound path to realization and ultimately to Buddhahood through the practice of healing and rebalancing the outer and inner elements."

----------------------------------------

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 14 replies

Portland area tantric empowerments December; also online pagan and Buddhist resources for Pacific Northwest

2009-12-10T22:20:43Z

Title:
Portland area tantric empowerments December; also online pagan / Buddhist resources for Pacific Northwest

Keywords: pagan and tantric resources online, empowerment and transmission, pagan magic, tantra and highest yoga tantra, Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and vajrayana, Vajrasattva and Padmasambhava, Nyingma / Early Transmission Lineage and Palyul lineage and teacher Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso, Portland Oregon Dec 11 - 12, PDX Pagans, Northwest Dharma Association online, The Portland Buddhist Hub online.

Summary: a major teacher ( great abbot ) of the Palyul lineage will be giving major transmissions in Portland Oregon December 11th and 12th.

I do not represent this teacher, but this is a fine lineage with major global reach, in which I have received major transmissions ( from HH Penor Rinbochay ). Their main web site is at
www.palyul.org
They have a major center in upper New York state with comprehensive yogic and tantric teachings each summer. I hear only good things about their work there.

Vajraattva and Padmasambhava are two of the most important and useful tantric transmissions and practices in all of Buddhist tantra. They are universal in nature, broadly useful, powerful, and profound. These two transmissions are of central importance in three of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism, the Sakya, the Kagyu, and the Nyingma. HH the Dalai Lama has taught advanced forms of both practices.

These transmissions necessarily confer bodhisattva vows of universal service and higher level tantric vows of Buddhist yoga. By definition.

Northwest Dharma Association and The Portland Buddhist Hub are major Buddhist and pagan community resources for multiple states and provinces in the Pacific Northwest. There is also the group PDX Pagans in tribe dot net. I support their efforts without in any way formally representing them.

This information is given for informational purposes only. Although my own tantric practice relies very strongly on these two practices in particular, I cannot claim any specific benefit or expected result for anyone else.

These practices are traditionally used for inner healing, inner purification, inner guidance, and psychic protection, for purifying and strenghtening the human magnetic field and so forth. Both are extremely broad and diverse in their many forms and applications, and deep in terms of connecting practitioners with the path to primordial awareness yoga. These transmissions can involve authorizations for kundalini yoga and dzogchen, but it depends on the individual transmission.

See also my basic Vajrasattva teaching at
http://people.tribe.net/aa35e5c2-3d1f-4b92-b135-bdc41d795776/photos/29ed8d70-e1db-4172-b3e0-4b2bfc3044a6
and my continuing mantra thread on
http://tibetanbuddhism.tribe.net/thread/9a908430-dc8b-4496-bec7-2ecbbebbc093

Relevant books are
The Crystal and the Way of Light
Sky Dancer : The Life and Songs
Tantric Practice in Nying-ma
Dakini Teachings

Part of the purpose of this listing is to make known resources such as PDX Pagans, Northwest Dharma Association, and The Portland Buddhist Hub. Thus it is posted as a listing.

Sarva mangalam. Siddhi rastu.

May the Circle Be Open and Unbroken. All Our Relations.

KT

http://www.northwestdharma.org/calendar/calendarentry.php?eventId=110095

FEATURED EVENT: Vajrasattva Empowerment (AM)
Padmasambhava Empowerment (PM)
Khenchen will deliver two empowerments

•10am - Noon: Vajrasattva Empowerment
•2pm - 4pm: Padmasambhava Empowerment

Bio on Khenchen Rinpoche: In 1969 he entered the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan studies at Sarnath, near Varanasi. There he followed a nine-year curriculum in Buddhist studies and general education under his principal teacher, Khenpo Palden Sherab, and other masters. His class work included Sanskrit, English and intensive studies in the textual traditions of Indian and Tibetan Buddhism. He graduated with the degree of Acharya in 1978, ranking first overall among the four schools of Tibetan Buddhism represented at Sarnath. His Holiness the Dalai Lama honored his achievement with the award of a silver medal. After graduation he was invited to teach at Palyul Namdroling Monastery at the Tibetan settlement in Bylakuppe, near Mysore in South India. For several years he was engaged in training the young monks and teaching in the monastic college, the Ngagyur Nyingma University (Shedra). In 1983 he was enthroned as a khenpo by His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche. In the Nyingmapa tradition, a khenpo is a professor of Buddhist studies.

Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso has received all of the major lineage empowerments and transmissions of the Nyingmapa school, including the Dudjom Tersar from Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche; the Longchen Nyingthig Yabshi, and Nyingma Kama from Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche; and the Rinchen Terdzod and Nam Chos from Pema Norbu Rinpoche. He has done intensive dzogchen practice under the guidance of Penor Rinpoche and other eminent masters including Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok Rinpoche and Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche. Pema Norbu Rinpoche has authorized him to represent the monastery and to teach, to confer empowerments and to give personal instruction in Buddhist practice.

start date: 12-12-2009 end date: 12-12-2009 start time: 10:00am / 2:00pm end time: 12:00 Noon / 4:00pm
category: Other tradition: Tibetan
teacher: Khenchen Tsewang Gyatso Rinpoche sponsor: Portland Sakya Center
venue: Portland Dharma Center
Address: 25th & S.E. Madison (Please park on Hawthorn) City: Portland state/Prov: OR
Primary Contact: Ani Gilda Padron Taylor phone: 503.234.8887 email: loopski@gmail.com
link: cost: $25

-----------------------------------

Facilitating the Spread of Dharma in Portland
The Portland Buddhist Hub
http://www.portlandbuddhisthub.org/

As when there are timely rains and all trees and grass receive moisture and thrive, so all sentient beings derive benefits and grow by themselves. There are different methods, but they all spring from the same source. -- Master Han Shan

Many different resources are available for the study and practice of Buddhism in the greater Portland area alone. This site is intended to help those searching for a Way place, a Bodhimandala, they can call their own. If only one person by virtue of this site can find the resources to help him or her on their Way, its purpose has been fulfilled.

Homage to the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, and the Precepts.

Contact Information
The best way to contact us is to send email to pbh [AT] portlandbuddhisthub.org

PDX pagans
public - created 11/21/03
This tribe is for heathens, pagans and free thinking individuals residing in or around Portland Oregon metro area who want to communicate with other like minded folk.

See
http://tribes.tribe.net/pdxpagans

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

I AM

2009-12-10T15:47:38Z

I AM

The Spanish language has two ways of saying “I Am.” “Estar/Estoy” describes that which is subject to change, for example “I am living in Chicago.” As much as you may think you will never move, circumstances could change in unexpected ways and you could find yourself living somewhere else. “Ser/Soy,” describes that which is unchanging, for example I am from New Orleans. However many times you may (or may not) relocate, where you were born will always remain the same (at least in this lifetime!).

What does this have to do with a spiritual path? It is a reminder that whatever your life circumstances, whatever changes may occur, it does not need to be your only, or even your primary identification. You are the Ser as well as the Estar. As Estar, it is easy to get caught up in everyday details, without the empowerment of the larger I Am offered by Ser. Ser, offers the larger perspective. It reminds you that you are a spiritual being having a human experience.

That said, it is important to remember that being human and being spiritual are not separate experiences. The perspective of Ser enhances that of Estar so you can recognize the spiritual in the material. Just as the perspective of Estar is incomplete without that of Ser, the perspective of Ser would be useless without that of Estar to ground it in the material world, in our everyday lives, which is how we create as conscious divine beings.

I encourage you, this month of December, and always, to remember the Ser in the Estar. When you are busy with holiday plans and need to step out of rushing, family expectations, etc. and see the larger picture, sensing the Ser in the Estar provides helpful, empowering balance. Likewise, I encourage you to sense the Estar in the Ser. This will help you experience the divine, the sublime, in all your circumstances, down to the very last beautiful, small detail. By combining the use of the Ser in the Estar and the Estar in the Ser, you will experience the state of wholeness and fulfillment of I AM. Then every day will be a holy-day.

Happy Holidays to you,
Linda White Dove
Copyright 2009 Linda White Dove
http://www.lindawhitedove.com

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Was i out of my body?

2009-10-25T04:40:21Z

Heya,
this morning as I was in a deep sleep, my phone was about to ring.
generally, these days, I awaken fully before my phone rings.

at the prelude to my phone ringing, I was aware of being in two places at once.
that is the best way I can explain it. it was odd, but It was a kind of duality.
anybody experienced this?

on another note, I also seem to be finding that i can wake up and not feel tired.
I could never do that before.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Chakra Pleasure Attunement

2009-09-28T21:59:58Z

Chakra Pleasure Attunement

This attunement is for experiencing pleasure in each of your chakras. Your chakras are energy centers that correspond with your body, emotions, mind and spirit. By experiencing pleasure in your chakras, you bring more pleasure to your life. However, while the primary focus of this attunement is for enjoyment, the opening of your physical, emotional and mental bodies to pleasure often has a clearing, healing and awakening effect.

This Chakra Pleasure Attunement will work with any and all of your major and minor chakras. I recommend starting with your major chakras and working with all of them in one session beginning with the root/base chakra and working your way up. Then if you wish to work with any of your minor chakras you can do that as part of the same or a separate session. If you need a list of major and minor chakras you will find many internet sites, books and other reference material containing that information.

The purpose of my attunements is to help you tune in and become more in-tune with yourself. When you attune using this attunement, you are becoming more aware of the pleasure in each of your chakras. This is not intended as a healing modality, but rather as self exploration, empowerment and life enrichment. I offer no course materials or certificates, only a way to journey into yourself and bring more of yourself into your everyday life.

Although it is common to attribute the attunement to someone or something outside of yourself, what I offer through my attunements is an understanding that everything you wish to attune yourself to is already present inside of you. When you follow the written instructions in this attunement, I am working with you to help you tune into and experience your pleasure as it already exists inside of you. I am not adding anything to you, I am simply helping you to focus your awareness. However, if while working with any or all of your chakras, you would like to add my pleasure energy to yours, all you have to do is intend to experience it and it will be present.

To Attune: relax and close your eyes. Starting with your root chakra, intend to experience the pleasure that is there. Then just go with the experience. When the sensation subsides or moves to the next chakra, it is time to intend to experience the pleasure that is there. All you need to experience this attunement is intent. These written words are merely information and instructions. When you intend to attune, your intent is assisted by mine and the attunement takes place. Nothing more is needed so please do not ask me to send you the attunement, everything you need is inside of you and supported by the words on this page you are currently reading.

This attunement will work one time for each chakra. After that if you choose to attune, you will still be able to do so because tuning in is a natural process. However, my assistance in attuning, and the addition of my pleasure energy will no longer be available. If you would like further assistance exploring your sexuality, I offer the Sexual Empowerment Attunement for purchase on my website http://www.lindawhitedove.com/Sexual_Empowerment.php

Thank you for the opportunity to share this attunement with you.

Linda White Dove
Copyright 2007 Linda White Dove

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Love as consciousness expansion?

2009-09-28T16:52:25Z

I saw this in my inbox this morning
"I realized earlier this year something that was hard to admit.

I'm scared of love.

Or, I should say, there's a part of myself that finds it terrifying.

It's frustrating, because to me love is the most powerful, devastating, and wonderful force in the universe--and there's nothing I'd like more to give myself over to. Even so, every time I think I've gone as far as I can go in becoming available and open to the feeling of really and truly being loved, I find some timid little area of my heart that's resisting.

"You don't deserve it," comes the whisper.

Maybe you can relate. :)"

And with Tom's post on another thread about raising ( changing ) our thermostat in regards to success and love and intimacy.
So,
Why is it so diffucult to be loved? What does it mean to you to be loved? When someone loves you how do you feel? ( Obvisously there are many advantages to being loved) What are the disadvantages, why do people run from it?

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 11 replies

Peace of Mind Attunement

2009-09-23T16:33:15Z

Peace of Mind Attunement

To attune is to tune in. As an infinite being, you already contain within every state of consciousness you could wish to experience. The purpose of this attunement is to help you tune into your peace of mind, bringing it into the forefront of your experience.

These words you are reading are instructions on how to tune in. As you follow the instructions for attunement, I am working with you helping you tune into your experience of peace of mind. To receive the attunement (which is offered as you read these very words): relax, close your eyes and intend to receive the attunement in accordance with your highest good. Allow a few minutes for the experience to unfold and integrate before resuming other activities.

This is a one time attunement. You may use it viewed on the computer or printed. It has no expiration date, but will only work one time per person (my assistance in attuning will be available one time per person). Each person who attunes receives their own individualized attunement, which is always current to where they are on their spiritual path are at the time of using the attunement. This attunement was designed to always be current, to be in alignment with the ever shifting and evolving energies supporting our planetary awakening and beyond. It will never be out of date.

If you wish to share this attunement with others, you may do so and it will work, provided you include my name and website address below. If you would like to offer feedback about your peace of mind experience, I would love to hear from you. An extended version of this attunement will be included in my October 2009 e-mail update. Visit my website to subscribe (it is free), or contact me offlist.

Thank you for the opportunity to share this attunement with you.
Linda White Dove
http://www.lindawhitedove.com

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Trust is the key

2009-09-14T15:36:31Z

What keeps us from moving into a deep and profound peace is our lack of
TRUST. Trust is the key to liberation.

For those on a spiritual or religious path, the idea that a
higher power is in charge of your existence is not a new concept.
So why then are you questioning your journey? Why are you second
guessing your life? Having faith or belief is simply not
enough. Trust is absolute. One's faith can be tested. Your
beliefs can be challenged. Trust comes from the heart and is
rooted in a deeper level of consciousness. It comes from a
profound place of knowing that you are divine and that your life
is happening in divine order. In any moment of frustration,
agony, sadness or fear you can bring trust into your experience
and expand your consciousness. For example when you are
frustrated that life isn't going the way you think it should,
instead of continuing on this destructive path of frustration,
simply breathe and acknowledge that every experience is unfolding
in divine order. In consciously doing this practice, the stress,
the worry and the fear will dissipate. Complete trust allows you
to simply enjoy the ride of your life knowing that with the
Divine in charge you couldn't ask for a better driver.

Jesus, Buddha and Krishna lived a life of complete and total
trust. Trust has the ability to propel you into complete
realization and opens you up to a life filled with peace and
authentic surrender. Trust removes the worry and fear from life
and brings absolute clarity. Practice the principle of trust.
As you do you will witness your life transform before your eyes.
Allow the Divine to lead as you relinquish control. Follow
lovingly the path that unfolds before you. This is the path to
your freedom and the map to your road home. Trust your Self.
You know more than you think you do. In the presence of the
light, nothing but the light can exist.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 1 reply

Legalize Hemp and Cannabis in California

2009-09-14T03:32:06Z

Hi Family,

"And if my words did glow, with the gold of sunshine. And if my tunes were played on the harp unstrung..." Please help these words to ripple... ripple becomes a wave... wave becomes a tsunami... pretty soon our minds are our own again.

Right now there are two competing signature drives to put Cannabis legalization initiatives on the ballot in California in November 2010.

One is found at www.taxcannabis2010.org

The other is found at www.CaliforniaCannabisInitiative.org

Please look carefully at the text of both laws (the text of each is finalized) and make up your own mind which one you support.

I am supporting www.CaliforniaCannabisInitiative.org because our law will protect Cannabis users from discrimination in

healthcare, employment, and housing. It is a full legalization measure for industrial hemp and recreational cannabis which will restore full human rights to Hemp farmers and Cannabis users all across California. Of course supplying Cannabis to children will remain illegal just as it is today. Driving vehicles under the influence will remain illegal just as it is today. Cannabis users will still be fired from their jobs if they show up to work impaired.

There are two parts to our plan. The first part is to publicly post and personally distribute our "Freedom Lover's Call to Arms" in order to recruit volunteers. This document is available here-

www.imgur.com/dbU83

The second part of our plan is to ask everyone who volunteers to make a pledge for how many signatures they can collect in

the next 30 days or so. 15-30 signatures is a good number. If enough volunteers show this level of commitment we can succeed. You can probably get that number from your family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors without having to solicit in public too much. This is an "out of the closet" movement. We will have to proudly advocate human rights for responsible, honest, hard-working Cannabis smokers in order to convince legitimate people to support us. I can supply stickers equivalent to each persons pledge number. These stickers can be used to generate interest and be given to voters who sign the petition. Here is the sticker design-

www.imgur.com/2cjvb

Feel free to distribute and use these images. Just don't copyright them.

We have 145 days in order to get the number of signatures that we need. Our petition is hot off the press on 9/11 and we

have started collecting the first signatures yesterday 9/12.

We are polling 56% public support for Cannabis legalization in California which menas that this is an initiative which is not doomed. Its time has finally arrived; we are at the tipping point right now. Now is the time to do this and to do it right. We may only get one chance. If a law which is not exactly what we want is implemented then we may lose our critical mass and our ability to set it right.

I believe that less adults will smoke cannabis after it is legal. This is the case in the Netherlands where it has been

available over-the-counter for 30 years yet only half as many citizens (percentage-wise) smoke as do citizens here. My economics professor has taught for years that prohibition has not succeeded in decreasing usage by increasing penalties. Instead it has destroyed lives and families without substantial benefit to society. After legalization hard-drug usage will decrease due to a "separation of the markets," a decline in the price of Cannabis relative to hard-drugs, and the restoration of honesty and common sense in drug education. Violence, thievery, and the incarceration of honest people will decrease as well. I also believe that a well regulated market will decrease the availability and appeal of cannabis to children. In fact teenage Cannabis use in California has fallen steadily since the passage of Proposition 215. Furthermore the adults who smoke Cannabis after legalization will be better able appreciate the majesty of nature in peace and unity without learning to fear and disrespect authority figures. This will be better for their spirits and better for society. Finally the human rights of legitimate medical Cannabis patients will be better protected than they are today. Legalizing Cannabis will create a safer, healthier, and more humane California for us all to live in.

If you want to help us in any way please contact the CCI campaign at www.CaliforniaCannabisInitiative.org or write me at
deep_space_underground@yahoo.com I give you my encouragement to modify this message if necessary and distribute it to anyone who might help on any forum or by any mechanism.

Love,
-Fully Committed

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

(repost ) "Tantra and spiritual power? Here is a definite answer, in terms of Buddhist tantra."

2009-09-01T22:39:52Z

Title
"Tantra and spiritual power? Here is a definite answer, in terms of Buddhist tantra."

Sentient, on tribe Tantra

" think a lot of people, especially in the west, got interested in tantra because of its sexual practices and people seem to like sex. Some people go a little deeper and want to use it to take their love making to a deeper level that incorporates the emotional and higher energetics. What about people who really use it as a meditation, who learn to raise energy for psychic or spiritual practices? What can tantric practices be used for in the practical application of psychic discipline and spiritual practice, beyond the temporary experience of it? A lot of psychic energy is being directed. What can it be used for?"

http://tantra.tribe.net/thread/ee95fef5-e011-4547-951d-23f4f2ed024e

Re Sentient:
"What about people who really use it [ tantra ] as a meditation, who learn to raise energy for psychic or spiritual practices?"

Tantra means several things. It means "integration", "wholeness", as in integration / wholeness of psychophysical experience, through integrative yogic discipline, and in the Buddhist usage it also means
"primordial pure awareness", specifically the Basis Path and Result of Awareness Yoga. Awareness yoga is in one of two major categories, Atiyoga / Dzogchen / Great Perfection, and Mahamudra / Chagyachenpo / Great Seal.

In each of these three sets of terms, the first term is Sanskrit, the second is Tibetan, and the third is an English language approximation. In either Buddhist system, the basic idea is that Basis = Path = Result, or
Basis Buddha = Path Buddha = Result Buddha.

Basis Buddha is you, specifically your own primordially pure awareness, or mine for that matter, which is temporarily obstructed or limited, resulting in a lower energy, divided state of awareness. But the original pure awareness within each individual is never lost nor can it be destroyed, even by physical death.

From one perspective, the teacher known as Guru Sakyamuni Buddha developed or realized his own pure Buddha nature over a period of one thousand lifetimes, with five hundred "impure" lifetimes and five hundred pure lifetimes.

This resulted in an extraordinary event which is the refounding of Buddhist yoga in the current world age. The current founder Buddha Guru Sakyamuni Buddha manifested three defining attributes
1) wholeness and completeness of awareness
2) wholeness and completeness of compassion
3) wholeness and completeness of power, meaning spiritual power.

You asked about spiritual power, so I will give you a concrete, specific historical act of power manifested by Guru Sakyamuni Buddha.

Once, about twenty five hundred years ago or so, the historical Guru Sakyamuni was attacked by a large, wild, ferocious stampeding elephant. This elephant was specifically provoked by Guru Sakyamuni's cousin Devadatta in hopes of killing Guru Sakyamuni.

The elephant was charging straight towards Sakyamuni, and as I understand matters, some people nearby were trying to flee, since a raging elephant is a powerful and unpredictable force, that might turn in any direction.

Guru Sakyamuni saw the elephant charge straight towards him, and he just stood there. This was not because he was lacking attentiveness, nor because he was frozen with fear. He was standing there to address a problem, not only for himself, but for others present.

So, the elephant is making a straight line for Guru Sakyamuni, and Sakyamuni is standing there for a long moment considering the elephant. Then Sakyamuni raises his right hand palm forward in the Abhaya hasta mudra, the Sacred Hand Gesture of Fearlessness. Then the crazed elephant stops dead in its tracks right in front of Guru Sakyamuni, becomes completely calm, and the problem is solved.

Now in Honolulu Hawaii, it took a lot of effort to stop a rampaging elephant that was tearing up a main downtown avenue some twelve years back. It took a lot of firepower to bring that elephant down, to cripple and kill it.

But to all appearances, all that Guru Sakaymuni did when he was attacked, was to make a simple hand gesture, and the huge and dangerous problem was resolved in the space of one breath.

This is a definite expression of spiritual power, of the power of a great mystic and yogi and indeed a true Buddha. It's not a magic trick nor any kind of swindle nor rumor of what may have happened. It is simply put, a direct manifestation of jnana ( wisdom ) karuna ( compassion ) and bala ( power ).

The overall tradition of Buddhist yoga remains alive today, at varying levels of effectiveness and completeness. Great acts of power have been performed over the centuries since Guru Sakyamuni originally taught. I myself have seen and experienced some real acts of power in the Buddhist tradition, as well as in some other traditions.

For example, I once saw a native American bring a lame woman to ( begin to ) walk in one very short healing session, back in 1983. She actually was beginning to lift her legs. The teacher, Rolling Thunder, said
"I did not expect this to happen in one session. I thought it would take three sessions. I did not perform this healing. It wasn't me. You healed yourself."

So here is the real teaching on wisdom compassion and power: wisdom compassion and power are already within us. That is the core meaning of tantra in the Buddhist tradition. There is an equally important core meaning known as Lineage and Transmission, which means connecting with an authentic guru and receiving abhisekha, or transmission/ empowerment. And also there is samaya, which means maintaining the sacred connection, through ethics and self-reflection.

In the mid 1980s Buddhist tantra saved my life, through a series of major transmission cycles and several million mantra recitations, and so forth. The abhisekha/ transmissions were mainly from
- HE Luding Khen Rinbochay ( the principal Sakya Tibetan Ngor lineage holder )
- HH Kalu Rinbochay ( the principal Shangpa Kagyu Tibetan lineage holder ) and
- HH Chetsang Tulku Rinbochay, one of the two principal Drikung Kagyu Tibetan lineage holders
- Longchen Nyingtik Breakthrough from Ven. Lama Terton Sogyal Tulku ( Nyingma, Rigpa Fellowship ).

This includes three primary cycles of transmission from HH Kalu Rinbochay.

I was therefore able to receive power, healing and purification, and so able to develop some power, healing, and complete some purification, when these were most needed to save my own life.

There was no way a western muggle doctor or shrink could address the kind of problem I faced, which in retrospect seemed about as easy to handle as a wild charging elephant. So I didn't talk to any. I took the medicine of Buddha Dharma, the Discipline of Awareness.

I have never believed in "faith healing." When I was very young, a little girl died because her parents provided her only Christian faith healing. She had appendicitis and her abdomen ruptured. Over forty years later, I still do not believe in faith healing, certainly not as the muggles do.

But there is spiritual power, there is yoga, and there is healing. At least, these are present as possibilities.

I myself am a medical yogi, an inner medical tantrika. I took my final exams over twenty years ago. In all that time, I have never believed in a personal creator God, nor in faith healing, nor really in any of what the yogically illiterate call "religion".

I don't have a personal religious belief to espouse. I study and practice yoga, mainly Buddhist tantra, along with a large set of related and similar practices from across Asia, plus various protocols for high level wellness from all over, including Native American teachings.

There are many many classical and and traditional practices that really work. My own experience is that the tantra - considered in the broader sense - is the deepest and most powerful and most broadly acting spiritual discipline. A lot of it has to do with breathing techniques ( pranayama ) and visualization, based on lineage transmission and sacred commitments as mentioned earlier.

Vajradhara Kalu Rinbochay wrote a book:

"The Dharma: That Illuminates All Beings Impartially Like the Light of the Sun and the Moon"
by Kalu Rinpoche (Author)
# Paperback: 222 pages
# Publisher: State University of New York Press (October 1986)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0887061575
# ISBN-13: 978-0887061578

There is also

"The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen"
by Chogyal Namkhai Norbu and John Shane

# Paperback: 176 pages
# Publisher: Snow Lion Publications (October 25, 1999)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 1559391359
# ISBN-13: 978-1559391351

For general purposes, these are two books I have been recommending to many here and there over the years. They are both very accessible and together provide a good foundation for further study in more technical areas of Buddhist tantra. ( My own core Buddhist stack of books and materials and sadhanas and notes is over sixteen feet tall, but you don't need more than a small functional set of teachings and transmissions and texts to engage this path. )

I am really thankful for the efforts of these two Buddhist gurus, as well as many others ( over sixty Buddhist gurus in fact ). I have benefited greatly thereby. Perhaps you can too. It's mostly about doing your homework, it's mostly about effective yoga sadhana.

It's mostly about awareness and responsibility and caring enough. . . and prioritizing what matters in the long term.

You have been helped.

Sarva mangalam. Siddhi rastu.

KT

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Altered States Online Course at Maybe Logic Academy

2009-08-31T20:10:57Z

Altered States
Ecstasy and Invocation
with Philip H. Farber

Eight Week ONLINE Course
begins September 14, 2009

For information: http://maybelogic.org/
Enrollment: http://www.deepleafproductions.com/deepleafcart/
More info on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109615958365

Exploring altered states is as easy as we think. Really, every moment is an excellent opportunity to notice how our consciousness shifts and flows from one state to another. Some of the changes are tiny and subtle - like a shift of attention from your present state to thoughts of the future. And other changes are more powerful in their effects - like the shift from waking consciousness to dreaming, arousal, trance, or exhilaration. When we begin to notice the ways that our minds naturally access these shifts in consciousness, we can learn to access them at will.

The H.E.A.D. Revolution Rides Again!

State control - being aware of and able to guide our own states of consciousness - is an incredibly useful skill in daily life and a key piece toward understanding magick, meditation, shamanism, hypnosis, and other means of consciousness exploration and reality maintenance. As Timothy Leary suggested, it is possible to "dial and tune" our consciousness - and the techniques may be simpler than we often imagine.

This course is, most of all, intended to be useful. While we may explore a bit of theory, psychology and neuroscience, Altered States: Ecstasy and Invocation is more about method and technique. Each section will include experiments designed to demonstrate the ideas we discuss. The emphasis is on what we can do, right now, to access states of ecstasy, inspiration and increased intelligence. Think of this as a shamanic or magical training, a guide to altered states and the amazing things we can do with them.

Some of the pieces will be familiar to Meta-Magick fans - working with energy flows, state entities, and so on - but we'll be putting them together in different ways, with an emphasis on invocation.

Invocation is the magical technique of drawing qualities into us, of enhancing our own lives and experiences and bringing our own consciousness closer to our ideas of deity and to our full potenpial. Invocation and altered states are intertwined far closer than most writers on the subject have explored… until now…

For information: http://maybelogic.org/
Enrollment: http://www.deepleafproductions.com/deepleafcart/
More info on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109615958365

Philip H. Farber is the author of Meta-Magick: The Book of Atem: Achieving New States of Consciousness Through NLP, Neuroscience and Ritual (Weiser Books, 2008) and Futureritual: Magick for the 21st Century (Eschaton Productions, 1995), a manual of neurological exploration. His articles on magick and popular culture have appeared in Green Egg Magazine, The Journal of Hypnotism, Hypnosis Today, Mondo 2000, High Times, Paradigm Shift, Reality Sandwich and other unique publications and web sites. He has produced several DVD packages on magical topics and teaches workshops throughout the United States, England and Europe. Phil is an instructor for Maybe Logic Academy (www.maybelogic.org), a Certified Hypnotist and a Licensed Trainer of Neuro-linguistic Programming, with a private practice in New York's Hudson Valley. Visit Phil at http://www.hawkridgeproductions.com.

Maybe Logic Academy

Maybe Logic Academy is an innovative online learning institution and community. The Academy features online courses by some our most important and ground-breaking writers, theorists, artists and teachers.

Courses are grounded in the philosophy and perspective of maybe logic, an approach which emphasizes the fallibility and relativity of perception and tends to approach information and observations with questions, probabilities and multiple perspectives rather than absolute truths. This "model agnosticism" informs all MLA courses by maintaining an experimental attitude towards any particular paradigm, theory or model of reality.

Academy courses are designed to help individuals broaden their perspectives and perceptions of the world. Our mission is to create a learning and community environment where alternative models, philosophies and methodologies can be discussed and explored at length with the guidance of an 'expert in the field.' If students leave the courses with more questions - and more options - we've done our job.

Academy Schematics
Each course has its own secure online site where students and faculty collaborate in forum discussions and where all course material is published and archived. At the beginning of each week of the course, the instructor publishes the week's assignment. This assignment could include readings, exercises, study questions, web links, meditations, video or audio lectures, etc. Discussions then ensue and develop in the course forum based on the week's material. The instructor will direct the forum discussions by various postings throughout the week. Any "live" event like a chatroom gathering will be scheduled at times most convenient to everyone. But if you can't make the scheduled time you won't miss out on any of the content as all material is recorded and published on the course site.

MLA courses are asynchronous. This means that the international student body does not have to be online at the same time. Since all course material is published on the course site, all you need to participate in MLA courses is an online computer. Once registered, students can login from any computer with an internet connection, anywhere on the planet.

There are no grades or official marks of accomplishment. Essentially the more you put into the course (i.e. doing the readings, exercises, etc. and contributing to the course forums) the more you'll get out of it. This student-centered approach tends to foster an environment where each student's insights and questions are valued and help shape the content and direction of the course.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Sept 20th and 21st: global community peace building event: United Nations International Day of Peace, Peacebuilding & Global Mala Yoga For Peace Project

2009-08-30T22:50:38Z

Title:
Sept 20th global community peace building event: United Nations International Day of Peace, Peacebuilding & Global Mala Yoga For Peace Project

Keywords : Event notice, United Nations International Day of Peace, "Peacebuilding", GLOBAL MALA YOGA FOR PEACE PROJECT, Community Building, International Green Movement and Rio Earth Summit Greens, Mahayana, generalized humanitarian and spiritual co-operation.

Summary: Here is a basic introduction to two related efforts. The first is the United Nations International Day of Peace, an annual September event. The second is The Global Mala Yoga for Peace Project, a worldwide set of spiritual cultural events directly supporting the UN Day of Peace through yoga sadhana.

“We need more light about each other.
Light creates understanding.
Understanding creates love.
Love creates patience, and patience creates unity.”
Malcolm X

“When I give thanks, I give thanks for everything. When I pray, I pray for all that live.”
Chief Dan George

“We are all connected through the human spirit.”
HH the Dalai Lama

“Love builds inner strength.”
HH the Dalai Lama

http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/

All Our Relations . . . .

JOIN THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

The United Nations' International Day of Peace - marked every year on September 21 - is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace.
Established by U.N. resolution in 1982, "Peace Day" has grown to include millions of people around the world who participate in all kinds of events, large and small.

For 2009, this new Web site makes it easy to find and promote Peace Day events anywhere in the world. Just click on "Participate!" to locate an event or post information. And explore the rest of the site to learn more about Peace Day and how to get involved.
May Peace Prevail On Earth!

http://internationaldayofpeace.org/about/background.html

About International Day of Peace, September 21

The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. It was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982.
In 2002 the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the permanent date for the International Day of Peace.

By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to worldwide peace and encouraged all of mankind to work in cooperation for this goal. During the discussion of the U.N. Resolution that established the International Day of Peace, it was suggested that:
"Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples…This day will serve as a reminder to all peoples that our organization, with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service of peace and should serve all of us here within the organization as a constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace."

Since its inception, Peace Day has marked our personal and planetary progress toward peace. It has grown to include millions of people in all parts of the world, and each year events are organized to commemorate and celebrate this day. Events range in scale from private gatherings to public concerts and forums where hundreds of thousands of people participate.

Anyone, anywhere can celebrate Peace Day. It can be as simple as lighting a candle at noon, or just sitting in silent meditation. Or it can involve getting your co-workers, organization, community or government engaged in a large event. The impact if millions of people in all parts of the world, coming together for one day of peace, is immense.

International Day of Peace is also a Day of Ceasefire – personal or political. Take this opportunity to make peace in your own relationships as well as impact the larger conflicts of our time. Imagine what a whole Day of Ceasefire would mean to humankind.

http://internationaldayofpeace.org/participate/events_calendar.html

http://internationaldayofpeace.org/your_peace_day.html

Plan a Peace Day Event!

Each year, events take place all around the world for the International Day of Peace. Every Peace Day event provides an opportunity to inspire individuals and empower communities to celebrate victories for peace that have been won throughout the year, and to rededicate our commitment to work for a more peaceful, just and sustainable world all year long.

A Peace Day event can be as simple as lighting a candle or meditate on Peace on September 21. It can be as complex as organizing a Peace Concert for thousands of people. In between, there is a whole scale of events on different levels that might fit your family, group, class, or community.

Be seen. Be visible. Let the world know you care about peace.

http://internationaldayofpeace.org/peacebuilding_101.html

Peacebuilding 101

Peacebuilding is different from "peacemaking" and "peacekeeping" in that it focuses on creating a long-term culture of peace, rather than solving existing conflicts or preventing old ones from re-occurring. Peacebuilding activities aim at building understanding and tolerance between individuals, communities and societies and establishing new structures of cooperation. Peacebuilding activities range in scale from personal acts of kindness toward others to global inter-governmental programs.

Definitions of Peacebuilding

Peacebuilding is the construction of new environments and new cultures which transform deficient structures and capabilities which unite the strengths of emerging innovations in all pathways of our local-global planetary life. Peacebuilding creates and maintains beneficial conditions for sustainable (life-enhancing) social, economic, political and spiritual development of all peoples.
(Adapted from speech given at UN by PTP and "An Agenda for Peace", a UN Report of the Secretary-General, 1992)

Unlike peace-making and peace-keeping, which are related to warfare and settlement of conflicts, "...the concept of peace-building (is) the construction of a new environment --- the transformation of deficient national structures and capabilities, and --- the strengthening of new democratic institutions."
(Excerpted from "An Agenda for Peace", a UN Report of the Secretary-General in January 1992, which globally and officially recognized the emerging field of peacebuilding.)

"We need to build not only geographical but spiritual bridges between people and strengthen the intellectual, cultural and communication linkages between our societies. (Let us) stand ready to participate in the effort to promote social integration and create a culture of peace."
(From UNESCO PRESS Report at World Summit for Social Development by Director-General UNESCO, Frederico Mayor)

"Where there is peace, there is culture; where there is culture, there is peace."
(Nicholas Roerich)

"Positive creativeness is the fundamental quality of the human spirit. Let us welcome all those who, surmounting personal difficulties, --- propel their spirits to the task of peaceBuilding, thus ensuring a radiant future."
(Nicholas Roerich)

The UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC)

The Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) is a new intergovernmental advisory body of the United Nations that supports peace efforts in countries emerging from conflict, and is a key addition to the capacity of the international community in the broad peace agenda.

The Peacebuilding Commission plays a unique role in
1. bringing together all of the relevant actors, including international donors, the international financial institutions, national governments, troop contributing countries;
2. marshalling resources and
3. advising on and proposing integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery and where appropriate, highlighting any gaps that threaten to undermine peace.
The concurrent General Assembly and Security Council resolutions establishing the Peacebuilding Commission also provided for the establishment of a Peacebuilding Fund and Peacebuilding Support Office, which together form the United Nations peacebuilding architecture.

The PBC is mandated to: "marshal resources and to advise on and propose integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery." The PBC focuses attention on reconstruction, institution-building and sustainable development, in countries emerging from conflict. It is specifically mandated to:
• Propose integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery;
• Help to ensure predictable financing for early recovery activities and sustained financial investment over the medium- to longer-term;
• Extend the period of attention the international community gives to post-conflict recovery;
• Develop best practices on issues that require extensive collaboration among political, security, humanitarian and development actors.

For more information about the UN Peacebuilding Commission, please visit:
http://www.un.org/peace/peacebuilding/index.shtml

----------------------------- end section INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE ------------------

----------------------------- begin global mala yoga for peace ---------------------------

http://www.globalmala.org/pressrelease2009.php

GLOBAL MALA YOGA FOR PEACE PROJECT UNITES YOGA COMMUNITY IN SUPPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

Yogis Throughout the World Cross the Borders of their Mats to Raise Consciousness and Funds for Important Causes.

LOS ANGELES — (March 17, 2009) — On September 19 and 20, the Global Mala Yoga for Peace Project, whose purpose is to unite the global yoga community, will implement events throughout the world in honor of the United Nations International Day of Peace. Forming a “mala around the earth” through collective practices based upon the sacred cycle of 108, the mission of the Global Mala Project is to raise both funds and consciousness for some of the most pressing issues facing the world today. Global Mala Yoga for Peace is a featured event during National Yoga Month 09.2009.

Thousands of yogis will practice 108 sun salutations at hundreds of event across the nation. Taking its name from the sacred prayer beads called “mala” used in India and Tibet as meditation guides, the Global Mala Project will benefit the Yoga Health Foundation and numerous other charities and projects being supported by local community leaders. Composed of 108 beads, the mala is symbolic of the prayer for peace, hope and charity the Global Mala Project will be sending to the world.

“With the rising threat of Global Warming, the illusion of separateness is dissolving around the world,” said Shiva Rea, world renowned Yoga teacher and catalyst for the Global Mala Project. “Yoga is one of the few common denominators for millions of people around the world; together we are creating a circle around the earth and dedicating our energy to peace.”
Global Mala Yoga Project in Los Angeles, New York, Miami, San Francisco and many other cities worldwide will include 108 sun salutations, live music, and fellowship with likeminded yogis interested in creating the peace they wish to experience in the world.

For more information, please visit www.globalmala.org or www.yogamonth.org.

From
http://www.globalmala.org/about.php

The Global Mala Yoga for Peace Project: Uniting Yoga, Seva and Collective Consciousness
Namaskaram!

This site and the Global Mala Project belongs to the global yoga community. This is a seed of a world-wide experiment into the power of meditation in action.
The purpose of the Global Mala is to unite the global yoga community from every continent, school or approach to form a "mala around the earth" through collective practices based upon the sacred cycle of 108 on Sept. 19th or 20th, Fall Equinox as the yoga world's offering to further the UN International Peace Day.

Each center offers their form of a Yoga Mala according to their yoga tradition and inspiration:
• 108 Sun Salutations (or variations of 27, 56)
• 108 rounds of mantra such as the Gayatri or Maha Mrityanjaya
• 108 rounds of a kriya
• 108 minutes of meditation, kirtan or movement meditation

Each Global Mala event can be dedicated to practice or to practice and seva - service by integrating local action, and raising funds for the organization of their choice.
Global Mala Yoga for Peace are featured events during Yoga Month 09.2009. Coordinators please signup here or learn more about the Yoga Month-Global Mala Yoga for Peace partnership and support.

May all beings experience the blessing of unconditional happiness!

Om Shanti,

Johannes R. Fisslinger
Shiva Rea
Michael Spitzer
Jacqueline Stolte

http://www.globalmala.org/support.php

Global Mala Yoga for Peace 2009 - Support Materials

Supportive materials, brochures, posters and graphics for Global Mala Yoga for Peace 2009 and National Yoga Month are available inside the coordinators login area. 2009 Coordinators signup here or login.

After you have logged in, please ADD YOUR EVENT in our global directory and use brochure, poster templates and other support materials (see links after you have logged in).

----------------------------- end global mala yoga for peace ----------------------------

Peace Quotes
"On this International Day, let us promise to make peace not just a priority, but a passion. Let us pledge to do more, wherever we are in whatever way we can, to make every day a day of peace." — U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

"Simply the absence of war is not peace" — Anam Prem, India

"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal." — Martin Luther King Jr.

"Peace is not a thing to be achieved or a commodity to be stored." — Anam Prem, India

"Peace is not the absence of war; it is respecting and accepting each other and promoting human rights." — Miss Nida Ashfaq, International Young Catholic Students (IYCS), Pakistan

"I feel peaceful when I'm on the rollercoaster." — Anonymous child, Marin Peace Projects, USA

"…all religions of the world teach us to respect man, regardless of color, race, gender and faith." — Jahangir Piara, Organization for Peace and Development, Pakistan

"Peace is possible; when there is Peace is each of us." — Mr. Kamran, MARS Organization, Pakistan

"Peace is one of humanity's most precious needs. It is also the United Nation's highest calling." — U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

"Peace begins with a smile." — Mother Teresa

"There is no such thing as a good war and there is no such thing as a bad peace." — Benjamin Franklin

"Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man." — Mahatma Gandhi

"Peace is its own reward." — Mahatma Gandhi

"Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace." — Buddha

"There are only two forces in the world, the sword and the spirit. In the long run the sword will always be conquered by the spirit." — Napoleon Bonaparte

Dedication: this outreach effort is dedicated to the broader work of Mohandas Gandhi, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King, the Dalai Lama, and Aung San Suu Kyi, the International Green Movement, and All Our Relations.

Sarva mangalam. May All Beings Benefit. Om shanti shanti shanti.

In partial fulfillment of various community and teaching responsibilities,

KT

N.B. : KT is not formally associated with these organizations and does not formally represent them. Some of the above items are copyright, and provided here as a combined set through what is called "fair use", with some original content.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - end post "global community peace building event" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Tian Gong Tribe!

2009-08-25T17:57:33Z

Just got the new version of the Tian Gong Tribe up and running!

Tian Gong is a Qi Gong school for energy & spiritual healing. A place where body, mind & soul work together, we offer weekly classes, practice groups, energy transmissions & workshop intensives to accelerate personal growth & development. This unique form of Qi Gong incorporates meditation, physical movement, sound healing, Eastern & Western spiritual wisdom & ancient alchemical practices.
Practicing Tian Gong Qi Gong helps to restore & strengthen emotional, mental & physical health & balance. Even more importantly, Tian Gong distinguishes itself through intermediate & advanced courses which lead students to a deeper understanding of karma, reincarnation & soul health. Teachings are based on Eastern philosophy grounded in 8,000 years of wisdom passed down by sages & ancient cultures around the world, as well as new Universal messages.

With a mission to provide global humanitarian relief aid and a curriculum that emphasizes energy-based environmental sustainability, social philanthropy and disaster relief skills, we hope that anyone interested in changing the world for the better will find a home in your heart here — because finding your inner peace will lead the world to global peace.

Come to one of our group practices!

Berkeley
7:30 - 9 pm, every Tuesday
Rudramandir, a Center for Spirituality and Healing
830 Bancroft Way, Lotus Room #114

San Francisco
7 - 8:30pm, every Tuesday
300 Bella Vista Way

Santa Cruz
7 - 8:30 pm, every Thursday
The Garden Sanctuary, 3070 Prather Lane, Soquel, CA 95065

Sebastopol
7-8:30pm, every Tuesday
Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 6780 Depot St, Sebastopol, CA 95472

Call 510-883-1920 for info about classes in Marin, San Diego, San Mateo, Sacramento, and Union City.

See our flier and website for upcoming events and workshops!
www.TianGong.org

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Techniques for Consciousness Expansion

2009-08-17T14:59:34Z

can members please share what techniques they have used for consciousness expansion, whether meditative, fasting, chemical, etc. What results have you experienced.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 16 replies

My Mantra for these Times

2009-08-12T15:40:43Z

Time does not run me;
The whole universe runs through me.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 2 replies

Dreaming the New World into Being

2009-08-12T15:39:48Z

Thursday, August 13 from 9:00-11:00 is a time I will focus my intent. It will find me a-dreaming of the new world again. We are in remarkable times this summer with powerful energy available for transforming if we choose to accept the invitation.
Current sustainability initiatives to salvage this “surface reality” dying world are not enough.
We must also realize that we are the dreamers and the co-creators. Our task is to dream. The new world we have to dream into being is like the Garden of Eden. This will be what sustains us and offers us all we need. It is possible to create it in our life time if enough people dream it.
Anastasia of the Ringing Cedars books gives us a clear vision of the joy and abundance of this new world: simply living and being in country garden settings with each other and nature. Yes to life!

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 1 reply

Awakening

2009-08-03T23:01:45Z

August 5 is the full moon and the third eclipse in 5 weeks. This is a lunar eclipse. It is the quickening of our awakening, expanded consciousness…a life-altering, huge window of opportunity. As a time of powerful synchronicity and manifestation, I BE joy and gratitude as I sleep outside under the stars by my garden, talking to the whole universe, giving thanks as I assert what I am as the new world.
August 20 is the last of three Super New Moons in a row: empowered manifesting. I am joy and abundance. May we all shine on!
[Adapted from Rose Marcus]
Picture from www.astronet.rudbxwaremsg1199836

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 3 replies

yoga nyana sitthar om sri raja yoga guru saranam...guruve thunai

2009-08-03T18:33:59Z

im kavithra dhayan..im 19
its gona b,,,,9 mnths im in RPT
I TOOK THE..teechai..
first im nt interest in ts .....later after hear lot bout 4m my dad bout my lovely guruji
then by time passed i get 2 knw bout guruji well
my first experience
1.when the 1st tyme my tongue recide guruji namam a miracle happened
,it was my final test as well im in medical electronic engineering.my thoughest
paper is techonolgy f electric.....and its hapened,,when i gt the exam paper in my
hand...i get nervous n my hand start 2 shiver..i forget watever i did go through 4 for my exam....tats the moment i remember dads word "kavi ma recide tis namam "YOGA NYANA SITTHAR OM SRI RAJA YOGA GURU SARANAM"....when i hold my penn my mouth start 2 recide,,yoga nyana sitthar om sri raja yoga saranam.... automatically my pen moved by its own...til 2day i cant think hw miracle it is..n my result excellent 4 the paper..it was my experince tat i cdnt forget till nw...i love my guruji..yoga nyana sitthar om sri raja yoga guru guru saranam.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 16 replies

Hindering Spiritual Growth: Chronic Illnesses and Toxic Chemicals Database + Reality of Tacit Conspiracies

2009-08-01T06:00:41Z

This is posted for the simple reason that the information
in this copy /paste can also be seen as the various situation
that prevent Spiritual Growth (in mass) with the majority of mankind..

Copy / paste

Database lists illnesses with toxic chemicals
that can cause them is now linked in at my
profile with a review and comments at :>
http://people.tribe.net/toxicreverend
Or just Google;
"Toxic Reverend"
I have other profiles and blogs, all of which
have the same red and white skull and cross bones.
With the exception of the "Straightedge" profile :>

Note the blog titled;
"Osho : The "Love Guru" and Non-lethal Biological Weapons"
posted at
Straightedge - Mister Kinkster
http://www.myspace.com/misterkinkster

..................................

In "other news":

Realities and tacit conspiracies of today's health care and political system
http://toxicreverend.blogspot.com/2009/06/realities-and-tacit-conspiracies-of.html

This posting could still use some editing.
Feel free to use it as you see fit.
My macular degeneration is forcing me to stop working
on this for now. But I feel the information is too
important not to send out. Please feel free to forward
to journalists that can make use of it, with or with out
credit to myself.

Blessings,

The Toxic Reverend

......................................................................

Realities and tacit conspiracies of today's health care and political system
Sunday, June 7, 2009
http://toxicreverend.blogspot.com/2009/06/realities-and-tacit-conspiracies-of.html

Reference material is linked into the blog, but is not linked into this posting - TR

Excerpts from the above blog:>

Medical bills play a role in 62% of bankruptcies, study says
By Lisa Girion, June 4, 2009 Los Angeles Times

Quotes from the LA Times Nespaper article:
The study found that medical bills, plus related problems
such as lost wages for the ill and their caregivers,
contributed to 62% of all bankruptcies filed in 2007.

Medical insurance isn't much help, either. About 78% of
bankruptcy filers burdened by healthcare expenses were
insured, according to the survey, to be published in the
August issue of the American Journal of Medicine.

End of quotes from the LA Times newspaper.

The article appears to have been moved to their archives.
A copy is posted at: Physicians for a National Health Program,
http://www.pnhp.org/news/2009/june/medical_bills_play_a.php

The article can also be found with the Google search terms;
"Medical bills play a role in 62% of bankruptcies, study says By Lisa Girion, June 4, 2009 Los Angeles Times"

The entire study can be downloaded from:

Physicians for a National Health Program,
http://pnhp.org/
at
http://pnhp.org/new_bankruptcy_study/

.........

“As an Environmental Technologist, I can not imagine
a health care system that could be viable, when it
ignores the common toxic chemical exposures” -
The Toxic Reverend

The realities and tacit conspiracies of today's health care and political system
By The Toxic Reverend
(No copyright claimed. Edit, post, forward and reproduce at will)

..............................
.........

Please consider this information with the following moral:

Tacit Conspiracy Of Complicity - Simplified:

While walking to work each day, I had to cross a stream. I tossed a

rock in to step on and help myself cross each day, on the way to and from work.

Others saw this and did the same. We never discussed it or talked about it.

It was a tacit conspiracy of complicity.

Most of us never imagined that we would create a damn that would flood our

community and kill so many people.

But the few that did realize the impending disaster, set about preparing to

profit off of the coming tragedy, rather than attempt to prevent it. And what

is even worse, are the "measures" they took to keep the information

concealed so the disaster could not be avoided and they could

"make a killing", in profits.

End of quoted moral from a work in progress titled-
Toxic Revelations
..........................................................................

Leading medical providers like the Cleveland
Clinic and Johns Hopkins in Baltimore are
establishing special programs to give platinum
service to the well-heeled. Depending on the
program, the super-rich customers may receive
massages and sauna time along with their
physical, house calls, and step-to-the- front-
of-the-line service in testing facilities (158).

While Linda Peeno MD (featured in the movie
"Sicko") gave sworn testimony to the House of
Representatives on the subject of "Denial of
Health Care Services" to insured American's
(20a).

A Congressional Report states that of the
1,400 chemicals known to cause cancer,
less than 6% are tracked (145B).

The huge transnational companies that
produce toxic chemicals found in
pesticides, herbicides and industrial and
household products profit not only from
the sale of these products, but also from
the symptoms and chronic illnesses that
they can trigger (157).
________

157 :POISON FOR PROFIT
CHEM/PHARM HAS NO EQUAL - WHAT A
BUSINESS PLAN!
By Ashley Simmons Hotz May 15, 2002

This report has been censored from the
Internet and removed from the
Archives Wayback Machine. But a
number of advocates have been
re-posting the report and copies can be
found with a simple Google search on
the title and author:>
"POISON FOR PROFIT Ashley Simmons Hotz"

________ ........................

Even more disturbing is what is termed "the revolving door" from
these companies and their executives into many of the high ranking
administration offices of our government, in Washington DC. From
the National Institute of Health to the Food and Drug Administration
and beyond.

"The revolving door" is easily shown with an Internet www.google.com

search term, "revolving door washington DC drugs chemical companies".

In short, "Justice has been sold" (101) and millions of dollars put

into "fixing the sale" ( 49). The Los Angeles Times reported that,

"Drug Companies, HMO's Spend Big To Stop New Laws". They

donated hundreds of millions of dollars to political election

campaigns (49, 159 ).

To quote Senator Amy Klobuchar;

The debate on health care in Washington has been dominated by

the drug companies and the insurance companies for way too long.

When our health care policies are written for the insurance companies

and the drug companies instead of America's families, we get things

like Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D gave the prescription drug

companies something like $90 billion a year in Christmas presents

by banning the federal government from negotiating drug prices.

End of quote from Senator Amy Klobuchar

Drug companies are apparently buying out "grass root

organizations like NAMI (68). While they do the

"Poison for Profit" ( 157).

Use this Google search terms to find copies

"POISON FOR PROFIT Ashley Simmons Hotz"
.............................

To simplify the complexity of the
controversy, I will give this example. Bill
Moyers of the Public Broadcasting System
did a show named Trade Secrets and has
created a web page of the same name
(26). There is to much documentation
there to list, in regard to "industry"
covering up the damage to OUR HEALTH
from toxic chemicals, for over fifty years
(26).

Bill Moyers was tested for over 800 toxic
chemicals and over 80 chemicals (at
various levels of exposure) were found, in
him. That presents the potential for more
viable chemicals reaction variations than
the pick six lottery in one patient from the
perspective of Low Dose Cumulative
Effects of Toxic Chemical's ! But
regardless of this, many of the "tolerable
levels of exposure" to a (singular) toxic
chemical have been fraudulently produced
for decades (81).

Current events on this topic of "The Toxic Lotto" that
revolves around the "Toxic Soup" that all of us live in
are at my MySpace profile with links to the
California Biomonitoring Program
and the
"Cumulative Impacts".

Just as toxic chemicals can multiply in their toxicity
when mixed, so can infectious agents increase in their
pathogenic impact. And the the two (toxic chemicals
and infectious agents) usually work in a synergistic
manner.

It is suspected that
Camp Mandalay of the Bohemian Grove
might very well have "inside knowledge" that
other members of the Bohemian Grove are not
aware of.

Many camps in the Bohemian Grove contain very
prestigious visitors. You have camps like Cave Man,
Hideaway, Hill Billies, Hillside, Isle of Aves, Lost
Angels, Mandalay, Midway, Owl's Nest,
Sempervirens, Silverado Squatters, and Stowaway.
Mandalay seems to be the camp for international
relations and consists of many members officially or
otherwise connected to the intelligence agencies.
Mandalay is the only camp you cannot just walk into
and before you are allowed on the compound
someone will ask you who you have an appointment
with. If you're cleared for access, you are taken up the
hill with a Bechtel-designed electric pulley. Many
members of camps like Hill Billies or Stowaway
(Rockefellers and Morgans) have been to Mandalay at
one time or another.

It is believed that camp Mandalay was central to
the "Manhattan Project" (the nuclear bomb),
"Project Paper Clip" (that gave Nazi scientists
new identities and continued their research on
American's) and a host of other well document
experiments on hundreds of American cities.

I am all for telling the other members of the
Bohemian Grove what camp Mandalay has been
up to with the Non-Lethal Biological
Weapons known as Incapacitating Agents,
playing a part in Chronic Illnesses and cancers.
A video titled,
"Biological Weapons Experiments On The American People"
explains it rather well.

Copy / paste of a posting at
"Sex for the sake of sex" #83 (permalink)

When it comes to the effects of toxic chemicals on our gonads
and or our sex drive, there appears to be a cover up and
a conspiracy. Unfortunately, it is much worse than that. After
careful investigation, it seems to me that the circumstance are
due more to incompetence and greed.

This membership list of the Bohemian Grove does list
some of the deceased and their causes of death. Such as
John Du Pont (now deceased) of whom was diagnosed as
"insane". He was heir to the Du Pont chemical empire.
Ralph Bailey was a member of Camp Mandalay and Vice-Chairman
of Du Pont Chemical Company. John Du Pont (heir to the Du Pont
fortune) was a member of the "Isle of Aves" Camp.
John Du Pont was not a member of the Mandalay Camp.

I'll get back to that angle, after I clarify a few points....... Maybe
you could ask Mary Moore and Peter Phillips what they think about this ?

The elite of our society (The Bohemian Grove
crowd) can get caught up and effected by this "Toxic Lotto", too.
Only they have the money (cash) or a different type of health
insurance, that enables them to get properly evaluated at
clinics like the
Environmental Health Center-Dallas

I'll clarify a key point. A peer reviewed medical
journal has shown that the majority of mental
illness is due to toxic chemical exposures
and is not as genetic as they had thought.

________________________________________
In reference:
Article titled;
Environmental Connections: A Deeper Look into Mental Illness
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives
Volume 115, Number 8, August 2007
http://www.ehponline.org/docs/2007/115-8/focus-abs.html
Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP ) is a a monthly journal
of peer- reviewed research and news on the impact of the
environment on human health.

End of copy / paste excerpts of posting from;
"Sex for the sake of sex" #83 (permalink)

____________________

Also note the excerpt from :>

http://www.larouchepac.com/node/10504
Nazi T4 Genocide Model Openly Touted By Obama Administration Officials

June 3, 2009 (LPAC)—When Adolf Hitler set up his T4 program, dedicated to eliminating "useless eaters" from Germany's hospitals and nursing homes, he turned to a "non-political" body of medical experts to make the decisions as to who should live, and who should die. It is becoming increasingly obvious that this same model is being adopted by the Obama Administration, in its zeal to ram through its genocidal health care "reform."
End of excerpt from:>
http://www.larouchepac.com/node/10504

____________________

The rough draft of "Toxic Revelations"
has been re-posted at
http://www.puppstheories.com/tr.html

---- End of additional information message -----

--
...-- End Of Forwarded Message -----

End of excerpts from:

Realities and tacit conspiracies of today's health care and political system
Sunday, June 7, 2009
http://toxicreverend.blogspot.com/2009/06/realities-and-tacit-conspiracies-of.html

_________________________________________________

Database lists illnesses with toxic chemicals
that can cause them is now linked in at my
profile with a review and comments at :>
http://people.tribe.net/toxicreverend
Or just Google;
"Toxic Reverend"
I have other profiles and blogs, all of which
have the same red and white skull and cross bones.

Note:

Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Sermon 08:
Red Collar Criminals Playing American Roulette With Our Lives
http://toxicreverend.blogspot.com/2008/03/easter-sermon-08-achilleas-heel-of.html

Blessings,

The Toxic Reverend
http://people.tribe.net/toxicreverend
aka
Tom Krohmer
Environmental Technologist
http://toxicreverend.blogspot.com/
aka
The Toxic Reverend
http://www.myspace.com/toxicreverend
aka
Justice Is Homeless
http://www.myspace.com/justiceishomeless
aka
Straightedge - Mister Kinkster
http://www.myspace.com/misterkinkster

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 1 reply

Orion Foxwood and Samina Oshun at Phoenix Fire 2009!

2009-07-11T04:27:03Z

We are so pleased and proud to announce this years special guests for Phoenix Fire 2009 Orion Foxwood and Samina Oshun. Each of them bring their own unique magical energies and talents to the fire. We are so excited to have this opportunity to spend three glorious nights drumming, singing and dancing around the fire and sharing our spirited community with them. Stay Tuned for information about their workshop offerings for the gathering.

Look forward to seeing you at the fire!

Please spread the word!
http://www.firefamilygathering.org

About Orion Foxwood

Orion grew up with the second sight in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, an area rife with the folk practices of the southern and Appalachian tradition. He is a witch and Elder in Romano Celtic-Traditional Craft, High Priest in Alexandrian Wicca and teacher of the Faery Seership tradition. He is also the founding Elder of Foxwood Temple and a primary founder of the Alliance of the Old religion- a national network covens in his line that have united to preserve the ways of his Elder. He is the co-director of Moonridge, a center for metaphysical, Craft and Faery studies in Maryland. For over 20 years, he has lectured extensively across the United States and in the United Kingdom on the Craft, Faery Seership Tradition and Southern Folk Magic and conjure. He is the author of The Faery Teachings (RJ Stewart Books, 2007), a collaborative CD project with RJ Stewart named Faery Seership and his newly released book The Tree of Enchantment (Weiser books, 2008)., , On the lecture circuit, he is best known for his teachings on traditional second sight and folkloric Faery practices originating in the ways of the Faery Doctors and Cunningmen of Britain, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and the conjurers of the American South. In the "other" professional world, he hold a Masters Degree in Human Services, is a licensed professional counselor and a public health administrator. His teachings are based in traditional folk practices aimed at direct spirit contact for substantive personal transformation.

About Samina Oshun

Samina has been a Priestess of the Desert Moon Circle in Las Vegas for the past 13 years. She is a magician both on and off the stage, along with being a singer, dancer, song writer, percussionist, stilt walker, guitar & flute player, and all around enchantress. Being a seasoned performer, priestess, & magician, Samina blissfully brings her many talents to the sacred fire circle to help create and bring the magick to life!!!

Peace and love,
Venee Lotusfire

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Psychedelic visions on weed and booze?

2009-07-04T01:12:18Z

So last night I got pretty fucked up on organic beer and weed (haven't smoked for about two months prior to), anyways when I closed my eyes I began to have pretty intense psychedelic trips, which never happened before, wondering if anyone else has experienced this?
I've been doing some work opening up chakras and consciousness working with mandalas and different techniques.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 6 replies

Shifting Perceptions

2009-07-01T22:03:02Z

Emerging Visions visionary art ezine #15, Shifting Perceptions ~ emerges with great good tidings for Joyous Solstice and beyond

http://emergingvisions.blogspot.com

Shift
and all strict and sure
rearranged in light-swift display
hues of the every day
bending, twisting, flying
Leaping into play

share and enjoy

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

God, Gods and Divine Potential on youtube

2009-06-26T17:30:25Z

8 minute film about science, spirituality and especially Celestial Light and our Divine potentials … Please leave your comments here or on You Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbfWsDwcNuI

Realize the power of Light to PLUG IN to eternity. Scot Aaron's 2003 book GOD'S SCIENCE: A New Look at the Bible, Stars, and Universes, unfolds the Celestial Cosmology, understanding as Relative Realms of existence. Connect with God's Oneness. Explore all dimensions, from atoms, to DNA, to sleep, to a spiritual Preexistence. See our brightest light sources: Sirius A with B as an Earth sized carbon star, Cas A as our brightest Radio Waves, X-rays of the Vela Pulsar as our as our most powerful high energy gamma ray source, and more from astronomy. See some great images from Michelangelo, da Vinci, a Mayan Indian Tree of Life, Buddha, Jesus, the Virgin Mary, Adam and Eve, Angels, Greek Mythology, Zodiac Horoscope signs, an Egyptian Mummy, and other art. Combine Science and Spirituality to best understand consciousness. All images are public domain or by Scot Aaron.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 6 replies

For anyone interested in Distant Reiki

2009-06-24T03:20:38Z

Watch the video and tell me what you see or feel. Let the Reiki energy flow through your body and clean out the negativity. Thanks!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oImRsfghTI
If you want to see more distant Reiki videos than go here... http://www.youtube.com/user/SoulFlamesReiki

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Lama Mingyur Rinpoche: tantric Buddhist teaching and empowerment tour June - August 2009 / Avalokitesvara teaching

2009-06-15T20:56:03Z

Lama Mingyur Rinpoche: tantric Buddhist teaching and empowerment tour June - August 2009 / Avalokitesvara teaching

Keywords : meditation practice ( tantra devayoga sadhana ), Mahayana Buddhist transmission, mantra yoga, Heart Sutra, Karma Kagyu lineage of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, 2009 Tour, Portland, deity of "Liberating Compassion" Avalokitesvara empowerment ( a.k.a. Kuan Yin, Kannon, Chenresig etc. ).

Summary: His Eminence Yongey Mingyur will be giving a tantric Buddhist empowerment ( highest yoga tantra ) for Avalokitesvara in Portland this June 19, and later, other cities as well. This major tantric guru of the Karma Kagyu lineage is on international tour through August. Background references and a key book reference are provided.

" If we try too hard, meditation becomes difficult. But it is so easy... Meditation is resting in our own natural awareness. "
His Eminence Yongey Mingyur Dorje Rinpoche

His Eminence Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a younger yet also major teacher in the Indo-Tibetan tradition of vajrayana and tantra, specifically as a retreat master in the Karma Kagyu lineage. He is the son of the great Nyingma master Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, and his main residence is Sherab Ling, the seat of His Holiness Khentin Tai Situpa, a principal Kagyu guru.
http://www.mingyur.org/biography/index.html

Although quite young, HE Yongey Mingyur is an accomplished master of both the Great Seal ( Mahamudra ) and Great Perfection ( Dzogchen ) traditions of pure awareness yoga. I have received from His Eminence both the Tsik Sum Ne Dek ( Great Perfection Breakthrough ) and Karma Pakshi Great Seal guru yoga empowerments some years back, and both transmissions were quite powerful.

His Eminence is also establishing fellowships in North America ( e.g. San Jose CA and Phoenix AZ ) and participating in western scientific studies on mind science. He is the author of two well received books on meditation, including the recently released "Joyful Wisdom - Embracing Change and Finding Freedom".

This young teacher is clearly one of the most important of the new generation of tantric Buddhist gurus teaching in the West, in terms of the quality and quantity of his teaching work, and the deep and broad impact he is beginning to have. ( See "Yongey Foundation Links" at http://www.mingyur.org/links.html ).

This year he teaches coast to coast and also in Brazil. For information on the North American Tour continuing through August, see
http://www.mingyur.org/schedule.html

The main event of the Portland visit is a major empowerment for the meditation deity Avalokitesvara. See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalokitesvara

and many book titles and other resources from Snow Lion Publications. See
http://www.snowlionpub.com/

and the Kagyu bookstore for the Karma Kagyu lineage seat in North America at Woodstock New York:
http://www.namsebangdzo.com/

Avalokitesvara is a primary and pre-eminent deity and practice for Buddhists worldwide. Avalokitesvara is the renowned deity of "Liberating Compassion", known in many parts of the Far East as Kuan Yin ( China ), Kwannon ( Japan ), Kwan Seeum ( Korea ), Kwan Theum Botat ( Viet Nam ), etc. This is a major practice for both general Mahayana ( Great Way ) Buddhists and also for esoteric / yogic ( tantric ) Buddhists, and thus unites and helps all schools of Buddhist practice in many different cultural contexts, both Asian and Western.

This is a most well known and quite universally practised pagan / polytheistic deity yoga of Sanskrit origin, Hindu or Buddhist. For example, it has become incorporated into some Hindu practice lineages, such as that of Swami Nikhilesvarananda. It is very similar to or overlaps the practice of Blue Throated Siva, as shown in one of the mantras for Blue Throated Avalokitesvara.

The influence of Avalokitesvara is vast throughout the world, and in different Buddhist lineages. Several of my teachers are considered to be emanations of Avalokitesvara including ( the late ) HE Deshung Tulku Rinpoche ( Sakya ), HH the Seventeenth Karmapa Urgyen Trinley Dorje and the Karmapa lineage, HH the Dalai Lama and the Dalai Lama lineage, and so forth.

His Eminence Dzongsar Rinpoche ( Sakya and Nyingma lineages of Tibetan Buddhism ), who teaches worldwide, has stated that Avalokitesvara is the most broadly and most commonly practised of all Buddhist mantras worldwide. This is consistent with my experience in Japanese, Chinese, Tibetan, and Vietnamese traditions. Apparently there is a book on Avalokita practice in the Sri Lankan traditions, which are mostly Theravadin Buddhist.

The esoteric yoga traditions of Buddhist tantra are based on ritual empowerment and the practice of self-empowerment, and these include placing points of light at the Brow Cakra ( White Light ), Throat Cakra ( Red Light ), and Heart Cakra ( Blue Light ). Some forms of Avalokitesvara practice include a full kundalini yoga / psychic heat method, known in the Buddhist tradition as Completion Stage Yoga. N.B. One important example is the transmission of Red Avalokita / Vajrayogini. However, I do not know what form of Avalokita is being given by HE Mingyur Rinpoche.

Avalokitesvara is without doubt the most well known Buddhist ( or other ) esoteric spiritual practice in the West ( either as "OM MANI PADME HUM" or as the "Heart Sutra" or as other variants, see below ).
Many tens of millions of Buddhists recite daily either a Sanksrit formula for Avalokitesvara or a meditation text associated with this deity, as in (1) and (2) following.

1) One of the root mantras ( esoteric invocations or evocations ) of Avalokitesvara is
"OM MANI PADMA HUM", which is discussed at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Om_mani_padme_hum

2) Avalokitesvara is the source of the primary Buddhist text Prajna Paramita Hrdaya, the Heart or Essence of Transcendent Wisdom, which is recited daily in many Buddhist countries, such as in the Chinese and Japanese Zen traditions. See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_sutra
This is a primary and central and definitive text for many of the Mahayana Buddhist schools, both outer and inner.

A good source of teaching on Avalokitesvara in the East Asian tradition is
"Bodhisattva of Compassion: The Mystical Tradition of Kuan Yin"
by John Blofeld.
The Sanskrit recitation of Kuan Yin / Avalokitesvara is one of the main esoteric healing practices in Chinese Buddhism. Of course, I can make no claims for any specific application. I do know that it is traditionally used by the Chinese for easing the pains of childbirth.

There is also
"The Origins of Om Manipadme Hum: A Study of the Karandavyuha Sutra"
by Alexander Studholme, Ph.D.

An example of a deeper and essentialized practice focused on Avalokitesvara is given in the book
"The Union of Mahamudra and Dzogchen"
by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
ISBN 962-7341-13-9
Rangjung Yeshe Publications

This is a commentary on "The Direct Instructions of the Compassionate One" originally given by Karma Chagmey Rinpoche the First.
See
http://www.snowlionpub.com/html/product_6174.html
THE UNION OF MAHAMUDRA AND DZOGCHEN
by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
240 pp.
# UNMADZ - $ 18.00

"Teachings on the complete path to enlightenment in 8 songs by the 17th century yogi/poet Karma Chagmey explicated with Rinpoche's trademark brilliance and humor.
'This advice spoken through personal experience embodies the quintessence of the Dharma.'--Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche"

Please note that I do not formally represent this teacher nor the fellowship hosting him in Portland.

Sarva mangalam! May it be beneficial!
Siddhi rastu! May there be accomplishment!

KT

Hosted by Portland Dharma Group
www.portlanddharmagroup.org
503.341.7776

From
http://www.portlanddharmagroup.org/Mingyur2009/Mingyur.html

schedule

16 June
7:30 pm
Book signing at Powell's Books for
"Joyful Wisdom - Embracing Change and Finding Freedom"
http://www.mingyur.org/book/joyful_wisdom.html

17 June - 18 June
Public talks 7 - 8:30 pm
First Congregational Church
1126 SW Park Ave, Portland OR

19 June
7pm
Avalokitesvara [ Chenrezig ] empowerment
First Congregational Church
1126 SW Park Ave, Portland OR

[ end listing / article ]

More event listings for Ven. Mingyur Rinpoche from:
http://www.yongey.org/en/eventyongey.htm
Note that these are subject to change.

Jun 22
(Evening Talk) 92nd Street Y (Yongey Foundation)
New York, NY www.92Y.org
8:15 PM Public Talk "Joyful Wisdom" Tim Olmsted
Tel 970-879-5425
tim@zirkel.us

Jun 23 (Evening Talk) Shambhala Meditation Center
New York, NY www.ny.shambhala.org
Public Talk "Joyful Wisdom"
Katherine Lieberson
Tel 212-675-6544
katherine_lieberson@shambhalanyc.org

June 24 - Jul 6 Garrison Institute (Yongey Foundation)
Garrison, NY www.mingyur.org
6/25-30 Open Retreat "The Heart of Meditation"
6/30-7/5 Level 1 Mahamudra Retreat
Tim Olmsted
Tel 970-879-5425
tim@zirkel.us

Jul 7 - 13 Yongey Buddhist Center - New York
Flushing, NY www.yongey.org
7/7-9 Level 3 Mahamudra Retreat
7/10-13 Level 4 Mahamudra Retreat
7/12 Empowerment "Thousand Buddha"
7/12 Book Signing "Joyful Wisdom"
7/13 Farewell Luncheon Mei Yen Ladle
Tel 408-263-2740
Sue Chang
Tel 917-907-2318
info@yongey.org

Jul 14 - 19 Karma Triyana Dhamachakra
Woodstock, NY www.kagyu.org
7/17-19 Mahamudra Teachings
7/19 Evening Empowerment TBD Tom Schmidt
Tel 845-679-5906 ext. 15
Tel 845-453-2159 (cell)
external.affairs@kagyu.org

Jul 20 - 24 Kagyu Thuhten Choling Monastery
Wappingers Falls, NY www.kagyu.com
Teaching "Five Skandhas"
Teaching "Seven Points of Mind Training"
Closed Empowerments (3rd Year Retreats) Ani Jamdron
Tel 845-489-4654
jamdron@yahoo.com

Jul 25 - 28 Palpung Choekyi Gyaltsen Center
Charlottesville, VA
Shamata Meditation
Mahamudra Teaching
Empowerment "Green Tara"
Bobbi Grant Llewellyn
Tel 434-973-8000
bobbi@robertllewellyn.com

Jul 31 - Aug 3 Boulder Shambhala Center
Boulder, CO
www.boulder.shambhala.org
7/31-8/1 Public Talk "Bodhicitta and the Nature of Mind"
8/1 PM -8/2 Private "Bodhicitta and the Nature of Mind"
8/2 6PM Talk "Joyful Wisdom" @ Boulder Book Store
Cynthia Kneen
Tel 303-444-0190 ext. 101
Tel 303-449-5894 (cell)
cynthia@boulder.shambhala.org

Aug 4 - 12 Palpung Phende Kunkyab
Vancouver, BC
www.palpungvancouver.org
Level 2 Mahamudra Retreat
Meditation Retreat "The Joy of Wisdom"
1 day Special "Bardo" teaching for senior students Ping Yau
Tel 604-271-6322
palpungvan@shaw.ca

Aug 13 - 17 Palpung Yeshe Chokhor Dharmacentre
Kitchener, Ontario
www.thopaga.org
Bardo Teachings
Linda Hayes
Tel 226-747-2547
office@thopaga.org

Aug 18 - 20 Karma Sonam Dargye Ling
Toronto, Ontario
www.ksdl.org
8/18 Talk & Book Signing "Joyful Wisdom" (7:30PM)
8/19 Teaching "The Union of Dzochen & Mahamudra"
8/19 Shitro Empowerment (7PM)
8/20 Shitro Pratice (9AM-5PM) / Tibetan Dinner
Valerie White
Tel 416-463-8538
valeriewhite@sympatico.ca

Aug 21 - 22 Rigpe Dorje Centre
Montreal, Quebec
www.centrerigpedorje.org
8/21 Public Talk of "Joyful Wisdom"
8/22 Teaching "Embracing Change/Finding Freedom"
8/22 Empowerment "Guru Rinpoche"
Both Days - Book Signing "Joyful Wisdom"
Judy Cutler
Tel 514-227-0703
j.cutler@rogers.com

Aug 24 - Aug28 Yongey Buddhist Center - Brazil
Sao Paulo, Brazil
http://yongeybr.tripod.com
8/24-26 Level 3 Mahamudra
8/25 Evening Empowerment "Thousand Buddha"
8/26-27 Evening Teaching "Joyful Wisdom"
8/27 Level 2 Mahamudra
8/28 Evening Public Talk at UNOFESUniversity
Edson Chang
Tel 5511-9440-6013
echang9@gmail.com

Aug 29 - 31 Karma Theksum Chokhorling
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
www.ktc.org.br
8/29-31 Level 1 Mahamudra Teaching
8/29 Evening Open Talk
8/30 Evening Empowerment "Karma Pakshi"
Claudia Carrera
Tel 5521-3418-8122
office@ktc.org.br
claudiacarrera@ig.com.br

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

crystal skulls and an explanation of our world (another book for you)

2009-06-13T13:40:52Z

book title: The Mystery of the Crystal Skulls

it's incerdible!

talks in depth on the various aspects of the skulls and the crystal skulls known to exist such as sha na ra, the one in the brittish museum, etc. scientific, anthropological, native american, and spiritual perspectives. very good stuff. recommended! natrually, ties in 2012 and the mayan calendar, etc etc etc..

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Marijuana, Peaceful thinking, and the evolution of consciousness....

2009-06-12T17:29:11Z

Hi everyone!

What are the links between marijuana and non-violence and how can it be used to combat militarism and further progressive and peaceful social and political change?
·What are the possibilities for marijuana to advance peaceful social and political change by expanding perspectives and opening new thought patterns?
·What are the possibilities for marijuana to produce non violent behavior and expand consciousness to further world peace and wisdom and longevity of human existence?

I am writing a paper on this but having a hard time coming up with sources to research. I know there are accounts of soliders in Vietnam loosing moral due to smoking, and I have my own examples of the expansion that marijuana provides, but does anyone know of books or online articles or any type of source to help?
Also does anyone else agree with me as far as I believe fully from my personal experience that marijuana has the ability to open your mind and see multiple, peaceful and "higher" level perspectives?

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 21 replies

Courage, Synchronicity, and the Technology of Magic

2009-05-19T19:00:50Z

Hi all. Here's an essay forthcoming on the web magazine Reality Sandwich. You can read the whole story below or link to an easier-to-read version here: www.tonyvigorito.com/blog/courage

En-joy!

Courage, Synchronicity, and the Technology of Magic

I have often been staggered by the forces of the ordinary that cajole the human experience into cowardice. Relentless mass-mediated daydreams croon lullabies to nightmare; meathook economic rackets hijack freedom with student loans, predatory credit, and eternal mortgages; narratives of responsibility harass the mind with financial planning, time-management, highly-effective habits; and illusions of security, insurance, and retirement prod us into proper place. Lurching through life in the midst of such clamor, is it any wonder that so many trade the tremendous for the trivial, that the ecstatic fantastic wow of existence dims into murk and shadow, flickering into fluorescence like some stepped-on plastic geranium?

But this is not to be some hand-wringing howl of quiet desperation. The walls are high, yes, the challenges are great, but today I’d like to invite an exploration of what it is that happens when this drear occasionally clears, when we see something, something that matters, something possessed not merely of meaning, but of magic? In a previous essay entitled Chaos, Collapse, and Synchronicity, I explored how synchronicity is likely to emerge during and after ego-shattering experiences. Because the ego demarcates the presumably phantasmic boundary between your consciousness and the rest of the universe, the experience of synchronicity can be understood to be the face of the perception of undivided unity. Here, I would like to venture beyond mild-mannered explanation and into wild-eyed exploration. In other words, if synchronicity is the perception of undivided unity, what is the technology of this magic?

In one of his most potent remarks, Arthur C. Clarke asserted that “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Taking him at his word, then, the prickling astonishment that follows the experience of synchronicity—the sensation that something magical has just occurred—this is but an artifact of our limited technology of mind. Synchronicity is only astounding, in other words, when we persist in the delusion that we are distinct from the all and everything. Expanding consciousness beyond the limited point of view of oneself and into the unlimited point of view of undivided unity, this—as if it were so simple—this is the technology of magic.

And in case disclaimers need to be stated, I certainly have not mastered this magic. Very contrary, my daily failings would be the envy of any hypocrite. But I like to live out loud, and this full blast introspection is simply that. So now I want to tell you a story:

I was at a festival a year ago, and as festivals have long functioned as temporary autonomous zones where everyday boundaries are suspended, it should surprise no one to discover that synchronicity was pandemic at this festival. The festival in this case was Flipside, and I made it my business to blast around offering one-card tarot reflections to people that I met, just for fun and synchronicity. Late in the evening of the last night, I met a woman, and we talked for a few hours, and as we parted I offered her a one-card reading. She drew the Courage card, displaying a picture of a flower growing through a crack in a rock. As she was recently coming though a break-up of her own, this had a particularly poignant meaning for her, so much so, in fact, that I had an unprecedented impulse to tell her to keep the card, which she did—though upon reflection I must admit that I was single at the time and so was probably also just being a cheesedick trying to charm another meeting with a beautiful woman. But in any event, I never saw her again, and since I open my tarot deck nearly every day, I inadvertently compelled myself to contemplate the absence of courage not only from my deck, but also from my very own life.

But first, immediately after we bid each other good night, I walked toward the main road and happened across a friend of mine who was in his car leaving. The backstory is that he’d spent the night before with a woman and she’d sparked his heart and he’d hoped they’d hang out again but it was a festival after all and it just didn’t flow that way. It’s a common enough story, isn’t it? Despite the shallow exhortations of our beer-fisted and bikini-clad media, sexual intimacy is often a tremulous endeavor with potential both for enormous healing and enormous pain. In any event, I saw him leaving and I wished him safe travels and asked him how his night went. He responded with a shake of his head, dismay and defeat palloring his expression, issues of childhood abandonment clearly having been triggered. Myself, I was in a roaring good mood, so I slapped the hood of his car and told him to go park it and walk with me, which he did, parking about fifty yards up the road. As it turned out, however, by the time he had walked back toward me the woman whose encounter had sparked his healing crisis was wandering toward me as well from the other direction. I didn’t have to do anything but step out of the way as they met where I was standing, for life is not just about me, and here I was mere servant to their synchronicity.

Then, at a book signing a couple of weeks later during which I read from my second novel, Nine Kinds of Naked—which revolves around the theme of synchronicity—a young college student who happened to be in the store and hear my talk approached me afterwards and told me she had never heard of synchronicity and wanted to learn more about it. I was meeting friends for dinner, but I promised her I’d permit her to interrogate me over tea sometime, and we met for tea a few days later. It was a full and stimulating conversation, her wanting me to specify the precise metaphysical mechanism by which synchronicity occurs, and me explaining about non-duality and the illusion of separateness and how we’re all dreams in the mind of God and yes maybe so but maybe also mealy mysticism and ultimately what really matters is that there’s a correspondence between the inner world and the outer world and if it has meaning for an individual and clarifies their confusion and lights their path then it doesn’t really matter if we’re all temporarily stable matrices of energetic probabilities, knots in a doily, or concentrations of consciousness in an infinite field of experience. What matters is that the co-incidence had meaning for the individual, carrying a potential psychological breakthrough. Tarot, I say, is essentially intentional synchronicity, seeking a window into one’s psyche to focus a particular issue. I then proceeded to tell her about the woman I met at Flipside who pulled the Courage card and who I let have the card and how the co-incidence of the card served her—and me—so profoundly.

“Here,” I say, cavalier as I pull out my tarot deck. “Lemme show you how synchronicity works.”

“Hey,” she interrupts. “I have that deck.”

“You do?” I reply, surprised that someone who’s never heard of synchronicity would have a tarot deck.

“Well not really,” she concedes. “I received it as a Christmas present from my mom a couple of years ago. I actually cut the whole deck up and made a collage out of it.” She pauses. “Well not the whole deck,” she admits. “I kept my favorite card.”

“Which card?”

“The Growth card.”

“The Growth card,” I repeat, pausing as I scan my recollection of the deck. “I don’t think I know the Growth card. What’s on it?”

“Umm, it’s a picture of a flower growing through a crack in a rock.”

I cock my head incredulous. “That’s not the Growth card,” I say. “That’s the Courage card I was just telling you about, the card I gave away.”

She’s skeptical, and says she’s pretty sure it was the Growth card, and so I pull out the little book that accompanies the deck, demonstrating that it was indeed the Courage card that she kept, and also demonstrating that there is no such card as the Growth card. She’s amazed, as am I, and ultimately she was so impressed by the synchronicity that she went home, located her Courage card, and gifted it to me a few days later. It’s all shiny and new and really stands out in my beat-up old deck, and every time the card emerges I am reminded of this sequence of events and the contemplations that followed. Did you know, for example, that courage comes from the Latin root, cor, meaning heart? Courage is locating oneself in the heart rather than the head, and the expansiveness of the heart—in contrast to the constriction of the ego—this is love, and this is the space we truly share in common. Hammered out of boundaries and convinced it is alone, the ego can only blink stupidly at the grace, the immensity, and the magic of the heart’s experience.

Love, by the way, is not all hugs and backrubs. Primarily, I think, love is a prank. To borrow a theme I’m developing in my third novel: Love is a prank played on the ego by the spirit to teach the ego the one thing that it does not want to learn. In my own life, I’ve been scalded by love, and I’ve even been so tough boots as to believe that I needed to protect my heart. But as a result of my accidental contemplation of courage, I realized—or I remembered—that the heart is made of love, and love is indestructible, and only the cowardice of ego would presume that it requires protection. Actually, love is the only force capable of overcoming the ego, and so the ego would naturally like to avoid this prank, never having to learn to give up control. Courage is simply allowing this vulnerability, embracing the uncertainty, accepting that we may be hurt, yes, that it won’t always be easy, and that not only can we take it, but that we actually have no idea how much we can take. In this “Age of Uncertainty,” courage necessarily means being true to one’s heart, stepping towards a future uncertain rather than securing oneself to a predictable past. Courage is without caution, it is passion, it is a flee from security and into synchronicity. A flower growing through a crack in a rock, courage abandons the familiar and secure shell which protects us—and limits us—and dares us to emerge, to grow, and to trust that life will nurture us despite its challenges.

This expansion of consciousness is necessarily the reduction of ego, and is there anything more expansive than the feeling of love? It is not uncommon for lovers to recount the synchronicities of their meeting, to recognize a strangely inevitable magic in their rendezvous, and such magic is only the beginning, a dim glimmer of a spectacular sunrise, patient as we find our courage, tender as we surrender, daring us to give, to forgive, to reside more fully in our heart, to remember that we are never alone, and ultimately to realize that we are nothing if we are not servants to one another. It is love that erodes our ramparts, that relieves us of our armor, that tames the teeth protecting our trauma, and it is love that will heal us all the moment we have the courage to face the magic.

This is what I believe more than anything, and this is what gives me hope.

May you be ever overwhelmed by how many people you love~

Tony Vigorito
www.tonyvigorito.com
© 2009 Tony Vigorito... feel free to forward as far as you see fit...

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

New amazing PC Projector @ jointech.com.hk

2009-05-19T03:59:38Z

Please visit www.jintech.com.hk for specifications & features of this new Amazing product

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

His Holiness the Dalai Lama : introduction, current international schedule, resources

2009-05-10T23:19:02Z

Keywords : HH The Dalai Lama, public Dalai Lama talks on world peace, Dalai Lama resources and current schedule, Nobel Peace Prize, universal human [ secular ] ethics, deep permaculture ethics.

Summary: Provided here is (1) the current tour schedule for His Holiness the Dalai Lama [ for California Massachusetts, New York, Denmark, Iceland, Netherlands, India, Germany ], (2) an introduction to the life and work of HH the Dalai Lama, (3) book references and resources, and (4) curriculum vitae.

HH the Dalai Lama:
“Never give up.
No matter what is going on.
Never give up.
Develop the heart.
Be compassionate.
Not just to your friends but to everyone.
Work for peace in your heart and in the world.
Work for peace and I say again:
Never give up.
No matter what is happening.
No matter what is going on around you.
Never give up.”

Introduction:

All Our Relations. Mitakuye Oyasin.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is one of the pivotal figures of our time. He is, more than anyone else that can be presently named, a world citizen and world teacher.

His work in ethics, human rights,world peace, psychology and education, Buddhist teaching and East West relations, is second to none in our generation.

In addition to a Nobel Peace Prize and the US Congressional Gold Medal, HH the Dalai Lama has received scores of honorary Doctorates ( in Laws, Philosophy, Human Letters, Divinity, Buddhist Philosophy, and so forth ) from major teaching centers worldwide. These include Columba, Brandeis, Universite de Paris, Benaras Hindu University, Hebrew University Jerusalem, U California San Francisco, and Rissho University Tokyo. He is an honorary citizen of Canada, of Roma Italia and so forth.

He speaks worldwide and has published more than seventy two books.

He is one of the most respected and revered persons on the the planet. On one visit to New York City some years back, forty thousand people turned out to see the Dalai Lama in the park.

When the Dalai Lama give the Highest Yoga Tantra initiation ( abhisekha ) of Kalacakra, the attendees sometimes number 100,000 or even 200,000. HH the Dalai Lama has given this initiation thirty times in different parts of the world. In addition to being a master of the Great Seal ( Mahamudra ) lineage of Buddhist tantra, he also gives initiations of the Great Perfection ( Mahasandhi, Atiyoga ), for example in London, in San Francisco, and Paris.

You can see him this year at public talks in several areas, such as California, Massachusetts, New York, Europe, and India. A current schedule is provided below.

I have seen HH the Dalai Lama give extremely worthwhile empowerments in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and represented him to the State Legislature of Hawaii in 1993, where he was invited to give a talk, and did. I have listened carefully to him conferencing with Hawaiian elders in public and was struck by the care and attention he gave in listening to others, and in asking questions.
HH the Dalai Lama has written extremely important books on psychology and ethics, and I recommend these to the general public for self-help purposes, and also recommend some of his books to those committed to public service, especially in the area of multiculturalism, international human rights work, and the international Green Party movement.

Because of the profound confluence of modern events, global economics, environmental issues and human cultures, the importance of broader and deeper human co-operation becomes more and more important.
To obtain a broader and clearer understanding and principles for working with these most important issues, studying the secular works of the Dalai Lama is of great value and importance.

Similarly, His Holiness is one of the few people who can and does speak for the diverse Buddhist populations and traditions worldwide. He has taught senior Japanese tantric Buddhist gurus of the Shingon lineage in their country, for instance. His Holiness is a paragon of the Buddhist renunciate order ( bhiksu-sangha ), of Buddhist scholarship, and of the Mahayana Great Way lineages, all of which are profoundly universal.

This teacher is one of our very very best, be you a psychologist or academic, a diplomat, a tantric yogi, or a Buddhist practitioner. He has completely revolutionized Buddhist teaching, parts of popular modern culture, the understanding of international diplomacy and so forth in our lifetime.

This is someone who actually embodies many of the key principles of the United Nations treaties on human rights, and also the key Buddhist Mahayana principles and teachings. It is important to note that the Mahayana Buddhist principles and the principles of the UN human rights work are essentially identical. There are universal principles that take us all forward, individually and together. In Buddhist Sanskrit these terms are, for instance pratitya-samutpada and karma. Now you know.

The final point I wish to put forward to all is this: the Dalai Lama believes in all of us as people who *already* have sensitive human hearts that can be educated and developed, and he shows all of us a very real and practical way forward, a way based on self-understanding, listening and mutual respect, and patient co-operation.

You could do worse, and please remember that due to impermanence, this elder teacher will not live forever. It is not clear how anyone anywhere can replace him.

I see no real alternative to respect and co-operation for the common good, because we are one world. For this broader and deeper reason, and not specifically because he is a Buddhist guru, I support this teacher. He was not allowed by their government to attend a recent peace conference in South Africa, but he is available to you, and he is here for All Our Relations. May he live long and may his brilliant consciousness reach many many more.

Thank you,
KT, Rio Earth Summit Green Party organizer and so forth

In partial fulfillment of my formal Mahayana teaching responsibilities.
Sarva mangalam! Siddhi rastu!
[ May it be auspicious! May there be accomplishment! ]

John David Bartoe, Challenger 8 NASA space mission, July 1985:
“As I looked down, I saw large river meandering slowly along for miles, passing from one country to another without stopping. I also saw huge forests, extending across several borders. And I watched the extent of one ocean touch the shores of several continents. Two words leaped to mind as I looked down on all of this: commonality and interdependence. We are one world.”

Some of the following materials are taken from
http://www.dalailama.com/
Published books and multimedia materials are available at libraries throughout the world, and from Snow Lion Publications at
http://www.snowlionpub.com

From the official web site:

“Universal Recognition

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a man of peace. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet. He has consistently advocated policies of non-violence, even in the face of extreme aggression. He also became the first Nobel Laureate to be recognized for his concern for global environmental problems.

“His Holiness has travelled to more than 62 countries spanning 6 continents. He has met with presidents, prime ministers and crowned rulers of major nations. He has held dialogues with the heads of different religions and many well-known scientists.

“Since 1959 His Holiness has received over 84 awards, honorary doctorates, prizes, etc., in recognition of his message of peace, non-violence, inter-religious understanding, universal responsibility and compassion. His Holiness has also authored more than 72 books.

“His Holiness describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk.”

“Three Main Commitments in Life
“Firstly, on the level of a human being, His Holiness first commitment is the promotion of human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline. All human beings are the same. We all want happiness and do not want suffering. Even people who do not believe in religion recognize the importance of these human values in making their life happier. His Holiness refers to these human values as secular ethics. He remains committed to talk about the importance of these human values and share them with everyone he meets.

“Secondly, on the level of a religious practitioner, His Holiness second commitment is the promotion of religious harmony and understanding among the world's major religious traditions. Despite philosophical differences, all major world religions have the same potential to create good human beings. It is therefore important for all religious traditions to respect one another and recognize the value of each other's respective traditions. As far as one truth, one religion is concerned, this is relevant on an individual level. However, for the community at large, several truths, several religions are necessary.
“Thirdly, His Holiness is a Tibetan and carries the name of the Dalai Lama. Tibetans place their trust in him. Therefore, his third commitment is to the Tibetan issue. His Holiness has a responsibility to act as the free spokesperson of the Tibetans in their struggle for justice. As far as this third commitment is concerned, it will cease to exist once a mutually beneficial solution is reached between the Tibetans and Chinese.

However, His Holiness will carry on with the first two commitments till his last breath.”

Upcoming Schedule
2009
Lecture in Santa Barbara, CA, USA on April 24: His Holiness will give a lecture on The Nature of Mind organized by the University of Santa Barbara at the UCSB Events Center. Contact Website: www.religion.ucsb.edu/dalailama/
Public Talk in Santa Barbara, CA, USA on April 24: His Holiness will give a public talk on Ethics for Our Time organized by the University of Santa Barbara at the UCSB Events Center. Contact Website: www.religion.ucsb.edu/dalailama/
Public Talk in Berkeley, CA, USA on April 25: His Holiness will give a public talk on Peace Through Compassion organized by the University of California, Berkeley at the Greek Theater. Contact Website: www.berkeley.edu

Public Talk in Boston, MA, USA on April 30: His Holiness will give a public talk to the Harvard University Community on Educating the Heart organized by Harvard University at the Memorial Church. Contact Website: www.harvard.edu
Inauguration of The Dalai Lama Center on April 30: His Holiness will inaugurate The Dalai Lama Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) by giving a talk on Ethics and Enlightened Leadership. Contact Website: www.thecenter.mit.edu
Panel Discussion in Boston, MA on May 1: His Holiness will participate in a panel discussion on Meditation and Psychotherapy – Cultivating Compassion and Wisdom organized by the Harvard Medical School Department of Continuing Education at Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Contact Website: www.cme.med.harvard.edu/index.asp?SECTION=CLASSES&ID=00292525&SO=Y
Teaching in Boston, MA on May 2: His Holiness will give a teaching in the morning on What Is Buddhism & Commentary on The Four Noble Truths organized by the Tibetan Association of Boston at the Gillette Stadium, Foxboro. Contact Website: www.bostontibet.org
Public Talk in Boston, MA on May 2: His Holiness will give a public talk in the afternoon on The Path to Peace and Inner Happiness organized by the Tibetan Association of Boston at the Gillette Stadium, Foxboro. Contact Website: www.bostontibet.org
Public Talk in New York, NY on May 3: His Holiness will participate in a conversation with Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and moderated by Pico Iyer on Wisdom & Compassion for Challenging Times and organized by The Tibet Fund at The Town Hall. Contact Website: www.tibetfund.org

Teaching in New York, NY on May 4: His Holiness will give a teaching on The Quintessence of Compassion organized by The Tibet House at The New Beacon Theater. Contact Website: www.tibethouse.org
Public Talk in Albany, NY on May 6: His Holiness will give a public talk on Compassionate Ethics in Difficult Times organized by the World Ethical Foundations Consortium at the Albany Palace Theater. Contact Website: www.worldethicalfoundations.org

Teaching in Copenhagen, Denmark from May 30 & 31: His Holiness will give a day and a half teaching on Nagarjuna's Commentary on Bodhicitta (jangchup semdrel) & Kamalashila's The Middling Stages of Meditation (gomrim barpa) at the Bella Center. Contact Website: www.dalailama.dk
Public Talk in Copenhagen, Denmark on May 31: His Holiness will give a public talk on Peace Through Inner Peace at the Bella Center. Contact Website: www.dalailama.dk

Public Talk in Reykjavik, Iceland on June 2: His Holiness will give a public talk on the topic on Values, Attitude and Happiness at the Laugardalsholl Sporting Arena. Contact Website: www.dalailama.is

Teaching in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on June 4: His Holiness will give a teaching on Shantideva’s Chapter 6 on Patience from A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life at the Rai Congress Center. Contact Website: www.dalailamanederland.nl
Public Talk in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on June 4: His Holiness will give a public talk on The Power of Compassion At A Turbulent Time at the Rai Congress Center. Contact Website: www.dalailamanederland.nl

Teaching in Kaza, H.P., India from July 10 to 12: His Holiness will give three-day teachings at the request of the Sakya Monastery in Kaza. On July 10 His Holiness will give a Buddhist teaching (topic yet to be decided). On July 11 and 12 His Holiness will confer the Avalokiteshvera Initiation (chenresig wangchen).

Teaching in Frankfurt, Germany on July 30 & 31: His Holiness will give a day and a half teaching on Kamalashila's The Middling Stages of Meditation (gomrim barpa). On the morning of July 31 he will confer an Amitabha Empowerment (opakmey jenang). Contact Website: www.dalailama-frankfurt.de

Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech
[ University Aula, Oslo, 10 December 1989 ] :
Your Majesty, Members of the Nobel Committee, Brothers and Sisters.
I am very happy to be here with you today to receive the Nobel Prize for Peace. I feel honored, humbled and deeply moved that you should give this important prize to a simple monk from Tibet I am no one special. But I believe the prize is a recognition of the true value of altruism, love, compassion and non-violence which I try to practice, in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha and the great sages of India and Tibet
I accept the prize with profound gratitude on behalf of the oppressed everywhere and for all those who struggle for freedom and work for world peace. I accept it as a tribute to the man who founded the modern tradition of non-violent action for change Mahatma Gandhi whose life taught and inspired me. And, of course, I accept it on behalf of the six million Tibetan people, my brave countrymen and women inside Tibet, who have suffered and continue to suffer so much. They confront a calculated and systematic strategy aimed at the destruction of their national and cultural identities. The prize reaffirms our conviction that with truth, courage and determination as our weapons, Tibet will be liberated.
No matter what part of the world we come from, we are all basically the same human beings. We all seek happiness and try to avoid suffering. We have the same basic human needs and is concerns. All of us human beings want freedom and the right to determine our own destiny as individuals and as peoples. That is human nature. The great changes that are taking place everywhere in the world, from Eastern Europe to Africa are a clear indication of this.
In China the popular movement for democracy was crushed by brutal force in June this year. But I do not believe the demonstrations were in vain, because the spirit of freedom was rekindled among the Chinese people and China cannot escape the impact of this spirit of freedom sweeping many parts of the world. The brave students and their supporters showed the Chinese leadership and the world the human face of that great nation.
Last week a number of Tibetans were once again sentenced to prison terms of upto nineteen years at a mass show trial, possibly intended to frighten the population before today's event. Their only 'crime" was the expression of the widespread desire of Tibetans for the restoration of their beloved country's independence.
The suffering of our people during the past forty years of occupation is well documented. Ours has been a long struggle. We know our cause is just Because violence can only breed more violence and suffering, our struggle must remain non-violent and free of hatred. We are trying to end the suffering of our people, not to inflict suffering upon others.
It is with this in mind that I proposed negotiations between Tibet and China on numerous occasions. In 1987, I made specific proposals in a Five-Point plan for the restoration of peace and human rights in Tibet. This included the conversion of the entire Tibetan plateau into a Zone of Ahimsa, a sanctuary of peace and non-violence where human beings and nature can live in peace and harmony.
last year, I elaborated on that plan in Strasbourg, at the European Parliament I believe the ideas I expressed on those occasions are both realistic. and reasonable although they have been criticised by some of my people as being too conciliatory. Unfortunately, China's leaders have not responded positively to the suggestions we have made, which included important concessions. If this continues we will be compelled to reconsider our position.
Any relationship between Tibet and China will have to be based on the principle of equality, respect, trust and mutual benefit. It will also have to be based on the principle which the wise rulers of Tibet and of China laid down in a treaty as early as 823 AD, carved on the pillar which still stands today in front of the Jokhang, Tibet's holiest shrine, in Lhasa, that "Tibetans will live happily in the great land of Tibet, and the Chinese will live happily in the great land of China".
As a Buddhist monk, my concern extends to all members of the human family and, indeed, to all sentient beings who suffer. I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. We need to cultivate a universal responsibility for one another and the planet we share. Although I have found my own Buddhist religion helpful in generating love and com¬passion, even for those we consider our enemies, I am convinced that everyone can develop a good heart and a sense of universal responsibility with or without religion.
With the ever growing impact of science on our lives, religion and spirituality have a greater role to play reminding us of our humanity. There is no contradiction between the two. Each gives us valuable insights into the other. Both science and the teachings of the Buddha tell us of the fundamental unity of all things. This understanding is crucial if we are to take positive and decisive action on the pressing global concern with the environment.
I believe all religions pursue the same goals, that of cultivating human goodness and bringing happiness to all human beings. Though the means might appear different the ends are the same.
As we enter the final decade of this century I am optimistic that the ancient values that have sustained mankind are today reaffirming themselves to prepare us for a kinder, happier twenty-first century.
I pray for all of us, oppressor and friend, that together we succeed in building a better world through human under-standing and love, and that in doing so we may reduce the pain and suffering of all sentient beings.
Thank you.

[ end posting ]

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 1 reply

Light of Freedom

2009-04-29T17:03:37Z

Light of Freedom

What is freedom?

"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity"

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?" Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King Jr. knew that for change to happen the collective unconscious has to free itself from the exclusive `me and mine' paradigm and embrace an all-inclusive `greater good' concept. This is the path to personal freedom. It is a road less travelled.

Freedom comes when we release ourselves from the competition, stress, anger and envy that accompany the pursuit of individual excess at the expense of others

Freedom begins when we choose to work instead for universal abundance trusting that there is enough for all.

Freedom comes when we deprogram ourselves from the collective hypnosis of materialistic desire and stop accumulating and using stuff as a dumb down denial escape pod.

Freedom emerges as we learn to value the simple gifts of life such as fresh unpolluted water, clean air, a biodiversity of species, the life sustaining power of the trees, the grounding force of the earth and the joy of human connection.

Freedom begins when we stop following the route set up for us by those that think they know what's best for us based on their own personal and often misguided ambitions and desires.

Freedom emerges as we choose to step onto the path that we intuitively feel is right for us. The more we follow our individual higher purpose, the freer we are to manifest and serve the world with our unique gifts.

Freedom does not just turn up in the collective unconscious of nations. It begins with a few individuals here and there and like the hundredth monkey syndrome, it starts to emerge in people all over the world.

Freedom begins when you break free from the prison of outdated dogmatic theologies and ideologies and the belief that God is a separate entity outside of and apart from yourself.

Freedom emerges when we begin to sense that God is the collective light of all life in this universe and the galaxies beyond. God is only as good, bountiful and forgiving as we are collectively and that our every action contributes to the godliness or otherwise of the world.

Freedom comes when you see another fall along the way, and instead of saying as the Pharisees did "what will happen to me if I stop and help this person?" you are compelled to ask "what will happen to this person if I don't stop and help?"

Freedom begins when your commitment to change is no longer motivated by selfish individual greed, but by a harmonic desire for the betterment and enrichment of all mankind through the healing of ourselves and our planet..

It is our experience that this way of being does not come upon us in a big bang. It's a long challenging journey and sometimes it feels almost impossible as we are tempted back into the matrix of illusion. But as they say, once awoken, there's no going back.

The journey seems to be made up of a series of illuminations that flicker on and off from experience to experience until we get the 'aha' and the light stays on. These illuminations allow us to see our path more clearly and encourage us to stay on course.

And we are constantly asking ourselves the question - what has to happen for us to take one more step on the road to freedom? How about you?

your fellow pathfinders
Sunny and Pierre Soleil

Harmonic Emergence - Return to Earth

H.E.R.E.

http://people. tribe.net/ windwaterclear H.E.R.E BLOG
http://harmonicemer gence.org/ - OUR FOUNDATION SITE
http://www.panorami o.com/user/ 2861230 A photographic tribute to the hallowed forests we roam
http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/justcampin g/ SMALL INFORMAL FOREST GATHERINGS AND WEEK LONG SELF DISCOVERY COURSES More than just camping
http://www.everytra il.com/
http://tribes. tribe.net/ harmonicemergenc e JOIN OUR TRIBE

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Family Guy 420

2009-04-24T21:16:14Z

http://www.hulu.com/watch/68574/family-guy-420

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Earth Day recycling

2009-04-22T05:06:06Z

http://emergingvisions.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html

Sacred Earth ~ Emerging Visions visionary art ezine #7

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

A SPIRITUAL C * NSP * R* CY

2009-04-16T20:41:38Z

A SPIRITUAL C * NSP * R* CY

We think this is so harmonically tuned to the spirit of Tribe and all of the mankind who are working towards a more peaceful, abundant, natural and consciously emerging planet. We trust you will feel the sentiment of it and pass it on...

with love and blessings

in the spirit of cooperation, family and global community

Sunny and Pierre Soleil

A SPIRITUAL C * NSP * R* CY

On the surface of the world right now there is
war and violence and things seem dark.
But calmly and quietly, at the same time,

something else is happening deep down.

An inner emergence is taking place

and certain individuals are being called to a higher light.
It is a silent awakening.
From the inside out. From the ground up.

This is a Global operation.
A Spiritual C * nsp * r * cy.
There are 'sleepers' awakening in every nation on the planet.

You won’t see us on the T.V .
You won’t read about us in the newspaper
You won’t hear about us on the radio

We don’t seek any glory
We don’t wear any uniform
We come in all shapes and sizes, colors and styles

Some of us work anonymously
We are quietly working behind the scenes

in every country and culture of the world;
in cities big and small, mountains and valleys;

in farms and villages, tribes and remote islands.

You could pass by one of us on the street
and not even notice

We go undercover
We insinuate into the system

from behind the scenes
It is of no concern to us who takes the final credit
But simply that the work gets done

During the day some of us pretend we have normal jobs
But behind the false storefront and at any hour
is where the real work takes a place

Some might call us the Conscious Warriors
Rainbow Warriors of Light, Spiritual Activists,
Lightworkers, Shamans, Helians [healing beings]

However we know ourselves as,
we are slowly creating a new world

with the power of our minds and hearts
We follow, with passion and joy

Our orders come from from the Central Spiritual Intelligence or The Celestial Concourse Administration...
Whether it's the CSI or the CSA or our own deepest access to global consciousness
We are all dropping soft, secret love b *m b s when no one is looking

Poems * Hugs * Music * Photography * Movies * Gifting * Kind words * Smiles * Inspiration * Meditation & prayer * Compassion * Workshops * Community Gatherings * Dance * Social alternatives * Websites * Blogs * Random acts of kindness and outgoing concern for the whole before self

We each express ourselves in our own unique ways
with our own unique gifts and talents

Be the change you want to see in the world
That is the motto that fills our hearts.

We know it is the only way real transformation takes place
We know that quietly and humbly we have the
power of all the oceans combined.

Our work is slow and meticulous
Like the formation of mountains
It is not even visible at first glance
And yet with it entire tectonic plates
shall be moved ....

Love is the new religion of the 21st century
You don’t have to be a highly educated person
Or have any exceptional knowledge to understand it

It comes from the intelligence of the heart
Embedded in the timeless evolutionary pulse of all human beings..

Be the change you want to see in the world
Nobody else can do it for you

We are now recruiting
Perhaps you will join us
Or already have.

All are welcome
The door is open

author unknown

Welcome H.E.R.E. We love you

SunWaterClear & WindWaterClear

Harmonic Emergence - Return to Earth H.E.R.E.

http://harmonicemergence.org/ - our foundation site
http://www.panoramio.com/user/2861230 A photographic tribute to the hallowed forests we roam
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/justcamping/ Small informal forest gatherings. More than just camping
http://www.everytrail.com/
http://tribes.tribe.net/harmonicemergence Join us on Tribe.net

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Hi, I'de like to meet you!

2009-04-16T05:14:20Z

I have come here to help in building a stronger online community. Through building a community electronically via the internet, we are one step closer to uniting the world. My hope is that this is a big step in the right direction, one toward peace and understanding among the people of the world. Let us build bridges of understanding together! I firmly believe it is up to all the people of Earth to create a better world, not corporations, politicians, and other demagogues. Now we have the means to do so and make no mistake this is truly the dawning of a new age!

So visit my profile if you like, say hello, add me to your friends, and just communicate in general. I am also contributing to a blog if your interested; www.riseupforthenewday.net. Remember there can be no community without communication!

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Deva Premal & Miten - first time in Boston

2009-04-14T23:21:30Z

Om Namah Shivaya

We are ecstatic that Deva Premal & Miten with Manose are coming for the first time to Boston!

The concert will be at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA on Sep 10th, 7:30 PM.

Their beautiful music will truly speak to your heart and move your soul.

Tickets are now on sale at www.shunyamproductions.com. The concert is selling out fast, so don't wait!

We hope to see you at this unforgettable event! Please tell all your friends about it.

Om Shanti

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Breathtaking Golden Retriever Puppies!

2009-04-13T21:55:07Z

Golden Retriever Puppies!
are seeking conscious loving homes

Natural, Holistic, Progressive Care

Raw meat, Raw dairy, Chemical-Free

Please contact Melanie at
818 657-9502
or
crystallinesanctuary@gmail.com

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

consciousness expansion..healing sound keys

2009-04-10T10:50:46Z

the sound healing keys are now in my book called Consciousness is King for all people interested in sound healing...solfeggio,will be used ,however the real sound keys are linked to the heavens..look at the 4th chapter in the book,it has the hidden sound keys, which you can use to heal.

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/consciousness-is-king/6475318

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

THE ULTIMATE "ALL IS ONE" ENERGY SEMINAR EVENT - Orlando - April 25th - 28th

2009-04-08T05:37:08Z

In celebration of World Qigong / Tai Chi Day (April 25th), when millions of people around the world will practice Qigong & Tai Chi, the Supreme Science Qigong Foundation will host the Largest Qigong Gathering in US History!

For 4 days, 5000 people will come together, in one room, in Orlando, to learn and practice Qigong! Imagine, being one of 5000 people breathing together and moving together! The group energy will be AMAZING!

Qigong (pronounced "Chee Gong") is the ancient Chinese art of directing Qi energy. All matter, including the air around us, is composed of energy. In Qigong, we cultivate internal and external Qi, through deep abdominal breathing techniques, specific movements, and mental focus. You will literally FEEL the magnetic energy in the air, between your hands, and coursing through your body!

For just $99, in just 4 days, you will learn Level-1, and Level-2 standing Qigong forms, a beautiful, freestyle Qigong dance called Wu Ji, Pranayama Breath Empowerment and 9-Breath Method breathing exercises, powerful meditations, Taoist stretching, Food Based Healing, and Qi Healing. You will meet many beautiful, open people, overflowing with peace and love, and make new friends. There will be live music, huge TV screens so everyone can see, and advanced computer animations & more than 100 instructors to help you learn.

If you are a Massage Therapist or RN, this is worth 32 Continuing Education Credit Hours.

You can't find a better deal than this anywhere! This is an experience you will never forget! You will thank yourself for coming!

To REGISTER & GET MORE INFO, click or copy and paste this link: http://www.kqzyfj.com/click-3417718-10649567

I hope to see you there!

Blessed be,
:) Michael Raphael
www.QigongDallas.com

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

sound keys for consciousness expansion

2009-04-07T09:08:29Z

Take a look at my book Consciousness is king.......for consciousness expansion and th e keys to sound healing
lol

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/consciousness-is-king/6475318

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Evolution of the NEO-Human

2009-04-04T06:26:59Z

what do we think of this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC1X9yPLWwg

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 7 replies

India 3rd recycler and consumer of plastic

2009-03-27T19:54:06Z

Check out the story:
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/05/25/indias_plastic_plague/

"In the U.S., towns squabble over who will have to absorb all this plastic. But in India they want the stuff. Dealers here buy plastic from all over the world, especially Europe and the U.S. Then guys like Vinod sort it out by color and quality and resell it to factories, who restyle it into new plastic stuff. So this market is the heart of India's recycling industry. In the U.S., only about 10 percent of plastic gets recycled. But in India more than half is reused.

And here's the thing: There's no government recycling program in India. This is all ad-hoc small businessmen."
"ANITA AHUJA: 'I mean, we are the third, now, the biggest manufacturers and consumers of plastic. First is America, second is China, third is India. And our middle-class population is increasing so there's going to be much more consumption of plastic
It's really sad — I mean, for the drains, for the river. I mean, the world has produced enough plastic, and now we should not produce anymore. And we should recycle, because the plastic cannot be destroyed. "
crazy..
we really should demand that these companies stop producing plastic and reuse what is already there. theres moreeeeeeee than enough plastic to meet anyones needs.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

drug decrim

2009-03-16T23:07:21Z

see whole article:

http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2009/03/14/portugal/index.html?source=newsletter
Glenn Greenwald
Saturday March 14, 2009 06:19 EDT
The success of drug decriminalization in Portugal

In 2001, Portugal became the only EU-member state to decriminalize drugs, a distinction which continues through to the present. Last year, working with the Cato Institute, I went to that country in order to research the effects of the decriminalization law (which applies to all substances, including cocaine and heroin) and to interview both Portuguese and EU drug policy officials and analysts (the central EU drug policy monitoring agency is, by coincidence, based in Lisbon). Evaluating the policy strictly from an empirical perspective, decriminalization has been an unquestionable success, leading to improvements in virtually every relevant category and enabling Portugal to manage drug-related problems (and drug usage rates) far better than most Western nations that continue to treat adult drug consumption as a criminal offense.

* * *

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Emerging Visions #14 Scrying Phantom Seas has emerged

2009-03-15T06:05:55Z

Welcome the Emergence of "Scrying Phantom Seas" Emerging Visions visionary art ezine #14

http://emergingvisions.blogspot.com

Listen to the heart of bliss.
On open sand, feel
breeze, vibrance
under oceanic starlight.
Breathing eternity, open
inward to see intricately
expanding visions -- poetry:
thought in magical splendor.
All art is magical; all magic is art.
Yet they are not the same, and part
of a grander landscape, embracing
sky and sea.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Insight & Opening

2009-03-08T16:39:15Z

Insight and Opening returns to Omega Institute this October 4-11. And more importantly Stan has indicated that this will be the LAST Insight & Opening as he and Jack are getting on in years. Stan, who is 78, recently had hip replacement surgery, and they both find it ever more difficult to coordinate their busy schedules.

As in the previously held event in '07, they will again be offering 40 scholarships to young people ages 18-29 who have not previously attended this workshop. IThe weeklong workshop/training counts as an "elective" toward the Grof Transpersonal Holotropic Breathwork Facilitator training program and can be a substantial boost for those interested in becoming breathwork facilitators. This is also a tremendously generous gift ... something extremely rare in our society. These two gifted teachers are essentially giving away $37,000 in proceeds to allow 40 young men and women to experience and learn about this transformative modality first-hand at no cost (although they will be responsible for their own housing).

Stan has been suggesting that he may retire soon. This may be the last opportunity for the next generation to receive direct trainings from the founder of the Transpersonal movement and creator of Holotropic Breathwork - the gold standard against which all other breathworks try to compare themselves.

Please help spread the word to anyone who may be interested. Details about the workshop and the scholarship are available at the Omega Institute's website: eomega.org

Sincerely

A. Howell
Boston MA
Shamanic Counselor / Breathwork Facilitator

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Chaos, Collapse, and Synchronicity

2009-03-04T19:21:30Z

Hi folks... here's an article I just published on www.RealitySandwich.com... Enjoy!

Chaos, Collapse, and Synchronicity

From imploding economies to hurricanes and tsunamis, from astounding corruption to war and terrorism, from catastrophic climate change to thermonuclear weapons in the Middle East, the clichés of doom that lately populate the course of human events is more than enough to tilt a sane citizen into apocalyptic anxiety. I am certain that I paint too broad a stroke on it, but I’m nonetheless going to venture to say that worrying about civilizational collapse is like worrying about whether or not one’s relationship will end in a painful breakup. I don’t mind admitting that I’ve spent some time worrying about both of these things—indeed, one of them even came to pass—and I can testify that no amount of worry could have prepared me for the agony—and the ecstasy—that eventually came of it.

As it happened, I was in the midst of writing my second novel, Nine Kinds of Naked, a novel which presumed to explore the theme of synchronicity. I really don’t remember how or why, but I had dared myself to write Nine Kinds of Naked without a plan and only according to the synchronicity of my daily experience. This turned out to be a terrifying endeavor, and one that I was entirely unprepared to meet. I remember complaining aloud one day, voicing my frustration that this wasn’t working, that I was *trying* to write about synchronicity rather than allowing the story to simply proceed by its own design. I had read every book on the topic, taking careful notes the way my graduate training had habituated me to do, and there I was writing the book as an exhausted intellectual rather than as an inspired artist. I found myself writing about a phenomenon that I only dimly recalled from years earlier in my life, not something that I was experiencing in the present moment. I felt like I was failing my project.

Then my relationship of eleven years abruptly ended.

I only mention this very personal detail of my life at all because of what happened to me afterwards: I was propelled into a six-month period of unparalleled and nearly nonstop synchronicity that continued to reverberate for another full year and upon which I’m still surfing the shockwave. I’m not speaking here about the typical tripe: seeing your former lover’s initials on a license plate or hearing another lovesick pop song every time you click on the radio. Cripes and jeezus gawd, there was plenty of that, but if those wan synchronicities are supposed to be the thumbprints of Providence in the margins of my life, then Providence has grown much too tame. I’m speaking here of the truly uncanny, the highly improbable, the perpetual co-incidence of my life intersecting perfectly with the lives of everyone around me. Shortly after my split, suffering with grief one summer day on my porch, a rare car passed my house, windows open, broadcasting the gaudy voice of a radio commercial advertising I know not what: “It’s a big change,” the radio yapped in passing. “Heal naturally.” And that’s the most insignificant example I can remember.

In my research on synchronicity, I had learned that it is most likely to emerge during and after ego-shattering experiences. These include near-death experiences, the death of loved ones, the end (or the beginning) of love relationships, shamanic / visionary experiences, travel, and so forth. Psychology typically deems this a form of dissociation in response to psychological trauma, and this is probably correct. After all, when I measure it against my own experience—in which the entire world and my very presence within it seemed indistinguishable from a dream—that defines dissociation, certainly. And yet, this explanation by itself left me feeling deeply dissatisfied, implying as it did a dismissal of my experience. And the experience of synchronicity is profoundly personal. It relies upon your subjectivity and the meanings you bring to your life. Because of this, it is irrelevant to debate whether or not it’s real in the sense of what we might vainly refer to as objective reality. There’s an unavoidable arrogance in presuming to evaluate not merely the truth of someone else’s experience, but actually the truth of *the meaning* of someone else’s experience. In the latter case, it has absolutely nothing to do with anyone but the person involved.

In any event, my understanding eventually relented to a view in which synchronicity is the face of a deeper level of interconnectivity. This dovetails with Eastern notions of non-duality, the mystical perception that unity is the underlying reality, that individual consciousness is actually the necessary illusion of distinction, the dark side of the Tao, so to speak, that which hears the tree falling in the woods. In this view, then, whenever the structures of one’s mind are shaken, the mind opens into a wider perception of reality that is hallmarked by synchronicity, understood here as a dissolution of the boundary between the interior and the exterior worlds. Fundamentally, the ego is the illusion that you exist separate from everything else, it is that which walls you off from the flow of undivided unity. Whenever these walls collapse, the flow of undivided unity rushes into your life, and synchronicity is the face of this perception.

So, dear and patient readers, my quodlibet is this: Although my breakup catalyzed what an external observer may at first grunt judge to be a breakdown, from my point of view the only breakdown was the delusion that I was in control of my life. All the walls—of identity, ambition, and security, of any illusion that I knew who I was, or where I was, or that I had any clue at all what was happening in life—all of this collapsed like an obsolete civilization and permitted eternity to course through me as never before. Insofar as apocalypse derives from the Greek "apokalyptein," meaning “to unveil,” this was some version of my personal apocalypse, and since apocalypse is the etymological antonym of hell, which derives from the Latin "helan," meaning “to veil,” the only thing to mourn was the liberation from my own illusions. In a similar fashion, this is what we’re facing when we worry about the collapse of our social structures. Despite our roads and skylines, despite our bridges and our borders, despite our military-industrial complexes and hyper-corrupt transnational corporations, society does not actually exist anywhere but the human mind. As a mental construct, society provides us with a shared illusion of meaning, purpose, and order, and it stabilizes our existence thereby, but paraphrasing Terence McKenna, society is not our friend. At best it is what Aldous Huxley referred to as a reducing valve to our perception, and at worst it is what Robert Anton Wilson called “the devil’s masquerade,” a Luciferian diversion from the truth of existence.

And the truth, or something resembling it, is that if you walk outside right now, hold your hand up to the sky, and pinch a millimeter of heaven between your thumb and forefinger, the truth is that if you were to focus the Hubble space telescope on that random sector of sky between your thumb and forefinger, that one dot on the overwhelming vault of heaven, you would discover *billions* of *galaxies*. This is the cathedral of eternity in which we find ourselves, and this magnificent insignificance is what we do not see when we imagine that we are—or that we could ever be—in control of this juggernaut that is barreling down the shuddering tracks of history.

As McKenna also intones on one of my favorite Shpongle tracks: "Nothing is wrong, everything is on track." And indeed it was, for as it turned out, my matrimonial cataclysm was just the apocalyptic knock I needed to inspire the novel some part of me had dared myself to fathom. I gave up, I surrendered, and it was only then that Nine Kinds of Naked could proceed according its own synchronicity. There was a tremendous relief in this giving up of control, in surrendering to some chaotic process infinitely larger than myself, in realizing not only that I am not in control of my life, but also that I don’t *have* to be.

So here we yawn at millennium’s dawn: Bugles are blasting and the walls of civilization are crumbling, chaos is seeping through the cracks and crawling out of the shadows, survivalist monkeys are buying guns and the ice caps are melting besides as chaos gazes unfazed at the clamor of humanity sounding for all the universe like the echo of a distant wind chime. That which we thought was stable, safe, and secure is not, that which we sacrificed so much for is failing, that which told us who we are is collapsing like a psychedelic kaleidoscope. And as our social structures collapse, humanity—barbaric, beautiful humanity—humanity will rediscover the awesome divinity that inhabits the core of our consciousness as one by one we give up control because society may not be our friend but chaos is our mother and our mother is an order unfathomable, a layer of complexity much deeper than the dim and flimsy arrogance of ego can admit to itself. Welcome our selves to the cathedral of eternity, the dimension in which we step out of that steaming pile of ego which passes for human consciousness and at last surrender into a higher order of experience in which our interconnectivity one to another becomes blindingly obvious, and we see, and we know, and we remember, that there is so much more happening in life than we have ever been led to believe.

Synchronicity on the sultry soothe of your day~

Tony Vigorito
www.tonyvigorito.com
© 2009 Tony Vigorito... feel free to forward as far as you see fit...

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Ephemeral mists

2009-02-23T05:14:21Z

Ephemeral Mists is the newest side project by composer Brett Branning (The synthetic dream foundation & Abandoned Toys). The debut album, "Moon Ritual" is out now on Mythical records.

The sound of the project is best described as downtempo ambient electronics mixed with ethnic world musics in the vein of "Karma" era Delerium, Amethystium, and Dead Can Dance. Its really a very intoxicatingly beautiful creation and I highly recommend it to anyone into ambient music styles.

http://www.ephemeralmists.com/

http://www.mythicalrecords.com/

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Sakya empowerments this December in Vancouver BC - teaching references given

2009-02-19T23:03:05Z

Keywords : tantric Buddhist empowerment, major empowerment cycle in highest yoga tantra and mahamudra, Sakya lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, Sakya Tsechen Thubten Ling and Her Eminence Jetsun Kusho.

OM SVASTI.

This December 2008 a major tantric empowerment cycle of the New School / Mahamudra lineage of vajrayana will be given in Vancouver British Columbia. These are the "Thirteen Golden Dharmas of Sakya", a comprehensive set of transmissions central to the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism, to be bestowed by Her Eminence Jetsun Kusho at Sakya Tsechen Thubten Ling, her tantric practice center.

"Her Eminence Jetsun Chimey Luding, or HE Jetsun Kusho, is a leading female teacher of tibetan buddhism living in the West. Jetsunma is one of three women in the history of Tibet to have given the Lamdre ("path and its fruition") teachings, the special system of contemplative and meditative practice of the Sakya order. Thus, she is a thoroughly trained lineage holder.
HE Jetsun Chimey Luding is the Resident Spiritual Director of the Sakya Tsechen Thubten Ling Center in Vancouver, Canada."

Translation from Tibetan will be by the eminent translator and Sakya scholar Jay Goldberg.

Dates:
December 20th through December 26th 2008
( see schedule below ).

Location:
Sakya Tsechen Thubten Ling (STTL)
9471 Beckwith Road
Richmond, BC Canada V6X 1V8

Contacts and references:
Tel: 604-275-5506
email: sakyatsechenthubtenling@shaw.ca
http://www.sakya.thinkbig.ca/

Discussion:
Her Eminence is a remarkably good teacher. I have three Vajrayogini empowerments from her. She is a primary lineage holder of the Sakya school, and considered a manifestation of the Great Goddess Vajrayogini herself. Vajrayogini is a central and highest practice of all the New Schools of Tibetan Buddhism, up through and including the Mahamudra teaching of primordial pure awareness.

It is not possible to practice these teachings without empowerment from a qualified lineage holder. Empowerment will include vows of basic Buddhist ethics ( the Ten Precepts ) and sacred vows of Mahayana / Great Way - Universal Service. Buddhist refuge and Mahayana vows are an integral part of every single tantric Buddhist empowerment, as is a commitment to some continuing meditative practice, typically involving mantra recitation.

Mantra means Sanskrit recitation of the names and activities of transcendent beings, i.e. Buddhist angels, in the context of ritual magic and yogic discipline. The purpose of these practices is primarily to develop the transcendent Wisdom, Compassion and Power ( jnana, karuna, bala ) of the fully realized Buddhas, and thereby to become capable of serving the highest good in all humanity from an inner elevated spiritual level. The path includes relative benefits such as inner healing and so forth, but no claims can be made regarding any one practice for any one practitioner.

Buddhist tantra, while a clear and formal spiritual discipline, is a culturally open and flexible path. This empowerment cycle will include a Hindu goddess ( Tinuma / Parvati ) and a Buddhist form of a primary Hindu deity, Avalokitesvara as Ganapati.

Note that I do not in any office represent this teacher or fellowship, and that arrangements may change. Please contact and preregister for all events, and be sure to show up quite a bit early, freshly washed and so forth. When the doors close they close. Space may well be quite limited.

Note also the prerequisite empowerment - either Sakya Hevajra ( included at the beginning of this series ) or Sakya Cakrasamvara. There are no substitutions though other lineages of these transmissions.

May the lineage of Her Eminence Jetsun Kusho flourish long, and may these teachings greatly benefit many.

Sarva mangalam! Siddhi rastu!
May All Benefit! May there be accomplishment!

Written in partial fulfillment of my vajrayana teaching vows, and with great respect for this teacher and lineage.

KT

The following resources are available from Snow Lion Publications
http://www.snowlionpub.com

For an overall survey of the meaning of tantric Buddhist empowerment, see
"EMPOWERMENT"
by Tsele Natsok Rangdrol

"The empowerment ritual is the indispensable entrance door to Vajrayana Buddhism. It activates our natural right to an enlightened rule over our life and spiritual practice. [ The book ] 'Empowerment' contains a wealth of instructions on Buddhist training, particularly Mahamudra and Dzogchen."

For a brief teaching on Mahamudra, see
"CLARIFYING THE NATURAL STATE", by Dakpo Tashi Namgyal
and
"AN OCEAN OF THE ULTIMATE MEANING: Teachings on Mahamudra"
by Khenchen Thrangu

"A practical manual for both teacher and student alike, Clarifying the Natural State covers the path from mindfulness to complete enlightenment, simply and methodically. Presenting the profound and ultimate instructions of Mahamudra, it embodies the realization of India and Tibet's greatest masters."

"Elevate your experience and remain wide open like the sky.
Expand your mindfulness and remain pervasive like the earth.
Steady your attention and remain unshakable like a mountain.
Brighten your awareness and remain shining like a flame.
Clear your thoughtfree wakefulness and remain lucid like a crystal."
--Dakpo Tashi Namgyal

MAHAMUDRA: The Natural Mind DVD
by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

7.5 hour, 4-DVD set.

#MANADV - $ 48.00
Mahamudra is the natural state of the mind: luminous, spacious, unhindered and free from dualistic concepts. In these talks, Mingyur Rinpoche provides a brilliant, engaging and accessible introduction to the practice of Mahamudra. With joy, humor and examples that are easily understandable by Western students, Rinpoche explains the meaning of Mahamudra and reveals how it is that our failure to recognize our nature of mind causes us to suffer. He provides extensive practice instructions on objectless meditation and meditation with a variety of supports including mantra, visual objects, sound, thoughts and emotions. In the fourth talk, Rinpoche presents an especially extensive and beneficial teaching on using pain as a support for meditation. For each practice he guides students through a practice session and answers students' questions about the practice. This teaching includes an extremely accessible explanation of Buddha-nature and emptiness.

For basic teaching on Vajrayogini, see
"VAJRAYOGINI: Her Visualizations, Rituals and Forms"
by Elizabeth English

"SUBLIME PATH TO KECHARA PARADISE: Vajrayogini's Eleven Yogas of Generation Stage Practice"
commentary by Sermey Khensur Lobsang Tharchin

"INITIAL PRACTICES OF VAJRAYOGINI: An FPMT Manual for Initiates" ( Restricted text )
FPMT

"Vajrayogini is the ultimate flowering of the female energy within all of us. This great manual includes short and longer versions of the sadhana, tsog and other offerings, preparing for retreat, guide to hand mudras and more. Spiral bound to lie flat during practice."

----------------------------------------------------

13 Golden Dharmas Empowerments
A series of empowerments unique to the Sakyapa

Hevajra - this is the central practice of Sakya lineage. The complete Sanskrit source tantra has been maintained, along with the practice lineage, since ancient India. See
"The Concealed Essence of the Hevajra Tantra, with the Commentary Yogaratnamala", by G.W. Farrow and I. Menon, published by Motilal Banarsidass.

This is a comprehensive inner yogic discipline. See
"The Triple Tantra", by Panchen Ngawang Choedak, Gorum Publications Autralia.

The Three Red Ones - (1) Vajrayogini of Naropa, (2) Vajrayogini of Indrabhuti, (3) Vajrayogini of Maitripa.

The Three Red Deities - (4) Uncommon Kurukulle ( an esoteric form of Red Tara ), (5) Ganapati ( Twelve Armed Ganesh - manifestation of Avalokitesvara ), (6) Takkiraja ( protector deity ).

The Three Small Red Deities - (7) Kurukulle Golden Chain ( a form of Tara ), (8) Tinuma ( e.g. Hindu goddess Parvati / Uma ), (9) Red Vasudhara ( Wealth Deity Tara ).

Four Other Deities - (10) Black Manjushri ( wrathful wisdom bodhisattva to reverse spells and sorcery ), (11) Multicolor Garuda ( for protection and healing ), (12) Singha Nada ( Lion's Roar Avalokitesvara ) and (13) Red Jambhala (mundane wealth deity ).

Pre-requisite: Hevajra or Chakrasamvara empowerment required. Participants who have received either empowerment from a Sakyapa teacher before will not need to take Hevajra empowerment again in order to receive the 13 Golden Dharmas.
Location: STTL center in Richmond

Hevajra empowerment - December 20 & 21
Saturday, December 20 - 6:30 pm
Sunday, December 21 - 2:30 pm
- Sadhana is available.

Other empowerments - December 22 - 31
( Partial attendance may be possible. )

* Sequence of the 13 empowerments will be announced on December 20.
* Mon - Sat: Empowerment starts at 6:30pm
* Sunday, December 25 & 26: Empowerment starts at 2:30pm.

More than empowerments are scheduled on these days.
- Sadhanas are available.

Suggested Donation: For entire series of empowerment - $350 CND

* Per empowerment - Hevajra $100
* Vajrayogini of Naropa $50
* All others - $30

-------------------------- end announcement -----------------

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 3 replies

Avoiding Spiritual Circularity

2009-02-13T22:15:49Z

So, why the end of the world? Because it’s not supposed to happen. We all know this. Most definitely. Now, why is physical reality, Malkuth, said by the Kabbalaists to be so fragile, of the many worlds? Because it is liable to the possibility of entertaining a cyclical nature. This is not what we want. It is about the Vices and the Virtues. When we collectively indulge in these (check the Kabbalah tribe for the list) we infuse this world with much unbalanced energy. The most primary and certainly the most worst is physical destruction, killing each other, warfare. It started with the story of Cain, and he was exiled. Not killed. God did not call for the same in kind, in retribution. In vengeance.
He was exiled. Not exploring that story any further right now. Maybe later.

Now, Killing, Cruelty and Destruction, are the Vices of Geburah, which is the middle,
or central, Sephiroth on the Pillar of Severity, what in human gender terms is called the female pillar, which at its top is headed by Binah, the main idea of which is the idea of Form. Too much hankering after Form, especially human form. And in a sense Geburah is a reflection of Chokmah, which is the seat of the name of God. Who practices the most
violence here on planet Earth, the men or the women? The men. Not really the women, unless they are forced to it. Incidentally, the male pillar, called the Pillar of Mercy, is headed by Chokmah. These names you may explore further, if you wish. They are the names of the emanations, the sephiroth. This system has been built for us, likely by us, to aid us in evolving. The Kabbalah has been around a long time.

Ok, enough of that. Now, the scary story. This information must be made public.

When this cycle that is not supposed to happen nears its end point, because we have filled Malkuth, the nearest spot to the Qliphoth (this place, basically, highly doubtful that some plenitude of Hells exists merely to give us places to act out in bad fashion) with mixed up energy, largely the masses of those killed, not really misspent sexual energy, though that certainly adds to it, someone is asked to figure the puzzle out. It’s a rush job, definitely.

What I’m saying ( I need to reduce the parenthetical asides) is that the mixed up energy is right here. And we are all very Judgmental. That’s an aspect of the Female Pillar, the Pillar of Severity. Unbalanced away from Mercy, the Male Pillar. Staying in this form too long can cause too much Separation, and we are all separated, talking over the internet.

So the scary story. If we kill this local Kingdom (Malkuth), we will have to re-emanate it.
The universe will not collapse. Never. Doesn’t ever happen. We just end up destroying this world through Nuclear Devastation. Capitalized for emphasis.

Now, since really in some sense Kether, the crown-point, is there in every sephirah,
One must reach it personally in order to move to the next highest level, whatever lingo you might use for that. We should all try for that. Study the Kabbalah, conserve your
sexual energies. Or at least be with a partner, a lover, a mate, a girlfriend, a wife.

Scary story: We re-unify after the destruction of this world, however you look for that,
*and though we don’t really have bodies anymore*, and since Malkuth is about the physical, and because you all have so much pent up energies, or we have wasted so much sexual energy, and since the focus has been there so long: You Get The Picture.

So we then would even out every person’s energy ( I most definitely would like to imagine this as non-sexual, that’s vulgar, and a trap) and at that point we are immaterial, angels at the lowest order, so to speak. Beings of Force. But since we need this place back again, for obvious reasons, we like to intermix and experience physical love in the most proper way, we mimic the higher emanations above the level of Malkuth, Assiah, *to the best of all of our memories*! Thank God many study the Kabbalah, and perhaps we do it by intuition, I’m not sure.

DON’T HIT THE NUCLEAR BUTTON.

That’s the only way this world dies. Guaranteed. Everything else it is possible to fix, if we give up the Vices collectively. And stop Judging each other. Let God judge. He mostly doesn’t. Mercy, remember?

So, if you like, I could flesh it out further, but I think that is sufficient for the moment.

Discuss. Distribute your positive energies to others, not me, be kind to one another (Greek: Kristos, kindness), Middle Pillar, Balance, Moderation, Temperance.

Most especially stop hating our leaders, all the world’s leaders, that is a negative feedback loop, send as much well-wishes, prayer, and forgiveness to all of them, I have.
Anyone in a position of power or influence needs our aid. Forgive those on the other side of the aisle, politically. I’ve enjoyed talking to you. I’ve sent energy and thanks to those on the Republican side, even though I consider myself a Democrat, because we need to commiserate, find a balanced position, find a means to fix all our problems.

It’s been said (by us, a little presumptuous of us, don’t you think?) that we are the greatest nation on this Earth, let’s get back to being peaceful, and correct our behavior.

Ask questions as to certain portions of this if you need some ideas more fleshed out.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Sharing Techniques Of Magic

2009-02-06T19:10:51Z

Hello wizards from all around.
I would like to invite you all to join this tribe.

It is called:
Sharing Techniques Of Magic
http://tribes.tribe.net/sharingtechniquesofmagic

Let it be a place where we share ways to use magic.
The main objective is to learn from each other, to better our ways of understanding and working with the forces at hand..
From occult philosophy to practical day to day magic.
Invocation, communicating with spirits, spells, curses, defence systems and other forms of the art. .
Also ways to enter trance-states by any means; through drugs, yoga, meditation, prayer and other forms of ecstacy.
As moderator I will apply only few rules:
- let it be as free as possible,
- let there be no self-censoring, use the words you wish to use,
- feel free to throw in a poetic outburst now and then,
- let it be practical, visionary, instinctive, thoughtfull, with as much heart as you wish

I will start by writing some stuff, please feel free to share in the sharing.

Peace, Love and Nakedness

Geert

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 1 reply

Creating Space for Greater Consciousness

2009-02-04T08:52:17Z

Nutritional Cleansing is something I began incorporating into my lifestyle a few years ago, but it was just during my recent cleanse that its poignancy really came into focus for me. I discovered how it helps create space for clarity and insight to enter and guide us while providing energy, focus, and the physical and emotional stability to support us in making vital change. I've also become more aware and sensitive to subtle energies.

Through observation & experience, I've learned how the process of cleansing can be challenging because it literally resets the brain's chemistry, and along with it, familiar, comfortable habits of not just lifestyle, but even thoughts and beliefs which affect our self image and how we relate to and perceive others.

Every emotion has specific neurotransmitters and patterns in our brain. The brain can literally become addicted to the chemicals of emotions just like caffeine, heroin, meth, alcohol, etc. Similarly, we can become addicted to emotional/mental complexes such as "drama" or feeling "worthless" -and the stories & perceptions that reinforce that feeling.

Depression is an easy example I like to use to illustrate this dynamic. When our bodies get depressed from lack of nutrients, too much toxicity, too little sleep, not enough hydration, not enough exercise, combating pathogens, etc. our energy goes down and this physical depression is *felt* and becomes an emotional depression.

If you resolve any of these physical factors, your emotional state will reflect it. That's why when I have a family member, friend or client show up with depression, I always cover these physical basics with them before anything else.

The reverse works as well. When someone breaks our heart, or we lose a loved one, we become emotionally depressed, and we feel that in our body as low energy, fatigue, and generally feeling un-well.

Because it works both ways between emotions & body, we can salve most of our initial depression from a broken heart through nutrition, cleansing, exercise, hydration & rest. When we shift the chemical balance of our brain away from depression, we can reinforce our feelings of wellness by affirming positive notions such as all that one has to be thankful for in their life and how fortunate they truly are.

So for people who have lived most of their life in chronic depression, or with victim consciousness, cleansing can present both a profound opportunity as well as great challenge for transforming that. When one's identity depends on (is addicted to) feelings of anger, resentment, unworthiness, depression, fear, etc. doing a cleanse literally presents a threat to that identity. As we transform our brain chemistry, we transform our Selves on every other level. Doing a cleanse and getting better nutrition requires changing our lifestyle & habits.

For me, my greatest nemesis is gorging on pizza, cake, ice cream & soda late at night after a long day of doing massage. I recently turned 35, and I've been finding it harder to keep myself lean. Worse than that however is that I've noticed my vision degenerating! I knew this was due to my Nemesis and that I needed to change this habit.

So I did the Isagenix 9-Day Nutritional Cleanse to help me "reset" my brain chemistry to support me in making this change. Doing the cleanse helped me come to realize the different unconscious reasons I had for this habit. First, I realized that I was eating these things to GROUND myself and get back in my body for self-preservation on the psychic/energy level after working on all these people (usually 5-8, not including the energies of all my co-workers).

Shortly after that I realized that I ate for COMFORT too. This went even deeper for me as I quickly realized that I haven't eaten socially -particularly with family- for many years. I usually eat by myself. I realized then that there was this element of depression & isolation involved with this eating habit of mine.

After this epiphany, I also thought that I may be REWARDING myself by eating these particular foods for having done a long hard day of work. This led me to another insight where I found myself continuing to eat way past the point of feeling full because I wanted to continue experiencing the joy of different tastes & textures. With the prior insight in mind, I identified this form of eating as ENTERTAINMENT.

So with all of this association, it's easy to see why it could seem so threatening to give up this eating habit. It represents loss of comfort, boredom, and vulnerability, but also feelings of depression and isolation which as I said before can be just as addictive and adopted by the unconscious identity. Transforming these feelings & thoughts not only requires a change in my lifestyle, but confronting deep & powerful feelings related to self & family.

To this end, a colleague & I developed a support program for people who are doing cleanses. I'll share the principles of it so you can integrate them into your own process of cleansing & transformation and work with practitioners you're familiar with.

One can align their energies to hold the space for transformation though specific Acupuncture or Acupressure sequences such as the "Bridge Channel" or the "Regulating Channel" to name just a couple.

Essential oils are also exceptionally helpful! I always use Young Living for their purity & formulation. My favorites for transformation are "Dreamcatcher", "Valor" & "Harmony" & "Transformation".

Getting lymphatic massage & good old fashioned nurturing swedish or even vigorous shiatsu or tui na can help keep one grounded in their body and connected to earthy life energies to better hold the course.

I've found that doing a cleanse with one or more friends or family members also helps greatly and adds not only fun but lends a sense of community & support as one re-invents aspects of their self.

Some people may need counseling as well -or even just a forum like this where they can relate their feelings & issues as they go through their process and get perspective and feedback that can help them think outside their box.

I hope this is all helpful to you, and invite more thoughts, techniques & experiences that can help myself and other readers here to get more out of life!

Namasté

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Reformated a tribe on meditation

2009-01-28T16:01:45Z

Hey everyone, I started a tribe on the practice of breath awareness, so if you guys are intereted in discussing meditation, feel free to join!

http://tribes.tribe.net/theconsciousenergybreath

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

THE ENERGY BEHIND ENLIGHTENMENT

2009-01-23T21:42:45Z

Most people use ten percent or less of the Brain. Through the awakening of Kundalina energy the brain can organically evolve to a higher performance. No time has been spent investigating perhaps the most powerful energy of nature. Religious experience and its root.

Kundalini is the evolutionary potency in all humans. A fundamental bioenergy. It comes from an Indian word meaning “to join the soul with the cosmic soul,” In the ancient Indian language Sanskrit it is a term referring to a coiled force or energy originating at the base of the spine, and seated near the sex organs a coiled up sleeping snake. Implies latent energy or potential to expand. Serpent Power when activated travels up the seven chakras which are the nerve centers along the spinal cord and enlightens the mind. Expanding consciousness the nirvana of Buddha. It is responsible for human evolution and all-psychic abilities genius and spiritual illumination. Kundalini is the biological way to expand the mind.

Kundalini is the “secret” behind yoga and all other esoteric psychology’s and genuine occult mysteries. A scientifically measurable biochemical essence Kundalini is the substance that is the nourishment of consciousness. It penetrates the nervous system and influences the nerves to become the instrument of higher consciousness. This subtle substance is a snake-like force that fuels the mind in order to sustain a more active state, producing an awakened Kundalini individual, Note: snakes have two hemi penises and the power to hypnotize.

Such inner power is represented by the two snakes on King Tut’s headdress and the feathered serpent of Mexico and South America, The serpent in the Garden of Eden. The upward flow of Kundalini nectar (prana force, bioplasmic stream) is concentrated in the reproductive fluids of both men and women. When Kundalini is activated a reverse action takes place, feeding the center of the brain. “cavity of Brahma” in the brain’s ventricular cavity. Kundalini is the power that controls it. All great saints’’ mystics’ poets and people of genius, as well as the insane were influenced in this way.

If an experiment were performed it would prove the existence of the Kundalini force and show its physiological effects on the body. It could bridge the gap between science and mysticism and show the essential truth of religious experience and tradition. Religion has always been a companion of humanity. Religion came to guide humanity. No scientist could doubt the reality of this phenomenon once it has been observed and measured.. Such an experiment would uncover the vale of darkness and delusion under which humanity has been living. This evolutionary force needs publicity and actual proof would provide it. The results will speak for themselves. It will be a discovery more important than anything that has preceded it.

It is only from an awakened perspective that such observation can be made and this potential lies within everyone. As humanity evolved from cave men to the United Nations it becomes inevitable that this discovery will come to light and that there is indeed a purpose. A planned creation to our being. God protects our blue-green planet earth from the inferno of intergalactic space. Why? Because humanity has to attain to other states of consciousness for which all these recourses are needed to do this. We have been granted an intelligence to make the best use of it.

Life’s purpose and evolution’s power lead to cosmic laws, which must be obeyed for nature’s divine grace within us all to come to light. These laws as spoken of in all religions occult and mystical beliefs describe a path to enlightenment. As great empires have come and gone, so too must humanity’s faiths change.

My teacher, the late Pundit Gopi Krishna, an Indian Yogi-scientist and world renowned expert of Kundalini who has written over twenty books on the subject states, “We all know what happened whenever a political system became despotic and oppressive, a social system exacting and corrupt, and a religious system excessively authoritarian and dogmatic. There arose a demand for revision and reform. Political revolutionaries, reformers and prophets appeared on the scene, The old system was overthrown often with dreadful bloodshed, suffering and pain and a new one installed in its place. We have to cooperate with inner evolution.”

What is needed for a more positive harmonic peaceful and prosperous existence is a fuller understanding of humanity’s need for god. As society accelerates the brain must work increasingly beyond the point of balance. We are giants of intellect and dwarfs of the spiritual. We give no time to the spirit. Bringing on grave consequences. Gopi Krishna says. “ We have given too much emphasis to the material side of life at the cost of the spiritual side.” Time must be set aside for prayer, meditation, yoga or some other spiritual act in order to keep life’s evolutionary needs in balance and maintain inner sanity. Yoga meditation provides a channel for the opening of a powerful energy (inspiration) which can enable anyone to blossom into a genius, an artist, a poet, a mystic.

If this force awakens in an impure or out of balance form it can result in evil genius fanaticism delusions of grandeur, or mental illness (like manic depression and schizophrenia). There is a lot that is not understood that kundalini research will explain.

The brain is subject to the influence of countless factors connected with the life environment and the family history of an individual. When even slightly tainted or stained do to the pressure of reality or various causes such as wrong mode of life, unhealthy environment, faulty heredity, shock, frustration, repression, tension and numerous other factors. If the mind is abnormal the brain too must be a shareholder in the abnormality. There are subtle changes in some neuronic structures in the cranium. The real root of the abnormality is an impure or toxic condition of the prana. If you do not live a disciplined life then the awakening of this center can be unhealthy. A distorted vision of the same power. It means that the system is not pure and that the energy is not working in a healthy way.

There is a positive spiritual energy force within us all. Which has a physical counterpart in the human body that feeds a certain portion of the brain cavity of Brahma. This is a living electricity or intelligent energy that is needed to open the brain. The macrobiological changes and its effect can be observable and scientifically verified. Elevations of consciousness can only occur through the transformation brought by kundalini and by no other agency.

Nature shows compassion to humanity in order to help guide us safely through transgressions. God to me is a universal god that is not tied to any one organized religion. It gives us chance after chance. But when we digress off the path unhealthy results occur. We can not blame nature but ourselves. We have intelligence, we have reason, and we have learning. But if by having everything we ignore it then of course nature has no alternative except to teach us by suffering. Heaven is always merciful and all compassionate.

Great prophets, mystics, inventors, sages and people of genius have come to guide our race towards evolution’s goal. The study of the past will show the common thread within these great men and woman. Study is needed in order to educate us about how life should be led to be more in harmony with the forces of nature, which govern our life. A life of humility – love – purity - truth - moderation and compassion.

But how can we prove kundalini’s effect on the body? We can perform an experiment in a controlled environment. This experiment would take on hundred individuals with a healthy average intellect - normal typical people all with a great urge to awaken with a deep passion for spiritual matters and who are prepared to mold their lives in consort with the spiritual laws. Men and women aged twenty to thirty five. They would be put in a peaceful environment and subjected to various tests over a period of five years or more.

Scientists can observe them as the subjects try to awaken their kundalini. They will awaken to differing degrees. Tests will document the physiological changes that occur and will provide the empirical proof of what happens to the body as the kundalini force is awakened. I hypothesis that there are definitive biological differences in the blood, the cerebrospinal fluid and the composition of the brain matter in its subtle layers. Research on brain mapping. EEG ceg ces and the electricity in the body may show the kundalini force. The brain activity will be increased and its effect will be found all over the body. There will be metabolic processes, which can be measured. There will be physiological changes, which can be measured. This will convince the biologist that this change of the mind of the brain has physiological counter part. The result will start humanity towards a greater understanding of this evolutionary mechanism.

Once it is proved that the potential to awaken lies within everyone and is the most valuable asset we have, people will strive for it. The result on humanity will be comparable to the splitting of the spiritual atom. Instead of releasing a nuclear holocaust it will unleash the beginning of a utopian age, our cosmic destiny that can transform a mortal into an immortal and eternal source of happiness.

The awakening of these energies produces genius in mortal man or woman. Creativity, love and compassion emerge and pathways are opened to a future, awakened humanity. We will become the trailblazers of our own inevitable destiny. A utopian age of peace and harmony will follow. All political and spiritual processes will be developed for the highest good. Individuals will develop their “inner Sun” to the fullest during their lifetime. Kundalini research is part of an evolutionary force that compels us to look for enlightenment as an experience accessible to all. To awaken is the goal nature has set for us.

The time is right for we can use state of the art technology to study the phenomenon. We can study the common thread that lies at the root of all religion mysticism which is to guide humankind’s understanding of evolutionary change The understanding of kundalini is now becoming provable for the first time.

Sigmund Freud in fact understood that the libido is directly responsible for mental imbalances. At some point in time we will discover that all we know can be reduced to the bio-chemical. This center of the brain cavity of Brahma is still undiscovered but could be called the “third eye” or the “philosopher’s stone”. Kundalini will for the first time reveal how energy is supplied to the brain and that it is superintelligent. Freud’s concept about libido is of a psychic energy drawn from the libidinous tendencies in human beings. Which is to say the reproductive energy but only from a psychic point of view. He does not say that it has organic roots. This is what famed psychologist Wilhelm Reich emphasizes that this libido must have roots deep in the biochemical structure of the body.

The sex organs in a state of awakened kundalini produces a vast amount of fluid to feed the newly activated part of the brain. Sexual energy may well be directly connected to a mechanism that is affected by evolutionary advancement. Kundalini is the fundamental bioenergy stored primarily in the sex organs. This basic life force is normally associated with the genitals for simple continuance of the species by providing a sex drive. The tie in to the human sex drive and higher consciousness must be explored. Why do men have ejaculation while asleep or wake up with erect penises. There is a force of nature that needs physical release to be sane.

It is called the “goddess Kundalini” or “Mother Nature” because a mother’s love is similar to the bliss of higher consciousness. Woman have more feelings! Life is part of them - menstruation each month reminds them of that. Soulmates, man-woman have intercourse to prolong the race (children). Plus experience the love, kundalini evolutionary force of completion, happiness and bliss that keeps growing.

Sexual or relaxation exercises may release inner pressure of an over-taxed libido. An evolutionary super-nectar, extraordinary life force feeds the mind, a kissing food of unlimited bliss. The sublimation raising up of sex energy is the basic lever of all spiritual disciplines. But the all-inclusive nature of sex energy is a misnomer. Reproduction is but one of the aspects of the life energy of which the other theater of activity is the brain.

Humanity’s basic needs are for sex, god and a need for prayer to control our environment i.e.. hope within everyone lies the ability to awaken. Humanity needs love to balance our own unbalanced state and give us time to meditate, to control our over-taxed brain. Humanity’s sex drive may well be the only time some people relax from their hectic lifestyles. There is a need to just kick back and enjoy. Sex could be a form of deep meditation and experience between two soul mates. Loves deep blissful passion, kundalini’s purest expression an active prayer one of the most powerful forces in the universe. A positive experience that ends in an explosion of uncontrollable bliss. However for the average person, sex is not a deep meditation but is merely a physical release, a small slice of love’s true potential.

What is needed is that deep magnetism of love - a yin/yang of a universal constant. First came the big bang theory for the creation of the universe, now the love theory of creation states that the universe is a constant - always was here. That pure love magnetism, that yin/yang. Example. Trees love earth. Earth love the sky the sky loves the stars space… Love is consciousness … The universe is male and female and in love with both forces.

Suppression of sexuality out of contempt or hatred of our lower nature is an act of ignorance leading only to atrophy of the sexual system. Celibacy is contrary to nature. Since enlightenment is an evolutionary process with heredity playing an important role stamping the genera of the enlightened so that their biological gains through spiritual disciplines can be passed to their progeny. DNA research will eventually discover the consciousness gene.

Sexual energy has been represented in ancient art and statues by an erect organ. Showing the upward streaming of the reproductive essence that effects the transformation of consciousness.

In order to discover the factual evidence behind consciousness, one must first study kundalini energy and its effects. Scientific proof will free humanity to accept the fact that within everyone lies the temple of god leading to a clear realization of our own divine nature. Man’s incomprehensible inner bliss and oneness with divinity and a way of life that overpowers doing wrong or any other action that goes against this cosmic evolutionary force. The misunderstanding of kundalini has led to environmental decline that seems rooted to ultimate destruction of Planet Earth i.e. ozone layer, burning of rain forests, religious wars and terrorism, rape and murder….

It is one relationship not just to their own kundalini but also towards each other. It is the combination of the two that will lead not only to harmony but also to sharing and ultimately to progress. The appeal especially in these times is kundalini which offers hope promise. There is negative energy (i.e. ours) that can be transformed into positive communal conscience which will try to eradicate feelings of helplessness, negativity, pain and the burden of feeling isolated.

Why are people so selfish? Due to not having an understanding of kundalini. Just desperation, helplessness and power struggles which lead to hurting others and ourselves or apathy both of which have a profound effect on our history and the mood of the energy.

Our goal and objective is to create a paradise on earth. A peaceful co-existence, long lives, greater achievements and more freedom. A utopian society living by the laws uncovered by the experiment. A union with the divine is a sum total of the physical laws of the universe. We are in the process of taking the next evolutionary leap. The new century is here.

The study of what lifestyle would be best to advance ones inner potential is a task that may take eons to complete. With the help of divine grace may we free the veil that covers the eyes of the blind masses. We who have been chosen for this colossal task are the humble instruments of this evolutionary force. We will do our part to understand this unfathomable awareness of our eternal souls. The universe is ruled by an intelligent power! Consciousness does not change in birth or death it is bigger than our individual soul. Consciousness is an eternal om...

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 3 replies

Awesome New Daniel Pinchbeck Article

2008-12-25T05:02:31Z

Fascist hypocrite sham.

http://www.xanaduxero.blogspot.com

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Dear Consciousness Expansion! - I HUMBLY ASK YOUR HELP - Maya Calendar 2009

2008-12-18T17:14:04Z

Dear YOU!

I humbly ask for your patience & willingness to read this message in full!

My name is Stacy James Fry. - With great humility I have been called to ask for your help. - After 13 years of academic and alternative study on the Maya civilization, I have been inspired to write a novel detailing the particulars of the collapse of the Maya in the 9th century. It is clear to me now the Maya experienced a sequence of events leading to the collapse of their civilization, events that are being repeated today on a much grander scale. My novel titled "The Mystic of the Maya" is a parable, a call to all who will read it to exercise the highest teachings made available to mankind through the teachers of the ages including Eckhart Tolle, SN. Goenka, Mother Teresa, Dalai Lama, Jesus Christ, Buddha, Krishna, Ghandi, Krishnamurti, Paramhansa Yogananda, and many more. The essence of their teachings are embedded into the narrative of the novel and wrapped in fiction provide a passive medium for these messages to reach the masses http://www.2012mayancalendar.org

As you can imagine the writing of this novel is a great undertaking that requires 100% focused attention and free-time to complete. To support the completion of this vision I have invested all my resources and creativity into the creation and printing of 1000 copies of a Mayan/Gregorian calendar for 2009. These calendars feature photographs of Mayan ruins taken by me and each calendar is humbly equipped with the ancient Tzolkin 13:20 time sequence, and the Gregorian calendar. I have incorporated the Tzolkin with the Gregorian calendar as a gentle reminder to mend our unconscious conflict as products of the Greece and Roman Empires, and our role as invaders of the Americas. http://www.2012mayancalendar.org

Purchase of any number of Calendars and give them to yourself, to your family and friends as a reminder that we ALL have the power within us to divert our minds into the harmony and peace available to us at all times. I know many of you will feel challenged by my request, by the fear of lack in your lives. This is another opportunity to face your fear and use this purchase as a conscious catalyst for renewed, or augmented prosperity and a sense of wealth in your own life. People are all each others true wealth and abundance! http://www.2012mayancalendar.org

This calendar is a gift from my soul to you. I thank you from the deep hearts core for your kindness and sincere efforts in this regard. If you simply can not purchase a calendar you CAN pass this message on to all your family, friends and the members of your Tribes, your Facebook friends and and any where you connect with people. BREATH naturally the peace and prosperity available to us now.

To All My Relations!
Namaste - Peace Be With You
Source & Synchronicity within!
Stacy James Fry
Vancouver, Canada
Facebook: S James Fry
http://2012mayancalendar.org

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 1 reply

speaking without sound mind to mind.

2008-12-13T04:01:52Z

Does anyone here believe that you can speak to other people threw your minds? Without words or previous dialog? Has anyone ever tried this? It might sound kinda crazy i know however i believe that a friend and i have done this. We were sitting on opposite sides of a room at a party and we each took some lsd and mdma. I see this girl that i am unfamiliar with and make a jugement (i know i shouldn't do that...) and then i hear ryan agree with me and ad to the topic when i look over to him he is starring at the tv not looking at me his lips arn't moving and im a little freaked out later on in the night it happens again.. so i go over to him and ask him is he said this and he said no but i was thinking it. we tried it again at a later time but it was more body language that i was reading i was still dead on but it wasn't the same.. has anyone else experienced this?

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 18 replies

LSD and Ecstasy 'could help terminally ill'

2008-12-08T22:06:28Z

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2545731/Drugs-like-LSD-and-Ecstasy-could-help-terminally-ill.html
Drugs like LSD and Ecstasy 'could help terminally ill'
Psychedelic drugs such as LSD and Ecstasy could be used to help patients with terminal illness and mental disorders, if scientific trials prove successful.
By Graham Tibbetts
Last Updated: 12:51PM BST 12 Aug 2008

Little research has been carried out into the potential benefits of hallucinogens since they came to prominence in the 1960s.

But scientists are now beginning to explore their capabilities in relation to a wide range of illnesses and conditions.

The first clinical trial involving LSD since the 1970s began in Switzerland in June with the aim of using "psychedelic psychotherapy" to help terminally ill patients come to terms with imminent death to improve the quality of their remaining life.

Eight subjects will receive 200 micrograms of LSD - enough to induce a powerful psychedelic experience - and four will be given 20 micrograms. They will then be assessed for anxiety levels, quality of life and pain levels.

Researchers are also investigating Ecstasy, the street name for MDMA, as a possible treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The active ingredient in magic mushrooms, psilocybin, has shown promising results in helping people who are dying from cancer.

A study by Charles Grob, professor of psychiatry at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Centre, involved giving a psilocybin treatment to 12 patients. One, Pamela Sakuda, who has colorectal cancer and had lost hope, reported reaching an "epiphany" when she realised during the treatment that her fear of the disease was destroying the time she had left.

The research, which has yet to be published, follows work at the John Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, in which 36 healthy volunteers aged 24 to 64 were given psilocybin then observed in the laboratory.

When they were interviewed again 14 months later 58 per cent rated the experience among the five most personally meaningful of their lives and 64 per cent said it had increased their well-being.

Prof Roland Griffiths, who published the study, told the Guardian: "The working hypothesis is that if psilocybin or LSD can occasion these experiences of great personal meaning and spiritual significance ... then it would allow [patients with terminal illnesses] hopefully to face their own demise completely differently - to restructure some of the psychological angst that so often occurs concurrently with severe disease."

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 10 replies

New Tribe alert: Utopian Flash Fiction

2008-12-07T08:14:53Z

http://tribes.tribe.net/uff

Utopian Flash Fiction Tribe: for the creation of flash fiction stories to create little open doorways into possible solutions to societal problems in concise, entertaining narratives

I envision this group as a furtherance of my once and future project, to find visionaries who will take part in writing a series of flash fiction utopian pieces around an imaginary federation of diverse villages each working out their methods of community life. We can create little dramatic impacts imparting information about how the people of the community involved solve the problems of their collective lives.

A fictional project allows for social activist imaginings outside of the currently "possible" to promote ideas in an easily digestible and enjoyable form, each person involved adding their bits to the overall project. It would be wonderful eventually to publish these stories into an inspirational book, but I am mostly interested to see what kinds of ideas for possible social structures result. I am hoping eventually to see a whole world of ideas created through these short bursts of fiction, little vignettes or as one person suggested, peeks into open doors. There is no set format to fit. What each participant writes would be helping to create the structure itself.

A possible jumping off point would be to write stories based on the scenario:

We are a group of colonizers sent to a new planet, with a variety of skills and knowledge. The core group has been given the job of a sort of council of elders, to develop the new constitution, by-laws, societal structure within which the colony is to operate.

This is only a suggestion. The whole point is: there are no limits

Peace,
libramoon

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

SACRED BLESSINGS - A GATHERING OF GRATITUDE DECEMBER 6, 2008 7PM -'TIL ****FREE FOOD (VEGETARIAN/VEGAN)

2008-12-06T04:04:26Z

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF POSITIVE ENERGY AS WE RAISE OUR VIBRATION THROUGH AN EXCHANGE OF GRATITUDE AND BLESSINGS

~~~CELEBRATING ALL PATHS TO LOVE LIGHT PEACE & ONENESS~~~

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2008
7PM – ‘TIL
@
MOD OM
13452 WASHINGTON BLVD
MARINA DEL REY, CA 90292
310) 729 – 2492

RSVP @ RSVPMENOW.COM – CODE 19781
$20.00
PROCEEDS GIVEN TO COMMUNITY HARVEST
CHARTER SCHOOL & TRAIL OF DREAMS

~~~~~~FREE FOOD (VEGETARIAN/VEGAN)~~~~~~
ELIXIRS & TONICS * MASSAGES * READINGS * ANANI NATURAL BODY CARE PRODUCT SAMPLES * HENNA TATOOS * READINGS * REIKI

BE PREPARED TO GIVE, SHARE, HEAL, EAT, DRINK, ENJOY AND DANCE INTO THE NIGHT

7:00 PM
~~~OPENING OF CIRCLE & CHANTING~~~
7:30 PM
~~~ENERGY/SPIRIT GUIDE GROUP READING & GUIDED MEDITATION~~~
8:00 PM
~~~SACRED DRUM CIRCLE & GRATITUDE EXCHANGE~~~
9:00 PM
~~~VOCAL , SPOKEN WORD & SACRED DANCE PERFORMANCES TO~~~
THE MYSTIC MUSIC OF INDIGO TRIANGLE
10:00 PM
~~~CLOSE OF CIRCLE & CHANTING~~~
10:30 – ‘TIL
~~~LIVE MUSIC & DANCING~~~

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

powerful ancient secrets

2008-11-22T11:55:03Z

hii..

for powerful ancient secrets of yoga,meditation,taoism you are invited to visit :

http://kundalinisodarshan.blogspot.com/

other topics included are-

-time compression

-instant manifestation

-power of awareness

-exponential chi/energy increase.........and more..

thanks :-)

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

MYTHICAL RECORDS

2008-11-18T06:51:43Z

Mythical records is now taking pre-orders for their new compilation "Odyssey of Rapture" vol. 1. The album includes beautiful new age and neo-classical compositions by Abandoned Toys, Library Tapes, The synthetic dream foundation, Hannah Fury, Samantha Bouquin, and many more great composers/artists. The official release date is Dec. 10th 2008. The full track list includes:

1. David Reyes "The magic woods"
2. Library Tapes "The rivers turned to cobblestone"
3. Abandoned Toys "An expanding tremble"
4. Ephemeral Mists "A pale slumber"
5. Phanatos "Voyage (quest for the shores of aphrodite)"
6. Aranis "Vala"
7. The new pollutants "Kidnap theme"
8. Hana (Jeff Greinke & Anisa Romero) "Hide"
9. Michel Avannier "La rencontre"
10. The synthetic dream foundation w/ Hannah Fury "Trapeze"
11. MePhI "Crystal night"
12. Aonua "Spirit of the deep"
13. Fiona Joy Hawkins "Contemplating"
14. Samantha Bouquin "Tale for a sunken moon"
15. Scythelence "Transparent eyelids"
16. Enigma de Ultratumba "To my unrest"
17. Samanta Ray & Pete Ardron "Interuterion 3"

http://www.mythicalrecords.com/

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Yeah to the light!

2008-11-05T14:05:54Z

Yeah to the new world dancing towards us! Now all of us who are light workers have to keep Barack Obama safe by surrounding him with white light. To joy!
Dancing high to life!
Kathie

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

~sharing(secret)water~ ev13 has emerged

2008-11-05T08:49:03Z

Raising our glasses in celebration!

Opening fluid connections, ~sharing(secret)water~
Emerging Visions visionary art ezine issue #13 has emerged.

http://emergingvisions.blogspot.com

Drink deeply.

share and enjoy!

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Tired of all the weeding through negative posts?

2008-10-06T19:28:46Z

http://tribes.tribe.net/psychicunderstanding

New tribe dedicated to growing in love and understanding when concerning our peers and theirs and our own personal growth spiritually and psychically.

Come share the love.

Namaste,
Teketa

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

School for Consciousness Raising

2008-09-11T02:15:20Z

Check out the Center of Light, a Christian Mystical school and community with centers all over the US and now international too!

http://www.centersoflight.org/

Peace.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Preparing for 2012: Dealing with and Defeating Negativity

2008-09-02T03:43:40Z

Preparing for 2012:
Dealing with and Defeating Negativity by Roy Francis Stewart

In order to deal with Negativity, you need to understand how the universe works and how you work within this Universe. Negativity is the polarity of the Positive, in balance and what makes up this 3rd dimension. Without Negativity, you would have NO 3rd Dimension. It wouldn't exist and thus, you wouldn't exist in it.

The confusion is what and who we are really AND the fact that most of us don't know who and what we are and are thrust into this world and have no memory of any other experience, are ill equipped and are exposed only to the negativity we see. We think that this is all there is. Then we get all depressed, thinking that I have to escape or I spiral down and turn to over indulgence in drinking, drugs, whatever which of course, draws us down deeper into the negativity and thus some experience only these hell type worlds, then get comfortable with them, adjust to them and are perhaps live in them not unlike the living dead. Obviously anyone around you whether it be an individual or the news, or a war or countless other negative things drags you down to this side of the polarity.

BUT, the question is, what is the root of all this? And the answer is simply IGNORANCE. Ignorance of who we really are, what this universe is and how it operates.

So, the religions help point the way (but even they do not have all the answers). Mythologists pave the way, and filmmakers paint the way (But I’ll be the first to tell you, I don’t have all the answers either).

Now, I'm not a Buddhist per se, but they get pretty close to an understanding. However, the problem is, the individual still lives in this world and still may not know the ultimate truth. They may label the world as samsara, an illusion and seek refuge from it in meditation. Meditation is great, a great tool, but in order to escape the illusion world which is the 3rd dimension, one would have to spend the majority of their time in meditation. The next question is...is this really living?

So lets cut to the chase (mythologists and prophecies claim we may be headed into a higher dimension – the 5th dimension):

This is the 3rd dimension. It's real, it's not an illusion. If you're here, there is NO escaping it. You can spend 6 days and 23 hours in meditation if you want to, but when you come out of it, you step into the 3rd Dimension world for One hour and then you immediately realize that wow, this world is very negative and the Tibetans are still getting beaten up over there and the war is still going on over there and some soldiers just got blown up and on and on and on, so, man I want to escape, so I better go back into my meditation to seek refuge from the illusory world. Again, is this living?

I say NO. So we need simply to shift to a new understanding. Ready?

1) This world is the world of duality, the world of polarity, of positive and negative. This is the world of the 3rd dimension.

2) There are countless dimensions above this 3rd dimension.

3) The world of God or Source or Pure Mind or Oneness, is NOT in the 3rd dimension. It isn't BUT we are. This world of God or Source is singularity not duality. it is a singular all positive dimension that gives birth to all lesser dimensions.

4) However, inside of us, is the DIVINE SPIRIT, that is the real us. The Divine Mind encased in a flesh body here to function in this material world - this 3rd dimension - with a purpose.

5) We recognize, realize or understand that our true nature is SINGULARITY, or Oneness. But we live in a world of Duality.

6) If we attach ourselves only to the material, and to the degree that we do so, we also separate ourselves further from the truth (see 5 above). We only perceive the negative and can get caught up in it.

7) Society is set up to lock us into the material 3rd dimension world and Controllers profit from keeping us in this sleep state. (In example, when you're in Kindergarten, do they tell you that you are an infinite being capable of being a co-creator in this dimension because the real you is the Divine encased in a material body and as such this reality is molded by your every thought? NO. They teach you the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic and you are indoctrinated into eventually serving this system.) (This whole system is against the divine plan, thus may fall, as we are starting to see)

8) With this new understanding, you know who you are, where you are from and where you will eventually go to. Right now, you are a walking, talking, living Sage - a physical manifestation or expression of the non-physical Divine Mind. Sure there is alot of Negativity. And out of compassion, you can and do help others. But you also enjoy life. You take a walk by the beach and enjoy the surf pounding. You smell the flowers, you listen to music, you laugh, you cry, you create, you sleep, you eat, make love, communicate, whatever. You simply enjoy life.

9) By your example, you are released from the world of illusion as you know the Truth. You are no longer ignorant and a prisoner of the 3rd dimensional world. You are also no longer a prisoner of Dogma - something man made. Also by your example, you are living in balance with the Divine Universe and as such you are in flow. Good things happen to you. The landscape changes simply because you walked past it. The kid you said hello to is transformed. The cat you gave some milk to learns to trust humans. You are walking your talk and you are aiding in the raising the consciousness of the entire planet and everything in it. Even the pebble evolves because you held it in your hand.

10) This is the best part. This understanding can come in an instant or it could take years. It is under the direction of a higher intelligence beyond your comprehension, it is coming from an infinite place. And the exciting NEWS is that it is now directly coming in through energy, through light, through people, through star emanations, its moving as part of a quickening and now is the time to jump on and ride the wave to immortality and enjoyment. This is the realm of SPIRIT. Spirit, the above overcomes the material, the below. It’s building up but it seems to point to the fast approaching December 21, 2012 date. Let the shift begin!

For more information visit: http://royfrancisstewart.ning.com

The royfrancisstewart social network is the main site for all things related to Mr. Stewart's new screenplay Trilogy, Logos 2012, Episodes I, II and III (“Star Wars meets Stargate meets The Matrix”) as well as being a spiritual/metaphysical community - a network of Artisans and Non-Artisans alike with one common bond - the Quest for SPIRIT. The Logos 2012 trilogy, although fictional, does contain pertinent information as it relates to spiritual wisdom and to events that are already happening or may unfold as we get closer to 2012. Videos placed on our network are from some of the leading non-fiction authors and experts in their respective fields of ancient history, mythology, spirituality and more. There is a direct relationship to Mr. Stewart's FICTIONAL work, the Logos 2012 trilogy.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 2 replies

AntiMatters — addressing issues in science and the humanities from non-materialistic perspectives

2008-08-31T12:59:58Z

You may be interested in this open-access e-journal: http://anti-matters.org
What is it about? — http://anti-matters.org/0/about.htm
Who are the editors? — http://anti-matters.org/0/editors.htm
Articles? — http://anti-matters.org/0/articles.htm
Book Reviews? — http://anti-matters.org/0/reviews.htm
Book Excerpts? — http://anti-matters.org/0/excerpts.htm
Happy reading!

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

JOIN Us for special AH-OM Circle and Raising Consciousness through Sacred Harmonics

2008-08-30T00:47:30Z

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR A GLOBAL ASCENSION SACRED SOUND HEALING CIRCLE TO RAISE CONSCIOUSNESS THROUGH SACRED HARMONICS

Where: THE HARMONIUM DOMe @ “POWER TO THE PEACEFUL” Festival...

at SPEEDWAY MEADOWS, GOLDEN GATE PARK, San Francisco

www.powertothepeaceful.org

When: Saturday, SEPT. 6th

Time: NOON-8PM

Cost: FREE

Sacred “AH-OM” Circle for Peace @ 6pm

Calling all Lightworkers, Sound healers (musicians, drummers, etc), Visionary Peace “Ambassadors of The New Earth”, and all people who want to make Peace, Joy, Love, Light Radiate and Expand in the World NOW!!!

Together, through the Power of Synergy, we have an unprecedented opportunity now to co-create a new reality where "Health, Peace, and Freedom for All Prevails"...

Bring your instruments !!!

And Join Us in Dance, Music, Meditation, Affirmations and Visualizations For Global and Intergalactic Peace....

********************************Performers: please contact us if you plan to share spoken word,
music, dance, drumming, or healing rituals ************************************

(SO WE CAN PROMOTE YOU)

SPONSORS:

THE LIGHT PARTY www.lightparty.com

THE ALCATRAZ CONVERSION PROJECT www.globalpeacefoundation.org

Inspired Musical Messages

Designed To "Inspire, Delight, Heal & Enlighten"

Hello fellow Light workers, artists, friends and everyone else..let's continue to expand the energies of Peace, Love, Harmony and FREEDOM....

(See our Artainment Music and Spiritual Entertainment at www.globalpeacefoundation.org and click on ARTAINMENT)

A RETURN TO FOREVER
An Inspiring, Magical, Mystical, Musical Odyssey

Oceans Of Tenderness

YOU TUBE 9 MIN. Oceans of Tenderness

A RETURN TO FOREVER
An Inspiring, Magical, Mystical, Musical Odyssey

More Inspired Musical Messages

Designed To "Inspire, Delight, Heal & Enlighten"

To Learn More Contact:

ananda@globalpeacefoundation.org

or Da Vid at globalpeace999@aol.com 415-381-2644

We look forward to being with you!!

www.lightparty.com www.globalpeacefoundation.org

( this is an alcohol and drug-free gathering)

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

New Tribe! Ka-Blah-Blah!

2008-08-29T08:06:15Z

http://tribes.tribe.net/youfigureditout

for those Libri, channellings, revelations, psychotic screeds, manifestos.
I know that these practices should lead to silence, but they so often produce such good copy!
Don't annoy 80 tribes about it with your spam-propaganda,
post it here! Other occult casualties will rant over it with you! I promise!

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Humanifesto

2008-08-25T19:11:34Z

I'm reading: Soulshaping: Adventures in Self Creation. It's the true story of a lawyer andhis struggle to leave the corporate world and move into a realm of SoulWork. A great read - very honest, I could connect with A LOT of his internal experiences. Anyways, I was checking out his website and came across the Humanifesto and wanted to share it.

http://www.soulshaping.com/html/humanifesto.html

The Soulshaping Humanifesto

At the heart of our philosophy is the belief that every
individual came into this life with a divine mission.
That mission has two essential components: (1) to
expand the individual soul; (2) to expand the souls of others.
Satisfying the mission is entirely dependent on our ability to
recognize and honor our innate image for this lifetime. The innate
image is that combination of experiences, lessons and callings that
we came into being to manifest in this lifetime. It is the form we
are here to embody.

Standing in the way are many obstructions that blind us to who
we really are. Those obstructions include our adaptations and
disguises, unexpressed emotions, misguided self-concepts, and
patterns of self-distraction. They also include external influences:
an over-stimulating culture, economic reality, others’ opinions,
the weight of the world. There is a lot in the way.

It is our mission to help others to identify and clear the
obstructions in their way. It is our mission to help bring others
to the feet of their innate image. It is our mission to use our
gifts as karmic fodder for the mill of human expansion, to gift
back with all the gifts we have been given.

To satisfy our mission, we will operate on many levels. We will
write and speak about the soul’s journey. We will devote a portion
of our earnings to the cause. We will participate in the revolution
of the inner that has already begun. We will invite others to make
the presumption of Essence in others and in themselves. We will
encourage others to heal their pain, excavate their soul-scriptures,
answer the soulular phone whenever it rings. We will advocate for
the disenfranchised soul wherever we can.

Our attitude is one of gratitude. We are thankful for the
opportunity to do that which we came here to do.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 4 replies

What was that?

2008-08-24T02:49:18Z

I had a connection with a person that I seem to have a telepathic link with.
He was wondering about technical problems and asking questions about his altar that he has just created .It was strongly madnetised and it felt like a swift current coming from it, like a white or black hole, not sure which one.

I did not want to get involved and did not answer.

Suddenly, I felt like an electric current sweep over me. It did not touch me but appeared to be hitting an overlapping sphere on me - I was lying in bed at the time.

There was an audible snap in the room and my mental screen went dark, like a telvision that one turns on.

After a few minutes. the communication with the person reappeared but more as an echo.

I am trying to figure out what went on.

I suspect the person of having tried to bind me psychically, it looks like some operation of that ilk but I could be wrong

I have not been in touch with him for while and though we had been very close at a point, intended on detaching completely.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 2 replies

basic breath practice and basic mantra practice : nadi shodhana pranayam and White Tara mantra

2008-08-23T19:55:29Z

Re: what to engage in yoga - breath practices and mantra

Re Jennifer on tribe tantra
"What is a good form of yoga to get into for beginners? "

Hi Jennifer.
A simple and profound practice is "pranayama", or breath modulation.
It is used by yoga practitioners at all levels.
It requires no specific religious philosophy.

It is used for many purposes, such as psychological balance, energy balancing, mind-body co-ordination, physical workout warm-ups and warm-downs, kundalini yoga, and as a key practice in Buddhist yogas of primordial pure awareness, such as Great Perfection and Great Seal.

There are also Buddhist kung fu breath modulation practices for martial arts which are sophisticated and powerful.

There are many excellent books available on pranayama.
A basic and most useful pranayama practice is alternate nostril breathing, which is taught in many variations, among the Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. In Sanskrit this is known as nadi shodhana pranayam.

As with most yoga practices, be careful regarding sensitive times such as pregnancy or illness and do not practice when the stomach is full.

A major source of teaching on pranayama is the 3H0 Sikhs and Yogi Bhajan, who brought a tremendous amount of this material to the West. Do a google search for "kundalini yoga" + pranayam + "yogi bhajan". You can get 3H0 books on kundalini yoga from Ravi Singh and Guru Rattan Khaur Khalsa.

I have and use many texts on tantra and yoga as practitioner and as guru, and pranayama is always of enormous importance in the different lineages, and in my own practice. I began doing pranayam in 1980, and on at least one occasion it has saved my life.

Another major and most useful kind of practice is Sanskrit recitation, or mantrayana.
You can find a basic description of the Vajrasattva mantra at my tribe home, under the picture for "Hundred Syllable Mantra".

The primary source for transmissions of this kind of yoga is the esoteric Buddhist tantra, known to the public under the name "Tibetan Buddhism."

I have completed ten thousand hours of mantra.

A most basic and openly available mantra for healing and developing inner spiritual connections is the Buddhist goddess mantra for Tara:

OM TARE TUTTARE TURE MA ME AYU PUNYA JNANA PUSTIM KURU SVAHA

This is for wisdom ( jnana ), long life ( ayu ), noble qualities ( punya ), and spiritual energy ( pustim ). This is a good mantra for protection, for removing obstacles, and cleansing the magnetic field.

A basic practice would be to recite this 100,000 times, and it works better with visualization, pure intention and so forth.

There are many Buddhist books and practice texts for Tara, for example from Snow Lion Publications, at
http://www.snowlionpub.com/

See the book
"Skillful Grace: Tara Practice for Our Time"

at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Skillful-Grace-Tara-Practice-Time/dp/9627341614

If you can do some effective pranayama and some effective mantra then you are a functional yoga practitioner.
If you lack both pranayama and mantra, your practice will remain very very very limited.

Best,

Acarya KT

Sarva mangalam! Siddhi rastu!

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 2 replies

Energy Cords?

2008-08-20T16:32:53Z

The level that most people are not aware of, and that is important for the focus of this column, is energetically. When we give power away to other people because our relationship with self is dysfunctional, we actually allow cords of energy to tie us to those people. These cords (ribbons, cables, tethers, threads, strands) of energy exist on the Etheric plane - which is where the Life Force energy runs through the chakra system."
I got this from a co-dependency web site.
What are energy cords? How do they work? Can you cut them? Is it wise to cut these cords or work with them? Please explain.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 1 reply

HH Phakchok Rinpoche and the Chokling Tersar Lineage of the Great Perfection : An Introduction and 2008 Tour Notes

2008-08-13T19:37:21Z

HH Phakchok Rinpoche and the Chokling Tersar Lineage of the Great Perfection : An Introduction and 2008 Tour Notes

Keywords: Esoteric Buddhist yoga ( buddhatantra ), Great Perfection / AtiYoga / dzogchen i.e. primordial awareness yoga, tantric Buddhist empowerment, non-sectarian tantric Buddhist practice ( Rimay ), HH Phakchok Rinpoche Tendzin Jigmey Drakpa, Orgyen Dorje Den Center ( San Francisco ), Chokling Tersar lineage ( Nyingma / Ancient School transmission of Indo-Tibetan vajrayana ).

NAMO GURU SRI PADMAKARAYE
Homage to Guru Padmasambhava.

This summer ( 2008 ) His Holiness Phakchok Rinpoche, a primary tantric Buddhist lineage holder, is on a major tour ( see below for events ), giving tantric Buddhist transmissions and teachings in the USA, Canada, and Europe. He is a younger major teacher in the Chokling Tersar tradition of Nyingma and Dzogchen ( see below ).

This lineage derives directly from Guru Padmasambhava, a most extraordinary Indian guru and a principal cofounder of the Buddhist tradition in Tibet. Today six million or more people practice teaching deriving from from Guru Padmasambhava, in for example the Tibetan traditions such as Sakya, Kagyu and Nyingma, including some millions of East Asians ( Chinese Buddhists of esoteric Buddhist lineage ).

This is a very magical, very powerful, and very yogic style of transmission, especially in terms of the inner practices. It is well supported by many independent practice lineages, of which the Chokling Tersar Foundation is an important example both in the USA and Europe. It is well established in California and Denmark, and several major teachers of this tradition give teaching tours.

This sangha ( spiritual fellowship ) is of major importance because Chokling Tersar Foundation has a translation / publishing organization called Rangjung Yeshe. This is one of the main sources worldwide for core Nyingma and dzogchen publications. I have and use quite a few Rangjung Yeshe practice and teaching texts. They are highest quality and indispensible for all Nyingma and dzogchen practitioners in particular, and broadly useful.

One of the most important books ever published for tantric Buddhists is
"Dakini Teachings", by Padmasambhava, and this is from Rangjung Yeshe.
Another key example, from the same source, is
"Light of Wisdom", by Padmasambhava and Jamgon Kongtrul.

For a general background on dzogchen, or "primordial awareness yoga", it is well worthwhile to obtain the book
"The Crystal and the Way of Light: Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen", written by another important master of a parallel Nyingma lineage, Chogyal Namkhai Norbu. This is about the best place to start for a book introduction to the inner teachings, which is descriptive only, and not practice per se.

Esoteric Buddhist yoga ( buddhatantra ) and Great Perfection ( dzogchen awareness yoga ) depend fundamentally on transmission, and so it is necessary to see a real teacher. Without a major transmission from an authentic guru, much or most of the teaching - and all of the yoga sadhana - does not work. Therefore I take this opportunity to make an important introduction.

( Please note that I DO NOT have any authority to represent Chokling Tersar Foundation, HH Phakchok Rinpoche, or any activity associated with this line of transmission. I am simple conveying what I know in a clear and definite way, to support this lineage and those who may benefit from it. I cannot make any promises that any of what is said here, or this kind of transmission, will solve any particular problem or give any particular result. The results are very personal and individualized. )

HH Phakchok Rinpoche Tendzin Jigmey Drakpa is not yet well known to the public, but is already having a great influence in transmitting key innermost teachings of tantra and dzogchen. Therefore it is auspicious and appropriate to make known this teacher and the availability of these teachings.

The qualifications of HH Phakchok Rinpoche are vast and profound ( see below for his autobiography ). He has highest-level authorization to give primary transmissions in both the Nyingma and Kagyu lineages, and is one of the few people who has a complete cycle of Sakya School tantric empowerments.

Two years ago I received a major dzogchen empowerment from this teacher, from within the Chokling Tersar, and personally confirm that his transmission is powerful and effective, not only as a tantric blessing / psychic cleansing, but also as a functional teaching and transmission. He is very direct and engaging and extraordinarily generous in his teaching. He is here to teach core precepts, not just bestow blessings. That means actual, whole person practice.

HH Phakchok Rinpoche gave me his card at the one time I was able to attend his transmission, so he is willing to personally engage students in a longer term sense. At that time he did lay on those present the general but significant requirement to Do A Daily Tantric Buddhist Practice, which is in fact the requirement of Guru Padmasambhava.

A daily practice typically means mantra recitation, as well as upholding ethical precepts of the Mahayana and Tantra. ( See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhisattva_vows or better yet, the above book "Dakini Teachings" for teaching on outer and inner Buddhist ethics. ) A primary example of mantra discipline is Vajrasattva deity yoga, for which a short teaching is given at my tribe.net home under the Sanskrit picture for Hundred Syllable mantra.

A specific event listing for the Yangdak Heruka transmission and teaching to be given August 16, 17 & 18 follows. Orgyen Dorje Den can host at least 200 participants. This is a remarkably important group, and a "home fellowship" for me, though I have not seen them in many years. Their center teacher, Ven. Gyaltrul Rinpoche, is a great gift to the West. I have and use and recommend his books.

Basically, it is from the Eight Herukas Cycle which is associated with the Guhyagarbha Tantra, which was propagated as one of the primary practices of Guru Padmasambhava. This fully confers Vajrasattva, a key basic and continung practice, and *may* fully confer Great Perfection / Breakthrough as well ( no guarantee ).

Significant mantra teaching on the Eight Herukas is given in the remarkable book
"The Tibetan Book of the Dead: First Complete Translation (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) (Paperback)", Publisher: Penguin Classics; Deluxe edition (January 30, 2007 ),# ISBN-10: 0143104942.

This is written in partial fulfillment of mahayana and tantric Buddhist teaching responsibilities, in support of His Holiness Phakchok Rinpoche, Orgyen Dorje Den and Ven. Gyaltrul Rinpoche, the Chokling Tersar lineage, and the benefit of as many people as possible.

Sarva mangalam! Siddhi rastu!

Acarya KT

http://www.phakchokrinpoche.org/events.htm
Events
H.H. Phakchok Rinpoche's 2008 Teaching Calendar
For more information on any of the below programs, please e-mail us at office@phakchokrinpoche.org.

San Francisco, California: Aug 15-19
Empowerments: Yangdak Heruka & Sangtik Korsum (Teaching and Advice)
Teachings: Advice and teaching on general Development Stage
Meditation Training - at Orgyen Dorje Den, Directions to Orgyen Dorje Den
Public Talks: The Great “I” (Berkeley Shambhala Center)
Great Longchenpa
E-mail: office@phakchokrinpoche.org

Toronto: August 27-Sept 1 – with H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
Empowerment: Sangye Won
Teachings: Jewel Ornament of Liberation
Taklung Thangpa
Public Talk: The Great “I”

H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
Empowerments: Vajrakilaya & Tara
Prosperity Vase Blessing & Tsok
Visit: Riwoche Society, riwoche.com
E-mail: pema@riwoche.com

Vancouver: September 5-7
Teaching: VajraYogini Program [ this is restricted to those who have the empowerment ]
Public Talks: The Great “I”
Meditation and Happiness
E-mail: Mara Shnay, mshnay@telus.net

Salt Springs Island: September 7-9
Empowerment: Medicine Buddha
Meditation Retreat
E-mail: Matthew, matthewphyllis@telus.net

Europe: Poland & Germany

Hamburg, Germany: Sept 20-21
Lamrim Yeshe Nyingpo (Light of Wisdom)
E-mail: Arne Schelling, arne.schellingatgmx.de

Menz, Germany: Sept 22
Public Talk on The Great “I”
E-mail: Arne Schelling, arne.schellingatgmx.de

Berlin, Germany: Sept 23-24
Life Stories of Yeshe Tsogyal and Machig Labdron
The Aspiration Prayer of Samantabhadra
E-mail: Anne Siml, annesiml@yahoo.de

Greifswald, Germany: Sept 25-27
Public Talk on Compassion
Mind Training
E-mail: Anne Siml, annesiml@yahoo.de

Rangjung Yeshe Gomde – Denmark: Sept 29-30
Lotus Essence Tantra
Heart Sutra
Questions and Answers for Meditators
Website: www.gomde.dk
E-mail: Erik Pema Kunsang, erik@gomde.dk

Warsaw, Poland: October 2-5
Kunzang Thuktig Preliminary Practice
Mind Training
E-mail: Julia E. Wahl, karmayeshetsomo@gmail.com
Mobile: +48 608 079 909

The following events will be at:
Orgyen Dorje Den
2244 Santa Clara Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
http://www.orgyendorjeden.org/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coming this weekend, August 16, 17 & 18:
H.H. Phakchok Rinpoche, head of the Taklung Kagyu lineage and son of H.E. Chokling Rinpoche, nephew of H.E. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and grandson of Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, is coming to the San Francisco Bay Area from August 15-19 to give teachings and empowerments. Please plan to attend and spread the word regarding these precious teachings.
See phakchokrinpoche.org.
And for biographical info: http://phakchokrinpoche.org/lineage.htm
http://phakchokrinpoche.org/historyofpresentPK.htm

HH Phakchok Rinpoche will be giving the following empowerments and teachings at ODD.
Yangdak Heruka empowerment and teachings.
August 16 from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm.
When asked for some brief info about Yangdak Heruka, Rinpoche, translating from a text, replied the following in a phone call:
"Yangdak Heruka is the secret heart essence practice of Mahapandita Vimalamitra & Guru Padmasambhava. As a method to repair mistakes, purify broken samaya and reverse bad karma it is greater than even Vajrasattva. According to Ratna Lingpa, it is a supreme method for yogis to fulfill the root & branch samaya of vinaya, mahayana & vajrayana precepts & it will enable the practitioner to receive the 2 siddhis and have a long life. It requires accumulated merit from past lives to meet with these teachings and through practice you will see how fast the siddhis will be received. This terma is a revelation of Chogyur Lingpa--it is a short lineage--he revealed it on Guru Rinpoche Day from a Big Boulder. It is part of the Sangtik Korsum, which is a cycle of practice which also includes Vajrasattva & Vajrakilaya." This is the first time Rinpoche is giving the Yangdak Heruka empowerment in the USA.

Teachings on Sangtik Korsum cycle of empowerments, instruction on general development stage, and meditation training:
August 17 from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm
August 18 from 10 am to 12 pm and 2 to 4 pm
These teachings will relate to the specific cycle, Sangtik Korsum, but will also be applicable to whatever sadhana practice one is engaging.

The suggested donation is $100 for the three days, $35/ day & $20 per session.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Orgyen Dorje Den
2244 Santa Clara Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
www.orgyendorjeden.org

From
http://www.riwoche.com/phakchok_rinpoche.html

Phakchok Rinpoche's emanation-basis is the Lord of Secrets Dharmevajra, the compiler of the teachings of the Great Secrets (Vajrayana) of all buddhas; the arhat Ananda, the foremost disciple of our teacher (Buddha Shakyamuni); Lhalung Palgyi Dorje, the direct disciple of the Second Buddha of Uddiyana (Padmasambhava); (Rechung) Dorje Drakpa, the lord of siddhas; and many others.
. . .
The reincarnation of this sublime master was the seventh Phakchok Rinpoche, Tendzin Jigmey Drakpa, born in the Year of the Iron Bird, 1981, of the seventeenth year cycle. The family he was born into is, among the six original clans, the Nangchen Tsangsar of the Khepaga line which were chiefly holders of the Barom Kagyü Dharma lineage, a family line who maintained an unbroken tradition of combining Kagyü and Nyingma.
. . .

Due to his outstanding brightness and inherent qualities from former training, he comprehended reading and writing, and when he later studied the topics of knowledge with Kungo Kalzang, Karma Urgyen Rinpoche's younger brother, he gained effortless understanding by simply hearing what was said.

Here is a description of the ripening empowerments and liberating instructions Phakchok Rinpoche has received from masters of the Sarma and Nyingma schools of all traditions:

From Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche he has received longevity empowerments, the Six Volumes of Jatsön Nyingpo, Gyachen Kadzö (of Jamgön Kongtrül).

From Kyabje Dudjom Rinpoche he has received the empowerments of longevity.

From Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche he has received the empowerments for the Rinchen Terdzö, the complete empowerments and reading trans-missions for the Chokling Tersar, the Dzogchen Desum, the empowerments, reading transmissions and instructions for the Kunzang Tuktig, the empowerment of awareness-display and mind-instruction for Dzogchen, the complete empowerments and reading transmissions for the Root Volumes of Nyingtig, the Hundred Chö Empowerments, and the Namkha Gojey.

From Kyabje Taklung Shabdrung Rinpoche he has received the complete empowerments and reading transmissions of the Taklung Kagyü, and the complete empowerments and reading transmissions for the collected works and terma teachings of Jedrung Rinpoche.

From Kyabje Chobgye Trichen Rinpoche he has received the empowerments and reading transmissions for the Gyüdey Kündü.

From Sakya Dagtri Drölma Podrang he has received the complete Drubtab Kündü.

From his father, Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, he has received the complete empowerments and reading transmissions for the Chokling Tersar.

From Dzongsar Khenchen Kunga Wangchuk he has received the reading transmission for the collected works of the Five Sakya Forefathers, the Prajñamula, Madhyamikavatara, and the 400 Verses, Sakya Pandita's Tsema Rigter, Tsema Namdrel, the Higher and Lower Abhidharma and other works.

From Kyabje Tenga Rinpoche he has received the reading transmission for the Tenngyur, the Great Collection of the Translated Treatises.

From Kyabje Penor Rinpoche he has received the complete empowerments for the Rinchen Terdzö.

From Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche he has received the complete reading transmissions for the Rinchen Terdzö.

From Arik Khenchen Petse Rinpoche he has received explanation to the Guhyagarbha Tantra and the Manjushri Nama Sangirti, as well as mind-instruction.

From Kyabje Trülshik Rinpoche he has received the complete empowerments for the Collected Works of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

From Kyabje Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche he has received the Tögal Cycle of Khenpo Ngakchung's Hearing Lineage, as well as mind-instruction.

. . .

This was translated by Erik Pema Kunsang, at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery, February, 2000.

www.choklingtersar.org

http://www.rangjung.com/gl/Chokling_Tersar.htm
Chokling Tersar, the New Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa ( copyrighted )
During the ninth century, Buddhism was introduced from India into Tibet and its literature and culture has since been preserved in a way that has been unique in accuracy and truthfulness to tradition. Four decades ago, the occupation of Tibet by Communist China began an era of repression and systematic destruction of this thousand year old Buddhist culture. Shreds of this tradition reached the countries on the southern slopes of the Himalaya ranges - India, Nepal and Bhutan - in the hands of the few refugees who managed to escape alive. During the following years these areas have been the meeting-point and a forum of exchange between a large number of people from all countries of the world.

In response to the heart-wish of Kyabje Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, the Chokling Tersar Foundation was established. It is in the spirit of wishing to protect and preserve one of the important contributions to the world's cultural heritage, as well as responding to a growing demand within North America, that the members of Chokling Tersar Foundation support the foundation through donations of effort, money and prayers.

Chokling Tersar literally means the 'new treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa' and owes it name to the great Tibetan Buddhist master of the 19th century. Chokgyur Lingpa lived from (1829-1870) and was regarded by the most reputable living masters of his time as one of the major tertons (revealer of hidden treasures) in Tibetan history. His teachings are widely practiced by both the Kagyu and Nyingma schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

The collection of treasures revealed by Chokgyur Lingpa together with its connected teachings are contained in the Chokling Tersar, a body of literature filling more than forty large volumes. In English translation each of these volumes would be between seven and eight hundred pages and the total would amount to approximately 30,000 pages. The connected teachings included in these forty volumes were written over the last 150 years, chiefly by his contemporaries Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo and Jamgon Kongtrul, as well as by the subsequent upholders of the lineage down until today.

Kangyur - the TripitakaThe Chokling Tersar literature is meant to be studied and practiced as an addition to the traditional canonical scriptures of Tibetan Buddhism. These traditional scriptures are found in the Kangyur and Tengyur, the written words of Buddha Shakyamuni and their commentaries by learned Indian Masters. These two collections occupy respectively 104 and 273 large volumes.

In these scriptures are found detailed instructions on how to take full advantage of and imbue human life with its fullest meaning. These revealed scriptures were concealed by the 9th century Buddhist saint Padmasambhava with the expressed wish to be uncovered at specific times in the future. Many of them contain predictions for those times and which particular spiritual practices would be most beneficial for the people of those times.

Centers practicing the New Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa:

Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling monastery, Boudha, Nepal.
Lamas: Tsikey Chokling, Gyurme Dewey Dorje; Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche; Phakchok Rinpoche

Pema Ewam Chogar in Bir, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Lamas: Neten Chokling and Orgyen Tobgyal Rinpoche.

Tsikey Gompa in East Tibet.
Lamas: Chokling of Tsikey, Tsang-Yang Gyamtso; Tersey Tulku

Chokling Tersar Foundation, USA.

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

What matters to the dying?

2008-08-10T20:47:47Z

The Threshold Project is a response to the unmet needs of people as they attempt to complete living. With educational outreach to caregivers and direct service to those approaching their death, we intend to change cultural paradigms.

Please visit our website and link it to yours as we establish our internet presence.
www.thresholdproject.org
You are enthusiastically invited to participate and support our rapid and exciting evolution as a nonprofit organization.

With greatest respect,

Michael D. Fratkin, MD
Program Director
michael@thresholdproject.org

Laura Patterson
Program Coordinator
laura@thresholdproject.org

The Threshold Project
1062 G Street, Suite G
Arcata, CA 95521
707-825-0270

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

What lesson would you teach?

2008-08-10T14:16:55Z

If you had one lesson to teach the world, what would that lesson be?
Please submit your answer to:

www.onelessontoteach.com

with love,
mz

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

The Universe as Teacher, a Lucid Dream

2008-08-10T01:09:10Z

The Ball of Light, A Dream About the Nature of Consciousness and Being

The Secrets of the universe are hidden in the details of our experience. -Pete

This is one of the most profound lucid dreams I’ve ever had. Its significance and meaning is still unfolding within me.

As my awareness gathers into focus, I feel like a crewmember on the starship, Enterprise. Small pieces of me are rapidly reassembling as if I’m being projected here, particle by particle, through a starship Transporter. While my body reassembles, I observe my surroundings. I’m standing inside the main entrance of a school that looks like my old high school and elementary school combined. In my present state of being, I can actually see the doors behind me without turning my head. Using these same Inner Senses to extend my normal range of perception, I determine the school is empty. Moving to the center of the main corridor and turning to my right, I look down the entire length of the building and out the windows in the double doors at the end. It’s a long single story structure with rooms stretching down both sides of the hallway.

The first room on my right is the school administration office. To my left is the school library. Wanting to know everything about this place, I walk over to the administration office and look in through the door window. The chest-high counter that separates the student area from the principal’s office in the rear captures the dark yellow rays of the early morning sun and my attention as well. To me this “gateway” symbolizes the fear and control of public authority. As I study it, a mixture of old memories begins to stir. Some are pleasant but others carry the hard edge of anger mixed with fear and anxiety. Deciding not to relive these disturbing memories now, I back away from the office and turn to look into the library.

As my eyes roam the tall bookshelves lining the left wall, I begin to wonder about censorship and the structuring of authority in our lives. Before these questions fully engage my mind, however, I shift my attention to the large reading tables and low bookshelves scattered about the room. As I study their arrangement, I quietly drift back to the school library of my past. It is early in my freshman year and I am having an intense physical and emotional reaction while sitting at a large reading table with six or seven other students, all classmates of mine from previous years.

Dee (not her real name) is sitting at the end of the table on my right. She’s telling me something funny and punctuates her final remark with laughter. She has severe tooth decay and halitosis, and as the awful smell of her breath fills my nostrils, I stifle an urge to gag as I laugh back at her weakly to acknowledge the humor in her story. In this painful moment I wonder why such a smart, attractive girl like her would let her teeth go so bad. Unlike my front teeth, which were crooked, hers are straight. Adding irony to this question is my knowledge that during the past summer I had my four front upper teeth (the crooked ones) removed and replaced by a partial because they were so badly decayed. I was so angry at my teeth for being crooked, I wouldn’t brush them unless my parents made me*.

As I think about this, I wonder if my breath smelled as bad as hers before my diseased teeth were removed. Does my breath still smell bad even though I brush my teeth regularly now? What a mortifying thought! In the presence of the other students, this becomes a moment of supreme discomfort for me and a moment of great sympathy for Dee and her circumstance. I know why I stopped taking care of my teeth but I don’t know why Dee stopped taking care of hers, unless it’s because her teeth are small which leaves lots of gum showing in her smile. I wonder if she knows she has halitosis because I didn’t know if I had it or not. As the pain of these thoughts fades away, I return to my present self outside the library window with an involuntary shiver and turn to continue my journey down the hall.

Next to the administration office is the janitor’s utility closet. The door is slightly open and the familiar smell of mops and cleaning products fills the air. This brings back the memory of my oldest brother Rudy when, for a short while, he was a school bus driver and janitor at my elementary school. I would ride with him on his bus route after school and help him clean the floors and straighten up the classrooms afterwards. We enjoyed each other’s company and this was one way we could spend time together because he was married and had children. Suddenly, the smell of floor wax registers in my mind and I look down. Daylight entering the windows from the other end of the hallway is reflecting off the shiny linoleum floor, highlighting the crisscross patterns left by the buffer.

The student bathrooms are just beyond the janitor’s closet. I stop, turn, and stare at the locked doors as I react to their symbolism. In my mind’s eye, I watch as boys and girls enter and leave the bathrooms as if it’s a regular school day. This reminds me of the time I helped Rudy clean the girl’s elementary school bathroom. In one of the stalls a girl had written a sexually explicit rhyme. As I read it, I got all the more excited because I knew a girl had written it. At the time I didn’t think girls thought about sex like boys.

This memory excites me now as I stand in front of the girl’s high school bathroom. I suspect there’s a lot more graffiti written on these bathroom walls but how do I get through the locked door to find out? Suddenly, I remember I’m in a dream reality. What will happen if I leave my present body and lie flat in the air in a less tangible one? Will I be able to float through the bathroom door? Almost immediately, I find myself in a lighter body lying flat on my stomach in midair. As I slowly float toward the girl’s bathroom door, I wonder what it will feel like to move through wood. Suddenly, my direction changes and I zoom through the boy’s bathroom door. In surprise I look back at the body I left standing in the hallway. I want answers for what just happened but, to my disappointment, it looks like an empty shell unable to think or act independently. In resignation, I decide to go with the flow of my experience to see where it will take me. Once the decision is made I understand why I’ve been drawn into the boy’s bathroom and not the girl’s. The boy’s bathroom contains a much stronger emotional charge for me. Unlike the energy of the girl’s bathroom, which stimulates my sexual curiosity, the energy of the boy’s bathroom stimulates my fear, my fear of peeing in the presence of other people**.

Invisible and floating in the air near the ceiling of the boy’s bathroom, I watch as real and imagined high school bathroom experiences spring to life. People materialize and use the bathroom with the full color, sound, and motion of reality. Most use the bathroom and leave while others stick around to talk, tease, and smoke. I even participate in some experiences as they quickly manifest themselves and then seamlessly disappear to be replaced by others. In one scene a teacher enters the bathroom to check for smokers only to find two boys fighting. In another scene a boy makes fun of another boy’s habit of going into a stall to pee. It’s as if a window into my past bathroom experiences has opened to provide me with a new opportunity to work through old fears, or at least, make peace with them. When the images threaten to spill out beyond the high school bathroom and take me with them, I put on the brakes. Somehow, I know there’s something more important for me to do here. Returning to the body in the hallway, I remind myself I can revisit these issues whenever I please.

Staying to the left as I continue down the hallway, I pass a number of empty classrooms and look in through the door window of each one. I see nothing of particular interest in any of them. About halfway down the hall, I begin to feel a growing sense of anticipation as I approach the next classroom on my left. As I reach for the door knob the feeling of anticipation and excitement becomes even greater and I pull the door open. Standing squarely in the middle of the opening, I begin to examine the classroom from left to right. On the left there are maybe eight rows of student desks with chairs attached. On the right a large green chalkboard spans more than half of the front classroom wall. Sitting in the middle of the room, halfway between the chalkboard and the rows of student desks, is a large teacher’s desk and chair.

On the outside wall, a narrow band of windows stretches from the back of the classroom to the front. As I study the limited view of the world outside, I remember how confined and claustrophobic I used to feel in my old high school while, simultaneously, a small part of my mind wonders where the teacher and students are. Suddenly, movement at the front of the classroom draws my attention. In amazement, I watch as writing begins to appear on the chalkboard followed by the slowly materializing image of a teacher holding the chalk. Following this, students begin to appear in their seats but before the reality of these images can fully materialize, I cancel them so I can continue to explore the secrets of this classroom in silence and solitude.

Further movement draws my attention back to the student desk area. Two thirds of the way across the room the desks have silently rearranged themselves to form a circle, and glowing brightly in the middle of that circle is a large ball of light about seven or eight feet in diameter. Despite my surprise I feel a profound attraction to this mysterious object. In spontaneous excitement, I step out of my main body in a less tangible one. Partly walking, sometimes bouncing, and sometimes floating, I move past the rows of student desks while the glowing ball of light moves forward to meet me.

Silently, and magically, the student desks arrange and rearrange themselves to accommodate the globe as it moves forward. The nearer I come to it, the less glowing and opaque it is, until finally, as if looking through clouds, I begin to see bits of color and form. Halfway across the room my growing suspicion turns into certainty that what I am looking at is a miniature version of the earth. Standing close to it, there is no denying it is a perfect replica of Earth in every way. Even the clouds are real, and when I put my face close to the ocean’s edge, I can see tiny waves curling against the beach!

Pulling my face back, I wonder how the water on this small world can stay in place within my dream world’s larger field of gravity. Suddenly, I notice tiny pins or pylons sticking out from the surface all the way around the globe. One minute they’re not there and the next minute they are! Looking closer, I can also see an almost invisible network of tiny wires connecting each pylon. As I stand there amazed by the magical appearance of this complex network of pins and wires, colorful pulses of light begin to move from one pylon to the next as if they are sending messages. Picking up speed, the individual pulses of colored light begin to flash back and forth around the globe faster and faster until I can no longer track them. Before long, this world within a world is a blur of flashing colored lights. Awed by the seeming intelligence of this fantastic light show, I wonder if the globe is a living, sentient being.

Prompted by a new impulse, I move to the right around the globe. My destination is the view outside the school. Sitting on the shelf below the narrow band of windows, I put my face close to the glass to get a larger view of the world outside. This act seems to be in direct response to the loss of freedom I felt as a student when I was forced to sit in class day after day, year after year, against my will. When I was in school, the small view of the world outside seemed to mock my yearning to be free, free to determine my own fate and course in life. Even the expanded view of the world I can see now with my face pressed against the window doesn’t seem large enough to satisfy my desire to see and know more. Turning my head from side to side to get an even better view of the world outside only feeds my frustration. The limitations imposed by these windows, this building, and my own body are no longer tolerable. As my frustration level rises to a sharp peak, I explode out of my body in a state of pure consciousness and energy!

With a rush of power and joy I fly through the window to a point high in the air above the school! In this new state of being I know I can act and react without the use or concern of a physical body. I also know I am less tangible than the atoms and molecules comprising the air around me and I revel in my newfound freedom. Seeing without eyes, feeling without skin, and hearing without ears, I fly higher and begin to tumble and roll through the atmosphere with great speed, zipping from here to there without concern for pain or injury. In a moment of great exuberance, I fly down into the earth through rock and soil as if I’m flying through the air, something I vaguely remember doing before in other dreams.

Despite my great confidence and joy, there is a moment of fear as I enter the Earth’s surface. I remember its great density and, for a moment, I worry about becoming dense myself and getting stuck in it. Before this earthbound thought can become real, however, a new thought replaces it. This one reassures me that resistance will come only if I refuse to accept the reality of my present state of being as pure consciousness and energy. Once again my confidence is restored and I relax and fly through the soil with the greatest of ease, wrapped in the knowledge that my experience is always a matter of focus and balance. In other words, we get what we concentrate on. With great confidence I decide to test this belief by making my Energy Body dense enough to feel the texture of the soil and rock around me. It feels great, almost like scratching an itch. When my curiosity is satisfied, I return to a state of pure consciousness and energy (awareness and action). In this state, I know I am because “I Am” with no limits to my creative choices!

Next, I decide to fly over the center of town. It is early morning and quiet. The only movement I see is a pretty young woman pushing a baby stroller down the town’s main street. Attracted to her, I settle into a position about fifteen feet above her head. Soon she’s joined by another young woman pushing a stroller and the two quickly get lost in conversation about life, family, and friends. Feeling strangely related to both women, I use my intuitive abilities to explore our connection. To my surprise, I find that each of us shares a similar mental and emotional makeup, a connection that feels more like family than shared genes. (Is there such a thing as “family” regarding types of consciousness?) Of the two women, my connection with the first one seems stronger. Not only do I find her more physically attractive, her personality has a richness and complexity that intrigues me. She’s bright, caring, and wants to know everything, characteristics I greatly admire, while the other woman is a bit lazy and self-centered in her thinking.

From my invisible point in the air, I wonder what it would be like to live within this woman’s psyche, to be there when she makes love to her husband, plays with her child, or thinks an exciting thought. Can I occupy a small, unused portion of her mind and pay my way by helping her during times of crisis or need? If I observe appropriate rules of privacy and noninvolvement would she even be aware of my presence in her mind? And if I help her find solutions to a problem or two, would she welcome me as an important part of her psyche? Being bodiless and safely ensconced within this woman’s psyche sounds appealing to me. This way I can devote full time to my pet projects free of material encumbrances and responsibilities.

Further pondering life in this woman’s psyche, I begin to see myself as a gentleman boarder at a country inn. Leaving my room in top hat and tails for a trip into town, I encounter my “landlady” as she busily cultivates the soil in the flower garden surrounding the inn. She observes my approach and I tip my hat to her in passing. It’s been some time since I’ve taken up residence in her psyche and she’s become quite comfortable with my quiet presence, although she suspects I’ve helped resolve several issues she’s had to face since my arrival. Her husband is working on farm equipment in the yard and casting mild looks of suspicion in my direction, while the children play happily nearby.

In a sudden departure, I wonder what it would be like to live within the consciousness of a large redwood tree. Instantly, it becomes so. At first the quiet and solitude of living in the forest seems delightful, it is so relaxing! Soon, however, other thoughts begin to creep in, thoughts like “boring” and “limiting”. Suddenly, I have an overwhelming desire to be back in my own body, in my own world. Even the desire to live in the woman’s psyche has lost its appeal as I think about the constant mental tiptoeing, the suppression of my own natural impulses, and the loss of my present body and family. With these thoughts, I leave the two women behind and fly back to my dream body sitting on the shelf under the window.

On the flight back, I wonder about my two dream bodies. Are they still there? What were they doing while I was gone? Were they just waiting for me to come back? My questions are soon answered as I fly through the window and reenter the body sitting on the ledge below the windows. It’s as if I haven’t been gone at all, as if no time has passed for my body.

Standing up, I walk past the globe on the left and notice a door hanging open on the side facing away from the windows. Curious, I walk around it to look inside. Wow, what a surprise! Illuminated by a soft white light that seems to come from the walls themselves, the interior looks like a futuristic computer control room. Except for a small flat area at the bottom of the globe, the shiny metal wall is filled with rows and panels of blinking colored lights. A plush, white leather arm chair fills the flat area on the bottom of the globe. Above it is a large white helmet suspended from the ceiling and connected to the globe by two large electrical cables that coil down to the floor before disappearing into the wall several feet up from the floor. It looks like a football helmet minus the ear holes, although it’s much larger and thicker. Its design and position above the chair clearly suggest its purpose.

With nervous anticipation I enter the globe and sit in the chair. It is very comfortable! Using both hands to pull the helmet down over my head, I wonder what I’ve done to deserve such great good fortune. As the helmet makes contact with my head, I suddenly jump to another world in a different body and a different life. My final thought before the helmet made contact serves as the central theme of this alternate lifetime. Born into a primitive farming culture as a woman, I get married and have children. During this lifetime, I constantly question whether or not I’m worthy of my good fortune. Quickly bored by the limited conceptualization of this lifetime, I skim its highpoints and leave.

Taking a minute to collect my wits, I decide to conduct another experiment. I want to see how well I can control the machine. Will it let me select my parents, my sex, my environment, and the major concepts I want to explore during the course of a lifetime? Holding my breath, I decide to be a white female growing up on a nice farm with lots of animals, a fruit orchard, and wonderful, loving parents. Because it seems to complete the picture, I make us Protestants.

With no clear sense of transition, I enter this lifetime and become a young girl with a collie for a friend. We love to walk around the farm and play, and on warm summer nights we climb out the window of my upstairs bedroom to sit on the roof and look at the stars. While sitting there I ponder life, what is all about? As this young girl, I go to church and school because that’s what everyone expects of me but my mind is full of unanswered questions. Separating myself from her life to examine her most probable future, I see the sadness of unfulfilled dreams. As a middle aged woman she smiles happily outwardly but, inwardly, she feels as though her life has been unlived. To keep others happy, she shaped her life in accordance with their wishes and expectations, not her own. The questions she once asked go unanswered and dreams she once had go unfulfilled. Disturbed by this vision of her future self, I return to her present self long enough to insert new ideas and insights in her mind. Like seeds, they will grow and enrich her sense of wonder and possibility. As I return to my seat in the computer, I am confident she will experience greater joy and richness in her life.

In a great burst of enthusiasm, I create many lives as both male and female. Each one is placed in a different time and setting so I can study the values each life is exploring in my search for eternal truth. When I encounter another personality that piques my interest, I slow down to examine his life more closely. He is a young black man living in a jungle village. He’s married with two children, and is highly respected by the tribe for his mystical abilities. Much to my surprise, as I quietly peer into his life and mind, he becomes aware of my presence. Sensing my role in the creation of his being, he’s overjoyed with my presence. Quickly, I pull back to hide in the darkness of a large black abyss. No matter, he walks to the edge of the jungle as if he knows exactly where I am and asks to come away with me. Although I’m greatly moved by the depth of his spiritual knowledge and sincerity, I cannot forget his family and tribe. They need him! When I remind him of this he is saddened but turns and walks back to the village, knowing in his heart it is the right thing for him to do.

As I bring this experiment to a close, I realize each lifetime is an opportunity to learn how thoughts in the forms of belief, attitude, value, and expectation work (interact) to create our reality. In other words, each moment, each day, and each lifetime provides us with the opportunity to create a better version of who we are. It makes no difference whether that reality is physically expressed or not. Wherever we are and whatever we’re doing, it’s all reality. With this realization, I remove the headgear and stand up to leave the globe. Walking up to the body I left standing in the classroom doorway, I turn and settle back into it. Backing up and turning again, I close the classroom door and walk back down the hall the way I had come. With no further need for the school it fades into blackness. Then I wake up to record the details of this dream in my Dream Journal before, it too, fades away.

Copyright 2007, Roger A. “Pete” Peterson

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

lucid dreaming, astral experiences

2008-08-06T16:44:11Z

hello everyone, been a while since i posted but in the past few months ive been experiencing a series sof Astral experiences that seem to all occur in the same pattern: im bout to fall asleep, relax heavily, meditate, think im still awake but im not, my mind is fully conscious but my body is "asleep" or what one would call a paralytic state, in this "other" realm everything is far more vivid, i can feel my inner energy, awareness, but then i get the feeling that something else is in the room watching, i get the feeling somethin bad is going to happen, like death is approaching, thats when i try to move or wake up but i find i cant move which causes far more fear and then i wake up. well the past couple of days this experience has been accelerating, its like im consciously able to do it and the fear is going away because i feel like im being completely protected and loved but even then fear got the better part of me. My own reflections have led me to believe that it's the "little" me afraid of death, the death of the ego. ANyways im just wondering if anyone has had experience with this or suggestions

thanks

adam

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 22 replies

Channeling Alien Visions

2008-08-06T16:43:16Z

*bleep* *bleep*

I see a future for mankind in which their essence of being is going to be more spiritualised, where spirituality will actually be a part in a child’s education from birth to adulthood. The education will be handling interpretation of reality and all it’s aspects of time and space consciousness. The main focus in this teaching will be the quickening of the transfer of information.

When in consciousness there can be made a stop in human experience of time, in which information can be passed along, the knowledge of the human will be increased without physically having aged, say 15 minutes, but in that time have obtained the knowledge of the entire world history, astrology, advanced physics, math, biology, botany, neuroscience astronomy and interdimensional travel.

If the transfer of information is relocated to a point outside human consciousness, to a place where time and space don’t exist, then a lot of information can be passed along without any passing of physical seconds on a watch.

For the passing of information you have the sending party and the receiving party.
Between them is the communication that takes time and space. If both sender and receiver are in a point where no time and space exist, it means the receiver ‘is’ the sender. At that point all the knowledge has been transferred in the blink of an eye.

These are next steps in the development of consciousness, knowledge of spirit, and forms of communication through vibration. .

To develop the spirit humans must be one with the forces all around, they must go deeper into the essence of their existence and find peaceful solutions to the world’s social struggles among humankind. They must respect nature’s gifts because they are part of her. And they must stop polluting the earth.

*bleep* *bleep*

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 3 replies

Legislators aim to snuff out penalties for pot use

2008-08-03T21:49:02Z

Legislators aim to snuff out penalties for pot use

CNN) -- The U.S. should stop arresting responsible marijuana users, Rep. Barney Frank said Wednesday, announcing a proposal to end federal penalties for Americans carrying fewer than 100 grams, almost a quarter-pound, of the substance.

Rep. Barney Frank's bill would radically curb federal penalties for personal marijuana use.

Current laws targeting marijuana users place undue burdens on law enforcement resources, punish ill Americans whose doctors have prescribed the substance and unfairly affect African-Americans, said Frank, flanked by legislators and representatives from advocacy groups.
"The vast amount of human activity ought to be none of the government's business," Frank said on Capitol Hill. "I don't think it is the government's business to tell you how to spend your leisure time."

The Massachusetts Democrat and his supporters emphasized that only the use -- and not the abuse -- of marijuana would be decriminalized if the resolution resulted in legislation. Watch Frank lay out the proposal »

The Drug Enforcement Administration says people charged with simple possession are rarely incarcerated. The agency and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy have long opposed marijuana legalization, for medical purposes or otherwise.

Marijuana is a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, according to the drug control office.

"Smoked marijuana has not withstood the rigors of science -- it is not medicine and it is not safe," the DEA states on its Web site. "Legalization of marijuana, no matter how it begins, will come at the expense of our children and public safety. It will create dependency and treatment issues, and open the door to use of other drugs, impaired health, delinquent behavior, and drugged drivers."
Allen St. Pierre, spokesman for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, likened Frank's proposal -- co-sponsored by Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas -- to current laws dealing with alcohol consumption. Alcohol use is permitted, and the government focuses its law enforcement efforts on those who abuse alcohol or drive under its influence, he said.

"We do not arrest and jail responsible alcohol drinkers," he said.

St. Pierre said there are tens of millions of marijuana smokers in the United States, including himself, and hundreds of thousands are arrested each year for medical or personal use. iReport.com: Is it time to legalize pot?

There have been 20 million marijuana-related arrests since 1965, he said, and 11 million since 1990, and "every 38 seconds, a marijuana smoker is arrested."

Rob Kampia, director of the Marijuana Policy Project, said marijuana arrests outnumber arrests for "all violent crimes combined," meaning police are spending inordinate amounts of time chasing nonviolent criminals.

"Ending arrests is the key to marijuana policy reform," he said.

Reps. William Lacy Clay, D-Missouri, and Barbara Lee, D-California, said that in addition to targeting nonviolent offenders, U.S. marijuana laws unfairly target African-Americans.

Clay said he did not condone drug use but opposes using tax dollars to pursue what he feels is an arcane holdover from "a phony war on drugs that is filling up our prisons, especially with people of color."

Too many drug enforcement resources are being dedicated to incarcerating nonviolent drugs users, and not enough is being done to stop the trafficking of narcotics into the United States, he said.

Being arrested is not the American marijuana smoker's only concern, said Bill Piper of the Drug Policy Alliance Network. Those found guilty of marijuana use can lose their jobs, financial aid for college, their food stamp and welfare benefits, or their low-cost housing.

The U.S. stance on marijuana, Piper said, "is one of the most destructive criminal justice policies in America today."

Calling the U.S. policy "inhumane" and "immoral," Lee said she has many constituents who are harassed or arrested for using or cultivating marijuana for medical purposes. California allows medical marijuana use, but the federal government does not, she explained.

House Resolution 5843, titled the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008, would express support for "a very small number of individuals" suffering from chronic pain or illness to smoke marijuana with impunity.

According to NORML, marijuana can be used to treat a range of illnesses, including glaucoma, asthma, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS and seizures.

Frank, who is chairman of the Financial Services Committee, said that about a dozen states have approved some degree of medical marijuana use and that the federal government should stop devoting resources to arresting people who are complying with their states' laws.

In a shot at Republicans, Frank said it was strange that those who support limited government want to criminalize marijuana.

Asked whether the resolution's passage would change his personal behavior, Frank quipped, "I do obey every law I vote for" but quickly said he did not use marijuana, nor does he encourage it.

"I smoke cigars. I don't think other people should do that. If young people ask me, I would advise them not to do it," he said.

If HR 5843 were passed, the House would support marijuana smokers possessing up to 100 grams -- about 3½ ounces -- of cannabis without being arrested. It would also give its blessing to the "nonprofit transfer" of up to an ounce of marijuana.
The resolution would not address laws forbidding growing, importing or exporting marijuana, or selling it for profit. The resolution also would not speak to state laws regarding marijuana use.

© 2008 Cable News Network

http://thedailyvoice.com/voice/2008/07/should-weed-by-legal-000962.php

Should marijuana be legal?
Staff Reporter | Posted July 31, 2008 1:30 AM

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 1 reply

Ganesh ( Ganapati ) the Hindu Buddhist Deity : practices references and transmission

2008-07-31T20:06:47Z

Ganesh ( Ganapati ) the Hindu Buddhist Deity : practices references and transmission

Keywords : Ganapati / Ganesh the Elephant Headed God of Classical India, Mantra and Praise of Ganapati, Deity yoga, Tantric empowerment, Overlapping Hindu / Buddhist mantra culture, Vedacarya Thomas Ashley-Farrand, Sakya Lineage and Sakya Monastery, Seattle Washington.

“To those for whom these village fires still have meaning:
Oh, may your own most beautiful Animal of Light come safely to you!”
from the Last Whole Earth Catalog

On 13 July in Seattle Washington a Ganapati empowerment will be offered at Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism. The guru bestowing this empowerment is the tantric master of Sakya Monastery, His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya Rinbochay. See www.sakya.org for more information.

For this reason it is timely and appropriate to provide some basic teaching and perspective on Ganapati, and in particular an esoteric Hindu Ganapati mantra and also a Sanskrit Buddhist praise of Ganapati. Many diverse teachings on this deity in Hindu form are available on the internet ( under both Ganapati and Ganesh ).

An excellent introductory summary for Ganapati / Ganesh is available online at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganesha

The Buddhist Ganapati is also referenced in the Tibetan Buddhist traditions of the Nyingma ( e.g. Longchen Nyingtik ) and Gelugpa lineages ( see practice texts for www.fpmt.org ). There is also Buddhist practice of Ganapati in the esoteric Buddhist Japanese tradition known as Shingon, which came East via China and not Tibet.

Briefly, Ganapati means Lord of the Troop, and Ganesh basically means Elephant Headed One. Ganapati is known by the title “Remover of Obstacles” or “Lord of Obstacles”. He carries or represents the enormous power of the Elephant. He is often accompanied by two female consorts Riddhi and Siddhi ( Magical Accomplishment and Spiritual Accomplishment ).

Ganapati is very prominent and even central in Hindu practice and is often evoked at the beginning of important engagements or projects, such as making a journey or starting employment, or beginning a meditation practice session. I have seen dance evocation of Ganapati at the beginning of a Hindu temple dance concert. Ganapati is one of the main practices of Hindu business people for success in their commercial ventures.

Ganapati is strongly associated with the “national spirit” or Mother India as well as her earliest roots. In the distant past elephants were used throughout India to clear land for agriculture, and also as war elephants. More recently, public Hindu celebrations were banned by the occupying British and the outlawed Ganapati ceremonies were brought forth, successfully, to rally India against foreign rule.

It is said that the long “History of India” was transcribed by the deity Ganapati as given by Rishi Visvamitra. Many of the key texts of Sanatana Dharma ( Hinduism ) were written down by Ganapati. So, this practice is a primary connection to Vedic Culture. Due to this, Ganapati is also practiced by students to help with their secular school exams.

Ganapati has a very ambivalent status in Buddhist tantra, the esoteric form of Buddhist meditation which relies on yoga, deity recitations and mystic practices in general. On the one hand, Ganapati is often considered unfriendly towards Buddhist practitioners in general, and propitiated or banished or subjugated so as to not cause problems. Thus, a subjugated Ganapati serves as the throne for the deity Mahakala in his Six Armed form. This reflects the fact that some but not all Hindu practice / culture affirms Buddhist teachings.

On the other hand, there are specifically Buddhist practices for Ganapati, as for other Hindu deities such as Shiva, Sarasvati and so forth. The Sakya lineage carries Buddhist deity yogas for the Hindu deities Uma Devi / Parvati and Garuda, as well as Ganapati. ( In Southern Buddhism, such as in Sri Lanka Theravada monasteries, it is common to propitiate the Hindu deity Visnu for outer or worldly benefits. )

More broadly, many Buddhist schools share with the Sanatana Dharma ( i.e. Hindu practice and culture ) a significant focus on Ayurveda, or spiritual medicine. The Buddhist deity Bhaisajyaguru, or Medicine Buddha, is a deity of Buddhist spiritual medicine and Ayurveda in both Hindu and Buddhist forms is more or less identical in practice, not just similar.

In the classical Sakya tradition, this Twelve Arm Ganapati is actually an emanation of Avalokitesvara, the beloved and universal Buddhist deity of liberating compassion. Thus, it is reasonable to view this empowerment as being a definite connection to Avalokitesvara and the general practices of Avalokitesvara.

It is also very important to note that with this ( or any ) tantric Buddhist empowerment comes the general set of universal Buddhist vows, such as the Ten Precepts ( rejection of harmfulness, theft, dishonesty, ill-will and so forth ), and the Bodhisattva vows. The Bodhisattva vows focus on active humanitarian service in the most broad and deep and long term ways, starting with rejection of limiting ideas such as racism, sexism, tribalism, and all cultural divisiveness.

For some basic teachings on Buddhist theory and practice, see the following at Asian Classics:
http://www.asianclassics.org/research_site/webdata/education.html

The Principal Teachings of Buddhism
Buddhist Refuge
The Vows of the Bodhisattva

For an excellent general introduction to Buddhist practice, with a focus on Buddhist tantra, see the following book by Kalu Rinpoche:
The Dharma: That Illuminates All Beings Like the Light of the Sun and the Moon, State University of New York Press, 1986, ISBN 0-88706-157-5

http://www.amazon.com/Dharma-Illuminates-Beings-Impartially-Light/dp/0887061575

This book is short, direct, accessible, classical and effective. It should be. It was transcribed as spoken directly to westerners by one of the greatest Buddhist masters of the last century.

To take the tantric Buddhist empowerment of Ganapati or any other is to take Mahayana Buddhist vows, as well as to become authorized to do magical kinds of practice, such as mantra recitation to develop the power of the deity. The point is that in this case, the Hindu/ Buddhist deity Ganapati is practiced within a classical Buddhist context, not otherwise. Thus the above mentioned Buddhist references are of central importance in this transmission and practice.

As a brilliant red deity aspect, Twelve Armed Ganapati is not only a remover of obstacles and disharmonious circumstances, but also a magnetizing deity, i.e. a deity that “warms up” social situations, and develops strongly positive interpersonal engagement.

On a yogic level, this deity ( in Buddhist deity yoga ) develops strength and power at the level of the navel point of the psychic energy body ( svadhisthana cakra ), although I cannot say more without transgressing tantric vows of secrecy. Note that the Hindu Ganapati is girded by snakes, representing kundalini energy, and is similarly associated with the energy at the base of the spinal column. All tantric transmissions are private, and their contents not to be discussed following initiation.

This is one of many specifically obstacle-removing diety yogas in Buddhist tantra. There are many others, but this one is definitely recommended for those who have a more Hindu-oriented background in culture and/ or personal karma. And as noted earlier, it is a connection to Avalokitesvara practice specifically, and to the outer Mahayana practices in general.

This can also be viewed ( speaking very unofficially ) as a connection to Hindu transmissions. ) For this reason I will now provide a specifically Hindu mantra for Ganapati, which has been confirmed. It is quite reasonable to say that on obtaining a Twelve Arm Ganapati empowerment, one may practice the following Hindu mantra as well.

Maha Ganapati Mantra
"Aum shrim hrim klim glaum gam
ganapataye vara varada sarva
janamme vashamanaya svaha"

Vedacarya Thomas Ashley-Farrand, from whom I have Laxmi transmission, has many introductory and also detailed teachings on Hindu mantra practice. See his website at
http://www.sanskritmantra.com/

The following is not an official representation, but I do have the Sakya lineage Ganapati transmission some twenty years back from HE Luding Khen Rinbochay. This Sakya initiation is for a Twelve Arm Red Ganapati, equivalent in many respects to the Hindu deity Ganesh or Ganapati. Many diverse teachings on this deity in Hindu form are available on the internet ( under both Ganapati and Ganesh ). The Buddhist Ganapati is also referenced in the Tibetan Buddhist traditions of the Nyingma and Gelugpa lineages.

From www.sakya.org :

07/13/2008
GANAPATI INITIATION
Offered by H. H. Jigdal Dagchen Sakya
Sunday, July 13
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Shrine Room
Suggested Donation: $30 Public, $25 Members
Translator: Dr. Jeff Schoening
Ganapati made the commitment to help all beings to uphold the 3 trainings—moral behavior, meditation, wisdom— and, in particular, to provide the necessary materials and provisions for practitioners.
He protects one from obstacles at the beginning of any enterprise and also helps to increase wealth and power for the benefit of the Dharma.
His Holiness Jigdal Dagchen Sakya, head lama of Sakya Monastery, was born in Tibet in 1929. He continues the great Sakya lineage which began with Khon Konchok Gyalpo (1034—1102). He received teachings of the unbroken Khon lineage, the Sakya Vajrakilaya, the Hevajra and the complete Lamdre Tsogshe, from his father, H.H. Trichen Ngawang Thutop Wangchul, the last Sakya throne holder in Tibet. He also studied with many other great Buddhist teachers, including Dzongsar Khyentse Chökyi and Dingo Khyentse Robsal Dawa.
In 1960, H.H. J.D. Sakya was invited to work on a University of Washington research project on Tibetan civilization which was sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation. At the request of students, he co-founded with H.E. Dezhung Rinpoche Sakya Tegchen Choling, a center for the study of Tibetan Buddhism and culture. In 1984, the center became the Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism.

The following is copyrighted material from The Digital Sanskrit Buddhist Canon, at
http://www.uwest.edu/sanskritcanon/index.html
specifically
http://www.uwest.edu/sanskritcanon/Stotra/Roman/stotra30.html

The source text is “ Source: Pandey, Janardan Shastri ed. Bauddha strotra Samgrah. Varanasi : Motilal Banarsidass, 1994”.

This is provided as a necessary and specific demonstration that classical Indian Buddhist culture incorporated Ganapati deity yoga as a tantric practice, and not for other purposes.
Ganesastotram

kharvam sthulataram gajendravadanam lambodaram sundaram
vidhnesam madhugandhalubdhamadhupavyalolagandasthalam|
dantodghatavidaritahitajanam sindurasobhakaram
vande sailasutasutam ganapatim siddhipradam kamadam|| 1||

herambah paramo devah karyasiddhividhayakah|
saibhagyarupasampannam dehi me sukhasampadam|| 2||

ekadantam mahakayam lambodaram gajananam|
sarvasiddhipradataram gangaputram namamyaham|| 3||

vande tam gananathamaryamanagham daridrayadavanalam
sundaadandavidhuyamanasamalam samsarasindhostarim|
yam natva surakoyayah prabhuvaram siddhim labhante param
sindurarunavigraham paripataddanambudharahrtam|| 4||

uccairbrahmandakhandadvitayasahacaram kumbhayugmam dadhanah
presannagaripaksapratibhatavikatasrotratalabhiramah |
devah sambhorapatyam bhujagapatitanusparddhivardhisnuhasta-
strailokyascaryamurtirjayati trijagatamisvarah kuñjarasyah|| 5||

ganapatisca herambo vidhnarajo vinayakah |
deviputro mahateja mahabalaparakramah || 6||

mahodaro mahakayascaikadanto gajananah|
svetavastro mahadiptastrinetro gananayakah || 7||

aksamalam ca dantam ca grhnan vai daksine kare|
parasum modakapatram ca vamahaste vidharayan|| 8||

nanapusparato devo nanagandhanulepanah |
nagayajñopavitango nanavidhnavinasanah || 9||

devasuramanusyanam siddhagandharvavanditam|
trailokyavidhnahartaramakhvarudham namamyaham|| 10||

sumukhascaikadantasca kapilo gajakarnakah |
lambodarasca vikato vidhnarajo vinayakah || 11||

dhumraketurganadhyakso bhalacandro gajananah |
vakratundah surpakarno herambah skandapurvajah || 12||

sodasaitani namani yah pathecchunuyadapi|
vidyarambhe vivahe ca pravese nirgame tatha|| 13||

samgrame samkate caiva vidhnastasya na jayate|
vidhnavallikutharaya ganadhipataye namah || 14||

sriganesastotram samaptam|

Sarva mangalam! Siddhi rastu!

In partial fulfillment of vajrayana teaching responsibilities,

KT

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 1 reply

orb photography

2008-07-31T04:47:35Z

I was wandering outside my house here in FL and brought my camera outside, I know that there is a lot of spiritual activity on the two acres that I live on, but these pictures left me stunned regardless.

I'm curious to know what other people think of this photograph phenomenon.

All of these pictures were taken within fifteen minutes of each other.

http://picasaweb.google.com/MelissaMedusa

(ignore the cat pictures and the horrid self portrait!)

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 2 replies

Wayne Dyer Project Filming in Monterey, CA--Participate!

2008-07-28T21:20:10Z

Hello Everyone!

We are shooting a narrative feature film with Wayne Dyer and high profile Hollywood talent in Monterey, CA, and we're seeking a large number of background/extras to participate in this project. For those of you not familiar with Dr. Dyer, he wrote "The Power of Intention" as well as numerous other books on spirituality and healing. The name of the film is "Ambition to Meaning: Finding Your Purpose". If you're in the area, this is an opportunity to be part of an amazing project that is all about the teachings of Dr. Dyer. The shoot takes place 8/2-2/23.

Here's what the film is about:

"Dr. Wayne Dyer explores the spiritual journey from ambition to meaning. The powerful shift from the ego constructs we are taught early in life, by parents and society, which promote an emphasis on achievement and ccumulation are shown in contrast to a life of meaning, focused on serving and giving back.

Through the intertwined stories of an overachieving businessman, to a mother of two, seeking her own expression in the world, to a director trying to make a name for himself, this entertaining film inspires and teaches us how to create a life of meaning and purpose."

We're looking for extras with a wide variety of looks, ages, and ethnicities. Kids, teens, young adult, adult, seniors. "Types" include: business person, conventional, families, hipster, alternative, etc.

Please submit snapshot of your face and one of you full-length, and brief resume if possible (not necessary though) with contact information, to waynedyerproject@yahoo.com. Please be local to Monterey area.

***Please include DETAILED information regarding your availability (day/eve/night) during shoot days (8/2-8/23).*** This will help us schedule you into the film shoot. Thanks so much!

This is a non-union shoot. No pay unfortunately, but you will have the satisfaction of participating in a very important project. The message of this film will reach many people. We'll provide meals if the shoot runs across meal times.

Thanks for your interest! Hope to see some of you there!

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Shamanic Intensive Training Course:Bolivian Andes & Amazon

2008-07-27T19:41:23Z

Sacha Runa Collective offers two Month-long Shamanic Intensive Training Courses a year
(Jan/Feb and August) in the Bolivian Andes& Amazon (www.sacharuna.com).
The course is indeed Intensive and deeply transformational.
It is intended to help train those people who trully want to entrust themselves to Spirit
and dedicate themselves to Service.
No prerequisite is necessary, except the absolute determination to face oneself
and do what is needed to allow spirit to flow through us and bless creation.
The next one is August1-30.
Have to fly in and out of la Paz, Bolivia.
Application letters are due ASAP.
The next course is Jan/Feb 2009

For serious apprentices who intend to become full fledged shamans and
conduct medicine ceremonies, at least 4 courses are recommended but it
ultimately dependes on everybody's skills.

For a description of the course, please visit www.sacharuna.com
Blessings:
Miguel A. Kavlin

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 1 reply

Visitors from another world...

2008-07-27T07:06:51Z

Or plane of existence... Have any of you ever had experience with an "alien" entity, or do you believe that aliens exist?

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 15 replies

Abandoned Toys - meditation music

2008-07-26T23:01:30Z

I just recently came across this album "The witch's garden" by Abandoned Toys and it is one of the most exquisitely beautiful, new age/ambient music albums I have come across in recent years. If you don't already own a copy, I highly recommend picking up one. I think they have clips at their website here:

http://www.abandonedtoys.com/store.htm

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Jung @ Heart, Emerging Visions #12, has emerged

2008-07-26T20:05:13Z

Celebrate the Jung-star in us all with

Emerging Visions visionary art ezine #12 - "Jung @ Heart"

http://emergingvisions.blogspot.com

~ share and enjoy ~

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Check out Devotional chant dance fusion..awsome

2008-07-23T13:37:06Z

Just discovered a cool new chanting group, who fuse dance music, english lyrics and sanskrit chants. Amazingly uplifting....

Anyone heard them play live ?

www.maha-ra.com

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Levels of Consciousness

2008-07-19T16:44:45Z

Hello all. I came across a blog post written by Steve Pavlina that describes the various levels of consciousness. I would like your opinion on the structure of it all.
Thank you.

http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/levels-of-consciousness/

also visit the Baker @

Bakeryofideas.com

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

the dream-casting

2008-07-11T18:04:18Z

after this it goes to NYC fringe fest

As part of this years Capital Fringe Festival , (unjuried, risk-
taking, independant perorming arts)- www.capfringe.org

I'm inviting you to include you all in this amazing production!
please invite your friends too!

july 19-27 2008

Theatro Jaguar Luna
A deep woods art production

invites you to:

THE DREAM-CASTING

Change the Dream
magic once asleep is now awake!

dance mask video ritual magic

An experimental multimedia ritual spectacular awakens the senses
preparing humanity for unified consciousness. dancing with mysteries
of 2012, myan/aztec mythology and more, Hulio Marvavilla and guests,
create a special interactive dreamscape inviting the viewer to
comtemplate thoughs beyond the apocalypse.

Change the dream-magic once asleep is now awake!

the tools? Imagination and wonder.

with hulio marvailla
visuals by I I I
origional music by:
Crystal Cobra
arya wacaksono
lucia comnes
nezzy iddy
& more

The Baldacchino
Fringe Home - Tent
607 New york Ave. NW
Washington, DC
20001

Saterday 7/19 10pm
Sunday 7/20 8pm

Wednesday 7/23 8pm
Thursday 7/24 9pm
Friday 7/25 9:30pm
Saturday 7/26 9pm
Sunday 7/27 2pm

ticket info:
www.capfringe.org
www.deep-woods-art.com

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 1 reply

Joe Shmo seeks answers from the Baker Man.

2008-06-29T22:39:25Z

Questions and answers of Joe Shmo to the Baker Man.

http://beyondsuccess.wordpress.com/

bakeryofideas.com

With gratitude,

+Baker

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

20 Astral Keys to Gates of Universal Consciousness

2008-06-22T18:38:01Z

Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961) was a Swiss psychiatrist who developed the field of analytical psychology and introduced the concept of archetypes of consciousness being "innate universal psychic dispositions that form the substrate from which the basic themes of human life emerge. Being universal and innate, their influence can be detected in the form of myths, symbols, rituals and instincts of human beings. Archetypes are components of the collective unconscious and serve to organize, direct and inform human thought and behaviour. ...archetypes heavily influence the human life cycle, propelling a neurologically hard-wired sequence which he called the stages of life. Each stage is mediated through a new set of archetypal imperatives which seek fulfillment in action."[1]

Centuries before Jung, the Maya introduced the very similar concept of Archetypes of Divine Consciousness. (According to the Maya, there are 20 of them.) Likewise, these Archetypes form the substrate from which individual Divine Consciousness emerges. Also being components of the collective unconscious, the Maya-identified Archetypes organize, direct and engender Divine thought and behavior in the human experience, in stages, over the course of days, months, years, ...millennia. Hard wired into the binary code of DNA and the human brain, these Archetypes are mediated through the permutations of an universal, binary, object oriented Code evident in and galactically broadcast by harmonic star cycles. The Maya perceived the astral Nature of the Code and embodied It in a "lunar calendar." Regarded as their Sacred Calendar, they call it the "Tzolkin." The Tzolkin enables them to track the cycles, the individual stages of the cycles [i.e. days] and the progressive effects of those intermeshed stages in order to further enable them to live in conscious alignment and synchronicity with the 20 Archetypes. According to the Maya, living in such alignment and synchronicity activates the inherent Divine Consciousness latent within the individual consciousness. Thus activated, the Divine Unconscious within can be consciously harnessed and channeled for communlal and personal well being.

Being both harmonic and binary in Nature, the Tzolkin's Code has been digitized and expressed in sound. As the stuff of our bodies comes from starlight, the acoustic expressions (of the Code's objects relative to the individual Archetypes) directly facilitate an exclusively positive rewiring of the brain, aligning and synchronizing its synapses with the dynamics of the respective Archetypes, and having a sympathetic effect advancing the activation of analogous higher functions of DNA. (Rather than needing to track the individual harmonic stages of the Archetypes as they naturally occur staggered over the course of months and larger spans of Time, as Maya clerics have done for centuries, the Archetypes' entire harmonic sequences can be heard in seconds.) Each of the Archetypes has been individually recorded (in great for meditation lengths) and embodied in "The Mayan Book of Wisdom" (a cognitive/consciousness enhancement software product from DarkMother.com).

On this Summer Solstice weekend, in the interest of fostering the planetary increase of Light, you can download an abridged version of The Mayan Book of Wisdom containing 3:00.00 excerpts of the full length (13:00.00) expressions of the 20 Archetypes. They're for you - Download them, experience them, use them; enjoy them.

http://www.darkmother.com/mbow/mbow-demopack.exe

For more information on the harmonic nature of the Tzolkin, visit and peruse DarkMother.com. (These Archetypes are fundamental components of all the complex Tzolkin acoustic translations embodied in company's "Ascension" series.)

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

NY STIR- Sedona Transformational Intensive Retreat

2008-06-19T00:35:37Z

NY STIR
with Lawrence Lanoff

June 28th & 29th
Sat: 11am-completion Sun: 11am- 4pm or 5pm

We invite you to join us for one intense, powerful weekend, where you will focus on and begin to manifest the answer to THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION you can ask yourself:

WHAT DO I WANT?

All human beings live their lives through filters and prescriptions about what is possible and not possible. By participating in STIR, you will get to take off the "tinted glasses" that have stopped you, so that you can see more clearly than ever before & free yourself up to receive more of what you want in your life.

During NY STIR- the Sedona Transformational Intensive Retreat, we will:

Discover our core mythologies, and therefore our core prisons, by asking ourselves 7 key questions.
Learn strategies for removing barriers to personal freedom.
Tap into the raw creative energy of the Universe to transcend patterns & open ourselves up to access the wealth, love and power inherently possible in our lives.

The road to enlightenment is often long and bumpy, so please bring an open mind, comfy clothes and pack a lunch.

EVENT DETAILS
Dates: June 28th & 29th
Time: Sat. 11am-completion, Sun. 11am-5pm
Cost: $ 595
Location: Moonheart Healing Arts Center,
59 West 19th Street, Suite 3A2
NYC, NY 10011
Registration: Contact Diana at 917-697-5812 or dianayoga1@yahoo.com

About Lawrence

Lawrence, a master energy healer and leading scholar of human cognition, helps people realize their true potential by helping them dismantle the dis-empowering beliefs, ideologies and cultural values that consciously and unconsciously influence everyday choices.

Within the context of great joy, laughter and fun, Lawrence 's remarkable gifts accelerate energetic clearing, psychological transformation, and spiritual development, allowing people to live in this life fully.

What makes Lawrence truly unique is that he is a master energy tracker. He carefully observes unintentional verbal and non-verbal energetic signals from students, deeply taps into Universal Creative Energy Force, and clears the depths of core issues, causing profound shifts in group-consciousness.

Lawrence holds a PhD in Cognitive Studies from Canterbury College, and received his Yoga Teacher Training from Universal Yoga Temple in Los Angeles

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Meeting with Bashar

2008-06-18T06:47:44Z

I'd like to share these great videos with you.

Bashar is a multi-dimensional being who speaks through channel Darryl Anka from what we perceive as the future.
Bashar explores a wide-range of subjects with great insight, humor and a profound understanding of how reality creation occurs.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fdgTxZOp3rU

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MFh42Ox0EC4

Enjoy!
+Baker
bakeryofideas.com

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Google's gone dark for Earth Hour

2008-06-15T02:26:39Z

http://california.tribe.net/listing/Lights-Out-Globally-Saturday-Night-for-Earth-Hour-8PM-9PM/california-us/272b6341-cfa4-4db4-95be-b7c6830f2846

Andrea Thompson
LiveScience Staff Writer
LiveScience.com
Fri Mar 28, 9:01 AM ET

It may not sound like a classic Saturday night blow-out, but at 8 p.m. on March 29, millions of people around the world will turn off their lights to celebrate Earth Hour.

This event, sponsored by the WWF, a global conservation organization, is intended to increase awareness of global warming and spur action to combat the issue.

The movement began last year when the WWF asked residents of Sydney, Australia, to turn off their lights for an hour. So on March 31, 2007, 2.2 million people and 2,100 Sydney businesses turned off their lights. Even icons such as the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House went dark.

Electricity in many cities and countries is powered by coal-fired plants that produce carbon dioxide, the most important greenhouse gas that human activities emit into the atmosphere. The WWF estimates that if the greenhouse gas reduction achieved during the Sydney Earth Hour was sustained for a year, it would be equivalent to taking 48,616 cars off the road for a year.

The event has expanded this year to include cities in other countries, such as the United States, Canada, Denmark, Israel and Thailand. Chicago will serve as the U.S. flagship city for the event, with Atlanta, Phoenix and San Francisco joining it as leading partners in the endeavor.

Individuals can sign up to participate on the Earth Hour site - so far 240,000 people have signed their support of the event. Celebrities such as singer/songwriter Nelly Furtado and the band Fall Out Boy have pledged to turn out their lights, as have the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Cubs.

10 Ways to Green Your Home
www.livescience.com/environm...home.html

Timeline: The Frightening Future of Earth
www.livescience.com/environm...line.html

What's Your Environmental Footprint?
www.livescience.com/triviagreenerfuture/

Original Story: Lights Out Globally Saturday Night for 'Earth Hour'
www.livescience.com/environm...hour.html

Visit LiveScience.com for more daily news, views and scientific inquiry with an original, provocative point of view. LiveScience reports amazing, real world breakthroughs, made simple and stimulating for people on the go. Check out our collection of Science, Animal and Dinosaur Pictures, Science Videos, Hot Topics, Trivia, Top 10s, Voting, Amazing Images, Reader Favorites, and more. Get cool gadgets at the new LiveScience Store, sign up for our free daily email newsletter and check out our RSS feeds today!

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 4 replies

Comparing Solar Wind and the Mayan Sacred Calendar

2008-06-01T17:42:25Z

The Mayan Sacred Calendar (the Tzolkin) is said to be a graphic representation of a Logic expressed by star harmonics that unlock doors of consciousness and interdimensional reality. Having translated the Tzolkin into sound, we offer you a comparison between that and actual NASA recorded solar wind.

When the Tzolkin's harmonic Logic is sequenced in the sonic register and played back at high speed, it sounds very much like solar wind recorded by the Voyager spacecraft, also played back at high speed. The primary dif being the Tzolkin is composed of only 13 harmonics and the solar wind has them all.

Check it out:
http://www.DarkMother.com/SolarwindTzolkinComparison

Enjoy! ;)

posted in Forms of Consciousness Expansion - 0 replies

Forms of Consciousness Expansion's topics - tribe.net

complain about RPT leaders

Tantric Buddhist empowerments and retreats ( San Francisco area ) by Lama Tharchin Rinpoche ( January - June 2010 )

Sustenance

Suffering ~ A Path of Awakening: Dissolving the Pain of Incest, Abuse, Addiction and Depression

2009 U.S. Teaching Schedule/ Intro For H.E. Gochen Tulku Sang Ngak ( Tibetan Buddhist Nyingma lineage )

Portland area tantric empowerments December; also online pagan and Buddhist resources for Pacific Northwest

I AM

Was i out of my body?

Chakra Pleasure Attunement

Love as consciousness expansion?

Peace of Mind Attunement

Trust is the key

Legalize Hemp and Cannabis in California

(repost ) "Tantra and spiritual power? Here is a definite answer, in terms of Buddhist tantra."

Altered States Online Course at Maybe Logic Academy

Sept 20th and 21st: global community peace building event: United Nations International Day of Peace, Peacebuilding & Global Mala Yoga For Peace Project

Tian Gong Tribe!

Techniques for Consciousness Expansion

My Mantra for these Times

Dreaming the New World into Being

Awakening

yoga nyana sitthar om sri raja yoga guru saranam...guruve thunai

Hindering Spiritual Growth: Chronic Illnesses and Toxic Chemicals Database + Reality of Tacit Conspiracies

Orion Foxwood and Samina Oshun at Phoenix Fire 2009!

Psychedelic visions on weed and booze?

Shifting Perceptions

God, Gods and Divine Potential on youtube

For anyone interested in Distant Reiki

Lama Mingyur Rinpoche: tantric Buddhist teaching and empowerment tour June - August 2009 / Avalokitesvara teaching

crystal skulls and an explanation of our world (another book for you)

Marijuana, Peaceful thinking, and the evolution of consciousness....

Courage, Synchronicity, and the Technology of Magic

New amazing PC Projector @ jointech.com.hk

His Holiness the Dalai Lama : introduction, current international schedule, resources

Light of Freedom

Family Guy 420

Earth Day recycling

A SPIRITUAL C * NSP * R* CY

Hi, I'de like to meet you!

Deva Premal & Miten - first time in Boston

Breathtaking Golden Retriever Puppies!

consciousness expansion..healing sound keys

THE ULTIMATE "ALL IS ONE" ENERGY SEMINAR EVENT - Orlando - April 25th - 28th

sound keys for consciousness expansion

Evolution of the NEO-Human

India 3rd recycler and consumer of plastic

drug decrim

Emerging Visions #14 Scrying Phantom Seas has emerged

Insight & Opening

Chaos, Collapse, and Synchronicity

Ephemeral mists

Sakya empowerments this December in Vancouver BC - teaching references given

Avoiding Spiritual Circularity

Sharing Techniques Of Magic

Creating Space for Greater Consciousness

Reformated a tribe on meditation

THE ENERGY BEHIND ENLIGHTENMENT

Awesome New Daniel Pinchbeck Article

Dear Consciousness Expansion! - I HUMBLY ASK YOUR HELP - Maya Calendar 2009

speaking without sound mind to mind.

LSD and Ecstasy 'could help terminally ill'

New Tribe alert: Utopian Flash Fiction

SACRED BLESSINGS - A GATHERING OF GRATITUDE ** DECEMBER 6, 2008 ** 7PM -'TIL ****FREE FOOD (VEGETARIAN/VEGAN)

powerful ancient secrets

MYTHICAL RECORDS

Yeah to the light!

~sharing(secret)water~ ev13 has emerged

Tired of all the weeding through negative posts?

School for Consciousness Raising

Preparing for 2012: Dealing with and Defeating Negativity

AntiMatters — addressing issues in science and the humanities from non-materialistic perspectives

JOIN Us for special AH-OM Circle and Raising Consciousness through Sacred Harmonics

New Tribe! Ka-Blah-Blah!

Humanifesto

What was that?

basic breath practice and basic mantra practice : nadi shodhana pranayam and White Tara mantra

Energy Cords?

HH Phakchok Rinpoche and the Chokling Tersar Lineage of the Great Perfection : An Introduction and 2008 Tour Notes

What matters to the dying?

SACRED BLESSINGS - A GATHERING OF GRATITUDE DECEMBER 6, 2008 7PM -'TIL ****FREE FOOD (VEGETARIAN/VEGAN)