The Heart Sutra: Emptiness, an example

The Heart Sutra: Post canonical Buddhist discourse on the profound nature of reality

(Wisdom Tellers) Sept. 27, 2024: This video explores one of Buddhism’s most profound teachings — emptiness (the impersonal nature of all things). The heart in the Heart Sutra is the heart of wisdom. Discover the essence of emptiness, wisdom, and the path to enlightenment as taught in this timeless Mahayana text, chanted the world over with few penetrating its meaning.

#HeartSutra #BuddhasWisdom #MahayanaBuddhism #Emptiness #Shunyata #Enlightenment #Prajnaparamita #BuddhistTeachings #Avalokiteshvara #SpiritualWisdom

An example to explain emptiness

What is this phenomenon? Interaction of factors

If things are empty (without essence) then what is it that exists?

Constituents.

What does not exist?

Anything apart from those core constituents; there is no separate existence.

All is one?

Perhaps, but what is being said is that a thing is not anything (or is no thing) apart from its constituents (mere supporting causes and conditions).

Can you please give me an example? That sounds crazy.

Yes. Go get a candleflame or envision a real candleflame burning. Now ask, Does it exist?

Of course it exists. Why wouldn't it exist?

Where is it?

It's right here, right here in front of me. Don't you envision it, too?

Yes, but what I see right here is wax, wick, oxygen, heat, and a complex process of combustion. I do not find a candle "flame" itself.

Well, all of that is the candleflame, isn't it?

Is it? There are just those five, so where is the "flame"?

What do you mean, "Where is it?" It's right here!

But here are just five things. And the "flame" is the functional integration of these five. It is not a separate thing at all. It's only an illusion arising from the interdependence of these five. When these five are exhausted or fall away, the illusion of the candle "flame" is no more. It ceases.

What ceases? The flame?

No, the illusion. When it ceases one might ask, Where did it go? Did it go up, down, sideways, north, south, inside, outside?

No, none of those apply, do they? It simply went out, out of existence. It was annihilated. Having been born and created when the candle was lit, it died and ceased to exist.

No. It never was. The illusion fell away. It, not having been, could not cease to be. There were those five, which are not the candle "flame," and now they are no more, their functional integration having ceased.

So that's it?

Oh no, it's much more personal. If this can be said of a candleflame and other things (like constituent parts), what if one were to say it of me, myself, and I?

That's madness!

Madness it may be, but it's true. What is "I" but an illusion arising from five things clung to as "self"?

What five?

Form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness.

The self has those.

No, those very things are the self, and there's no separate existence for the self apart from them, because they are the changing constituents of self. They cling to the illusion that there is a "self."

The self clings?

No, there is no self. They (the constituents) cling. Just as feelings themselves feel, and consciousness itself is conscious, so an illusion called "self" arises and is clung to, fearing that it might die and be annihilated, wishing that it could be born and last forever.

Okay.

If they are always changing, what can be said about a "permanent" self that endures from moment to moment or life to life or even enduring unchanged through one life?

It's an illusion?

Yes, it's an illusion. ALL things are empty (and illusory) in this way. Moreover, if the mind/heart can know-and-see this in a flash of clarity and insight, one can be free of clinging, free of rebirth, free of all suffering.

That's what Mahayana Buddhism believes?

No, Mahayana doesn't know what it means. That is to say, most Mahayanists do not know what it says. They imagine it means all sorts of other things, unconsciously clinging to thoughts of a self that will be eternalized and free and everlasting and luminous, all sorts of things held over from the Vedic Brahmanical and Hindu way of seeing things.

What is Mahayana?

Let's ask Asangoham to explain that.

• Wisdom Tellers (Video 1), 9/27/24; CC Liu, Dhr. Seven, Amber Larson, Bhante (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

What is the cause of LUCK? (Karma)

But isn't it all chance and random chaos?

Is it chance (luck), or is it past karma coming to fruition to influence what happens now? There are many kinds of karma-vipaka (results of karma) and many fruits (phala).

We plant seeds all the time. We should consider what might happen as a result. Sometimes a past karma (the track laid down by a previous deed, a mental impression made by an intention) ripens to frustrate other things coming to fruition. We are spared. It is so complicated that it cannot be known.

• 

  Liquid Luck: Good Fortune

  What is karma? It is "action" or, more exactly, the "intention" (cetana) behind and motivating a mental, verbal, or physical act, a deed, therefore an "intentional action." We have volitions and impulses to do, and how we conduct ourselves is very important because that choice has the power to produce results now and in the future. Immediately, it may produce a feeling (such as remorse or elation) and later a "fruit" (phala). When have we done deeds? Only in the past. When can we DO deeds? Only now, only in the present moment. We are always choosing to wait or to act or what act. The Buddha pointed out that the underlying motivations guided by nongreed, nonaversion, and nondelusion produce beautiful results, "lucky" (fortunate) results, pleasant and welcome results. We do we want? Luck! When do we want it? All the time! What should we do?
• Blah, blah, blah, that's all spiritual, but we don't believe in the spiritual. We want the tangible. If only there were a "science" of luck. Enter Dr. Joseph Gallenberger: How much proof is enough proof? If it were science -- demonstrable, repeatable, tangible results -- we wanted, here we have it. "Luck" not good enough? How about magic? Enter Dean Radin.
• Yeah, okay, but what about easy magic for the rest of us non-scientists? Enter Jose Silva, now presented by Vishen Lakhiani (mindvalley.com). If Abraham-Hicks (the council of spirit being calling itself "Abraham" being channeled by Esther Hicks) and when Seth spoke we weren't listening, here's a chance at mind control, control of our own minds that is.

We can make good luck - Dr. J. Gallenberger

If a drop of water is place on the forearm, according to science, statistics, and probability, its path down cannot be known, cannot be predicted. There are too factors influencing it. So consider how many more are operating in our lives. Drop six or seven billion billiard balls on a pool table, all of them banging around, then try to know or predict the path of one of them.

The Conscious Universe

It's not clear if there's freewill -- science says no -- but some measure of will influences our lives. If it didn't, we would be fatalists simply experiencing results all the time and never forming new volitions.

However, even in this case, what are we experiencing the results of? Those things in the past are what give rise to subsequent experiences (allowing for some retrocausation as well). The present moment therefore becomes very important.

Supernormal Science, Yoga, and the Evidence for Extraordinary Psychic Abilities

.

What we do now has a tremendous influence even if the results are not seen soon enough for our liking. People in casual speech keep saying the slogan, "Karma's a b*tch" as a handy explanation when they like what's happening to someone else as they get their comeuppance.

"They caught the guy. They're throwing him in prison, a life sentence, throwing away the key. Ha ha ha, karma's a b*tch."

Do such people ever consider what else karma is? Often, it is a blessing, particularly for humans.

Being an animal is great. Move and I kill you.

Behold the animals. They've got it good, huh? Laying around the living room, eating Smart 'n Fancy snacks and meals, getting pampered, combed, allowed on the bed, given a private door (cut into the door) to come and go as they please. That's happening due to their past and sometimes present karma, as are their looks and pretty marks that make them lovable or unpopular.

And when they get abused by humans, go outside to kill or get killed, attack or get attacked, contract insect infestations or diseases, get threatened by tougher street animals, feral and wild ones, what is all that? That's the life of an animal. It is a miserable thing, yet we praise it saying, "They have it easy" when we at best are talking about a very small subset of creatures, not paying attention to the vast majority of species and individuals. Of all the dogs in the world today, most canines are miserable and short-lived, as with felines and fish and birds and reptiles.

Of all the humans, how are they doing? They have it the best so far as we can see. And if we pay unbiased attention (mindful, not avoiding the unpleasant or being drawn by the pleasant or confused by the neutral), we'll soon see most are not having a good experience.

Buddhism says the human plane is the worst fortunate plane. At the bottom of the human barrel begins the first plane considered the "downfall," the dreaded subhuman worlds. In these worlds, which includes animals, hungry ghosts, spirits, unseen beings of various sorts, and that's not even arriving at the planes that can properly be labeled "hells," where beings, having fallen in, experience the results of their unsavory deeds. It's not the end of the world, far from it. The world keeps going on and on, life after life, year after year, experience after experience.

The act of enslaving living beings is heavy.

So it's good, very good, to insert some skillful deeds (kusala karmas) in there while the getting's good. The getting is good right now on this human plane. It never gets better than now. Why would it be good? Karma's a B. It's good because of another slogan: "Karma: It's everywhere you're going to be." 🙂

• Dope Hub (Video 1); Binge Central (Video 2); Explaining Karma: Dhr. Seven, Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation), Wisdom Quarterly

Happily Ever After into the afterlife (sutra)

Happily Ever After, and Even After That!

American scholar-monk Bhikkhu Bodhi

At Sunday Sangha last week (July 2018) we got into a discussion about the fact that of course we “cling” to our loved ones (spouses, children, parents, friends).

Then Brian mentioned that at a recent retreat, American Theravada monk Bhikkhu Bodhi pointed out that while many of the Buddha’s teachings were given to monastics, many [possibly most] of them were not. They were given to “regular people,” who were married and had children, and so on.

It’s important to know who the Buddha was talking to when we try to understand these teachings. This brought to mind a sutra wherein the Buddha tells Nakula-pita and his wife Nakula-mata how they could remain together and in love with each other as long as they lived and on into future lives as well!

“This discourse also shows that far from demanding that his lay disciples spurn the desires of the world, the Buddha was ready to show those still under the sway of worldly desire how to obtain the objects of their desire. The one requirement he laid down was that the fulfillment of desire be regulated by ethical principles” (Bhikkhu Bodhi’s In the Buddha’s Words). Here’s what it says in the text:

SUTRA: "To Nakula's Father"

In the Buddha’s Words

(AN 4:55) One morning the Blessed One (the Buddha) dressed, took his upper robe and bowl, and went to the household of Nakulapita. Having arrived, he sat down on the seat specially prepared for him.

Then the householders, husband and wife Nakulapita and Nakulamata, approached him and, after paying homage, sat respectfully to one side. So seated, the householder Nakulapita said to the Blessed One:

“Venerable sir, ever since the young housewife Nakulamata was brought home to me [for an arranged marriage], when I was young, I am unaware of having wronged her even in my thoughts, still less in my deeds. Our wish is to be in one another’s sight so long as this life lasts and in the future life as well.

“Then Nakulamata the housewife addressed the Blessed One: 'Venerable sir, ever since I was taken to the home of my young husband Nakulapita, when I was a young girl, I am unaware of having wronged him even in my thoughts, still less in my deeds.

Householder stream enterers are well on The Way

“Our wish is to be in one another’s sight so long as this life lasts and in the future as well.

“Then the Blessed One said: 'If, householders, both wife and husband wish to be in one another’s sights so long as this life lasts and in the future as well, they should have:

• the same faith (saddha, confidence) [in this case having toether entered the first stage of enlightenment],
• the same moral discipline (sila),
• the same generosity (dana),
• the same wisdom (panna).

“Then they will be in one another’s sight so long as this life lasts and in the future life as well” (AN 4:55).

How sweet is that? Happily Ever After, and Even After That!

• Jan Rosamond, Dharma Town Times (dharmatown.org, July 26, 2018); Ashley Wells, Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Fountain of youth: Epithalon plus copper

One day, we'll all be the same age: old.

In the ever-evolving landscape of anti-aging research, this breakthrough peptide takes center stage for those intrigued by the promise of longevity and the potential to decelerate the aging process.

Also referred to as Epithalon and Epithalamin, this synthetic peptide has sparked a wave of scientific interest due to its unique properties and the profound implications it holds for health and lifespan extension.

Originating as a synthetic version of Epithalamin, a polypeptide naturally produced in the pineal gland, this peptide has become a focal point in the quest to understand and influence the mechanisms of aging.

• Lisa Garr hosts Coast to Coast AM with a show on anti-aging and health through new supplements with Regan Archibald
• Regan Archibald's Ageless Future | Our blood tells the truth: Test the blood in a lab panel

The Mechanism Behind Epitalon

Sensitive intuitive clumsy biker Lisa G (KPFK)

The intrigue surrounding this peptide lies in its mechanism of action, particularly its influence on telomerase activity. Telomerase is an enzyme that plays a critical role in maintaining telomere length.

Telomeres, which are protective caps located at the end of chromosomes, gradually shorten with each cell division, a process intrinsically linked to cellular aging.

By stimulating telomerase activity, this peptide, also known as Epithalon, contributes to the preservation of telomere length, thereby offering a potential avenue to slow down the aging process and extend the lifespan of cells. More

ABOUT THE SHOW

Guest Host Lisa Garr (The Aware Show)

Regenerative therapy and peptide consultant Regan Archibald joins Lisa Garr to discuss his unique approach fusing the best of Eastern and Western medicine to create lasting health changes and youthfulness.

Elaborating on the role of peptides (chains of amino acids) in the body, he likened them to "short-term communication proteins" and emphasized their [epigenetic] potential to combat diseases and optimize health.

"We've only scratched the surface," Archibald said, as there are peptides for a variety of applications including endurance, energy, mental clarity, muscle building, and weight loss.

He also notes the importance of understanding how external factors like stress and chemical exposure (to things like Monsanto Corporation's herbicide Roundup, glyphosate, now owned by Big Pharma company Bayer, Inc.) lead to conditions like insulin resistance.

This can contribute to a cycle of cravings and weight gain. He believes that with proper awareness and treatment, such as the use of peptides, society could significantly reduce obesity rates (without Ozempic-style drugs) and improve overall health.

Some peptides can activate genes, and specific ones he advocates for, like thymosin alpha 1, actually enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and boost immune response, Archibald suggests.

Some peptides can function as a "fountain of youth," he continues, highlighting their ability to reverse age-related decline.

Peptides simplify communication within cells, ensuring the right genes stay turned on, he remarks, explaining how, as we age, our bodies produce fewer hormones and peptides, leading to cellular dysfunction. He praised Epitalon, a peptide that lengthens telomeres, stating it can increase cellular replication and extend lifespan.

The discussion also touches on the inadequacies of conventional blood tests, which often miss underlying health issues. Archibald points out that doctors typically run 20-24 markers, but we "run labs that are around 104 different markers" to uncover root causes.

Italian herbal witchcraft (folk Catholicism)

 

Yes, I can drive stick.

Building on the in-depth folk wisdom Lisa Fazio (therootcircle.com) learned from her immigrant grandparents and local healers in Southern Italy, the second-generation Italian American and experienced herbalist shares herbal traditions and witchcraft practices from the Italian diaspora. She details some of the unique aspects of "Italian witchcraft," which she characterized as "folk Catholicism," a blend of ancient practices and Catholic imprints. Speaking of rituals, particularly those for protection, she outlines how apotropaic magic can be used to ward off evil. Fazio introduces the concept of malocchio, or "the evil eye," explaining that gestures such as the sign of the cross or the horn hand symbol [hang ten, devil's horns, heavy metal mudra] can be used to fend off negative energies. "When you do something that is... a prompt to bring you into your center...you become less susceptible to outside influences," she comments.

European makings of The Craft

Fazio mentions a variety of herbal remedies for different health conditions. Mullein tea can be beneficial for respiratory issues prevalent during cold seasons and is especially effective for dry coughs and mucus expulsion, she says, adding that marshmallow root can soothe respiratory infections and inflammation. On the subject of energy clearing, she delves into the concept of fumigazione, or "fumigation," in Italian folk method. She reveals that various herbs, particularly artemisia (wormwood), may be used for this purpose, as well as different types of sage. Plants offer a dual role in clearing both physical and energetic spaces. Further exploring the spiritual aspect of herbalism, she explains how certain flower essences and plants like garlic, yarrow, rue, and rosemary can protect and bless spaces. They may be used in spray form or burned as incense in smudging.

• AUDIO: Peptide Healing and Italian Folk Remedies (Coast to Coast AM)
• More: focalpointvitality.com/epitalon-peptide
• Copper? (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073405)

What is Mahayana Buddhism? (video)

The Ancient Teachings of Mahayana Buddhism

(Asangoham) While it is difficult to determine the exact date of the emergence of Mahāyāna ("Great Vehicle") Buddhism, it seems to have been some centuries after the passing of the historical Buddha.

The Buddha is believed to have passed away (attained to final nirvana) around 400 BCE. The early texts based on the Buddha's direct teachings, known as the Pāli canon, are the texts Theravāda Buddhism uses as its foundation.

• Theravada means the "teachings" (vada) of the "elders" (theras), who were the immediate first enlightened disciples of the historical Buddha. They heard, recited, memorized, and handed down the Buddha's original words and teachings, the monastic rules and back stories for each, the sutras (discourses) and sayings. The Buddha spoke Magadhi (the language of King Bimbisara's Kingdom of Magadha), and this is Pali, the lingua franca of the area. The Brahmins were the only ones who spoke Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas and later Hinduism. And this is why Mahayana Buddhism is Buddhism in Sanskrit, itself being the Brahminical interpretation of Buddhism slanted and shifted to accord with Brahmanism (the views and religion of Brahmin priests), which was later adopted by Hinduism as its foundation in the Vedas.

It is believed that the later Mahayana tradition developed out of this early form of firsthand Theravāda Buddhism sometime between the 1st century BCE and the 1st century CE. It is by bar the bigger school (90% of Buddhists), encompassing all kinds of Buddhisms apart from those in South and Southeast Asia.

What were the differences, and why did Mahāyāna Buddhism diverge/emerge? Mahāyāna Buddhism was a response to what was perceived as the elitism of the Theravāda tradition, particularly Theravāda Buddhism’s strong monastic tradition, which focused on intensive meditation, morality, monastic rules, and ascetic practices rather than lay people and their daily concerns.

Mahāyāna Buddhism sought to make the Teachings of the Buddha more accessible to ordinary people, not just something for monks and nuns.

It might best be understood as a school of Buddhism that teaches that all people have the capacity to awaken and realize the nature of reality whether in robes or lay clothes.

Mahāyāna Buddhism also tries to emphasize compassion (even over wisdom), a key aspect of the Buddha’s path to enlightenment.

This is illustrated by the Mahāyāna ideal of the bodhisattva, or a "being bent on enlightenment" like the Buddha before he became the Buddha (when he was still the Bodhisattva), who postponed his entrance into final nirvana (complete liberation from all rebirth and suffering) to teach and offer salvation to all living beings -- not just humans, but devas, and animals as well!

• The Dharma, what the Buddha taught, was actually most helpful to devas, judging by how many quickly realized the Truth gained liberation. They admired and listened to the Buddha, who was called "the teacher of gods and men" (the "gods" being devas of various orders and planes of existence and the "men" being humans of all kinds). It is easier for devas to gain insight (clear seeing) and liberation (moksha) if only they can pull themselves away from their pleasurable pursuits and parties and plans and realize that what the Buddha is saying applies to them, too.

Important, too, is that while Theravāda Buddhism recognizes only the Pāli language texts and suttas (sutras) as its official canon, regarding this massive collection as "the true teachings of the historical Buddha," Mahāyāna Buddhism includes texts called agamas and many apocryphal writings and later "sutras" as also the true teachings of, if not this Buddha, other Cosmic Buddhas (particularly Amitabha).

Many of these apocryphal texts are known to have come into existence long after the life of the historical Buddha but are still called the recorded words of the Buddha [which they are not but which may be what he allegedly really meant]. Mahayana constitutes later developments rather than original Teachings.

• Script: Matt Mackane
• Voiceover: Andrea Giordani
• Edit: Medo
• Score: Motion Array x Epidemic Music x Original Score
• DISCLAIMER 01: All ideas expressed on this channel are for entertainment and general information purposes only. There is no advice on what an individual should or should not do. Any response made by anyone after hearing this communication is their interpretation and is their responsibility. Ideas expressed by this channel should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice or professional help. If expert assistance or counselling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.
• DISCLAIMER 02: All materials in these videos are used for entertainment purposes and fall within the guidelines of fair use. No copyright infringement intended. If one is or represents the copyright owner of materials used in this video and has an issue with the use of said material, please send an email to doseofquotes02@gmail.com.
• Copyright © 2022 Asangoham. All rights reserved. #mahayana #buddhism #zen #tibetanbuddhism
• Asangoham, Feb. 19, 2023; Dhr. Seven, CC Liu, Amber Larson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
  

On the road w/ female motorcyclist: India

Terrifying noises are coming from a HAUNTED TOWN in Rajasthan, India 🇮🇳

(Itchy Boots) KULDHARA, India - In this episode, Itchy Boots leaves Jaisalmer and rides to Jodhpur. On the way out, she stops at the abandoned haunted town called the village of Kuldhara.

Want to learn how to use drones, GoPros, and 360 cameras to film your own solo motorcycle adventure? Check out: itchyboots.com/academy. This is where she teaches all her advanced filming techniques, including getting drone shots while riding.

Gear and equipment that she uses this season: itchyboots.com/blog/gear-...

Follow her journey at: ITCHYBOOTS.COM. Instagram: itchybootstravel. Facebook: itchyboots. #itchyboots #adventure #himalayan450

• Ms. Itchy Boots, Nov. 12, 2023; Crystal Q., CC Liu, Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation) (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

One in a billion moments caught on film

 

(Wow Earth) Sept. 24, 2024: Experience one in a billion moments in Nature and witness the rarest and most extraordinary events the natural world has to offer. From breathtaking wildlife encounters to awe-inspiring natural phenomena, these once-in-a-lifetime moments are amazing.

📢Copyright Disclaimer: Wow Earth does not fully own the material compiled in this video. It belongs to individuals or organizations that deserve respect. It is being used under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976. "Fair Use" is permitted for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching. scholarships, and research. For copyright matters please contact: copyrightwowtv@gmail.com.

Music provided by Epidemic Sounds: https://www.epidemicsound.com 🤗Thanks for the support. Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the little bell if it was enjoyable. 🗣 This video was researched by Matt Sindt. Age: 25/10/2000 Address: 17 S Dubuque St, Lowa City, United States. Subscribe to channel to watch the latest videos: @wow.earth88. Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/profile... Blog: wowearthchannel.blogspot.com. #caughtoncamera #nature #storm

Rinpoche, is karma predestined (fate)?

Is karma predestined (fate) or is it the result of freewill? ‒ Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

(Perfect Teacher) 上師言教 Jan. 1, 2024: Buddha's Vision | New Zealand | Nov. 15, 2023: Question: Is karma predestined or is it the result of freewill? (with Chinese subtitles) #illusion #thoughts #presentmoment

What is Tantric Buddhism? Is it compatible with Western culture today? ‒ Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

(Perfect Teacher) 上師言教 Feb. 10, 2024: #tantric #deconstruct #westernculture Buddha's Vision | New Zealand | Nov. 15, 2023: Question: What is Tantric Buddhism? Is it compatible with Western culture today? (with Chinese subtitles) #Westernculture #tantric #deconstruct

Why did Buddhism decline in India? ‒ Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

Jain-ism, Buddh-ism, Hindu-ism, there's no such thing. Abrahamic

religions (the British and West) think this way and imposed it on India

California Mexican Native comic: South

Anjelah Johnson-Reyes learns about the South | Say I Won't

(800 Pound Gorilla Media) May 1, 2024: Anjelah's learning that things are a bit different in the South. #anjelahjohnson #standup #comedy ‪@AnjelahJohnson.‬ Watch full special here: Anjelah Johnson-Reyes | Say I Won't

(What the Pho) Vietnamese Reacts to "Nail Salon" by Anjelah Johnson

Anjelah's Apartment Is Like Total Eclipse Of The Heart | Say I Won't

• Preliminary 3.2 magnitude earthquake strikes off the coast of LA

Subscribe to 800 Pound Gorilla’s YouTube channel: @800pgm. Subscribe to weekly newsletter: https://800PGR.lnk.to/WeeklyLaughsID. Follow Anjelah Johnson-Reyes on Instagram: anjelahjohnson, TikTok: anjelahjohnson, YouTube: anjelahjohnson, Facebook: anjelahjohnson, X/Twitter: anjelahjohnson. Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/6JEog...

Follow 800 Pound Gorilla: official website: 800poundgorillamedia.com Facebook: https://800PGR.lnk.to/FacebookID, TikTok: https://800PGR.lnk.to/TikTokID, Instagram: https://800PGR.lnk.to/InstagramID Twitter: https://800PGR.lnk.to/TwitterID

Paranormal Buddhists of Tibet (video)

The Mystery of Tibetan Monastics' Paranormal Abilities: Unparalleled Skills and Secrets of Practice

(Mr. Y Talks) May 18, 2023: This video goes deep into the extraordinary paranormal abilities of Tibetan nuns and monks and reveals the secrets of their practice. Some are "living buddhas," which is a misleading translation for bodhisattvas ("being bent on supreme enlightenment, buddhas-to-be"). Westerner Alexandra David-Neel traveled to Tibet in the 1930s and wrote about her experiences in Magic and Mystery in Tibet.

COMMENTARY

Are such things really possible, Wisdom Quarterly? Yes, they are. The basis is samadhi (stillness, superconsciousness, states of emerging from single pointed focus or concentration, which temporarily purifies the mind/heart, leading to a breakthrough in recovering our innate ability as a human species). These powers are known in Buddhism as the abhinnas or iddhis (Sanskrit siddhis). They are well known even outside Buddhism, where they are also warned against. Hinduism and the older Vedic religion is well aware of these miraculous powers and calls those who master samadhi "saints."

These are not saints in Buddhism, which reserves the term for those proficient in calm and insight, who are liberated from the mental hindrances and defilements. The Buddha possessed these powers but was very reluctant to use them, seeing great danger in them. It is hard to attain these powers and they are fickle. They may easily drop away. The Buddha spoke of 11 imperfections in their development to be mindful of if one should wish to exercise them.

But a more telling event about the Buddha's attitude towards them is found in a story in the ancient texts. One day the Buddha and his attendant monk, Ananda, were walking down the road and saw some old yogis who possessed these powers. They were renowned and respected.

The Buddha turned to Ananda and said something to the effect of, "How sad these two."

Ananda replied, "But they are well respected and possess supernormal powers."

"Yeah, but had they developed those powers in this Dharma (herein within the Buddha's Doctrine and Discipline), they would not only have those powers, but they would also be liberated (enlightened and free from suffering and rebirth).

"As it is, although they have spent many years of spiritual effort to develop these trifling 'powers,' they have not worked on the much more important skill of release, of making an end of ignorance, of uprooting the defilements of the heart/mind greed, hatred, and delusion. Now they have these powers, but they will eventually lose them. Having gained nothing else because they were so busy to develop them, if they are not destroyed by these very powers, what will they have? They will have wasted all those years and, what's worse, wasted the opportunity to strive for real liberation (moksha) and actually be free."

Who needs Buddhism? Let's do magic instead

This is a shocking thing to say because within their own tradition, they were regarded as "saints" the way a Catholic nun or monk could live cloistered, fasting, praying, purifying their morality, faith, karma, and concentration and, in doing so, may indeed gain mysterious abilities, magic powers. If anyone sees them displaying such powers, they will be hailed as "holy" and "saved" and "destined for heaven," objects of veneration, respect, and petitionary prayers and prayers to intercede on behalf of the faithful.

But they will not be "saints" in the Buddhist sense. They are not free of the defilements (which have only been suppressed by many and various spiritual practices). They will not have made an end of greed, hatred, and delusion only of obvious and overt signs of them while they are still latent in their psyches (layers of their personality bundles within the Five Aggregates clung to as self). They may even be reborn into a heaven, but as that heaven is not the end all be all it is advertised as being, they will neither be "saved," purified, free, attaining to the deathless, nor anything else of note. It will be as if all those side effects were for not nothing but not anything really worthwhile, admirable, or spiritually desirable like nirvana, awakening, the end of rebirth or, there is a remainder of defilements, rebirth in exalted worlds where they are able to complete the training in very conducive circumstances and be freed from there.

We can meditate to purify the mind then practice for insight to be free?

Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism is very esoteric, partly because it is mixed with the more ancient indigenous Himalayan shamanic practice of Bon and partly because it is a Mahayana school, which itself is very much mixed with Hindu, Vedic, yogic, and Brahmanical ideas. These are ideas and assumptions the historical Buddha rejected and went to great pains to point out for disciples to avoid.

Wendigo...Werewolves: 'W' flesh-eaters

This is a real Texas security cam image showing a witch skin-walker? Wendigo? Hoaxer? Dogman? Werewolf/wolfman cryptid with odd gait for a man in a costume? (magazine.todo)

Nothing to see here. Oh, that? That's just light and shadow illusion. Tree stump? Loose bark?

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The Buddha reasons with abusive Alavaka.

What does Buddhism know about cryptids? Buddhism, like the other older Dharmic religions Vedic Brahmanism (now morphed into Hinduism) and Jainism, have long history of acknowledging non-human creatures in, on, and above the earth. There are monsters, ogres, reptilians, shapeshifters, gnomes, fairies, avians, and giants (maras. yakkhas, nagas, petas, kumbhandas, bhumi-devas, garudas, and asuras respectively). Among these, the cannibal ghouls known as ogres (yakkhas, yakshas, rakshasas, yakshis, yetis) are very smart humanoid creatures.

Ancient Greek Dolon lycanthrope (lekythos)

They are able to communicate with humans, take human "wives," and be reasoned with except in their ferocity and rapacity. They are sometimes in possession of advanced ET technology and dwellings, with psychic powers and preternatural strength, fierce emotions and lust. They are very dangerous and liable to attack humans. The most famous one found in Buddhist sutras is the Yakkha Alavaka. Others dwell in the Himalayas and in woodland, forests, and wilderness areas.

Some Natives not only saw them, they interacted and sometimes intermarried. They're human.

Is the cryptid Yeti ("Asian Bigfoot") a man or a bear? It is a meh teh (a "man bear")

Joshua Cutchin/Timothy Renner

Dogmen (lycanthropes, humanoid wolves) are real, and the wendigo goes by many W names, according to different Algonquin tribes. Others may have the Sasquatch tribe (hominin cryptids) to contend with, some of which are cannibal rapists and skin-walkers. Not all Bigfoot are bad, just it seems the unattached juveniles wilding and running rampant in the forest, stealing food and violating boundaries.

Not simply an animal species

The elder yakkhas and rakshasas ("forest guardians," "nature protectors") -- with fierce females of the species, the yakshis and yetis -- can't always rein in the youths entering puberty or their rutting season and must cut them loose. They then violate a cardinal rule to avoid human tribes.

Because these creatures are not strictly flesh and bone but in possession of technology or the paranormal ability to transform into orbs, alight in the middle of a field after a long set of footprints or enter the earth through crevices, caves, caverns, tunnels, or straight into rock (as with the rock-dwelling Tahquitz), tracking them is dangerous and confounding. Search parties become cases of high strangeness.

• Native American soul-stealing beast 'Tahquitz' comes alive in Riverside art exhibition | KPCC: NPR News for SoCal

Windigo: The Flesh-Eating Monster of Native American Legend | Monstrum

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Portals: Teleport in, phase shifted disappearances

(Storied) This cannibal monster (yakkha, yakshi, rakshasa, naga, yeti, sasquatch) hunts during the coldest time of the year, traveling with the snow to terrorize humans with its insatiable hunger.

Ignore folklore. Come into the woods 

Armed with sharp claws and teeth and capable of running with incredible speed, the wendigo, or windigo, is a lesson in excess and a manifestation of the anxieties that emerge in the harsh realities of winter — to survive it.

Explore the symbolic interpretations of the wendigo with Dr. Emily Zarka, who explains how this Native American legend can teach us about the spiritual beliefs and social values of the early indigenous peoples of North America.

Forest Service puts up joke signs, pamphlets?

#windigo #wendigo #cannibal #MonstrumPBS #wendigomovie #wendigoart 

Huge thanks to Dr. Will Oxford (Department of Linguistics at the University of Manitoba) for his time and assistance with the various pronunciations and spellings of the Algonquian languages used in this episode.

Islam knows wilderness monster jinn (djinn, genies)

Ancient Asian depictions of ogres (the jinn, djinn)

Killer origins of the werewolf | Monstrum

(Storied) Long before a full moon could transform a human into a beast, the werewolf (lycanthrope) was present across the literature, lore, and mythologies of ancient Europe. Whether a punishment for the wicked, a cure for the unlucky, or a blessing for the strong, the human to wolf shapeshifter is almost always violent. Real wolves posed a real threat to humans and their livestock, but how did these predators come to be associated with cannibalism, sorcery, and mental illness (lunacy)? The first in a two-part series, featuring werewolf expert and Gothic scholar Dr. Kaja Franck, this episode tackles the rise of the werewolf in its myriad forms, looking at what happened when Catholicism/Christianity interceded and turned the werewolf into the embodiment of evil — a change that reached its devastating climax with the persecution and execution of accused werewolves and the murder of countless wolves. #werewolf #mythology #werewolftrials #MonstrumPBS

The jinn are as real to Muslims as drags were to ancient Christians

(Storied) Monstrum takes a look at Nordic history of trolls

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• 

  American Cryptids (K.W. Irish)

  Algonquian Spirit: Contemporary Translations of the Algonquian Literatures of North America, Ed. Brian Swann, University of Nebraska Press, 2005.
• Atwood, Margaret. Strange Things: The Malevolent North in Canadian Literature, Clarendon Press, 1995.
• Barnick, Adam. “The Shape of the Wendigo.” Glass Eye Pix, YouTube, 17 Oct. 2015, • THE SHAPE OF THE WENDIGO.
• Blackwood, Algernon. “The Wendigo.” The lost valley and other stories…Illus. W. Graham Robertson, Vaughan & Gomme, 1914, pp. 71-132.
• DeSanti, Brady. “The Cannibal Talking Head: The Portrayal of the Windigo ‘Monster’ in Popular Culture and Ojibwe Traditions.” Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, Vol. 27, No. 3, Fall 2015, pp. 186-201.
• Englehart, Steve. “Spawn of the Flesh-Eater!” The Incredible Hulk, Vol. 1, Issue 162, April 1973.



Bigfoot and the Tripwire

• Harring, Sidney. “The Wendigo Killings: The Legal Penetration of Canadian Law into the Spirit World of the Ojibwa and Cree Indians.” Violent Crimes in North American, Ed. Louis A. Knafla, Praeger Publishers, 2003, pp.75-104.
• Johnson, Basil. The Manitous: The Spiritual World of the Ojibway, HarperCollins, 1995.
• Schwarz, Herbert T. Windigo and Other Tales of the Ojibways, Illus. Norval Morrisseau, McClelland and Stewart Limited, 1969.
• Smallman, Shawn. “Spirit Beings, Mental Illness, and Murder: Fur Traders and the Windigo in Canada’s Boreal Forest, 1774 to 1935.” Ethnohistory, Vol. 57, No. 4, 2010, pp. 571–596.
• “The Orders of the Dreamed”: George Nelson on Cree and Northern Ojibwa Religion and Myth, 1823, Eds. Jennifer S.H. Brown and Robert Brightman, Minnesota Historical Society Press, 1988.
• Vess, Charles. “Cry of the Wendigo!” Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 1, Issue 277, June 1986. Windigo: An Anthology of Fact and Fantastic Fiction, Ed. John Robert Colombo, Western Producer Prairie Books, 1982.
• Written and hosted by Dr. Emily Zarka. Director: David Schulte. Executive Producer: Amanda Fox. Producer: Stephanie Noone. Illustrator: Samuel Allen. Editor: Produced by Spotzen for PBS Digital Studios. Instagram: monstrumPBS
• Monstrum, Storied, Oct. 21, 2021, PBS; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly