For those living in ordinary society but wishing to practice the Dharma, the Buddha advocated that the desire mechanism be controlled rather than transcended. This ‘control’ centres around applying an appropriate sexual manifestation in society that is not excessive or that violates the social codes of the time. This is the practice of appropriate sexual discipline that allows the desiring mechanism to function through strictly defined parameters.
Author: Adrian Chan-Wyles (PhD) - Political Commissar
The Mysterious Stone Tablets of Ancient China
Within Chinese texts the Dropa Stones story is referred to as ‘杜立巴神秘石’ which in modern pinyin is written as ‘Du Li Ba Shen Mi Shi’ – with ‘Dropa’ of the conventional transliteration equating to ‘Du-li-ba’ (杜立巴). The terms ‘Shen Mi’ (神秘) literally translate as ‘spirit’ and ‘secret’, and when used together implies a ‘profound mystery’ originating beyond the material world. The character ‘Shi’ (石) simply translates as ‘stone’, but can be used to refer to stone tablets. Therefore the Chinese title ‘杜立巴神秘石’ (Du Li Ba Shen Mi) refers to mysterious stone tablets associated with the Du-li-ba (Dropa) people, despite the fact that the Du-li-ba people had allegedly been responsible for the killing of the aliens who had apparently created the stone discs. The other connection with the Du-li-ba is that the aliens who survived the killing might have interbred with the Du-li-ba There appears to have been an expedition in 1938, but the details and consequences of that expedition have remained uncertain and obscure ever since. and that their genetic distinctiveness passed on as a consequence.
The Hong Wu Emperor Praises Islam
When the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over-threw the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) and chased the Mongolians out of China, the first emperor Hong Wu (1328-1396), instead of attacking the Islamic faith ordered that mosques be constructed so that Chinese Muslims could continue to pray and worship Allah. He also wrote a hundred character poem in praise of Islam – portraying the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as an enlightened sage of the highest order. This is significant as many descendents of Arab tradesmen practice (and preserve) Northern Chinese martial arts that often linked to Long Fist. Both Muslims (and Jews) have lived in China for many centuries.)
Ch’an Buddhist Practice: Giving Up Sleep
Many Ch’an masters, such as Ben Huan and Fo Yuan, talk of the inherent dangers for the mind whilst in the sleeping state. This is because all kinds of hellish states can be accessed when the body is dormant, but the mind remains active.
2012 in review
The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog. Here’s an excerpt: The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner can carry about 250
Buddhism is a Philosophy of Non-Racism
These events have occurred in predominantly Theravada Buddhist countries, and have led to an intellectual climate which feels comfortable enough to routinely express sentiments of Islamophobia – an expression that legitimises itself by masquerading as a manifestation of Buddhist wisdom, when in reality it is nothing more than the product of greed, hatred, and delusion.