Shi Da Dao - Caodong Lineage - Fly-Whisk

China: Old Master Xu Yun [1840-1959] is Still Sat in Meditation! (17.10.2024)

I once saw a Westerner (a German) living in China. He could read, write and talk the Chinese language – and had been accepted as a Disciple by a Daoist Master (this is not easy to do – even if you happen to be ethnically “Chinese”). He was able to perform a secret Daoist gongfu Form -where he used the fly-whisk as a self-defence implement. There was no violence – just lots of spiralling movement. All I can do with my fly-whisk is lift it up and down occasionally. I suppose it all comes down to timing.

This combo photo taken on June 13, 2024 shows three inscribed boards, all written and bestowed by emperors of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), to the Potala Palace (upper L) and two monasteries in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Xizang: Historical Archives Demonstrate China’s Clear Sovereignty Over Tibet Region! (15.7.2024)

As the result of Xizang’s largest land census in history, the inventory is an important document for the study of the possession of the production means under feudal serfdom. In the 129 years before the 1959 democratic reform, the government, aristocrats and monasteries used it as the basis for issues relating to land, serfs and mandatory labour.

“Contrary to what some Western countries claim, the inventory showed that the central government had complete sovereignty over the region a long time ago,” Rinchen Tenzin added.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, successive U.S. administrations have pursued the one-China policy, recognized Xizang as a part of China, and promised not to support separatist activities, said Zhang Shigao, director of the Institute of Contemporary Studies at the China Tibetology Research Center.

“However, in practice, the United States often treats these commitments with negligence and even blatantly violates them,” Zhang added. 

(Video reporters: Sonam Dekyi, Wu Sisi, Huang Zhiqi, Phurbu Tsering; Video editors: Jia Xiaotong, Wei Yin, Zheng Xin, Wang Han, Zhang Yichi)

Mum, Dad & Charlotte Got this GIANT Chocolate Bar!

Calibration Hits “57” So It’s Time To Excuse My Little Self-Indulgence….! (30.5.2024)

My academic (and Ch’an) teacher – Richard Hunn (Upasaka Wen Shu) – lived into his 57th year and was struck-down by cancer far too early (passing in 2006)! I suspect I will last a few years yet – but we never can tell! Still, I rise early to perform my academic and spiritual duties. Although now married with children – I have permission to still wear the black-robe of the Caodong Ch’an School – and to carry the Dust-Whisk of Authority. Of course, the only authority I possess is over my own mind and body. Oh, and I love The Beatles!

Musing on Transgenderism!

BMA-UK – Musings on Transgenderism! (21.5.2024)

Although the Theravada believes that the six senses must be kept clean by a continuous disassociation with the outside world to avoid regression – the Mahayana and Tantrayana both teach that once the six senses are purified by emptying the mind of greed, hatred and delusion, the mind and body remains permanently “clean” in all situations (with no regression). In other words, even by engaging in the outside world as lay-people – the six senses of those who are enlightened will never become sullied. This reality can be seen in the Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra and the Altar Sutra – as well as in the stories of the Mahasiddhis. Monastics can return to lay-life – but lay-people – given the right conditions, can also fully realise Enlightenment!

Secular Monasticism 2024

BMA (UK): Secular Monasticism! (27.4.2024)

Of course, the Western monastic traditions can possess similar parallels – but this should negate the history or purpose of slavish-types of religion. Conventional religion is not the answer – as invariably this developed within a primitive tribal and/or feudalistic environment. Traditionally, conventional religion was designed to maintain a certain hierarchy and status quo with no change from generation to generation. However, once the means of production have changed hands and religion has been transformed into a Revolutionary vehicle – then certain aspect of religious practice might be useful for freeing the working class from oppression!

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