Fruit of the Contemplative Life
Fruit of the contemplative life: => General Discussion => : Jhanananda March 11, 2013, 01:03:12 PM
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I agree Kimo, that is why I keep looking for a community of people to decide to join around the central premise of the GWV, which is: a disciplined contemplative life leads to attainment.
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Hi Jeffrey,
Things being what they are in this world, a physical point for GWV, is a
lofty goal. Achieving this goal seems to fly in the face of the non-worldly
stance of "being a mystic". It seems all the fraudulent activity within
mysticism, bears out this fact. Mystics who aquire money/power, seem
to lose the way.
So.... lets push for an immaterial point for GWV. Lets push the development
of the OBE state. Within the dream/simulation format, the missing factor
is to somehow to establish a communication between mystics in the OBE
state.
So... too far fetched? Lots of reasons why it can't be done? Does it
expose the OBE state as only a kind of mental disassociation? What
do you think? Perhaps it will induce a better response to being a true
contemplative.
Kimo
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Hi Jeffrey,
Things being what they are in this world, a physical point for GWV, is a
lofty goal. Achieving this goal seems to fly in the face of the non-worldly
stance of "being a mystic". It seems all the fraudulent activity within
mysticism, bears out this fact. Mystics who aquire money/power, seem
to lose the way.
Hello again, Kimo, I think here you are confusing genuine mystics with frauds again, because I cannot recall a genuine mystic who was ever seduced by money, fame, sex, or whatever. Whereas, all of the frauds that we have been exposing here were obviously frauds from the beginning.
So.... lets push for an immaterial point for GWV. Lets push the development
of the OBE state. Within the dream/simulation format, the missing factor
is to somehow to establish a communication between mystics in the OBE
state.
So... too far fetched? Lots of reasons why it can't be done? Does it
expose the OBE state as only a kind of mental disassociation? What
do you think? Perhaps it will induce a better response to being a true
contemplative.
Kimo
Well, pushing for the OOBE, without a foundation in the material attainments of jhana 1-4, is completely missing the mission of the Buddha/messiah/avatar. Because it is in establishing a foundation in the first 4 stages of the religious experience that the seeker becomes a mystic. Without establishing a foundation in the first 4 stages of the religious experience that provides the bliss, joy, ecstasy, tranquility, equanimity and freedom from stress and anxiety (dhukkha), then the OOBE is just another distraction.
The objectives in providing Guide Stones, an urban practice center and rural retreat center are:
1) Preserve the teachings of genuine enlightened teachers
2) Nurture future genuine enlightened teachers
If we do not provide Guide Stones, an urban practice center and rural retreat center, then we cannot hope to preserve the teachings of genuine enlightened teachers; nor to nurture future genuine enlightened teachers.
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Aloha to you Jeffrey,
Ok.... I agree the foundation needs to be a reality, its ridiculous to think a
being can swim when there's no water in the pool.
Also, I see now GWV wants to have what others have achieved. I watched
Norbu go from a simple monk who learned contemplation, then made it work
for him, to being a teacher in India, to a teacher in Italy of Tibetan history,
to finally showing a small group of students how he became a contemplative,
to becoming disillusioned with his students, because of their lack of practice,
to finally getting donations from some wealthy beings, plus pouring his own
money into buying a cheap piece of property, where his students built a
place to meet. Time passed, more people joined, more funds were raised,
more property bought, buildings erected, followers settled on the lands,
more wealthy people donated, still Norbu's money was consumed in the
creation, till finally he selected a place to retire. Still he teaches the
same foundational methodsl I looked at a recent picture of him, he
appears content simple monk. So it goes!
Of course, GWV has a different path, as it appears to me, what GWV does
to achieve contemplation, is more straightforward than the Tibetan way.
However... if GWV really wants to put down some roots, a location will
need to be selected. Location, location, location! In my humble opinion,
GWV needs to think ahead 100 years, from now to then about a piece
of property. Of course, like owning anything in this dimension, the
business end will also have to be done. Ok.... now I said it! A business
plan will need to be created. Set up your board. Create committee.
Start saving money. Later... chiseling/laser etching GWV's core principles
in granite can be done.
Are we having fun yet?
Kimo
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Aloha to you Jeffrey,
Ok.... I agree the foundation needs to be a reality, its ridiculous to think a
being can swim when there's no water in the pool.
Also, I see now GWV wants to have what others have achieved.
Why not? Is the West, and the USA, going to go down in history as being so naive spiritually, that it only supported frauds? Will the USA not support one genuine mystic?
I watched
Norbu go from a simple monk who learned contemplation, then made it work
for him, to being a teacher in India, to a teacher in Italy of Tibetan history,
to finally showing a small group of students how he became a contemplative,
to becoming disillusioned with his students, because of their lack of practice,
to finally getting donations from some wealthy beings, plus pouring his own
money into buying a cheap piece of property, where his students built a
place to meet. Time passed, more people joined, more funds were raised,
more property bought, buildings erected, followers settled on the lands,
more wealthy people donated, still Norbu's money was consumed in the
creation, till finally he selected a place to retire. Still he teaches the
same foundational methodsl I looked at a recent picture of him, he
appears content simple monk. So it goes!
Sadly, so few are willing to commit themselves to the contemplative life, and those who do in the west have nothing but homelessness, demonizing.
Of course, GWV has a different path, as it appears to me, what GWV does
to achieve contemplation, is more straightforward than the Tibetan way.
However... if GWV really wants to put down some roots, a location will
need to be selected. Location, location, location! In my humble opinion,
GWV needs to think ahead 100 years, from now to then about a piece
of property.
Yes, I agree, those who like to think of themselves as part of the GWV need to think in terms of a future. Do we want it to disintegrate shortly after I am dead? If the GWV is completely ignored, or not funded, then that is what is going to happen. If the books do not get published, then the frauds win, again, and again, and again, lifetime after lifetime. And, if you think that burning witches is over, well, guess what? The frauds will be burning witches again, if no genuine mystics is supported and no genuine contemplative tradition is established.
Sure, locations is something we should consider. A city with a preexisting contemplative community would make sense, such as Sedona or Boulder, for an urban practice center.
There should also be a retreat center, and it should be located within a 2 hour drive of a major airport, such as Denver, or Phoenix. And, the retreat center should not be far from the urban practice center.
The retreat center should have some means of sustaining itself when there are insufficient donations to support it. It can make money by selling books, videos, and other practice aides that might be the product of future technologies.
The retreat and practice center should be able to sustain themselves in other ways, when there is a down turn in spiritualism, such as maintaining a sustainable energy technology, sell excess energy and/or training opportunities.
I have developed the ability to make fuel, and I have hundreds of gallons of fuel. In fact I just picked up another 100 gallons today. I think, if there was a network of GWV students and/or teachers, who traveled about teaching and inspiring people to lead a contemplative life, and such people drove diesel vehicles, then I would be very happy to provide them with fuel to help them along their way.
If we had a network of practice centers, where diesel fuel making was part of the sustainable lifestyle there, then fuel could be provided to our contemplative teachers, so that they can move from urban practice center to urban practice center.
I think of how monasteries around the world sustain themselves. Some have agricultural lands that they either cultivate and harvest, or lease to farmers. Others in Europe make cheese, beer and/or wine.
Of course, like owning anything in this dimension, the
business end will also have to be done. Ok.... now I said it! A business
plan will need to be created. Set up your board. Create committee.
Start saving money. Later... chiseling/laser etching GWV's core principles
in granite can be done.
Are we having fun yet?
Kimo
Years ago we started the process of writing a business plan and mission statement, and forming a board. However, unfortunately, the whole process was hijacked by a Zen Buddhist, so it never went anywhere. But, we can always start again. In fact I hope one day a group will form, who want to be a part of a genuine contemplative movement, instead of just one more road side attraction, a freak show, a magician fleecing the public, a fraud, a huckster, as so many religious movements are.
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Aloha to you Jeffrey,
Ok.... let's continue to expand initial thinking.
1- A secure position, ie, friendly established contemplative area.
Sedona is a good choice, close to Phoenix, close to your current position.
Why be close to your location? Let's be straight forward. GWV is your life's work.
The distillation of data to cleanly and clearly get to realization of existence,
in one lifetime, is what you offer to anyone who's interested.
The distillation of used cooking oil to fuel, is yet another process you've
spelled out, offered free, again to anyone who's interested.
So any physical grounding should try to accommodate you.
2- The money!
Initial startup, creating tax status, ie, non profit religious perhaps, donation
and cookie sales and so on, rely on answering the question; what's in it for me?
Anyone who puts their money where their mouth is, so to speak, wants
openly, or secretly, a return. This is human nature.
Obviously.... only a few, as you've stated, are seeing enough return to donate.
"Practice more ", you say! Sure, some do, most just try to fit it in, as life hammers
them with living. The majority want what you have, but they're going to feed
their children first. I know you understand!
Ok.... what does GWV have to offer to get interested beings to send GWV
their beer money? Since GWV doesn't use "fear", like the Catholics and others,
something unique to GWV needs to be shown.
Here's my proposal,
Jeffrey, you, Michael and others state they can at will go into the OBE state.
Within that state all manner of simulation and contact with the portals of
subconscious/ immaterial existence, exist.
So... those of you that can do it, need to do it, come together on whatever
dimensional level you can all agree on and put together an "astral retreat".
I don't like the work astral, too common place, but that's the idea.
An "astral retreat" will get the donations, but it must be real. Somehow
it must happen almost immediately to them.
Once they slip out of their bodies, stand there with you for real and return,
then they will seriously do the work of the first four Jhana's. Once they
know "for real" the payoff, it will be very easy to show them "why" they
need to achieve all four Jhana's, if for nothing else, it'll be so they can
function and protect themselves in the other dimensions.
I believe this will work. It will achieve what you wish.
Can you put together an astral retreat, first couple of times with those
mystics who have attained the level?
Of course.... this is just an idea of mine and I'm not trying to pin anyone
down. I've been out a few times, but I'm a complete novice and know
how hard it is to even attempt to maintain, It may be an idea before its
time, so wishful thinking and cookie sales on an internet blog works too.
Later,
Kimo
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Aloha to you Jeffrey,
Ok.... let's continue to expand initial thinking.
1- A secure position, ie, friendly established contemplative area.
Since people who have religious experiences during meditation retreats are still regularly booted out, and/or the meditation teachers today are clueless about the religious experience, then it would seem reasonable that those who have religious experiences would want to join forces to build the only retreat center on Earth where it is safe to have a religious experience. It also seems reasonable that those who have religious experiences would want to support a meditation teacher who supports them.
And, it seems reasonable that those who wish to experience religious experiences would want to help build the only retreat center on Earth where it is safe to have a religious experience. And, it also seems reasonable that those people would also want to support the only meditation teacher who supports people who have religious experiences; as well as support others who have religious experiences.
Sedona is a good choice, close to Phoenix, close to your current position.
Why be close to your location? Let's be straight forward. GWV is your life's work.
The distillation of data to cleanly and clearly get to realization of existence,
in one lifetime, is what you offer to anyone who's interested.
Well, as you said, location, location, location. Sedona happens to be a New Age hot spot, and it is less than 2 hours drive from Phoenix, which is a hub airport, and there is an airport shuttle that travels regularly between Sedona and Phoenix. However, I am mobile, so if someone had land to offer for the purposes of supporting the goals of the GWV, then I can certainly move.
The distillation of used cooking oil to fuel, is yet another process you've
spelled out, offered free, again to anyone who's interested.
So any physical grounding should try to accommodate you.
2- The money!
Initial startup, creating tax status, ie, non profit religious perhaps, donation
and cookie sales and so on,
Yes, the GWV should be setup as a 501c3, so that people can get a tax deduction when they make a donation. Doing so requires a board and a mission statement, and some money to set it up, and pay off the government.
rely on answering the question; what's in it for me?
Anyone who puts their money where their mouth is, so to speak, wants
openly, or secretly, a return. This is human nature.
Obviously.... only a few, as you've stated, are seeing enough return to donate.
Well, I have poured every dollar and hour I have had available into the GWV for the last 13 years, but I do not ask, "What is in it for me?" In fact I fully expect to be completely ignored until after I am dead, then maybe a few people might come together to form a group of some kind. It will be too late by then, unless at least one of them completed the enlightenment process.
Otherwise my points above should be enough motivation to build the only retreat center on the planet where people are free to have a genuine religious experience without being marginalized for it.
"Practice more ", you say! Sure, some do, most just try to fit it in, as life hammers
them with living. The majority want what you have, but they're going to feed
their children first. I know you understand!
I had children whom I sheltered, fed, clothed, educated, provided medicine, as well as spiritual instruction to. The problem with people is they are lazy, stupid and addicted, and will not discipline themselves even a little, nor will they support an enlightened person or a enlightened religious movement.
Ok.... what does GWV have to offer to get interested beings to send GWV
their beer money? Since GWV doesn't use "fear", like the Catholics and others,
something unique to GWV needs to be shown.
Here's my proposal,
Jeffrey, you, Michael and others state they can at will go into the OBE state.
Within that state all manner of simulation and contact with the portals of
subconscious/ immaterial existence, exist.
So... those of you that can do it, need to do it, come together on whatever
dimensional level you can all agree on and put together an "astral retreat".
I don't like the work astral, too common place, but that's the idea.
An "astral retreat" will get the donations, but it must be real. Somehow
it must happen almost immediately to them.
Once they slip out of their bodies, stand there with you for real and return,
then they will seriously do the work of the first four Jhana's. Once they
know "for real" the payoff, it will be very easy to show them "why" they
need to achieve all four Jhana's, if for nothing else, it'll be so they can
function and protect themselves in the other dimensions.
I believe this will work. It will achieve what you wish.
Can you put together an astral retreat, first couple of times with those
mystics who have attained the level?
Of course.... this is just an idea of mine and I'm not trying to pin anyone
down. I've been out a few times, but I'm a complete novice and know
how hard it is to even attempt to maintain, It may be an idea before its
time, so wishful thinking and cookie sales on an internet blog works too.
Later,
Kimo
For me, every night is an "astral retreat," all night long. I meet with people all of the time on the immaterial domains. Sometimes they will let me take them flying, etc. But, in their world view I am Jesus Christ, or the Buddha, or Krishna, or a shaman, or just some obscure master, which I am, etc.
However, most people are terrified if I break out of the role that they project me into. So, most of the time I am just one of the many actors in someone's dream content, and maybe they will allow just the tiniest little bit of wisdom to come through. They still may have no idea who I am, because the immaterial domains are not at all like the materiel domains. There I look like what people want me to look like, and that is most probably not this old, bald, warn-out beast in rags, with a bad back, hobbling along with a walking stick. People want a hero, so maybe they see Super Man when I am in their dream.
So, even if people allow me to take them flying across the galaxy or to different planes of existence, do you want me to offer a free joy-ride to the moon for anyone who donates $10,000 to the GWV?
Or, do you want me just to drag people out of their dream, on a joy ride, then give them my card, and say, "If you like that, then donate to the GWV, and I will give you an even better ride."
The problem is, most people are not lucid in their sleep state, so when I do take people for an astral ride, they probably do not even remember it.
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Hi Jeffrey,
Actually.... what I had in mind is you,Michael and/or whomever, will
demonstrate the OBE state to interested beings.
Personally I left my body while I was awake. I 'felt' my awareness
slip up and away from my body. Similar to pulling your hand out
of a glove. I "looked" at my body from outside and the immediate
surrounding environment I could see too. It is what I thought was
the OBE state. Later, I've had near lucid dreams that became OBE"s.
It is what I'm working on now. Recreating the ability of leaving my
body at will, when I want, or not want. Dream states are harder
for me to function in, but I'm learning, slowly.
So.... what I propose is you, or someone you feel is qualified, go
into a meditative state, if that is what is needed, then help the
person, or persons, out of their bodies.
Personally, I would recommend limiting their flying and apply
whatever ground rules you advise, until they get settled in
this old, but new to their relative awareness, state.
On the donation part, I would recommend it be on a voluntary
basis. I agree later a tax status as you suggest is wise.
Of course it would seem that beings would be willing to bring
GWV into a concrete retreat center, just because of its value,
however I don't expect anything from anyone, so I'm rarely
disappointed, except when beings I interact with attempt to
run a personal agenda on me.
Ok.... ideas are clearing some. Perhaps this is something ahead
of its time. Personally I believe its going to be part of human
evolution. I'm crossing my fingers we humans don't destroy
this world before we can evolve.
These are just ideas, perhaps too far fetched/fantasy/scifi for
what GWV is looking for. I have a tendency towards being a
capitalistic pig as well, so I hope I haven't offended any of the
other cybermonks on this blog. So it goes.
Party on,
Kimo
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Hi Jeffrey,
Actually.... what I had in mind is you,Michael and/or whomever, will
demonstrate the OBE state to interested beings.
You have been supportive in many ways, but just how many back-flips does everyone wants us to do? When people meditate with us they generally report meditating deeper. Both of Michael and I consistently meditate deeply, and meditate every day. If people want to, they can meditate with one of us every day. If they did, they would be able to do more than just OOBEs. Or, do you just want us to meditate for you?
Personally I left my body while I was awake. I 'felt' my awareness
slip up and away from my body. Similar to pulling your hand out
of a glove. I "looked" at my body from outside and the immediate
surrounding environment I could see too. It is what I thought was
the OBE state. Later, I've had near lucid dreams that became OBE"s.
It is what I'm working on now. Recreating the ability of leaving my
body at will, when I want, or not want. Dream states are harder
for me to function in, but I'm learning, slowly.
I have forgotten, so please remind me. Just how often do you practice meditation? How long is each session? What do you do when you meditate? And, what do you experience typically when you meditate?
So.... what I propose is you, or someone you feel is qualified, go
into a meditative state, if that is what is needed, then help the
person, or persons, out of their bodies.
Personally, I would recommend limiting their flying and apply
whatever ground rules you advise, until they get settled in
this old, but new to their relative awareness, state.
Taking people out-of-body before they are ready can be deeply traumatic. When someone is ready to go out-of-body, then they will. Before then, it is honing the lifestyle so that one can meditate deeply.
On the donation part, I would recommend it be on a voluntary
basis.
It is my understanding that the term 'donation' means "voluntary contribution." I cannot imagine tithing.
I agree later a tax status as you suggest is wise.
Of course it would seem that beings would be willing to bring
GWV into a concrete retreat center, just because of its value,
however I don't expect anything from anyone, so I'm rarely
disappointed, except when beings I interact with attempt to
run a personal agenda on me.
Ok.... ideas are clearing some. Perhaps this is something ahead
of its time. Personally I believe its going to be part of human
evolution. I'm crossing my fingers we humans don't destroy
this world before we can evolve.
The evidence strongly suggests humans have been devolving since the Pleistocene.
These are just ideas, perhaps too far fetched/fantasy/scifi for
what GWV is looking for. I have a tendency towards being a
capitalistic pig as well, so I hope I haven't offended any of the
other cybermonks on this blog. So it goes.
Party on,
Kimo
I forgot to mention other valuable contributions that the GWV has made:
1) We have demonstrated that all of the Pali-to-English dictionaries are deeply flawed. Thus, if the GWV had more funding then we could work full-time upon an improved Pali-to-English dictionary
2) We have demonstrated that all of the translation of the Pali Canon are deeply flawed. Thus, if the GWV had more funding then we could work full-time upon an improved translation of the Pali Canon.
3) We have demonstrated that all of the translation of the Yoga Sutras are deeply flawed. Thus, if the GWV had more funding then we could work full-time upon an improved translation of the Yoga Sutras.
4) We have demonstrated that all of the translation of the Bible are deeply flawed. Thus, if the GWV had more funding then we could work full-time upon an improved translation of the Bible.
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Hi Jeffrey,
Ok... not what GWV wants! Works for me!!! I'm in agreement with you on
just doing the practice and reaping what rewards come along.
The stress of attempting to create a GWV retreat center is too much
for me. Unlike a few advanced contemplatives, who know the way, I
still obviously don't, so its practice, practice, practice for me.
What do I do for my meditation? I just stretch out, then sit, or lie
comfortably. I usually touch the tip of my tongue to the roof of my
mouth to focus my self on the middle of my head, let my mind clear,
then my heart/passions, then the physical body. Sometimes I get
stillness in one, sometimes all three. Somewhere along the way
I just exist. Then a few things will happen, one is I loose the
environment. Sometimes I'm in space, stars everywhere. Sometimes
I get a feeling of motion, an inward move of my vision with a
odd viewpoint, where I see two holes that I was seeing out of,
moving away from me. Generally when I get this phenomena, I'll
turn my focus toward where I'm going and I'll see points of light,
some far, some close. If I can keep my heart/passions in check,
I can move toward one of the lights. Only once in many years have
I been able to get really close and the point of light turns into a
portal, where I can see something going on within, or maybe
on the other side of that portal. I lost it from fear and I'm back
looking through my regular eyes. I don't know what's beyond
through those portals, my stillness training is just novice.
These practices usually last about an hour, then the stillness
of my body will shatter. I'm sixty six years old and all the
fun I've had in my life, is coming back to haunt me. Sounds
like you, Jeffrey, have an older body as well.
I usually meditate two time a day. One about four am, another
about eleven pm. During the day I try to keep my tongue tip in
place as it works as a meditation object, along with my breathing.
Its not like a practice, it just seems to keep me high. I don't get
a lot of so called "bliss" when I practice, usually just at one point
as i move to stillness. Its really just a little good feeling, where
nothing hurts, peaceful.
Well.... that's what I do when I "meditate". Nothing fancy. I
do want to develop a form to use in the non material, but
I don't really need it, its just would be fun to materialize
as my favorite, a red dragon. Silly, but its odd that that form
is always just inside on my imagination screens. Ha.
Later,
Kimo
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Hi Jeffrey,
Ok... not what GWV wants! Works for me!!! I'm in agreement with you on
just doing the practice and reaping what rewards come along.
There is no drive-thru enlightenment, no salvation based upon only a belief system, or a point of view, or a simple technique, or millions of mantra repetitions.. Enlightenment is the product of leading an enlightened lifestyle.
The stress of attempting to create a GWV retreat center is too much
for me.
A retreat center is meant to be a place where one can learn to lead an enlightened lifestyle, which is a stress-free lifestyle, while engaging in a rigorous contemplative life. I found it very useful attending 1 10-day mediation retreat every year, when I was a householder.
Unlike a few advanced contemplatives, who know the way, I
still obviously don't, so its practice, practice, practice for me.
Where is one likely to meet a few advanced contemplatives, and to learn from them? At a retreat center run by an enlightened teacher.
What do I do for my meditation? I just stretch out, then sit, or lie
comfortably. I usually touch the tip of my tongue to the roof of my
mouth to focus my self on the middle of my head, let my mind clear,
If you can clear your mind, then this is the second jhana, it is the door way to much more.
then my heart/passions, then the physical body.
Stilling the mind requires relaxing the body and stilling the passions, so if you are doing that, then you are most probably getting at least to the second jhana.
Sometimes I get
stillness in one, sometimes all three. Somewhere along the way
I just exist.
This sounds like a non-dual experience. When the mind, body and passions are stilled most people report a non-dual experience. This is what I would call the second jhana, or the second stage of the religious experience. The key here is to endeavor to attain this every day in one's meditation practice, then to learn to bring it with you throughout the day.
Then a few things will happen, one is I loose the
environment.
I am not sure what you mean here. It could just be spacing out, which is not a religious experience. Or, it could be the attainment of the 3rd stage of the religious experience.
Sometimes I'm in space, stars everywhere. Sometimes
I get a feeling of motion, an inward move of my vision with a
odd viewpoint, where I see two holes that I was seeing out of,
moving away from me. Generally when I get this phenomena, I'll
turn my focus toward where I'm going and I'll see points of light,
some far, some close. If I can keep my heart/passions in check,
I can move toward one of the lights. Only once in many years have
I been able to get really close and the point of light turns into a
portal, where I can see something going on within, or maybe
on the other side of that portal. I lost it from fear and I'm back
looking through my regular eyes. I don't know what's beyond
through those portals,
This could be an OOBE, if you are completely unaware of your body and its environment, and the experience is hyper-real. Or, it could be just a fantasy.
my stillness training is just novice.
Well, that is what leading a rigorous, self-aware contemplative life is about, so that you can have these experiences every day, not just a few times in a lifetime.
These practices usually last about an hour, then the stillness
of my body will shatter.
Well, an hour long meditation session is a good practice if it is daily, and maybe a few times a day, but when the religious experience arises, then we no longer call it practice (magga). We call it attainment (phala).
I'm sixty six years old and all the
fun I've had in my life, is coming back to haunt me. Sounds
like you, Jeffrey, have an older body as well.
Yes, I will be 60 on Tuesday. Life is hard for a demonized mystic, so the body wears out sooner for those who either play hard or work hard, or give everything to teach meditation to the few who are willing to learn to do it properly.
I usually meditate two time a day. One about four am, another
about eleven pm. During the day I try to keep my tongue tip in
place as it works as a meditation object, along with my breathing.
Its not like a practice,
Well, it sounds like a pretty good practice regimen.
it just seems to keep me high. I don't get
a lot of so called "bliss" when I practice, usually just at one point
as i move to stillness. Its really just a little good feeling, where
nothing hurts, peaceful.
Well, that good feeling of being "high" is bliss.
Well.... that's what I do when I "meditate". Nothing fancy. I
do want to develop a form to use in the non material, but
I don't really need it, its just would be fun to materialize
as my favorite, a red dragon. Silly, but its odd that that form
is always just inside on my imagination screens. Ha.
Later,
Kimo
Well, one does not need a form in the immaterial, that is why it is immaterial, because it is formless (arupa).
It sounds like your practice strategy is pretty good. If you are interested in cultivating the immaterial attainments, then every night that you lay the body down should be all meditation, such as you described above.
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I thought I would split the guide stones thread at where we spending more time discussing how to support the GWV, than the value of building a GWV monument, such as guide stones and/or a time capsule containing the GWV archives.
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The thing that the GWV needs the most is support from a number of people. Yes, we need money to build an infrastructure, and arguing that money leads to corruption does not help. As we have already shown, the corrupt gurus were corrupt from the beginning and were never enlightened.
However, money is not the only way to show support. Simply posting here case histories, meditation experiences, and retreat experiences that show anyone can lead a fruitful contemplative life, will go farther to supporting the premises of the GWV than millions of dollars. And, if we could show that the GWV's model of following a rigorous, ethical, discipline, self-aware contemplative life leads to fruitful attainment for a large number of people, then the money to build an infrastructure will appear.
However, if few people simple standup in support of this premise, then no infrastructure will ever be built, so no future mystics will be assured to arise, and the fraudulent and pretentious priesthoods of the world will go on bilking the naive, backed up only by fairy tales.
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The annual webserver hosting for the Fruit of the Contemplative Life forum and the GWV website is due. Please consider making a donation today to support the services of the GWV.
You can make a donation easily via this paypal link: https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=11bUgAc9yPIlV0s2O9onPnLTTjoXY6MlV8JXnwsm2mgVcJbmkUxRCep1b1G&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d4fe1dd75ca3bd4f11d72275b28239088
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People are like crows. Chasing shiny trinkets. Forever hanging around looking for the next best thing.
I suggest we play that theme. Give the GWV and the forum a new face lift. Better ways of integrating with people on the move like mobile apps we can sell or give away.
Transforming the YouTube videos and yes this takes work. We need to create a paradigm that will be taken seriously. I have looked at some of the gurus at how they create their illusions and it works. We on the other hand create the same but with fruit.
Technology is my trade but meditation is my business. Yes all this will take work and yes it might not pay off we know. Are we not mystics? Lets give them the show.
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Dear Jhanananda,
I have tried to use the Paypal link but the link you provided does not seem to work.
-bodhimind
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Jeff post the email account name of your paypal
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People are like crows. Chasing shiny trinkets. Forever hanging around looking for the next best thing.
I suggest we play that theme. Give the GWV and the forum a new face lift. Better ways of integrating with people on the move like mobile apps we can sell or give away.
Transforming the YouTube videos and yes this takes work. We need to create a paradigm that will be taken seriously. I have looked at some of the gurus at how they create their illusions and it works. We on the other hand create the same but with fruit.
Technology is my trade but meditation is my business. Yes all this will take work and yes it might not pay off we know. Are we not mystics? Lets give them the show.
Sounds good to me. The GWV website, YouTube channel, and forums reflect the work of just one person, so others working to improve the GWV would most appreciated.
Dear Jhanananda,
I have tried to use the Paypal link but the link you provided does not seem to work.
-bodhimind
Thanks, bodhimind and Alexander for letting me know that the link did not work. Below is the email account that is linked to the PayPal account.
jhananda@greatwesternvehicle.org
This is the link that I have posted on the website:
https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=GjrCes2lRvxnnTQzbG7grmXpl636xYp_EoWJJ9IquJuRAIGeqUqugT2ovSe&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d4fe1dd75ca3bd4f11d72275b28239088
Perhaps this does not work universally?
Thank-you for the donations that are starting to come in.
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The link for donations is session based and will not work if pasted into the forum. So you need to go to http://www.greatwesternvehicle.org/ (http://www.greatwesternvehicle.org/) and click the donate button.
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Sounds good to me. The GWV website, YouTube channel, and forums reflect the work of just one person, so others working to improve the GWV would most appreciated.
Time to shop for a new dress.
I will host any pre-releases on my server which I will make available to Jhanananda privately. Jhanananda can then distribute the link to all mediators. Don't expect anything soon but, its in the pipeline.
The first project is http://www.greatwesternvehicle.org/ (http://www.greatwesternvehicle.org/) So lets focus on that.
Anyone interested in the look and feel department can post their suggestions or links to sites that they find to express the vision. There is no limitation to what we can do so go all out.
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Are the donations so far adequate?? If not I can try to dig up more from my student budget :) i wouldn't want this site to close down.
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The link for donations is session based and will not work if pasted into the forum. So you need to go to http://www.greatwesternvehicle.org/ (http://www.greatwesternvehicle.org/) and click the donate button.
Thanks, I did not know that.
Sounds good to me. The GWV website, YouTube channel, and forums reflect the work of just one person, so others working to improve the GWV would most appreciated.
Time to shop for a new dress.
I will host any pre-releases on my server which I will make available to Jhanananda privately. Jhanananda can then distribute the link to all mediators. Don't expect anything soon but, its in the pipeline.
The first project is http://www.greatwesternvehicle.org/ (http://www.greatwesternvehicle.org/) So lets focus on that.
Anyone interested in the look and feel department can post their suggestions or links to sites that they find to express the vision. There is no limitation to what we can do so go all out.
Sounds good.
Are the donations so far adequate?? If not I can try to dig up more from my student budget :) i wouldn't want this site to close down.
The due date for hosting is Saturday, October 15, 2016. The hosting bill is about $200. The domains renew December 1st. We have just received the full amount for renewal. So, we are now good to go for another year.
Thank-you everyone for making this project a success.
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My computer has been down for 2 days and I am not sure how long it will keep running, so I just wanted to tell everyone that , if you do not hear from me for a while, then as long as donations continue to come into the GWV, then the web hosting will be paid automatically via PayPal.
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The annual web hoasting service for this forum and the GWV website is due by the end of September. Donations to the GWV would help pay for continued web services. click the link to donate to the GWV (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=wREQKkaGCiSfvEUi9A_mgRQhn0jmPrbD30eE96GuAayw1MQ5V2D8Wx3gHcuX5yixq2bsDG&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
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We have almost reached our support goal for this forum. We only need $50 more to pay for its web-hosting.
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This and other domains that are used for the GWV are up for renewal. Anyone who is interested in helping fund this work could donate to the GWV (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=yZgk4N7PfQkUlrs8ILpDm8-Ze6K7j6GLW9CVjaB4Kz5o2w6WlN30a5HSzHExGcQ_STuH00&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
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Dear Jhanananda, the paypal link does not seem to work.
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Thanks, for letting me know. See if this link works for you, donate to the GWV (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=yZgk4N7PfQkUlrs8ILpDm8-Ze6K7j6GLW9CVjaB4Kz5o2w6WlN30a5HSzHExGcQ_STuH00&country.x=US&locale.x=US)
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It says: "Your session is invalid or expired." I have refreshed the page many times but to no avail. Is there a different way to generate a link, perhaps?
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Thanks to the generosity of those who value this work, the domains and hosting have now been payed for the next year.
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It is the time of year when the web resources of the GWV are up for renewal. The cost of annual renewal is about $300. Paypal has developed a system that they call a "money pool (http://paypal.me/pools/c/87IrxmJn7f)." If you are interested in supporting the GWV, then please click the link above.
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Thank-you to everyone who sent a donation to the money pool. The donations payed for another year of internet service; however, the domains are due in a month, and there is not enough money in the account at this time to cover them.
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It is that time of year when the web resources of the GWV are up for renewal. The cost of annual renewal is about $400. Paypal has developed a system that they call a "money pool (http://paypal.me/pools/c/87IrxmJn7f)." Last year's money pool brought in $380. If you are interested in supporting the GWV, then please click the link above to make your donation.
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I just discovered that I cannot recycle last year's PayPal money pool with technical difficulties, so, after receiving $150 in donations, I then found I had to end it, and start a new money pool. The new money pool (https://paypal.me/pools/c/8ilLaLeA19) is at the link. We still have about $200 to go to reach our goal of keeping this forum and its associated website on line for another year.
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All done. Thank you for all the work as always.
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All done. Thank you for all the work as always.
Thank-you, to bodhimind, and the others whose contributions have kept this forum alive for one more year.
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Very generous, bodhimind. :)
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Thank you so much bodhimind, I know we all appreciate and needed your assistance. I dont know who or if anyone else chipped in, but thank you also.
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GWV gave me a refuge for this life, and I am eternally grateful for an opportunity to give back.
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Thank-you, everyone who donated, for keeping this forum and website going. Unfortunately, PayPal created an insane catch-22 that made it impossible to pay for the website and domains without a completely insane number of insurmountable obstacles. So, I plan to look into some other method for supporting this forum after my death. Let us discuss those methods.
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Hello Jeff,
I think you should put together whatever you want saved for when you leave the physical. That way we can find a place to host it long term and say "this is what Jeff wanted to keep for posterity."
The forum here is also quite expensive to pay for each year. I was thinking a private subreddit as a future possibility, or a site that doesn't require a maintenance fee.
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Thank-you, Alexander, for expressing your ideas. When I originally moved the forum and website to its present host I shopped around for the best deal, while hoping to find a reliable and stable platform. More work could be done on this.
More importantly it has been my goal all along to establish the GWV as a 501c3, which requires forming a board, and composing a mission statement and set of bylaws. So, it is my goal that we will begin this process of doing this as soon as possible. Once the GWV has a board, then we would open a bank account for the GWV, where donations accumulate, which are managed by the board with the specific intention of maintaining the longevity of the GWV.
We could start right now by taking names of people who are interested in service to the GWV as a board member. Please respond in either private, or public here if you wish to be considered a member of the board of the GWV.
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Hello Jeff,
We can create this if you wish. Who knows - it is possible there could someday be Western Vehicle retreat centers! One never knows what fate has planned. I also don't see any issue with this if it's used to process the donations used to keep the sites online. My only reservation is, of course, this is the first step toward institutional religion! Next we will start wearing robes and listing our dogmas. :) So, it is just important that the core purpose remains, as a forum for mysticism, philosophy, and religion.
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Thank-you, Alexander, for your kind support for a vehicle of support for the rigorous, fruitful contemplative, which the GWV aspires to be, In the last few years at least 3 of our most senior members have died, and I almost died 2 years ago. I am old now, and quite frail, so you all should not expect me to be here much longer.
Therefore, younger dedicated contemplatives, such as yourself, need to take over, if a dialog that supports rigorous, fruitful contemplatives is going to nurture generation after generation.
Yes, Alexander, there is always the concern that a dogmatic and hypocritical priesthood will one day take over the GWV. In fact it has done so in every religion that does not support the rigorous, fruitful contemplative. And, sadly, while there is clear evidence that most religions were started by rigorous, fruitful contemplatives; however, it is clear that most religions today have declined into a dogmatic and hypocritical priesthood. Therefore, keeping the GWV alive requires every generation to do the personal work to develop and maintain a dedicated, self-aware, fruitful, contemplative life, while supporting a community of such contemplatives.
So, I look forward to a community of dedicated, self-aware, fruitful, contemplatives working together here to further this work generation after generation.
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Hello everyone, it is coming time for renewal of the web resources of the GWV, which includes this forum. While setting up the request for support I found that I had not removed the forum heading requesting support for last years web renewal cycle. Anyway, the web resources for this forum and the GWV website will renew the first of October, and November. So, if you appreciate this forum and the GWV website, then please make a contribution to help support us.
Best regards, Jhananda
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Jeff you need to create a new pool, or let the pool not expire. The previous year's you can access by clicking the V at the top of the page.
Are there any ways to bring costs down? 500 a year is pretty steep. Perhaps we could move to a different forum type, or the like.
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Thanks, Alexander, for letting me know about the need to make another money pool. I should have checked it, but I was on limited time, needing to head to Flagstaff, where I am now.
I would like to reduce the expenses of the GWV web resourses. I have not shopped for better prices, but changing the web host regularly can cause problems.
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Thank you to everyone who contributed to sustaining the Great Western Vehicle, its website and forum. The web resources of the GWV are now payed in full for another year.
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Hello everyone, it is coming time for renewal of the web resources of the GWV, which includes this forum. The web resources for this forum and the GWV website will renew the first of October, and November. So, if you appreciate this forum and the GWV website, then please make a contribution to help support us. PayPal is discontinuing the money pool idea, and started another program for donatig to causes you value, so click Donate to the GWV (https://paypal.me/greatwesternvehicle?locale.x=en_US).
Best regards, Jhananda
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Thank you to those who have contributed to supporting the web resources of the Great Western Vehicle. Support is already coming in, so we are on target for funding the web hosting for the GWV.
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Thank you to those who have contributed to supporting the web resources of the Great Western Vehicle. Donations are coninuing to come in. We are now only $40 from our October target.
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Hello everyone, it is coming time for renewal of the web resources of the GWV, which includes this forum. The web resources for this forum and the GWV website will renew the first of October, and November. So, if you appreciate this forum and the GWV website, then please make a contribution to help support us. PayPal has discontinued the money pool idea, and started another program for donatig to causes you value, so click Donate to the GWV (https://paypal.me/greatwesternvehicle?locale.x=en_US).
I'm leaving tomorrow morning for the wildlife and old growth forest preserve tomorrow morning. I'll do what I can to keep in touch with this forum, but it is difficult doing so with just a smart phone. I hope to acquire starlink soon so I can keep in touch here.
Best regards, Jhananda
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Hello everyone, it is yet again time for renewal of the web resources of the GWV, which includes this forum. The web resources for this forum and the GWV website will renew the first of October, and November. So, if you appreciate this forum and the GWV website, then please make a contribution to help support us. PayPal has discontinued the money pool idea, and started another program for donating to causes you value, so click Donate to the GWV (https://paypal.me/greatwesternvehicle?locale.x=en_US).
Best regards, Jhananda
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Hello everyone, it is yet again time for renewal of the web resources of the GWV, which includes this forum. The web resources for this forum and the GWV website will renew the first of October, and November. We are also doing extensive research into respiratory illnesses and developing methods of treatment. So, if you appreciate this forum and the GWV website, then please make a contribution to help support us, so click to Donate to the GWV (https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/97BUX5lfnZ).
Best regards, Jhananda