Originally posted by Fantagf:
Oh, recalling past life thru meditation is something new I learn here. Interesting.Just wanna ask, do buddhism practise Rekki healing and finding out past life thru hypnosis?
Reiki is not Buddhism, but I think it can be helpful for one's own benefit. However my dharma teacher has warned before, don't anyhow use healing powers on others. If you heal yourself that's fine. But if you anyhow heal others and you do not have psychic powers and wisdom to discern the causes and conditions for a person's illness, sometimes you may end up offending certain spirits who are themselves using their own powers to cause diseases in that person out of revenge, and your powers are hence interfering and can be taken as confrontation. This is just one such cases. It is best not to interfere in people's karma and get yourself in trouble, however, it is fine to heal within your immediate family circle since your immediate family circle has certain shared karma.
Hypnosis is also not a method used in Buddhism, but if you find it helpful, I don't think there's anything in Buddhism against it.
However the Buddha's method to discover it is through meditation. If you want to remember past lives through meditation, it is not as easy and quick as hypnosis, as it does require some period of time to develope a deep enough level of absorption and samadhi. However the states of samadhi and jhanas, though not ultimate, can be helpful in one's practice, though states of samadhi are not the same as enlightenment or liberation. However, for me I don't focus on developing samatha jhanas. I am more concerned about the insight part.
Originally posted by An Eternal Now:Reiki is not Buddhism, but I think it can be helpful for one's own benefit. However my dharma teacher has warned before, don't anyhow use healing powers on others. If you heal yourself that's fine. But if you anyhow heal others and you do not have psychic powers and wisdom to discern the causes and conditions for a person's illness, sometimes you may end up offending certain spirits who are themselves using their own powers to cause diseases in that person out of revenge. This is just one such cases. It is best not to interfere in people's karma, however, it is fine to heal within your family circle since family circle has certain shared karma.
Hypnosis is also not a method used in Buddhism, but if you find it helpful, I don't think there's anything in Buddhism against it.
However the Buddha's method to discover it is through meditation. If you want to remember past lives through meditation, it is not as easy and quick as hypnosis, as it does require some period of time to develope a deep enough level of absorption and samadhi. However the states of samadhi and jhanas, though not ultimate, can be very helpful in one's practice. However, for me I don't focus on developing samatha jhanas. I am more concerned about the insight part.
p.s. my mom personally has healing powers that she spontaneously 'awoke to' a few years back, and she asked my Taiwanese teacher about it when he came to Singapore last year, and that was his advice to her.
She also met our moderator Thusness recently and asked what is the cause of her powers, to which he replied it is related to the opening of chakras.
Originally posted by An Eternal Now:Reiki is not Buddhism, but I think it can be helpful for one's own benefit. However my dharma teacher has warned before, don't anyhow use healing powers on others. If you heal yourself that's fine. But if you anyhow heal others and you do not have psychic powers and wisdom to discern the causes and conditions for a person's illness, sometimes you may end up offending certain spirits who are themselves using their own powers to cause diseases in that person out of revenge, and your powers are hence interfering and can be taken as confrontation. This is just one such cases. It is best not to interfere in people's karma and get yourself in trouble, however, it is fine to heal within your family circle since family circle has certain shared karma.
Hypnosis is also not a method used in Buddhism, but if you find it helpful, I don't think there's anything in Buddhism against it.
However the Buddha's method to discover it is through meditation. If you want to remember past lives through meditation, it is not as easy and quick as hypnosis, as it does require some period of time to develope a deep enough level of absorption and samadhi. However the states of samadhi and jhanas, though not ultimate, can be very helpful in one's practice. However, for me I don't focus on developing samatha jhanas. I am more concerned about the insight part.
Thanks for clarifying. Confirmed hypnosis and rekki healing are not practices of buddhism. I recall these are considered new age. Am surprise to know tibetan buddhist temple practising it.
Originally posted by An Eternal Now:p.s. my mom personally has healing powers that she spontaneously 'awoke to' a few years back, and she asked my Taiwanese teacher about it when he came to Singapore last year, and that was his advice to her.
She also met our moderator Thusness recently and asked what is the cause of her powers, to which he replied it is related to the opening of chakras.
what is opening of chakras?
Originally posted by Fantagf:Hypnosis and rekki healing are not practices of buddhism. I recall these are considered new age. Am surprise to know tibetan buddhist temple practising it.
Some Buddhist temples teach yoga and qigong as well.
They don't contradict Buddhist tenets, so I don't think it's an issue.
Just like some churches offer free tuition (as in their school subjects) for children, and other lessons and activities.
My dharma center offers free guitar lessons for young people.
Originally posted by Rooney9:what is opening of chakras?
Opening the energy channels in the body through breathing exercise"da tong chi mai"
Originally posted by Rooney9:what is opening of chakras?
Chakra; Sanskrit; wheel, circle. Term for
the
centers of subtle or refined energy (prana, kundalini) in
the
human energy body (astral body). Although developed by
Hinduism, the system of the chakras
also plays a role in Buddhism, especially Tantric
Buddhism. In
basic outline the system of energy centers (chakras) and
connecting
channels (nadi) is the same as in kundalini-yoga. The
symbolism connected with it, however, is taken from
Buddhist
iconography, and the meditation practice based on it is
significantly
different in many respects from that of kundalini-yoga.
This
and read more at: The
Shambhala Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen
Originally posted by An Eternal Now:
Chakra; Sanskrit; wheel, circle. Term for the centers of subtle or refined energy (prana, kundalini) in the human energy body (astral body). Although developed by Hinduism, the system of the chakras also plays a role in Buddhism, especially Tantric Buddhism. In basic outline the system of energy centers (chakras) and connecting channels (nadi) is the same as in kundalini-yoga. The symbolism connected with it, however, is taken from Buddhist iconography, and the meditation practice based on it is significantly different in many respects from that of kundalini-yoga.
This and read more at: The Shambhala Dictionary of Buddhism and Zen
I am not sure if this was expounded by the Buddha himself?
Saw articles on chakra on fengshui magazine. Is chakra fengshui or buddhism?
Originally posted by Rooney9:I am not sure if this was expounded by the Buddha himself?
In the Nikayas, the concern wasn't over chakras. But it doesn't mean it doesn't exist, just as Buddha didn't taught about biology, astronomy, mathematics, but doesn't mean they are invalid. Chakras is related to Indian medicine. The Buddha in the Nikayas didn't teach the biological nor the astral/chakras aspect of the human being. He was just concerned about the liberation of suffering and limited to a specific type of teachings which he imparted, such as the four noble truths, the four foundations of mindfulness, etc etc, known as the first turning of the wheel, which has come down as the Nikaya teachings.
However the reason why this is taught in Tantric Buddhism is because there are many energy-related practices that relates to specific chakras.
Here's an example:
sounded like Qi to me. if you learn Qigong or Taiqi, you will know the Qi.
Originally posted by Fantagf:Saw articles on chakra on fengshui magazine. Is chakra fengshui or buddhism?
Chakras are taught in Hinduism, Taoism, and Vajrayana Buddhism.
Originally posted by An Eternal Now:In the Nikayas, the concern wasn't over chakras. But it doesn't mean it doesn't exist, just as Buddha didn't taught about biology, astronomy, mathematics, but doesn't mean they are invalid. Chakras is related to Indian medicine. The Buddha wasn't purpose wasn't to teach the biological, and astral/chakras aspect of the human body. He was just concerned about the liberation of suffering.
However the reason why this is taught in Tantric Buddhism is because there are many energy-related practices that relates to specific chakras.
Here's an example:
Would it be possible for you to share with us here some of those clear light abbreviated methods? Or maybe in private e-mails? Unfortunately, not everyone is able to go to a retreat...
Jax: Thanks Lanusse! I would be glad to share some basic Clear Light practices that bring about a very pronounced sense of Being rapidly. From investigating most of the lineage models as presented in the world's mystical practice traditions from various cultures around the planet since 1966, and experimenting with those methods as taught to me by masters of those traditions, I can say that by now its become clear to at least myself, that there do exist methods and approaches that are more accurate and direct than others. And among the most direct methods there also appears to be commonalities of result.To super-summerize the entire path in one expression I would say: The fastest route and approach would be to engage in a practice that opens the crown chakra easily. When the crown chakra opens the sphere of Awareness that has its seat in the skull, experiences total unbounded spacious Awareness automatically. Imagine this sphere of Awareness, which is your actual cognitive presence as though enclosed within the center of a lotus flower, situated towards the top of skull, yet centered in the skull. The petals of the lotus flower surround your consciousness which sits directly above the center of the flower's stem. The stem is the central channel of the subtle body of Light. When the nourishing sap rises up the stem and reaches the flower at the top, the petals begin to open revealing that which is within the flower. In this case the sap that rises up the stem is Kundalini. The flower petals are actually an extremely fine network of web-like energy channels that are usually contracted and dormant. This web of energy networks adds to the sense of solidity that makes the sphere of Awareness seem as though it is a solid entity attached firmly within the skull.At death this cocoon-like network of energy channels disintegrates and the sphere of Awareness floats away from the physical body. For a practitioner of Clear Light methods, like Dzogchen thogal and yang-ti, they will float out of the body through the eyes.For various other reasons at times, the sphere of Awareness breaks loose of the confining energy webbing and floats outside of the body. This happens at times of near-death experiences caused by heart attacks, severe illnesses and sudden impacts. However the sphere of Awareness is still connected to the body through the central channel connected to the heart chakra. If normal death occurs, the Awareness will enter the central channel and will drift down through the central channel to the heart center. This is experienced as though one is floating through a tunnel of light. At the end of the central channel at the heart a very bright light is observed. As one moves closer to the Light it appears to be a Beingness of unconditional love, bliss and total wisdom... it is your true nature shining. The Awareness may merge with the Light, if so that would be total Self-Realization. In Tibet that is referred to as the merging of the son and mother lights. The son would be Rigpa and the mother would be the pure Emptiness of the Dharmakaya.However, there is another method to enter directly into this dimension of Light, Being and Knowing through very specific practices. By bringing the Kundalini energy up through the central channel into the crown chakra, the chakra energy field opens and expands. At first one notices a sensation of no longer being connected to the body yet not yet away from it. Awareness becomes fully present to its nature as a beingness that is not located in a body nor even in the universe or located in space or time. In this moment of illumination, if one deliberately notices the head or skull it will seem transparent or completely absent. It seems instead of you being in your body, rather your body is in you as the unchanging field of Being/Awareness. This is the first stage. Most can come to this and do in their first retreat. The experience leaves one without doubts and certainty of one's actual true nature.Now, it is not necessary to raise the Kundalini up the central channel. Actually in the center of the crown chakra there is a huge reservoir of Kundilini always present, due to the fact that the crown chakra is the seat of Awareness. One can utilize a not well known method to activate the Kundalini directly in the crown chakra alone.Here is the method: sense a spot of energy like a luminous clear-white ball slightly below the crown of your skull, centered between the ears but slightly higher, yet centered in between. Close your eyes and sense that the little luminous sphere is the center of your Awareness. Notice how the sphere is itself Awareness. Be that sphere and just be. Concentrate on only that. Notice the interior of your skull, as if it is hollow, remain with your eyes closed and sense a spacious clear light inseperable from your awareness. If the interior of your skull seems foggy or densley dark instead of clear and empty, practice looking in a mirror at your eyes and at the clear glass of the mirror at your eyes in the reflection until your visual awareness seems crisp and transparent. Then sit and do the practice again with your eyes closed, but noticing the crisp clearness of the interior light that offers a sensation of clear inner empty space. You need to sense a dimension of spaciousness as luminous awareness. Practice with this exercise until you begin to sense that the solidity of your skull is becoming transparent and your sense of being a sphere of Awareness has become pronounced. At that moment, just rest as that Awareness. The mind will have already vanished with all its thoughts and images... just rest in that Clear Light Awareness, that you are.After 20 to 30 minutes slowly open your eyes and begin to integrate the external spatial dimension of the room as you see it, into your Awareness. Now with eyes fully open... just rest in total integration with the space of Being just as you are.If you don't then re-engage in conceptualizing and other mental meanderings, you will find great peace and stability in just being present effortlessly.To further open the crown chakra, practice with these exercises along with external sky-gazing and bringing your Awareness to your eyes, crisply and without moving your eyes, gaze straight into the space of the sky. After 20 or 30 minutes of external sky gazing, immediately close your eyes and notice the vast inner space of your skull and the clarity of your inner spacious Awareness. Now notice that the top of your crown appears transparent and open to the sky. Your entire skull is becoming transparent... just rest in that luminous transparency which is the nature of your Being. All sense of ego identity or self will vanish as those shadows are transformed into Light, the Clear Light of Awareness.There are many more details that I have left out, as they really are best suited to live guidence as given in the retreat setting. But this abbreviated form will definitely produce immediate results... its been well tested not only in my retreats but in my weekly practice sessions that I teach in Chicago.I would ask for those who want guidance and have questions, please post to the group lists, as your issues, challenges and questions will be beneficial to all of us. If you are too shy to do so, then just email me directly.If those on these lists are serious about your practice success, then here you go! Take advantage of my being able to mentor you through these steps of practice.At some point, as the crown chakra fully opens don't be surprised to notice that you have floated away from your body... usually only several feet away. Just you, a sphere of Awareness, floating in the space of your room or outside looking back at your body. In that moment you then know your body has no real connection to you in terms of identity... it is just like a car you have been driving around for awhile.The floating out of the body experience produces a permanent sense of true non-identity. More doubts fall away... forever. At least that's been my experience...There are two more stages beyond this level of practice. The next exercises open all the chakras and the energies of consciousness become stabilized in the central channel. The third level opens all of the Light channels between the heart and the eyes, as well as Light channels through out the head and entire body. Eventually, the heart chakra opens fully and completely revealing the Infinite Light of Unconditional Love and Compassion for the benefit of all beings...We are actually doing part of the third level work on the first level exercises.... and that is why this approach is so powerful and rapid. What is experienced has nothing to do with the mind and its endlessprattle and distraction.For those interested to experiment and explore... please do! May you never be the same!Love,Jax
The Buddha didnt teach other things, because they are not related to the liberation of sufferings or concerned with spiritual practises.
Originally posted by Weychin:Chakra means “chi mai” in chinese, energy channel in english.
Fengshui is based on Taoist principles, usually environmental energy flows!
Now I see the picture of it. Clear about it now.
Originally posted by Rooney9:The Buddha didnt teach other things, because they are not related to the liberation of sufferings or concerned with spiritual practises.
However in the case of Tantric Buddhism, they are actually elaborate systems that seek to end suffering, though the methods are somewhat different.
It is not necessary to go through this path, it is one way.
Originally posted by An Eternal Now:However in the case of Tantric Buddhism, they are actually elaborate systems that seek to end suffering, though the methods are somewhat different.
It is not necessary to go through this path, it is one way.
were there instances of monks or lay followers practising tantric achieved enlightenment?
oh my goodness, so many types of buddhism. like that how can one choose?
Originally posted by An Eternal Now:In the Nikayas, the concern wasn't over chakras. But it doesn't mean it doesn't exist, just as Buddha didn't taught about biology, astronomy, mathematics, but doesn't mean they are invalid. Chakras is related to Indian medicine. The Buddha in the Nikayas didn't teach the biological nor the astral/chakras aspect of the human being. He was just concerned about the liberation of suffering and limited to a specific type of teachings which he imparted, such as the four noble truths, the four foundations of mindfulness, etc etc, known as the first turning of the wheel, which has come down as the Nikaya teachings.
However the reason why this is taught in Tantric Buddhism is because there are many energy-related practices that relates to specific chakras.
Here's an example:
Would it be possible for you to share with us here some of those clear light abbreviated methods? Or maybe in private e-mails? Unfortunately, not everyone is able to go to a retreat...
Jax: Thanks Lanusse! I would be glad to share some basic Clear Light practices that bring about a very pronounced sense of Being rapidly. From investigating most of the lineage models as presented in the world's mystical practice traditions from various cultures around the planet since 1966, and experimenting with those methods as taught to me by masters of those traditions, I can say that by now its become clear to at least myself, that there do exist methods and approaches that are more accurate and direct than others. And among the most direct methods there also appears to be commonalities of result.To super-summerize the entire path in one expression I would say: The fastest route and approach would be to engage in a practice that opens the crown chakra easily. When the crown chakra opens the sphere of Awareness that has its seat in the skull, experiences total unbounded spacious Awareness automatically. Imagine this sphere of Awareness, which is your actual cognitive presence as though enclosed within the center of a lotus flower, situated towards the top of skull, yet centered in the skull. The petals of the lotus flower surround your consciousness which sits directly above the center of the flower's stem. The stem is the central channel of the subtle body of Light. When the nourishing sap rises up the stem and reaches the flower at the top, the petals begin to open revealing that which is within the flower. In this case the sap that rises up the stem is Kundalini. The flower petals are actually an extremely fine network of web-like energy channels that are usually contracted and dormant. This web of energy networks adds to the sense of solidity that makes the sphere of Awareness seem as though it is a solid entity attached firmly within the skull.At death this cocoon-like network of energy channels disintegrates and the sphere of Awareness floats away from the physical body. For a practitioner of Clear Light methods, like Dzogchen thogal and yang-ti, they will float out of the body through the eyes.For various other reasons at times, the sphere of Awareness breaks loose of the confining energy webbing and floats outside of the body. This happens at times of near-death experiences caused by heart attacks, severe illnesses and sudden impacts. However the sphere of Awareness is still connected to the body through the central channel connected to the heart chakra. If normal death occurs, the Awareness will enter the central channel and will drift down through the central channel to the heart center. This is experienced as though one is floating through a tunnel of light. At the end of the central channel at the heart a very bright light is observed. As one moves closer to the Light it appears to be a Beingness of unconditional love, bliss and total wisdom... it is your true nature shining. The Awareness may merge with the Light, if so that would be total Self-Realization. In Tibet that is referred to as the merging of the son and mother lights. The son would be Rigpa and the mother would be the pure Emptiness of the Dharmakaya.However, there is another method to enter directly into this dimension of Light, Being and Knowing through very specific practices. By bringing the Kundalini energy up through the central channel into the crown chakra, the chakra energy field opens and expands. At first one notices a sensation of no longer being connected to the body yet not yet away from it. Awareness becomes fully present to its nature as a beingness that is not located in a body nor even in the universe or located in space or time. In this moment of illumination, if one deliberately notices the head or skull it will seem transparent or completely absent. It seems instead of you being in your body, rather your body is in you as the unchanging field of Being/Awareness. This is the first stage. Most can come to this and do in their first retreat. The experience leaves one without doubts and certainty of one's actual true nature.Now, it is not necessary to raise the Kundalini up the central channel. Actually in the center of the crown chakra there is a huge reservoir of Kundilini always present, due to the fact that the crown chakra is the seat of Awareness. One can utilize a not well known method to activate the Kundalini directly in the crown chakra alone.Here is the method: sense a spot of energy like a luminous clear-white ball slightly below the crown of your skull, centered between the ears but slightly higher, yet centered in between. Close your eyes and sense that the little luminous sphere is the center of your Awareness. Notice how the sphere is itself Awareness. Be that sphere and just be. Concentrate on only that. Notice the interior of your skull, as if it is hollow, remain with your eyes closed and sense a spacious clear light inseperable from your awareness. If the interior of your skull seems foggy or densley dark instead of clear and empty, practice looking in a mirror at your eyes and at the clear glass of the mirror at your eyes in the reflection until your visual awareness seems crisp and transparent. Then sit and do the practice again with your eyes closed, but noticing the crisp clearness of the interior light that offers a sensation of clear inner empty space. You need to sense a dimension of spaciousness as luminous awareness. Practice with this exercise until you begin to sense that the solidity of your skull is becoming transparent and your sense of being a sphere of Awareness has become pronounced. At that moment, just rest as that Awareness. The mind will have already vanished with all its thoughts and images... just rest in that Clear Light Awareness, that you are.After 20 to 30 minutes slowly open your eyes and begin to integrate the external spatial dimension of the room as you see it, into your Awareness. Now with eyes fully open... just rest in total integration with the space of Being just as you are.If you don't then re-engage in conceptualizing and other mental meanderings, you will find great peace and stability in just being present effortlessly.To further open the crown chakra, practice with these exercises along with external sky-gazing and bringing your Awareness to your eyes, crisply and without moving your eyes, gaze straight into the space of the sky. After 20 or 30 minutes of external sky gazing, immediately close your eyes and notice the vast inner space of your skull and the clarity of your inner spacious Awareness. Now notice that the top of your crown appears transparent and open to the sky. Your entire skull is becoming transparent... just rest in that luminous transparency which is the nature of your Being. All sense of ego identity or self will vanish as those shadows are transformed into Light, the Clear Light of Awareness.There are many more details that I have left out, as they really are best suited to live guidence as given in the retreat setting. But this abbreviated form will definitely produce immediate results... its been well tested not only in my retreats but in my weekly practice sessions that I teach in Chicago.I would ask for those who want guidance and have questions, please post to the group lists, as your issues, challenges and questions will be beneficial to all of us. If you are too shy to do so, then just email me directly.If those on these lists are serious about your practice success, then here you go! Take advantage of my being able to mentor you through these steps of practice.At some point, as the crown chakra fully opens don't be surprised to notice that you have floated away from your body... usually only several feet away. Just you, a sphere of Awareness, floating in the space of your room or outside looking back at your body. In that moment you then know your body has no real connection to you in terms of identity... it is just like a car you have been driving around for awhile.The floating out of the body experience produces a permanent sense of true non-identity. More doubts fall away... forever. At least that's been my experience...There are two more stages beyond this level of practice. The next exercises open all the chakras and the energies of consciousness become stabilized in the central channel. The third level opens all of the Light channels between the heart and the eyes, as well as Light channels through out the head and entire body. Eventually, the heart chakra opens fully and completely revealing the Infinite Light of Unconditional Love and Compassion for the benefit of all beings...We are actually doing part of the third level work on the first level exercises.... and that is why this approach is so powerful and rapid. What is experienced has nothing to do with the mind and its endlessprattle and distraction.For those interested to experiment and explore... please do! May you never be the same!Love,Jax
Originally posted by Rooney9:were there instances of monks or lay followers practising tantric achieved enlightenment?
Yes, there are many enlightened tantric masters from past till now.
Originally posted by Weychin:
I'll like to ask about the pineal gland, the focus between the eyes, it is said that when a person is born or dies the pineal gland releases DMT, also in Samadhi, when the nectar (DMT?) is secreted. Also in Taoism(and Yoga, I suppose!) , at the right time onr releases concious out from the crown chakra. Does this have any relevance in Buddhist practice? Especially in death?
You'll have to ask a Tantric Buddhist, which I am not.
Originally posted by Fantagf:oh my goodness, so many types of buddhism. like that how can one choose?
Many Singaporeans choose the easiest one (including myself) 净宗, just concentrate on praying and chanting Amitabha（å�—æ— é˜¿å¼¥é™€ä½›). Our ultimate aim is to be born in Amitabha's pureland ( to get out of the cycle of rebirth). Chant on the daily basis if possible, especially during one's last breath on earth.
You will have amazing experience when chanting Amitabha.
Most of the Chinese Buddhist temples in Singapore are 净宗.
if pple got sudden death by accident..how to chant amitabha
Originally posted by Dawnfirstlight:Many Singaporeans choose the easiest one (including myself) 净宗, just concentrate on praying and chanting Amitabha（å�—æ— é˜¿å¼¥é™€ä½›). Our ultimate aim is to be born in Amitabha's pureland ( to get out of the cycle of rebirth). Chant on the daily basis if possible, especially during one's last breath on earth.
You will have amazing experience when chanting Amitabha.
Most of the Chinese Buddhist temples in Singapore are 净宗.
Thanks. Where is 净宗 originate from? Actually, i am still confused about å�—æ— é˜¿å¼¥é™€ä½› and buddhism. It is like christianity with so many different denominstions.
I know there is recorded å�—æ— é˜¿å¼¥é™€ä½› free of charge. Could we get it from temples? Any place to get a different tune of å�—æ— é˜¿å¼¥é™€ä½›? The common one we hear is sometimes used for funeral.
Originally posted by Aloozer:if pple got sudden death by accident..how to chant amitabha
So far I have not come across anybody who chants Amitabha died of a sudden death. Most of them die of old age or sickness, meaning there is still chance to recite Amitabha's name at deathbed. Like Master Chin Kong said, he witnessed many people who chant Amitabha, they are able to live and foretell their family members when Amitabha will be coming to fetch them to Pureland.
We always pray to Amitabha to bless us that we remain concious till our last breath. This prayer can be seen in some of scriptures but cannot recall exactly which scripture.
It does not matter if the person die of a sudden death or been converted to other religion at his last breath. As long as he chant Amitabha regularly, these happenings will not affect his chances to be born in Amitabha's Pureland.