Installing Love

[dharma]

<U>Tech Support</U>: Yes Ma'am... how can I help you?

<U>Customer</U>: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install Love. Can you guide me though the process?

<U>Tech Support</U>: Yes. I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?

<U>Customer</U>: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?

<U>Tech Support</U>: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart ma'am?

<U>Customer</U>: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are running?

<U>Tech Support</U>: What programs are running ma'am?

<U>Customer</U>: Let's see, I have Past/Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge and Resentment running right now.

<U>Tech Support</U>: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past/Hurt from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory, but it will no longer disrupt other programs. Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of it's own called High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from being properly installed. Can you turn those off ma'am?

<U>Customer</U>: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

<U>Tech Support</U>: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness. Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have completely erased.

<U>Customer</U>: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that normal?

<U>Tech Support</U>: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.

<U>Customer</U>: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error - Program not run on external components." What should I do?

<U>Tech Support</U>: Don't worry ma'am. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart. In non-technical terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you can Love others.

<U>Customer</U>: So, what should I do?

<U>Tech Support</U>: Can you pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files: Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations.

<U>Customer</U>: Okay, done.

<U>Tech Support</U>: Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming. Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.

<U>Customer</U>: Got it. Hey!!! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart. Is this normal?

<U>Tech Support</U>: Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventually everything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running. One more thing before we hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to everyone you meet. They will in turn share it with others and return some cool modules back to you.

<CENTER>http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/heart.gif

<CENTER>.....</CENTER>

<FONT COLOR="0000ff">If there is light in the soul,</FONT>
<FONT COLOR="ff0000">There will be beauty in the person,</FONT>
<FONT COLOR="119911">If there is beauty in the person,</FONT>
<FONT COLOR="aa00aa">There will be harmony in the house.</FONT>
<FONT COLOR="ff0000">If there is harmony in the house,</FONT>
<FONT COLOR="119911">There will be order in the nation.</FONT>
<FONT COLOR="0000ff">If there is order in the nation,</FONT>
<FONT COLOR="ff6000">There will be peace in the world.</FONT></CENTER>

[lenardthefast]

HI Dharma,

I really, really, REALLY, I mean like R-E-A-L-L-Y LOVE this post. really

Namaste,
Leonardhttp://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/hex04.gif

[dharma]

Really? http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif

[lenardthefast]

Hi Dharma,

EXACTAMUNDO! I was so obtuse, I thought you might not get the message.

Namaste,
Leonard http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/bounce.gif

[heylise]

http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/hex55.gifhttp://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/heart.gifhttp://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/hex22.gif

Absolutely GREAT!!!!!

LiSe

[val]

Dharma....

I received this in email shortly after I moved here two and a half years ago from a very spiritual friend in Maryland. It didn't impact me then like it impacted me just now reading it here. But there's a reason for that. It's like Shelley said in another thread...
<BLOCKQUOTE>"It's a wonderful feeling isn't it, when something that you understand intellectually starts to feel True."</BLOCKQUOTE>
Love starts with the self... and, thanks to the force that works through the Yi, my dreams and this forum, I understand that experientially now...not just intellectually. Feeling self-acceptance, self-forgiveness, self-acknowledgement and self-worth... as opposed to just intellectualizing them... has opened my heart to the universe and the love that thrives and flourishes there... errr here... and LOVE is a good thing. *grin*

Dharma...


Thank you... I love you thiiiissss much...

<CENTER>http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1542.jpg
Sculpture by Angela Hunter
http://www.angelahunter.co.uk/ (http://www.angelahunter.co.uk)</CENTER>


Val

[sparhawk]

Beautiful indeed! Thanks for sharing,

Luis

[shelley]

Hi Dharma

Thanks for posting this. It's lovely, isn't it? I've seen it a couple of times but it was good to be reminded of it.

Hi Val

I'm so happy for you! I know just how that feels - GOOD <FONT SIZE="+1">GOOD</FONT> <FONT SIZE="+2">GOOD!!!</FONT>

Hugs to you both http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/hug.gif http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/hug.gif

Love,

Shelley

[dharma]

<CENTER>http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/hug.gifLeonard,http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/hug.gif LiSe,http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/hug.gifVal,http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/hug.gifLuis,http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/hug.gifShelley,http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/hug.gif</CENTER>

<CENTER>As Val said, Love is a <FONT SIZE="+2">good</FONT> thing. It's also freeware, and as promised, others have returned to shared some pretty cool modules with me.</CENTER>
<CENTER>http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/heart.gif</CENTER>
<CENTER>"a friend is one who knows who you are,
understands where you have been,
accepts who you've become,
and still gently invites you to grow."

it's nice to know that there are some people I can always count on
http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif</CENTER>

[arien]

This thread is so sweet Im getting sick

Actually Ive been willing to ask all you guys' opinion on this:

Is love wrong?

I mean, isnt love just craving and self-emprisionment?

And dont you dare to tell me there is pure love, like compassion and all that crap, I mean really really sexual love, the kind thats fun anyway

Was the Buddha ever in love? could he have been and still be(come) the Buddha?

[tashij]

well the buddha did have a wife and he did love her. she loved him too. but then the buddha saw the sick person, the dying person, and he was so struck by suffering. and he saw the ascetic person, and saw what he had to do. so he had to leave his wife and child who he loved.

his wife, when she saw him, years later, attained enlightenment just by seeing him, all haggard from teaching for years,and she could do this because she loved him,. so yes, love can do something other than self imprison.

[dharma]

Is love wrong?

only if you think it is

I mean, isnt love just craving and self-emprisionment?

only if it eludes you

And dont you dare to tell me there is pure love, like compassion and all that crap, I mean really really sexual love, the kind thats fun anyway

dividing your understanding of what love is into different camps of experience doesn't change its underlying essence. it is humanity's reunifying glue; its means of becoming whole/One again. through love we recognize our holiness and can merge

Was the Buddha ever in love? could he have been and still be(come) the Buddha?

love that is not grasping, is centered and at peace. The Buddha would have had to know love to attain enlightenment

[sparhawk]

Now Dharma,

See what you did to Arien. You must be more considerate to others when wielding the love sword around... http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif


http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1549.gif


L

[dharma]

i have a birthday coming up
http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1550.gif
i reckon Arien won't be wanting a slice

[frandoch]

Dharma - Happy Birthday - everyday.

Love is just giving - no demands, no expectations - even sexually - perhaps especially sexually. LOL.

Michael F.

[sparhawk]

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

Love is just giving - no demands, no expectations - even sexually - perhaps especially sexually. LOL.<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

What? No size concerns? Well, excuse me! http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif


L


PS: I apologize. Must be all the spam I get day in and day out about enlarging my... (brain, perhaps?) If I could add a nanometer per message whooho! I would be a circus freak...

[lenardthefast]

From One Aquarian to another,


HAPPY BIRTHDAY

http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/heart.gif

DHARMA


I'll have a slice of that cake, with lots of vanilla ice cream slathered on top, please.

Nanaste,
Leonard

[hilary]

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you...
http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/cello.gif

Cake, please, with icing!

(And virtual ginger for Arien.)

[arien]

Tashij :"well the buddha did have a wife and he did love her.", yea, but before he understood..
"so he had to leave his wife and child who he loved", hum, yes, I see, that was he's (I'm sure, painful) loss, but that seems to concurr with the though: no you can't (shan't) have love
"his wife, when she saw him, years later, attained enlightenment just by seeing him, all haggard from teaching for years,and she could do this because she loved him,. so yes, love can do something other than self imprison"
yea, still, that is not the love Im talkin about, I just meant other than "divine" love, which for me at least is the type that mayaffect me most in this life

[arien]

Dharma,
"only if you think it is"?
"only if it eludes you"?

oh c'mon, I wanted a serious answer http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif is that how you get rid of all the salesperson then ring at your door? (in any case, you got skills)

[arien]

All you jolly party bunch, can I have a piece o'that cake already????!!! http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/wink.gif
And a bit of champagne for god'sake (brut, of course)

[dharma]

Arien,
what more do you want? if you think it's wrong then for you it's wrong. and if it's wrong, it eludes you. all you're left with then are the cravings that you struggle to rid yourself of. and all because you don't trust love in the first place ...cause you think it's wrong.

when you're ready, i'll give you a hug, too http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif

[dharma]

plenty of cake for everyone!!!

thanks for the birthday wishes! http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/smooch.gif

[sparhawk]

Dharma, is it really your birthday today (Happy Birthday!! http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1551.gif just in case).

If so, you have a most significant birthday date. Today is the day of Yemanja (Iemanja, and some other name variations). The mother of all Yoruba Gods, Queen of the Seas.

L

[shelley]

Happy birthday Dharma!

Better get the teapot out to go with that cake...

http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1552.gif

I'll share my cake with you in a few weeks.

Love &amp; hugs,

Shelley

[shelley]

For you Dharma...

http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1553.gif

Love,

Shelley

[cheiron]

Good to see you back

Big smiles

http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1554.gif

--Kevin

[bradford_h]

Hi Dharma-
Happy birthday.

This Installing Love Program's been around. It was first shown to me a couple of years ago by a young medicine man down in Brasil. I was thankful it worked for us Mac people too. Here's the version em Portugues.

INSTALANDO O PROGRAMA AMOR !!!
Num departamento de "Atendimento ao Cliente"....
Atendente: Boa tarde Senhora. Em que posso ser ?til ?
Cliente: Comprei o seu programa AMOR, mas at? agora n?o consegui instalar. Eu n?o sou t?cnica no assunto, mas acho que posso instalar com a sua ajuda. O que eu devo fazer primeiro?
Atendente: O primeiro passo ? abrir o seu CORA?&Igrave;O.
A senhora encontrou seu CORA?&Igrave;O?
Cliente: Sim, encontrei. Mas h? diversos programas funcionando agora. Tem algum problema em instalar o AMOR enquanto outros programas est?o funcionando?
Atendente: Quais programas est?o funcionando, senhora?
Cliente: Deixe-me ver... Eu tenho BAIXAESTIMA.EXE,
RESSENTIMENTO.COM, ODIO.EXE e RANCOR.EXE funcionando agora.
Atendente: Nenhum problema. O AMOR apagar? automaticamente RANCOR.EXE do seu sistema operacional atual. Pode ficar em sua mem?ria permanente, mas n?o vai causar problemas por muito tempo para outros programas. O AMOR vai reescrever BAIXAESTIMA.EXE em uma vers?o melhor, chamada AUTOESTIMA.EXE. Mas a senhora tem que desligar completamente ODIO.EXE e RESSENTIMENTO.COM. Esses programas impedem que o AMOR seja instalado corretamente. A senhora pode deslig?-los?
Cliente: Eu n?o sei como deslig?-los. Voc? pode me dizer como?
Atendente: Com prazer! V? ao Menu e clique em PERDAO.EXE. Fa?a isso quantas vezes for preciso, at? o ODIO.EXE e RESSENTIMENTO.COM serem apagados completamente.
Cliente: Ok! Terminei! O AMOR come?ou a instalar-se automaticamente. Isso ? normal?
Atendente: Sim, ? normal. A senhora dever? receber uma mensagem dizendo que reinstalar? a vida de seu cora??o. A senhora tem essa mensagem?
Cliente: Sim, eu tenho. Est? completamente instalado?
Atendente: Sim. Mas lembre-se: a senhora s? tem o programa de modelo b?sico. A senhora precisa come?ar a se conectar com outros CORA?&Iacute;ES a fim de obter melhorias.
Cliente: Oh! Meu Deus! Eu j? tenho uma mensagem de erro. Que devo fazer?
Atendente: O que diz a mensagem?
Cliente: Diz: "ERRO 412 - O PROGRAMA N&Igrave;O FUNCIONA EM COMPONENTES INTERNOS". O que isso significa?
Atendente: N?o se preocupe, senhora. Este ? um problema comum. Significa que o programa do AMOR est? ajustado para funcionar em CORA?&Iacute;ES externos, mas ainda n?o est? funcionando em seu CORA?&Igrave;O. ? uma daquelas complicadas coisas de programa??o, mas em termos n?o- t?cnicos, significa que a senhora tem que "AMAR" sua pr?pria m?quina antes que possa amar outra.
Cliente: Ent?o, o que devo fazer?
Atendente: A senhora pode achar o diret?rio chamado "AUTO-ACEITACAO"?
Cliente: Sim, encontrei.
Atendente: Excelente! A senhora est? pegando pr?tica nisso!
Cliente: Obrigada!
Atendente: De nada. Fa?a o seguinte: clique nos arquivos BONDADE.DOC, AUTOESTIMA.TXT, VALORIZE-SE.TXT, PERDAO.DOC e copie-os para o diret?rio "MEU CORA?&Igrave;O". O sistema ir? reescrever todos os arquivos em conflito e come?ar? a consertar a programa??o defeituosa. Tamb?m a senhora precisa apagar AUTOCRITICA.EXE de todos os diret?rios e depois esvazie a sua lixeira para certificar-se de que nunca voltem.
Cliente: Consegui! Meu CORACAO est? cheio de arquivos realmente puros! Eu tenho no meu monitor, agora, o SORRISO.MPG e est? mostrando que PAZ.EXE, CONTENTAMENTO.COM e BONDADE.COM foram instalados automaticamente no meu CORA?&Igrave;O.
Atendente: Ent?o, terminamos! O AMOR est? instalado e funcionando, Ah! Mais uma coisa antes de eu ir.
Cliente: Sim?
Atendente: O AMOR ? um freeware (programa gr?tis). Fa?a o poss?vel para distribuir uma c?pia de seus v?rios modelos a quem a senhora encontrar e, dessa forma, a senhora receber? de volta dessas pessoas novos modelos verdadeiramente puros.
Cliente: Obrigada pela sua ajuda!
Atendente: Que tal agora fazer um up-grade no seu cora??o e colocar uma vers?o mais moderna do AMOR? N?o perca tempo, pois voc? deve saber que essas coisas precisam ser atualizadas quase que diariamente.

[dharma]

oh my!!

hugs, friendly Aquarians, birthday cards, hot tea, lovely flowers, a kitty, the Love Program in Portugese ...

http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1555.gif

my birthday actually falls on the 18th, (me, Travolta and Yoko Ono) aren't you all just falling over yourselves to join our company http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/wink.gif actually, if I could just get rid of Yoko...

AND I'm cusp born - a piscean mermaid

party favors for everyone http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1556.gif

[tashij]

well it's a good question arien. i only know from my own experience, so i can only take it from there. i only had sex with one realized person, and all i know, is that when i showed him fashion magazines with pictures of beautiful girls hardly dressed, he really got excited when we came to an advertisement with a sweaty girl dressed in sweats clothes casually holding a jogging lap counter. a palm sized clicker, to count laps on the track. all those pictures of girls, the likes of which he'd never seen before, and he got excited because the lap counter could be used to count prostrations.

[sparhawk]

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

actually, if I could just get rid of Yoko... <!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'll reply to you with a Haiku of my own:

Winter sets, New York
Three other tried, failed
The lady will stay

http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif

Now, give me my cake back (is chocolate, I don't share chocolate well...). I'll give you a fresh one on the 18th... http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif


L

[willow]

>Today is the day of Yemanja (Iemanja, and some other name variations). The mother of all Yoruba Gods, Queen of the Seas.

How interesting. Also Groundhog day, Candlemas, Imbolc. A cross-quarter day.


>Is love wrong?

>I mean, isnt love just craving and self-emprisionment?

>And dont you dare to tell me there is pure love, like compassion and all that crap, I mean really really sexual love, the kind thats fun anyway

Arien: So, if you were asking for an interpretation of a reading, would you say, "and don't you dare tell me there's such a thing as the The Creative - all those yang lines Heaven, just Heaven, what crap..."

Really really sexual love could be appropriate or inappropriate. It could lead to more self-inprisonment, or to a true connexion with Other. It's part of the mix, or it wouldn't share a word with the other parts.


>he got excited because the lap counter could be used to count prostrations.

hee hee! here you were showing him Door Number 1 and Door Number 2, and he noticed there was also a Door Number 3.

[soshin]

...

Well, Dharma...

THIS is a good one!

Very happy!

...

http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/rant.gif I'm always too late!

Nevertheless, thank you for this great post!

Namaste,
Soshin http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/hug.gif

[shelley]

Hey, Dharma, we can share a cake on 19th - my birthday's the 20th! (I'm Pisces but only just.)

We should organise a party. Anybody want to come?

Love,

Shelley

[lenardthefast]

Mine is the 14th so I'll have that cake, Luis. I love stale chocolate. ....and, since I don't have to worry about having more than one slice, I wish to attend the other party, too. Besides, Dharma's cake looks lots tastier. (I'm a sucker for eye-candy!)

Oh, and Luis, you have been so naughty lately, what with disrobing people publicly, attempting to take back your cake, etc.; that you have to sit at the childrens' table with Arien.

You are not allowed to share those errr, 'enlargement' sites with him however, as this might be construed as 'contributing to the delinquency of a minor'. Perhaps you COULD make amends for YOUR naughty behavior by enlightening him on the finer nuances existing between Love and Sex.

Just don't spend too much time on the Sex part, as I fear this will prove counter-productive for the testosterone-ladden lad.

Michael F. has a lesson plan utilizing the standard 'Birds and Bees' variant which should suffice quite nicely.

Nanaste,
Leonard

[heylise]

Feb.18, the day of the Complete Picture.
Meditation: "The tiny details are the most difficult to master"
Magnetic, sensitive and philosophical, but also aloof, isolated and impatient.

Feb.20, the day of The Impression.
Meditation: "The images we receive shape the ones we transmit"
Perceptive, cooperative and memorable, but also impressionable, reactive and overemotional.

No idea if there is any truth in it.

Me: the day of the Great Enigma. "The first step in being honest is in leveling with yourself" http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/paperbag.gif
Strongwilled, physical and intuitive, but also self-involved and controlling. hm . . .

Seems I should know about Arien's question about love. Do I? Never thought about 'love' being wrong or right, only about how to be, and then that solves the whole love question too (at least when I seem to get closer to the being)

LiSe

[dharma]

paarttay! parrttay! parrttay!

there was a time when I knew how to do that very well ...maybe it's like riding a bike... no matter how long it's been, you never forget ???

i'm thinking toga party, with all the trimmings of course, but then... i fast-forward to the morning after and ughhh! just *thinking* about partying makes me tired http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/wink.gif but wait! a cyberparty is doable!

okay then ...

early or late, come as you are
if you'll be drinking, BringYourOwnBottle
if you'll be dancing, BringYourOwnTeapot
speak any latin languages? be prepared to salsa
oh, and if you see Yoko, be nice

p.s.
Hilary, thanks for the music and song - that there's talent
Soshin, don't sweat it - better late than never
Luis, chocolate is the only way to go; ummm... the more, the darker, the better
Michael, thanks for the daily birthday reminder - but there's something about turning one day a year into a major blow-out event that's hard to resist
Willow &amp; Kevin, so nice of you both to pop in, hope you'll be returning for the festivities - don't forget your party hats
Tashi, do join us too, your light casts a comfortable ambience and we need someone to set the proper mood
Bradford, i hope you can salsa
Leonard, when's you're birthday? i r-e-a-l-l-y hope our party plans don't clash
LiSe! Val! where are you? what's a party without women who know how to wield a handy whip?
Arien, i expect my buddha-nature to be making an appearance ...ready for that hug yet?
<CENTER>http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1558.gif</CENTER>

[dharma]

<CENTER>Best wishes to
<FONT SIZE="+2">Shelley and Leonard</FONT>
who are also celebrating birthdays this month

(if there are any other Aquarian/Pisces who haven't yet stepped up to the plate, this one's for you too)

i looked for the perfect gift, but not knowing either one of you well enough i decided to stay within the theme of the page and post the following as my offering.
http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1559.gif</CENTER>

[shelley]

Thank you Dharma, that's beautiful. Which character means what? And would it normally be written vertically? I'm toying with the idea of a small tattoo.

Hope everybody comes to the party. I'm getting soooo excited!

Love,

Shelley

[dharma]

Shelley, i wish I knew and could tell you myself,

but... i can direct you to the site where i found the phrase - i'm sure you will find your answers there

in fact, there is an english to chinese translation service offered by a professional writer who specializes in translations specifically for tattoos

check it out:
http://www.formosa-translation.com/chinese/

[bradford_h]

Hi Shelly-
The first character on the left is ai4, meaning love (since tatoos may be involved you always want to have corroboration!).
The second character, ji2 isn't really "is", it's more like "then", implying "becomes". Love becomes strength or love and then be strong. If you wanted to say "Love IS strength" you would use shi4, ai shi li liang.
Li liang (the two on the right) is a more modern compound meaning strength, force, vigor or resources. This can also be written li4 qi4, with the familiar word also spelled ch'i.
In the old days you would use just one character for strength, and have lots to choose from depending on what kind of strength (not li because this was too harsh a strength).
b

[bradford_h]

Forgot- in the old days it would have been written vertically, ai at the top, with any columns read from right to left. Today it's ok as you see it.
And, if you want me to send you a jpeg of both versions just write to me privately.
bradford@hermetica.info

[sparhawk]

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

Oh, and Luis, you have been so naughty lately, what with disrobing people publicly, attempting to take back your cake, etc.; that you have to sit at the childrens' table with Arien.<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

OK, as long as a fine damsel comes and rescue me after dinner I am game. I'll look from the other table. I'll get the dessert though... http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

amends for YOUR naughty behavior by enlightening him on the finer nuances existing between Love and Sex.<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

Pffft! Like I know myself. (this is where the damsel comes in and rescues me...) http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif

BTW, I got married on Feb/14 (yes, I know, I'm a lost romantic soul...) and my wife is a Pisces of Feb/24 (and a Tiger to boot) Poor little Luis...

L

[sparhawk]

Er, Brad, is there a chance I can get a brain transplant? Perhaps a few slices from your left hemisphere (just the spare ones, mind you)?

Oh, well, I guess it would have to be the hard way then. I bought a few dictionaries already and a copy of the GSR that is coming all the way from Aussie (whooho!!) Now I've gotta find the time...

L

[shelley]

Dharma - thanks for the link.

Bradford - thanks for your generous offer. I've just emailed you directly.

This forum's bloomin' wonderful, ain't it?

Love,

Shelley

[bradford_h]

Luis-
Most of that hemisphere got downloaded into my matrix &amp; glossary.
Now I just mainly watch TV, and maybe drool a little.
b

[gene]

That's a cute little story Dharma.

Here's a website, (admittedly, I haven't spent much time looking at it, but I think you will find it interesting), by a couple who have been on Oprah and many other places and have had very popular seminars. The location is: http://www.therelationshipsolution.com

Gene

[val]

Dharma...

I'll be right back. Just looking for my party hat now. Can't remember where I last put it. It's been that long.

*grin*

Love,

Val

[val]

Found it!
http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1565.gif
Happy birthday, Dharma, Leonard, Shelley and whoever else has a birthday this month.

Love,

Val

[bradford_h]

Hi Dharma
I was going to send you the same jpeg I sent Shelley &amp; then learned I had no way to contact you. Anyway, the same offer extends to you.
That was a nice thing to post (and a good thread to start too)
brad

[tashij]

im still thinking about the raucous sex aspect.

that's the party talk that's inteeresting me. (thank you dharma for inviting me, very genuinely moved by your invitation.)

because i have deep conflicts about this issue too.

you know, my teacher, who is the most omniscient person i ever met, lady with secret wisdom, very powerful lady lama, who knows my mind before i even whisper, gave me a dream of my boyfriend three years before i met him, (so i would know it was ok), never minded the sex. i always wondered why. it just didnt bother her, it bothered me. i think it didnt bother her cause she knew i wasnt attatched to it. and because the boy i was having it with really cared about me, as much as a guy can care about a woman, i guess.

when i got involved with the young lama, and found out there are people who use sex as part of the path, i was kinda shocked, i guess, to meet the real thing. it was confusing. my teacher wasnt so thrilled about it. she said,'if youre gonna have sex, have sex. keep it separate from the dharma practice for now."

you know, i trust her. she knows her stuff. she's been going back and forth between (tibet,sikkim,bhutan,india etc) and the west for 30 years. i think she's seen it all.

she also does say, that people who REALLY are understanding the dharma arent having sex.

so at a certain point, i think she would have asked to me curtail it.

i think with sex, attachment is the main stumbling block. plus i also feel that the two people should have mutual understanding, and not use each other.

ok .

[dharma]

Gene, nice to have you drop in. hope you'll be sticking around for a spell. thanks for the link, i've heard of this couple before but never actually took a look at their site - i'll check it out when i have a chance.

oh! anonymous.. i absolutely love the purple and gold on black - i read it as an omen for splendid changes ahead. bless you!

Val, will that party hat match the whip you'll hopefully be sporting? i've heard so much about it and i'm eager to compare models http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/wink.gif i'd aim for something satiny red with a touch of black lace myself http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif but hey... as long as you'll be there, that's all that really counts, really
http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/bounce.gif

Bradford,
thanks for thinking of me. i will contact you directly when i find a few extra minutes to spare.

Tashi,
we'll have a blast, you'll see. all the sex talk or the implication of it, is all in fun and in full appreciation of its true value.

i've been celibate for years and will remain so until i meet my spiritually comparable match, which i am quite aware may not happen in this lifetime. despite what most people think, meditation has the capacity to be stunningly familiar in its sensuality when practiced indepth, so i honestly don't "miss" a thing http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif

Joang,
where are you girl? i know you're celebrating a birthday too. dig out your party hat "kai mee xehnas na foresees to fourosou" http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif Hronya Polla, me agape, Demitra

[sparhawk]

Hi Tash,

Interesting observation. Many different philosophical practices, both in the East and the West, use sex as a form of enlightenment, energy (Chi) buildup, conservation and/or redirection. This energy, depending on the kind of practice the sex is used, can be used for good or bad purposes (i.e White Magick or Black Magick in the West). Steve Marshall, I'm sure, knows lots about this. I wish he could add some input here.

In the East, in Taoism, if you read the Secret of the Golden Flower, for example, and some other Taoist practices, in layman's words, intercourse is OK for energy buildup, but, orgasmic release should be avoided. Specially in men since this seems to deplete Chi.

In the way I understand it, and I hope I have it right, the male practitioner should strive to produce as many orgasms on his female partner because those releases of Chi are then transfered to him for storage and further use. In order for this to be of use to him, he may not achieve an orgasmic release and thus conserve his seed within. (bummer!)

On the female side of the coin, this can only be achieved (it's party time girls!! well, sort of...) by having several male partners but also not reaching and orgasmic release.

This may be the reason your Lama friend advised you not to be a tool of somebody else's path to enlightenment.

Well, I cannot get any simpler that this without very lenghty explanations, and even at that I may have it all wrong. Still, the above is the way I understand it.

L

[sparhawk]

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

i've heard so much about it and i'm eager to compare models i'd aim for something satiny red with a touch of black lace myself<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

There goes my Chi... I'll never reach enlightenment... http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif

L

[tashij]

welll luis that is very interesting. thanks for posting.

because my lady lama and the young male lama had very different points of view, and i was completely confused.


the lady lama said 'they use your body'

while the young lama said 'i will make you happy'.

and he wasnt talking about orgasm.

my teacher (the lady) has a method of teaching without explaining very much. so you get the teachings you get in the dream or ethereal state, (as well as regualr exoteric oral teachings), and if you clog up your system with anger or raging emotion and dont get the ethereal or dream teachings anymore, you just have to take the hard knocks and try and figure it out yourself. i dont know, either, the differences between taoist golden flower practices, and vajrayana tantric practices. and i mean genuine practice, not the messed up stuff that passes for tantra in some circles. i have a feeling with vajrayana practices it really depends on your lama and your lineage. the way my teacher does teachings vary from student to student.

they young lama, on the other hand, felt we were the same (heart to heart), said i was his wife, and it wasnt a matter of "if" it was a matter of time.

i dont know, there were so many confusing things that happened and i still dont understand it all. the sad part was was that i lost my boyfriend, who i really loved, a non buddhist artist who really tried to hang in with all this crazy stuff, till he just couldnt take it anymore.

i, like dharma, am celebate now, because one does not find so easily a partner who understands all this stuff. and after you have shared a heart center with someone, it's hard to know what to do in terms of regular human love (which is very nice too) and relationships.

hi dharma!

[sparhawk]

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

the lady lama said 'they use your body'

while the young lama said 'i will make you happy'.<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

What does your heart says?

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

i dont know, either, the differences between taoist golden flower practices, and vajrayana tantric practices.<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

I wouldn't know either because other than the theory you find in books I have not practiced either one. However, my gut feeling in all of these practices is that the real root of goodness or badness resides in "intent". I believe the real intention of the practitioners, rather than the techniques used to achieve their goals, is the balancing point of it all.

Your lady Lama seems to me as pragmatic in the sense that she knows human nature, in reality, is more on the "give me" side of things rather than on the "I give you" one. She gave you a warning with no vested interests other than your relationship student/teacher. On the other hand, the young Lama may have had, although perhaps unspoken, some further intentions other than the immediate act.

L

[soshin]

Thanks for posting, Tash,

just my two pennies worth: In our lineage sex isnt really a big deal. But I completely agree with your lady lama that a person who fully understands the dharma (and therefore lives it) lives as a celibate. I dont know exactly why this is so, but it certainly "feels right" to me and as I learned from speaking with dharma friends with higher levels of samadhi and from different walks of life, at one time in the life of all of them their celibacy started to evolve as a matter of fact and without them really knowing why. Maybe an energetic phenomena (when often in deep samadhi the need for getting energy from outside should cease).

Interesting, huh?

Namaste,

Soshin

[tashij]

yes it is interesting soshin, and thank you for writing.

yes, i agree with you luis, she is very pragmatic, and addressed her questions to the unknown intentions i couldnt see.

the difficult thing i learned is that one cannot always trust the heart. it does not always have the answer. the gut, maybe better.

[tashij]

oh -- luis, it's really too bad about your chi.

dharma with that whip is just too much!!!!!

oh well. next lifetime. as a frog.

[sparhawk]

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

oh well. next lifetime. as a frog. <!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ah... A frog with me inside... A prince charming waiting to be kissed. Oops, wrong tale... http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif

L

[val]

Dharma...

I'm ready to party.... http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1570.gif

Love,

Val

[val]

Ooops...

Hit the back button after booking a flight, and it reposted my post from 2 hours ago.

[tashij]

Hi all.

Thanks for letting me chat it up at the party.

I guess my final view on this stuff is that sometimes very unconventional means are necessary.

Fixations can be impenetrable, so sometimes a compassionate being just takes the bull by the horns.

My love to all at this party, and happy Aquarian Pisces birthday to all!!!!

lov
tash.

[candid]

Sorry I?m fashionably late. Happy Birthday to my fellow Chingers and Chingettes!

Wonders what?s in the punch with all this chi-talk, whips and party hats? I always miss the fun stuff.

At 58, if I never have ?real? sex again I won?t lose sleep over it, not that I sleep much anyway. But then who knows? A romantically inclined lady friend will be spending a couple weeks here in my dungeon.. errr, I mean house... yeah, that?s it... and well like I said, who knows?

think the punch is getting to me....

[sparhawk]

Candid is getting some!!! Candid is getting some!!!

Oops, sorry Candid, that was a High School flash back... http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif

L

PS: pssst, I heard Dharma and Val have an interesting collection of whips. I'm sure they'll lend it to you.

http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1571.gif

[candid]

OMG Luis... LMAO!

[dharma]

trying to find just the right outfit for this occasion

whadda ya think ... too much??? http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif

<CENTER>http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1573.jpg</CENTER>

[candid]

I dunno.. a bit extreme... but powerful. http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/wink.gif

[sparhawk]

Agree with Candid. A floating, winged mistress with mean looking sharp instruments? What's wrong with the old whip and a boy getting a few lashes?

Oh, well, I must be getting old... http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif

L

[candid]

Luis, you're so conventional.

chuckles

[sparhawk]

Er, Candid, let me explain this to you in no uncertain terms:

sharp object + damsel = Lorena Bobbitt

http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif

L

[dharma]

hmmm...

i think it may have something to do with how equal you feel to the task http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/wink.gif

<CENTER>http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1574.jpg</CENTER>

[sparhawk]

Yup, that's me. Perhaps a little more in the midriff, but definitely me. The resemblance is uncanny (cough, cough!! wheeze!)

Bring it on!! http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif

L

[sparhawk]

Sparhawk, Pandion Knight, and Queen's Champion have returned to Elenia after ten years of exile, only to find young Queen Ehlana trapped in a block of ensorcelled crystal. As Sparhawk sets out to find a cure for Ehlana, he discovers that only he can defeat the evil plots that threaten her rule....

========

Let's see, all those Fantasy lovers out there, where does this plot comes from??? http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif

L

[dharma]

fly on wall transmits image of Clarity member very low on chi - looks familiar but hard to say from this angle
http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1575.gif http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/wink.gif

[sparhawk]

What can I say...Even heroes get old... But, yes, the fly is to blame too. http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif

L

[dharma]

"The Diamond Throne" of the first book of "The Elenium" series

in the second book, "The Ruby Knight"

Ehlana, Queen of Elenia, has been poisoned. A deep enchantment sustains her life, but it will end soon. Then Sparhawk, Knight of the Queen's Champion, learns where to get to cure for the poison. He and his companions set forth on a dangerous quest to find the antidote before the queen should perish and the peace ends...

and finally in the third book, "The Sapphire Rose"

the knight Sparhawk had come to possess Bhellion, the legendary jewel of magic. With it, he frees Queen Ehlana from the crystalline cocoon that preserves her life, but Bhelliom carries dangers of its own. And now Sparhawk is being stalked by a dark lurking menace that is only the beginning of his troubles...

alas, 'twas indeed long ago... come now Sparhawk, are ye still up to the task? shall i inquire if others be takers to the challenge?

well now, in all fairness you did catch the fly http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif

[sparhawk]

Very good Dharma!! How about Piers Anthony and Robert Jordan, etc.? Get to those too?

As for the task, yes. Just be gentle with these old bones... http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif


===========

- What was that honey?
- Ah, nothing, is only Dharma that wants to take me to her dungeon to play parent's stuff. Can I go?
- What do you mean I cannot go? I'll be a good boy and I promise I'll come back in one piece.
- What? Ah, you want Dharma to promise the same. Ok, I'll tell her to keep the knives in the drawer.
- Eh? Do I really have to charge for my services? Why can't it be just for fun? Ah, I see your point. Bills are bills plus the expenses for the trip to Canada, etc, etc...
- Oh well...

http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif


L

[bradford_h]

Hi all-
As a distant cousin of the Bonobo chimanzees of Africa, I think it's important that someone step forward and remind all you celibate Buddhists out there of the healthful and saultory effects of multiple orgasms for all boys and girls. Our Bonobo socities have no fighting OR biting, thanks to regular, almost hourly, preventive steps taken against the insidious socio-political disease known as DSB or deadly sperm buildup. Frequent orgasms are a proven path to inner peace and better neurochemistry.
b

[hilary]

Very, very, good point. Try a Google search on 'bonobo society'!

[anon1]

I can't believe this inanity

[sparhawk]

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

socio-political disease known as DSB or deadly sperm buildup. Frequent orgasms are a proven path to inner peace and better neurochemistry.<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

Brad, I tried that appproach in High School. Didn't work very well. Hard as I tried, no girls believed much of it. The nerve of some of them to even kick me in the shins... http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif

L

ps: don't worry though. With a little luck and with all my Chi depletion most likely I'll reincarnate as a bonobo monkey.

[heylise]

Science is the history of all corrected foolish ideas.
We are really on to something
Some Nobel prize ahead for some of us?
LiSe

[sparhawk]

Inanity rhymes with insanity. I see your point Anon1. http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif

L

[anon1]

Heylise

Sparhawk

Ah - Sanity http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif

[sparhawk]

I looked in my shoebox for an old picture of me as a Bonobo. I found it!


http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1576.gif


L

[dharma]

Luis, just as adorable then as you are today http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif

regarding the bonobo society: extracted from http://www.ishipress.com/sci-bono.htm

"Sex is there, it's pervasive, it's critical, and bonobo society would collapse without it. But it's not what people think it is. It's not driven by orgasm or seeking release. Nor is it often reproductively driven. Sex for a bonobo is casual, it's quick and once you're used to watching it, it begins to look like any other social interaction."

thanks but no thanks - myself, i prefer the sweet sacred mystery to remain intact thank you very much

and lest anyone be 'confused' by the inanity/insanity of this page - it is all metaphorical on my end, all metaphorically good fun

[anon1]

Thank you Dharma for enlightenning me!

Inanity / Fun we choose for ourselves

[sparhawk]

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

Luis, just as adorable then as you are today<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks Dharma!! (I think...) http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif


<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

and lest anyone be 'confused' by the inanity/insanity of this page - it is all metaphorical on my end, all metaphorically good fun<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

You are telling me that all of the above was a metaphorical charade?

http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1577.gif

L

[bradford_h]

hi Dharma-
I'm really looking forward to seeing your
sweet sacred mystery in a party dress.
ai,
b

[dharma]

anon1, since you originally couldn't "believe the inanity", i figured you were in need of a bright light

glad my light chased away your uncertainties

and Luis, (sigh) so sorry, give it time

you'll get over it, i promise http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/smooch.gif

Bradford, what say you about this number for now? http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/messages/786/1578.gif i'll rummage through my closet tonite and see what else i can find

[val]

Anon1...

Wonderful inanity isn't it? And wonderful insanity?

Care to dance?

Love,

Val

[bradford_h]

Oh lovely Dharma
Would that a magical breeze
Lift that metaphor

[candid]

waddia know we're human after all
more living than theory
this is encouraging
fellowship in the open

[val]

Brad...

Thanks so much for the 411 on bonobos. I've been on several bonobo sites since reading your post.

What a wonderful model for humans they are.

"Pleasure Eases Pain
Good Sex Defuses Tension
Affection Calms Terror
Love Lessens Violence
Females Rule
And You Can?t Very Well Fight a War
While You?re Having an Orgasm"

"Like tantric sex practitioners, or just like two people very much in love, copulating bonobos often look deeply into each other?s eyes."

I also discovered that they're, by some standards, a female dominant society, and, by others, a co-dominant society.

"Chimpanzees, bonobos and humans are very closely related species. With both humans and chimpanzees, 'demonic' male members indulge in deliberate acts of raiding and murder, and are territorial, xenophobic and dominant over females. But with bonobos ("the forgotten ape"), the females are more cohesive and develop strong bonds to protect themselves against male aggression and have more control over their own sexuality.

Bonobo females are co-dominant with males. They use their collective strength to counteract any attempts males might make to dominate and monopolise them; and they use sex as a mode of expression and a way of diffusing tension."

Love,

Val

[sparhawk]

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

and Luis, (sigh) so sorry, give it time<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'll try... (sigh) In the meantime, may I join Brad and wait for the breeze?? http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif

L

[bradford_h]

For the humming beings amongst us:

No - one body does not diminish beneath another,
there is no amorous oil to lose.
The woman bathing in her blue pool
renews not her flesh, but her readiness.

John Hawkes

[bradford_h]

And of the spirit made flesh

You did not come into his world
You came out of it
Like a wave comes out of the ocean
You are not a stranger here

Alan Watts

[lenardthefast]

Oh dear, bonobos, sex, monkeys, lassos, party dresses, broken hearts, mended hearts, ripe mangoes, B-day cakes, inanity, insanity, profanety, cross-dressing, undressing, knicker-pulling, wolves howling at the solar system, ups, downs, in's, out's, flirting, kissing, running, diving, striving, silly, sane, nutty, fruity, aromatherapy, dominatrix's, heteros, bi's.....I THINK I'M IN FREAKIN' H-E-A-V-E-N!!!!!

.....don't stop.....don't stop...don't freaking stop!!!!!...Ahhhhhhhh....Thanks, guys, was it good for you, too?????

Namaste,
Leonardhttp://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/hex04.gif

[gene]

Just a word about certain types of sexual practice in the East, though I am not an expert on this subject, I do understand partly from recent studies, and partly for older studies. Sperm is formed from blood cells. In the Torah we have this interesting saying about, "the life is in the blood." When we breathe, oxygen is sent to blood cells and through the arteries and lymph systems, the oxygen, and other nutrients are sent to the cells. A similar thing is going on here with chi. Chi and blood work in many ways together, almost as one. In the new testament we have some interesting statements that would tend to relate spirit to the breath. We breathe in chi. It is not the only source, but it is one major source. Another is the food we eat, and another is the prenatal chi we received from our parents, (the bloodline). When we breathe in, the oxygen and the chi are transported via the energy meridians of the body. Excess energy is stored in the major channels much like water stored in front of a dam. When it is needed the doors are opened and chi pours into the meridians. The key is to store higher and higher levels of more and more refined chi. Now we also have kan and li. Water and Fire. The heart is a li organ and stores hot energy. If it becomes too hot, it burns the water energy stored in the kidneys. (See hexagram 63). If the heart fire is too weak, the water energy extinguishes it. Therefore it has to be balanced. There are specific exercises meant to accomplish this. All traditional oriental martial arts had ways of accomplishing this. When the fire energy of the heart is properly combined with the water energy of the kidneys, it produces a form of steam that interacts with sperm and produces more abundant chi. To lose sperm is to lose chi. This is one reason men as a rule die at an earlier age than women. Women however, lose chi through the loss of blood during their monthly cycle. The sexual conduct of some Taoists, and other groups is meant to more quickly and efficiently combine yin and yang energy and balance them. I personally believe this is the meaning behind the idea of the "Temple" prostitutes of ancient Greece. Their purpose and function was to help men, and themselves to integrate and balance their energies. Early church lore hints that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. (There is also evidence and a history that she was Jesus's wife). Though I have never heard it said, I suspect that she was a "Temple" prostitute, and as such held a very honored position is the society of the time.

Gene

[gene]

Oh, and while I never go to parties, don't have time for em, (as if I ever get asked anyway), this one sounds like a wonderful one. Count me in. Maybe once in my life I'll think of something witty to say that will make everybody laugh. ha ha.

Gene

[mick]

Dharma &amp; everyone,

Well, the full Moon in Leo seems to have worked its magic on you http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif

Best wishes,

Mick

[candid]

Gene, that was interesting. Thanks.

[sparhawk]

Gene, that was a great post! So I wasn't that far off.

L

[sparhawk]

<BLOCKQUOTE><HR SIZE=0><!-Quote-!><FONT SIZE=1>Quote:</FONT>

Well, the full Moon in Leo seems to have worked its magic on you<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

Speaking of Leo, this was in my Horoscope for today:

==============
Leo: You're apt to be a bit more susceptible to flattery today than usual. Someone who is aware of this fact may try to wrap you around his or her finger in order to get something out of you.
==============

Well, darn it! Bring it on!! I'm ready.


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L

[dharma]

Luis, what a sneak ... you crack me up, literally http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif
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the full Moon in Leo seems to have worked its magic on you<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

it's most interesting that my thesaurus lists the words "deception" and "illusion" as synonymns for magic, and yet i think this page contains some of the most honest revelations about our personal, individual selves that no profile page could ever possibly do justice to

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waddia know we're human after all
more living than theory
this is encouraging
fellowship in the open<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

precisely what i believe is too often missing from these pages. all the theorizing lacks the color and creativity of genuine interaction and perhaps the reason why bad vibes intensify, the more emphasis we place on rights and wrongs, rather than recognizing that we are all different and never, at least seldom, do the twain meet. except, of course, for the fact that we are fundamentally, One.

.....

Gene, your whole post was perfectly expressed; it precisely describes my own understanding of chi. Shoshin, you too, made a very interesting point about the need for acquiring energy from outside sources until one's celibacy had evolved sufficiently to be self-sustaining.

my educational background, as well as my own direct experience supports these ideas to a tee. i have found that efficiency in the balance and combination of my own yin and yang energies began for me only when i was able to conserve sufficient amounts of it. without doubt, sexual activity (esp. of the indiscriminate type http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/wink.gif) was/could still be, the biggest drain pipe of all. during my meditations now, i am able to redirect and consciously control my accumulated energies through to the proper chakra channels and in this way i build a more powerful 'temple'. in terms of a sexual partner, one would have to be fully committed to their physio-spiritual development in the same way to be a compatible match for someone like myself. otherwise, sexual activity with the "average" person is exhausting and weakening to my vehicle. hence, the difficulty in finding a suitable partner - this has been my experience.


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Oh lovely Dharma
Would that a magical breeze
Lift that metaphor

AND

I'll try... (sigh) In the meantime, may I join Brad and wait for the breeze??<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

Bradford... Luis...
metaphors being what they are, the breeze you speak of must of necessity blow through consensual minds for the fabric to lift to the heights you're both thinking of - if you get my drift. i'm afraid the only thing one is likely to see from beneath my skirts, as i gather them in my haste to greet my first fitness class of the day, are my glass slippers, and those, metaphorically speaking, aren't, i imagine, quite what you had in mind. oh! and btw, though i can't speak for anyone else, the image of the whip that has come up a number of times in the course of this conversation, are figuaratively about control and mastery over my lower base urges. has anyone else taken a similarly close look at the meaning of their own whip? http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/wink.gif

.....

so far we have a nice turn out of party revelers. hi Tashi, so glad you decided to join in http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/happy.gif also happy to see that Candid, Hilary, LiSe, Gene and Mick have finally arrived as well. one can only hope that many more will drop in before the big blow-out. finally, one with only six-inch spikes wonders what kind of fireworks would be in store if miss lotus shoes let down her hair and strutted in on her seven inchers. http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/wink.gif

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[val]

Hi Dharma...

I'm home again today. Bad weather, but not really that bad for me. Bad for my co-workers though who aren't coming in and opening shop, so I have some free time on my hands.

No self-mastery necessary for me in the area of sex. My body just seems to follow my heart. And my heart is very very picky. But when my body has a "mind" of its own... you know those times... *whispers PMS*... "when even the pizza delivery boy looks good"... he never really looks so good that I have to think in terms of self-control or mastery. I have to be in love or I just can't be bothered. I spend those times by myself with my dreams of the one I love... if I can't be with the one I love. I save the discipline for housework and other things I'd rather not... but have to do.

Love,

Val

[sparhawk]

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has anyone else taken a similarly close look at the meaning of their own whip?<!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, I had a stern conversation with mine this morning after reading the horoscope. I also dispelled its notions of mystical breezes and such. He promised to heed my advise, at least for today. http://www.onlineclarity.co.uk/I_Ching_community/clipart/biggrin.gif

L

[sparhawk]

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"when even the pizza delivery boy looks good"... <!-/Quote-!><HR SIZE=0></BLOCKQUOTE>


Whooho!! I'm still in the race!!

L

[val]

Dharma...

I'm glad you brought up your concept of your metaphorical whip because the last time I brought mine up and said it represented personal power to me, I noticed by a particular response here that we don't all perceive personal power the same way.

The kind of personal power I'm talking about precludes the need for control... self or otherwise. When one possesses personal power, everything is quite natural and easy. There's no need for self-control or self-discipline or control of any kind because the right attitude toward everything develops out of it.

This brings us right back to your wonderful post at the beginning of this thread. Personal power is achieved when all the parts communicate and agree and there are no more conflicts... when all the parts, the selves, love, trust and respect each other. Personal power is the ability to love and be loved... to respect and be respected... to trust and be trusted...and, of course, as your wonderful support tech says... that all starts with the self... When that happens, everything else falls into place.

Of course, like anything else in life, we achieve personal power in steps. We keep trading our whip up for a longer and more powerful one as we continue to learn about ourselves and grow. I'll have more to say on that in the near future...hopefully sometime next week... as I'm in the process of trading up now... *grin*

With much love,

Val

[candid]

(true confessions)

To me, the whip is a metaphor for penetrating past the dulled senses. A wake up call, or awakening (51).

As for dominance: to rule is to serve.

'sides, ever know a rock guitar player without a kink? chuckles

Which reminds me: How many lead guitar players does it take to screw in a light bulb?

A: Just one. He holds it and the world revolves around him. (musician joke)

As for turn ons, its what's between her ears, not her *ahem* legs. I can't even imagine sex with a woman who hasn't found her way to my heart, and vice verse.

C

[val]

Candid...

How many art directors does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

A: *scratching chin contemplatively* I don't know... What do you think?

Val