Conference hydra::dejavu

	Not all spiritual paths lead to the Harmonious
	   Oneness.
	Indeed, most are detours and distractions, 
	   nothing more.
	Why not trust the plainness and simplicity of
	   the Integral Way?
	Living with unconditional sincerity,
	   dissolving all duality,
	   celebrating the equality of all things,
 	   your every moment will be in truth.

	It is tempting to view the vast and luminous
	   heavens as the body of the Tao.
	That would be a mistake, however.
	If you identify the Tao with a particular shape,
	   you won't ever see it.

	Don't think you can attain total awareness and whole
	   enlightenment without proper discipline and practice.
	This is egomania.
	Appropriate rituals channel your emotions and life
	   energy toward the light.
	Without the discipline to practice them, you will
	   tumble constantly backward into darkness.

	Here is the great secret:
	Just as high awareness of the subtle truth is gained 
	   through virtuous conduct and sustaining disciplines,
	   so also is it maintained through these things.
	Highly evolved beings know and respect the truth 
	   of this.

	Words can never convey the beauty of a tree;
	   to understand it, you must see it with your 
	   own eyes.
	Language cannot capture the melody of a song;
	   to understand it, you must hear it with your
	   own ears.
	So it is with the Tao: the only way to 
	   understand it is to directly experience it.

	The subtle truth of the universe is unsayable
	   and unthinkable.
	Therefore the highest teachings are wordless.
	My own words are not the medicine, but a 
	   prescription; not the destination, but a map
	   to help you reach it.
	When you get there, quiet your mind and close
	   your mouth.
	Don't analyze Tao.
	Strive instead to live it: silently, undividedly,
	   with your whole harmonious being.

	The Tao doesn't come and go.
	It is always present everywhere, just like the sky.
	If your mind is clouded, you won't see it, but that
	    doesn't mean it isn't there.

	All misery is created by the activity of the mind.
	Can you let go of words and ideas, attitudes and
	    expectations?
	If so, then the Tao will loom into view.
	Can you be still and look inside?
	If so, then you will see that the truth is always
	    available, always responsive.

	The ego says that the world is vast, and that the
	    particles which form it are tiny.
	When the tiny particles join, it says, the vast
	    world appears within.
	When the vast world disperses, it says, tiny
	    particles appear.

	The ego is entranced by all these names and ideas, 
	    but the subtle truth is that world and particle 
	    are the same; neither one vast, neither one tiny.
	Every thing is equal to every other thing.
	Names and concepts only block your perception of 
	    this Great Oneness.
	Therefore it is wise to ignore them.
	Those who live inside their egos are continually 
	    bewildered: they struggle frantically to know
	    whether things are large or small, whether or 
	    not there is a purpose to joining or dispersing,
   	    whether the universe is blind and mechanical or
 	    the divine creation of a conscious being.

	In reality there are no grounds for having beliefs
	    or making comments about such things.
	Look behind them instead, and you will discern the
	    deep, silent, complete truth of the Tao.
	Embrace it, and your bewilderment vanishes.

	Since Ric is leaving us in a few days, I'm entering this
	as a farewell present at his request.  (;^)  (Ric - can't
	reply to your mails - am getting an RST error on the message
	router.)

	Caution - semi-adult theme below - read at own discretion 
	or hit <next unseen> now.

	Cindy

	

	A person's approach to sexuality is a sign of his level
	    of evolution.
	Unevolved persons practice ordinary sexual intercourse.
	Placing all emphasis upon the sexual organs, they 
	    neglect the body's other organs and systems.
	Whatever physical energy is accumulated is summarily
	    discharged, and the subtle energies are similarly
	    dissipated and disordered.
	It is a great leap backwards.

	For those who aspire to the higher realms of living,
	    there is angelic dual cultivation.
	Because every portion of the body, mind, and spirit
	    yearns for the integration of yin and yang, angelic
	    intercourse is led by spirit rather than the sexual
	    organs.

	Where ordinary intercourse is effortful, angelic dual
	    cultivation is calm, relaxed, quiet and natural.
	Where ordinary intercourse unites sex organs with sex
	    organs, angelic cultivation unites spirit with spirit,
	    mind with mind, and every cell of one body with every
	    cell of the other body.
	Culiminating not in dissolution but in integration, it is
	    an opportunity for a man and woman to mutually 
	    transform and uplift each other into the realm of
	    bliss and wholeness.

	The sacred ways of angelic intercourse are taught only
	    by one who has himself achieved total energy 
	    integration, and taught only to students who follow
	    the Integral Way with profound devotion, seeking to
	    purify and pacify the entire world along with their
	    own being.

	However, if your virtue is especially radiant, it can be
	    possible to open a pathway to the subtle realm and
	    receive these celestial teachings directly from the
	    immortals.
                 

	Just as the world can reveal itself as particles, 
	    the Tao can reveal itself as human beings.
	Though world and particles aren't the same, neither
	    are they different.
	Though the cosmic body and your body aren't the 
	    same, neither are they different.

	Worlds and particles, bodies and beings, time and
	    space;
	All are transient expressions of the Tao.
	Unseeable, ungraspable, the Tao is beyond any 
	    attempt to analyze or categorize it.
	At the same time, its truth is everywhere you turn.
	If you can let go of it with your mind and surround
	    it with your heart, it will live inside you 
	    forever.

	All things in the universe move from the subtle to the
	    manifest and back again.
	Whether the form is that of a star or a person, the
	    process is the same.
	First, the subtle energy exists.
	Next, it becomes manifest and takes on life.
	After a time, the life passes away, but the subtle
	    energy goes on, either returning to the subtle
	    realm, where it remains, or once again attaching
	    to manifest things.

	The character of your existence is determined by the
	    energies to which you connect yourself.
	If you attach yourself to gross energies - loving this
	    person, hating that clan, rejecting one experience
	    or habitually indulging in another - then you will
	    lead a series of heavy, attached lives.

	The way of the integral being is to join with higher
	    things.
	By holding to that which is refined and subtle, she
	    traverses refined and subtle realms.
	If she enters the world, she does so lightly, without
	    attachment.
	In this way she can go anywhere without ever leaving
	    the center of the universe.

    Just as the world can reveal itself as particles,
        the Taco can reveal itself as Ground Hamburger
    Though world and particles aren't the same,neither
        are the different versions of The Taco.
    Though the cosmic body and your body aren't the
        same,have you ever tried a cosmic Taco?
    
    Lettus and Chives,Tomatoes and Onions,Chedder and
     Prevalone:
    All are transient expressions of The Taco.
    Untastable,Undigestable,The Taco is beyond any
      attempt to analyze or categorize it.
    At the same time,it's smell is everywhere you turn.
    If you let go of it,it will fall and stain around your 
      heart area.But if you eat it,you'll see it in the toliet
    again in a few hours.
    
    
        Crazy_Al

    
    Re.36
    
    HEY!  That's not in the book!!!
    
    (;^)
    
    Cindy

	Intellectual knowledge exists in and of the brain.
	Because the brain is part of the body, which must 
	    one day expire, this collection of facts, however
	    large and impressive, will expire as well.

	Insight, however, is a function of the spirit.
	Because your spirit follows you through cycle after
	    cycle of life, death, and rebirth, you have the
	    opportunity of cultivating insight in an ongoing
	    fashion.
	Refined over time, insight becomes pure, constant,
	    and unwavering.

	This is the beginning of immortality.

	It is entirely possible for you to achieve immortality,
	    and to experience absolute joy and freedom forever.
	The practice of undiscriminating virtue is the means to
	    this end.

	Practicing kindness and selflessness, you naturally 
	    align your life with the Integral Way.
	Aligning your life with the Integral Way, you begin to
	    eliminate the illusory boundaries between people and
	    societies, between darkness and light, between life
	    and death.
	Eliminating these illusions, you gain the company of the
	    highest spiritual beings.
	In their company, you are protected from negative
	    influences and your life energy cannot be dissolved.
	Thus you do achieve immortality.

	Remember: it is not that those who cultivate wholeness 
	    and virtue in themselves do not encounter difficulties 
	    in life.
	It is that they understand that difficulties are the very
	    road to immortality: by meeting them calmly and openly,
	    however they unfold, and joyfully developing themselves
	    in response to them, they become as natural, as complete,
	    and as eternal as the Tao itself.

	A superior person cares for the well-being of all things.
	She does this by accepting responsibility for the energy
	    she manifests, both actively and in the subtle realm.
	Looking at a tree, she sees not an isolated event but root,
	    leaves, trunk, water, soil, and sun: each event 
	    related to the others, the "tree" arising out of their 
	    relatedness.
	Looking at herself or another, she sees the same thing.

	Trees and animals, humans and insects, flowers and birds:
	These are active images of the subtle energies that flow
	    from the stars throughout the universe.  Meeting and
	    combining with each other and the elements of the earth,
	    they give rise to all living things.

	The superior person understands this, and understands that
	    her own energies play a part in it.
	Understanding these things, she respects the earth as her
	    mother, the heavens as her father, and all living things
	    as her brothers and sisters.

	Caring for them, she knows that she cares for herself.
	Giving to them, she knows that she gives to herself.
	At peace with them, she is always at peace with herself.

	Why scurry about looking for the truth?
	It vibrates in every thing and every not-thing, right off
	    the tip of your nose.
	Can you be still and see it in the mountain?  the pine tree?
	    yourself?

	Don't imagine that you'll discover it by accumulating more
	    knowledge.
	Knowledge creaates doubt, and doubt makes you ravenous for
	    more knowledge.
	You can't get full eating this way.
	The wise person dines on something more subtle:
	He eats the understanding that the named was born from the
	    unnamed, that all being flows from non-being, that the 
	    describable world emanates from an indescribable source.

	So who can be still and watch the chess game of the world?
	The foolish are always making impulsive moves, but the wise
	    know that victory and defeat are decided by something
	    more subtle.
	They see that something perfect exists before any move is
	    made.

	This subtle perfection deteriorates when artificial actions
	    are taken, so be content not to disturb the peace.
	Remain quiet.
	Discover the harmony in your own being.
	Embrace it.

	If you can do this, you will gain everything, and the world
	    will become healthy again.
	If you can't, you will be lost in the shadows forever.

	
	If you go searching for the Great Creator, you will
	   come back empty-handed.
	The source of the universe is ultimately unknowable, 
	   a great invisible river flowing forever through 
	   a vast and fertile valley.
	Silent and uncreated, it creates all things.
	
	All things are brought forth from the subtle realm
	   into the manifest world by the mystical intercourse
	   of yin and yang.
	The dynamic river yang pushes forward, the still 
	   valley yin is receptive, and through their 
	   integration things come into existence.
	This is known as the Great Tai Chi.
	
	Tai chi is the integral truth of the universe.
	Everything is a tai chi: your body, the cosmic body,
	   form, appearance, wisdom, energy, the unions of
	   people, the dispersal of time and places.
	Each brings itself into existence through the 
	   integration of yin and yang, maintains itself,
	   and disperses itself without the direction of
	   any creator.
	Your creation, your self-transformation, the
	   accumulation of energy and wisdom, the decline
	   and cessation of your body: all these take place
	   by themselves within the subtle operation of the
	   universe.
	
	Therefore agitated effort is not necessary.
	Just be aware of the Great Tai Chi.

	The natural laws of the universe are inviolable:
	Energy condenses into substance.
	Food is eaten through the mouth and not the nose.
	A person who neglects to breathe will turn blue
	   and die.
	Some things can't be dismissed.
	
	It is also a part of the cosmic law that what you
	   say and do determines what happens in your life.
	The ordinary person thinks that this law is external 
	   to himself and he feels confined and controlled
	   by it.
	So his desires trouble his mind, his mind troubles
	   his spirit, and he lives in a constant turmoil
	   within himself and the world.
	His whole life is spent in struggling.
	
	The superior person recognizes that he and the 
	   subtle law are one.
	Therefore he cultivates himself to accord with it,
	   bringing moderation to his actions and clarity
	   to his mind.
	Doing this, he finds himself at one with all that 
	   is divine and enlightened.
	His days are passed drinking in serenity and
	   breathing out contentment.
	
	This is the profound, simple truth.
	You are the master of your life and death.
	What you do is what you are.

	
	Good and bad, self and others, life and death:
	Why affirm these concepts?  Why deny them?
	To do either is to exercise the mind, and the
	   integral being knows that the manipulations 
	   of the mind are dreams, delusions, and
	   shadows.
	
	Hold one idea, and another competes with it.
	Soon the two will be in conflict with a third,
	   and in time your life is all chatter and
	   contradiction.
	
	Seek instead to keep your mind undivided.
	Dissolve all ideas into the Tao.

	Nothing in the realm of thoughts or ideologies 
	   is absolute.
	Lean on one for long, and it collapses.
	Because of this, there is nothing more futile and
	   frustrating than relying on the mind.
	
	To arrive at the unshakable, you must befriend
	   the Tao.
	To do this, quiet your thinking.
	Stop analyzing, dividing, making distinctions
	   between one thing and another.
	Simply see that you are at the center of the 
	   universe and accept all things and beings as
	   parts of your infinite body.
	
	When you perceive that an act done to another is
	   done to yourself, then you have understood
	   the great truth.

	In ancient times, people lived holistic lives.
	They didn't overemphasize the intellect, but 
	   integrated the mind, body, and spirit in all
	   things.
	This allowed them to become masters of knowledge
	   rather than victims of concepts.
	If a new invention appeared, they looked for the
	   troubles it might cause as well as the shortcuts
	   it offered.
	They valued old ways that had proven effective,
	   and they valued new ways if they could be proven
	   effective.
	
	If you want to stop being confused, then emulate
	   these ancient folk: join your body, mind, and
	   spirit in all you do.
	Choose food, clothing, and shelter that accords with
	   nature.
	Rely on your own body for transportation.
	Allow your work and your recreation to be one and 
	   the same.
	Do exercise that develops your whole being, and not
	   just your body.
	Listen to music that bridges the three spheres of 
	   your being.
	Choose leaders for their virtue rather than their 
	   wealth or power.
	Serve others and cultivate yourself simultaneously.
	
	Understand that true growth comes from meeting and
	   solving the problems in life in a way that is
	   harmonizing to yourself and to others.
	
	If you can follow these simple old ways, you will
	   be continually renewed.

	This is the nature of the unenlightened mind:
	The sense organs, which are limited in scope and
	   ability, randomly gather information.
	This partial information is arranged into judgements,
	   which are based on previous judgements,
	   which are usually based on someone else's foolish
	   ideas.
	These false concepts and ideas are then stored in a
	   highly selective memory system.
	
	Distortion upon distortion: the mental energy flows
	   constantly through contorted and inappropriate 
	   channels, and the more one uses the mind, the more
	   confused one becomes.
	
	To eliminate the vexation of the mind, it doesn't 
	   help to 'do' something: this only reinforces the
	   mind's mechanics.
	Dissolving the mind is instead a matter of not-doing:
	Simply avoid becoming attached to what you see and 
	   think.
	Relinquish the notion that you are separated from the
	   all-knowing mind of the universe.
	Then you can recover your original pure insight and
	   see through all illusions.
	Knowing nothing, you will be aware of everything.
	
	Remember: because clarity and enlightenment are 
	   within your own nature, they are regained without
	   moving an inch.

	If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will 
	   fall into place.
	This is true because the mind is the governing aspect
	   of a human life.
	If the river flows clearly and cleanly through the
	   proper channel, all will be well along its banks.
	
	The Integral Way depends on decreasing, not increasing:
	To correct your mind, rely on not-doing.
	Stop thinking and clinging to complications; keep
	   your mind detached and whole.
	Eliminate mental muddiness and obscurity; keep your 
	   mind crystal clear.
	Avoid daydreaming and allow your pure original insight
	   to emerge.
	Quiet your emotions and abide in serenity.
	Don't go crazy with the worship of idols, images, and
	   ideas; this is like putting a new head on top of
	   the one you already have.
	
	Remember: if you can cease all restless activity, your
	   integral nature will appear.

	The Tao gives birth to One.
	One gives birth to yin and yang.
	Yin and yang give birth to all things.
	Now forget this.
	
	The complete whole is the complete whole.
	So also is any part of the complete whole.
	Now forget this too.
	
	Pain and happiness are simply conditions 
	   of the ego.
	Forget the ego.
	
	Time and space are changing and dissolving,
	   not fixed and real.
	They can be thought of as accessories, but 
	   don't think of them.
	
	Supernatural beings without form extend 
	   their life force throughout the universe
	   to support beings both formed and unformed.
	But never mind this; the supernatural is just 
	   a part of the nature, like the natural.
	The subtle truth emphasizes neither and 
	   includes both.
	
	All truth is in tai chi: to cultivate the 
	   mind, body, or spirit, simply balance the 
	   polarities.
	If people understood this, world peace and 
	   universal harmony would naturally arise.
	
	But forget about understanding and harmonizing
	   and making all things one.
	The universe is already a harmonious oneness;
	   just realize it.
	
	If you scramble about in search of inner
	   peace, you will lose your inner peace.

	Dualistic thinking is a sickness.
	Religion is a distortion.
	Materialism is cruel.
	Blind spirituality is unreal.
	
	Chanting is no more holy than listening to the
	   murmer of a stream, counting prayer beads
	   no more sacred than simply breathing,
	   religious robes no more spiritual than work
	   clothes.
	
	If you wish to attain oneness with the Tao, don't
	   get caught up in spiritual superficialities.
	Instead, live a quiet and simple life, free of
	   ideas and concepts.
	Find contentment in the practice of undiscriminating
	   virtue, the only true power.
	Giving to others selflessly and anonymously, 
	   radiating light throughout the world and 
	   illuminating your own darkness, your virtue 
	   becomes a sanctuary for yourself and all beings.
	
	This is what is meant by embodying the Tao.

	Do you wish to free yourself of mental and
	   emotional knots and become one with the Tao?
	If so, there are two paths available to you.
	
	The first is the path of acceptance.
	Affirm everyone and everything.
	Freely extend your goodwill and virtue in every
	   direction, regardless of circumstances.
	Embrace all things as part of the Harmonious
	   Oneness, and then you will begin to perceive it.
	
	The second path is that of denial.
	Recognize that everything you see and think is a
	   falsehood, an illusion, a veil over the truth.
	Peel all the veils away, and you will arrive at 
	   the Oneness.
	
	Though these paths are entirely different, they 
	   will deliver you to the same place: spontaneous
	   awareness of the Great Oneness.
	Once you arrive there, remember: it isn't necessary
	   to struggle to maintain unity with it.
	
	All you have to do is participate in it.

	Thinking and talking about the Integral Way are
	   not the same as practicing it.
	Whoever became a good rider by talking about 
	   horses?
	If you wish to embody the Tao, stop chattering 
	   and start practicing.
	Relax your body and quiet your senses.
	Return your mind to its original clarity.
	Forget about being separated from others and
	   from the Divine Source.
	
	As you return to the Oneness, do not think of it
	   or be in awe of it.  This is just another way 
	   of separating from it.
	Simply merge into truth, and allow it to surround
	   you.

	What good is it to spend your life accumulating
	   material things?
	It isn't in keeping with the Tao.
	What benefit in conforming your behavior to 
	   someone elses conventions?
	It violates your nature and dissipates your 
	   energy.
	Why separate your spiritual life and your practical
	   life?
	To an integral being, there is no such distinction.
	
	Live simply and virtuously, true to your nature,
	   drawing no line between what is spiritual and
	   what is not.
	
	Ignore time.
	Relinquish ideas and concepts.
	Embrace the Oneness.
	
	This is the Integral Way.

    
    
    is there much more of this self indulgent dung left to go?I personally
    prefered the "Taco" verse better.It meant more to me@
    
    
    						ian

	last one really got to you, ey goldie??
	
	;-)
	
	Jay
	

    	Dear Grasshopper,
    		
    
    		Life is like a butterfly, little one,
    		Truth is only acheived at a price,
    		So, make your check payable to,
    		ME @ Tropical Paradise.com,
    		The larger the amount you send,
    		The larger your place with me at The End!
    
    
    		For Further info Dial 1-900-SUCKERS
    
    
    
    
    
    
    			No horses were killed or injured
    			in the making of this note.  BillM

    I find these entries to be well worth reading.  Please keep on posting 
    them, Cindy.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Gita

    Just being mischevious, Cindy. Keep 'em coming.   BillM

    Yes, Cindy, please keep them coming. To be mischeivous, then I won't
    have to by the book. :-) They are worth reading and anyone who doesn't
    think so and has no tolerance can just hit next unseen everytime they
    come to this string. At the very least these are good advice on life
    and at the most they might cause a spiritual awakening. Please don't
    stop dear friend.
    
    Bright Blessings,
    
    PJ

    Only if you all keep your comments back in the comments topic in 2043.
    
    Since I'm a lax and lazy moderator though, I'm not going to move these 
    from here.  But future ones will be deleted.  You have been forewarned!  
    (;^)
    
    Cindy

	Those who want to know the truth of the universe
	   should practice the four cardinal values.
	
	The first is reverence for all life; this manifests
	   as unconditional love and respect for oneself
	   and all other beings.
	The second is natural simplicity; this manifests as
	   honesty, simplicity, and faithfulness.
	The third is gentleness; this manifests as kindness,
	   consideration for others, and sensitivity to
	   spiritual truth.
	The fourth is supportiveness; this manifests as 
	   service to others without expectation of reward.
	
	The four virtues are not an external dogma but a
	   part of your original nature.
	When practiced, they give birth to wisdom and evoke
	   the five blessings: health, wealth, happiness,
	   longevity, and peace.

	Do you think you can clear your mind by sitting
	   constantly in silent meditation?
	This makes your mind narrow, not clear.
	Integral awareness is fluid and adaptable, 
	   present in all places and at all times.
	That is true meditation.
	
	Who can attain clarity and simplicity by avoiding
	   the world?
	The Tao is clear and simple, and it doesn't avoid
	   the world.
	
	Why not simply honor your parents,
	   love your children,
	   help your brothers and sisters,
	   be faithful to your friends,
	   care for your mate with devotion,
	   complete your work cooperatively and joyfully,
	   assume responsibility for problems,
	   practice virtue without first demanding it of
	      others,
	   understand the highest truths yet retain an
	      ordinary manner?
	
	That would be true clarity, true simplicity, true
	   mastery.

	True understanding in a person has two attributes:
	   awareness and action.
	Together they form a natural tai chi.
	
	Who can enjoy enlightenment and remain indifferent
	   to the suffering in the world?
	This is not in keeping with the Way.
	Only those who increase their service along with
	   their understanding can be called men and women
	   of Tao.

	In ancient times, various holistic sciences were
	   developed by highly evolved beings to enable
	   their own evolution and that of others.
	These subtle arts were created through the linking
	   of individual minds with the universal mind.
	They are still taught by traditional teachers to 
	   those who display virtue and desire to assist
	   others.
	
	The student who seeks out and studies these teachings
	   furthers the evolution of mankind as well as her
	   own spiritual unfolding.
	The student who ignores them hinders the development
	   of all beings.

	The holistic practices of the ancient masters integrate
	   science, art, and personal spiritual development.
	Mind, body, and spirit participate in them equally.
	
	They include:
	
	1. Yi Yau, the healing science which incorporates
	   diagnosis, acupuncture, herbal medicine, therapeutic
	   diet, and other methods;
	
	2. Syang Ming, the science which predicts a person's
	   destiny by observing the outward physical manifestations
	   of his face, skeleton, palms, and voice;
	
	3. Feng Shui, the science of discerning the subtle energy
	   rays present in a geographic location to determine
	   whether they will properly support the activities of
	   a building or town constructed there;
	
	4. Fu Kua, the observation of the subtle alterations of
	   yin and yang for the purpose of making decisions which
	   are harmonious with the apparent and hidden aspects of
	   a situation.  The foundation of Fu Kua and of all Taoist
	   practice is the study of the I Ching, or Book of Changes;
	
	5. Nei Dan, Wai Dan, and Fang Jung, the sciences of refining
	   one's personal energy through alchemy, chemistry, and the
	   cultivation of balanced sexual energy;
	
	6. Tai Syi, the science of revitalization through breathing
	   and visualization techniques;
	
	7. Chwun Shi, the transformation of one's spiritual essence
	   through keeping one's thoughts in accord with the Divine
	   Source;
	
	8. Shu-Ser, the attunement of one's daily life to the cycle
	   of universal energy rays;
	
	9. Bi Gu, the pratice of fasting on specific days in order 
	   to gather life energy emanating from the harmonized
	   positions of certain stars;
	
	10. Sau Yi, the science of embracing integral transcendental
	    oneness in order to accomplish conception of the 'mystical
	    pearl';
	
	11. Tai Chi Ch'uan, the performance of physical exercises to
	    induce and direct energy flows within the body to gain
	    mastery of body, breath, mind, the internal organs, and
	    life and death;
	
	12. Fu Chi, the science of reforming and refining one's energy
	    with pure food and herbs;
	
	13. Chuan Se, the inner visualization of the unity of one's
	    inner and outer being;
	
	14. 'Dzai Jing, the purification of one's energy through 
	    ascetic practices;
	
	15. Fu Jou, the drawing of mustical pictures and the writing
	    and recital of mystical invocations for the purpose of
	    evoking a response from the subtle realm of the universe;
	 
	16. Tsan Syan, the process of dissolving the ego and connecting
	    with the Great Oneness through the study of classical 
	    scriptures and daily dialogue with an enlightened master;
	
	17. Lyou Yen and Chi Men, the mystical sciences of energy 
	    linkage for the purpose of influencing external affairs.
	
	Of these, the most important for beginners is the study of the
	   I Ching, which enables one to perceive the hidden influences
	   in every situation and thus establish a balanced and
	   spiritualy evolved means of responding to them.
	
	All are instruments for attaining the Tao.
	To study them is to serve universal unity, harmony, and wisdom.

	If you wish to become a person of Tao, then study that
	   which serves the nature of life, and offer it to the
	   world.
	Allow your devotion to learning the Taoist ways be 
	   complete.
	Partial practice and partial discipline won't do:
	You can't know the body by studying the finger, and you
	   can't understand the universe by learning one science.
	If you study the whole of the Tao wholeheartedly, then
	   everything in your life will reflect it.

	
	The universe is a vast net of energy rays.
	The primary ray is that which emanates from the 
	   Subtle Origin, and it is entirely positive,
	   creative, and constructive.
	Each being, however, converts the energy of this 
	   primary ray into its own ray, and these lower
	   rays can be either positive or negative, 
	   constructive or destructive.
	
	An individual who is not yet fully evolved can be
	   adversely affected by negative energy rays in 
	   the net around him.
	For example, the combined influence of several
	   negative rays might cause an undeveloped person
	   to believe that his life is being controlled by
	   an invisible, oppressive ruler.
	Such a misconception can be a significant barrier
	   to enlightenment.
	
	To attain full evolution and the status of an 
	   integral being, you must be aware of this 
	   intricate net and its influences upon you.
	By integrating the positive, harmonious energy 
	   rays with the positive elements of your own
	   being, and eliminating the subtle negative ones,
	   you can enhance all aspects of your life.
	
	In order to eliminate the negative influences,
	   simply ignore them.
	To integrate the positive influences, consciously
	   reconnect yourself with the primary energy ray
	   of the Subtle Origin by adopting the practices
	   of the Integral Way.
	Then all the rays in the net around you will merge
	   back into harmonious oneness.

	Unless mind, body, and spirit are equally developed
	   and fully integrated, no spiritual peak or state 
	   of enlightenment can be sustained.
	This is why extremist religions and ideologies do
	   not bear fruit.
	
	When the mind and spirit are forced into unnatural
	   austerities or adherence to external dogmas, the
	   body grows sick and weak and becomes a traitor to
	   the whole being.
	When the body is emphasized to the exclusion of the
	   mind and spirit, they become like trapped snakes:
	   frantic, explosive, and poisonous to one's person.
	All such imbalances inevitably lead to exhaustion
	   and expiration of the life force.
	
	True self-cultivation involves the holistic 
	   integration of mind, body, and spirit.
	Balancing yin and yang through various practices of 
	   the Integral Way, one achieves complete unity
	   within and without.
	This manifests in the world as perfect equilibrium
	   and perfect grace.

	Greed for enlightenment and immortality is no 
	   different than greed for material wealth.
	It is self-centered and dualistic, and thus an 
	   obstacle to true attainment.
	Therefore these states are never achieved by 
	   those who covet them; rather they are the 
	   reward of the virtuous.
	
	If you wish to become a divine immortal angel,
	   then restore the angelic qualities of your
	   being through virtue and service.
	This is the only way to gain the attention of
	   the immortals who teach the methods of energy
	   enhancement and integration that are necessary
	   to reach the divine realm.
	
	These angelic teachers cannot be sought out; it
	   is they who seek out the student.
	When you succeed in connecting your energy with 
	   the divine realm through high awareness and
	   the practice of undiscriminating virtue, the
	   transmission of the ultimate subtle truths
	   will follow.
	This is the path that all angels take to the 
	   divine realm.

	The mystical techniques for achieving immortality
	   are revealed only to those who have dissolved 
	   all ties to the gross worldly realm of duality,
	   conflict, and dogma.
	As long as your shallow worldly ambitions exist, 
	   the door will not open.
	
	Devote yourself to living a virtuous, integrated, 
	   selfless life.
	Refine your energy from gross and heavy to subtle
	   and light.
	Use the practices of the Integral Way to transform
	   your superficial worldly personality into a
	   profound, divine presence.
	
	By going through each stage of development along
	   the Integral Way, you learn to value what is
	   important today in the subtle realm rather than
	   what appears desirable tomorrow in the worldly
	   realm.
	
	Then the mystical door will open, and you can join 
	   the unruling rulers and uncreating creators of
	   the vast universe.

	To understand the universe, you must study and 
	   understand these things:
	First, the Oneness, the Tao, the Great Tai Chi;
	Second, the Great Two, the forces of yin and yang;
	Third, the Three Main Categories, expressed either
	   as Heaven, Earth, and Man, or as body, mind, 
	   and spirit;
	Fourth, the Four Forces, strong, weak, light, and
	   heavy;
	Fifth, the Five Elements, symbolized by water, fire,
	   wood, metal, and earth;
	Sixth, the Six Breaths - wind, cold, heat, moisture,
	   dryness, and inflammation - which transform the
	   climate and the internal organs;
	Seventh, the processes of change and recycling;
	Eighth, the Eight Great Manifestations - Heaven, 
	   Earth, Water, Fire, Thunder, Lake, Wind, and
	   Mountain - the combinations of which reveal the 
	   subtle energetic truth of all situations, as
	   taught in the I Ching.
	
	Understanding these things, you can employ them 
	   internally to leave behind what is old and dead
	   and to embrace what is new and alive.
	Once discovered, this process of internal alchemy
	   opens the mystical gate to spiritual immortality.

	Do you wish to attain pure Tao?
	Then you must understand and integrate within
	   yourself the three main energies of the
	   universe.
	
	The first is the earth energy.
	Centered in the belly, it expresses itself as
	   sexuality.
	Those who cultivate and master the physical 
	   energy attain partial purity.
	
	The second is the heaven energy.
	Centered within the mind, it expresses itself
	   as knowledge and wisdom.
	Those whose minds merge with the Universal 
	   Mind also attain partial purity.
	
	The third is the harmonized energy.
	Centered in the heart, it expresses itself as
	   spiritual insight.
	Those who develop spiritual insight also attain
	   partial purity.
	
	Only when you achieve all three - mastery of the
	   physical energy, universal mindedness, and
	   spiritual insight - and express them in a 
	   virtuous integral life, can you attain pure
	   Tao.

	There are three layers to the universe:
	In the lower, Tai Ching, and the middle, Shan Ching,
	   the hindrance of a physical bodily existence is  
	   required.
	Those who fail to live consistently in accord with 
	   Tao reside here.
	
	In the upper, Yu Ching, there is only Tao: the 
	   bondage of form is broken, and the only thing
	   existing is the exquisite energy dance of the 
	   immortal beings.
	
	Those who wish to enter Yu Ching should follow the
	   Integral Way.
	Simplify the personality, refine the sexual energy
	   upward, integrate yin and yang in body, mind, and
	   spirit, practice non-impulsiveness, make your
	   conscience one with pure law, and you will uncover
	   truth after truth and enter the exquisite upper
	   realm.
	
	This path is clearly defined and quite simple to 
	   follow, yet most lose themselves in ideological
	   fogs of their own making.

	In earlier times, people lived simply and serenely.
	Sensitive to the fluctuations that constantly occur,
	   they were able to adjust comfortably to the energy
	   of the day.
	
	Today, people lead hysterical, impulsive lives.
	Ignoring the subtle alterations of yin and yang which
	   influence all things, they become confused, 
	   exhausted, and frustrated.
	However, even today one can restore wholeness and
	   clarity to one's mind.
	The way to do this is through study of the I Ching.
	
	Like the cycle of day and night, everything is a 
	   tai chi incorporating movements between yin and yang.
	If you do not see the patterns in these movements, you
	   are lost.
	But if you consult the I Ching with an open mind, you
	   will begin to see the patterns underlying all things.
	Knowing that daybreak will come, you can rest peacefully
	   at night.
	
	When you accurately perceive the fluidity of things,
	   you also begin to perceive the constancy behind them:
	   the creative, transformative, boundless, immutable
	   Tao.
	To see this is the ultimate education, and the ultimate
	   solace.

	The interplay of yin and yang within the womb of
	   the Mysterious Mother creates the expansion and
	   contraction of nature.
	Although the entire universe is created out of this
	   reproductive dance, it is but a tiny portion of
	   her being.
	Her heart is the Universal Heart, and her mind the
	   Universal Mind.

	The reproductive function is also a part of human
	   beings.
	Because yin and yang are not complete within us as
	   individuals, we pair up to integrate them and
	   bring forth new life.
	Although most people spend their entire lives
	   following this biological impulse, it is only a
	   tiny portion of our beings as well.
	If we remain obsessed with seeds and eggs, we are
	   married to the fertile reproductive valley of
	   the Mysterious Mother but not to her immeasurable
	   heart and all-knowing mind.
	
	If you wish to unite her heart and mind, you must
	   integrate yin and yang within and refine their
	   fire upward.
	Then you have the power to merge with the whole
	   being of the Mysterious Mother.

	This is what is known as true evolution.

    
    Advance notice - adult themes below.  (;^)
    
    
	The first integration of yin and yang is the union of
	   seed and egg within the womb.
	The second integration of yin and yang is the sexual
	   union of the mature male and female.
	Both of these are concerned with flesh and blood, and
	   all that is conceived in this realm must one day
	   disintegrate and pass away.

	It is only the third integration which gives birth to
	   something immortal.
	In this integration, a highly evolved individual joins
	   the subtle inner energies of yin and yang under the
	   light of spiritual understanding.
	Through the practices of the Integral Way he refines
	   his gross, heavy energy into something ethereal 
	   and light.
	This divine light has the capability of penetrating into
	   the mighty ocean of spiritual energy and complete
	   wisdom that is the Tao.

	The new life created by the final integration is the 
	   self-aware yet without ego, capable of inhabiting a
	   body yet not attached to it, and guided by wisdom
	   rather than emotion.
	Whole and virtuous, it can never die.