(National Geographic) Superskilled with Eva zu Beck: I trained like a Mongolian horseback warrior for five (5) days [to learn the skills Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, learned on his white pony Kanthaka and during archery competitions of his day in Gandhara/Scythia/Saka/Shakya Land]
Showing posts with label nomads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nomads. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Hiking far from the maddening crowd
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| Mindful Breathing, Four Elements |
Imagine wandering in ancient India (Buddhist Emperor Ashoka's Great Bharat) in search of peace and a permanent end to ALL further suffering (disappointment, lack of fulfillment, ill, woe, misery).
Wandering like one lost, suddenly one is not lost. One is a wandering ascetic, a shramana (shaman), on a spiritual quest for stillness and wisdom (samadhi and panna). Going about from village to village in search of alms, like a deer that lists where it may, one stumbles on Thimmappana Betta Twin rocks.
- The ultimate origin of Sanskrit sramana (Buddhist Pali samaṇa) may be the Evenki language word сама̄н (samān) "shaman," possibly via Middle Chinese or Tocharian B; however, the etymology of this word, which is also found in other Tungusic languages, is controversial (see Shamanism § Etymology).
- A wandering ascetic (Buddhist monastic) has three pursuits: training in the higher virtue, higher thought, and higher insight. One must follow these pursuits keenly, otherwise, it is said, one's presence in the Buddha's Monastic Order (Sangha) will be like that of an ass in a herd of cattle (A.i.229).
- A samana (or shramana) is a person "who labors, toils, or exerts...for some higher or religious purpose" [1][2], "seeker, or ascetic, one who performs acts of austerity" [3][4][5][6]. The term in early Vedic literature is predominantly used as an epithet for seers (rishis) with reference to śrama associated with ritual exertion.
- The term in [pre-Hindu] Vedic (and subsequently Hindu) texts does not express non-Vedic connotations found in post-Vedic Buddhist and Jain canonical texts [7].
- During its later semantic development, the term came to refer to non-Brahmanical ascetic movements parallel to but separate from the old Vedic religion [4][5][8].
- The śramaṇa tradition includes Buddhism [10], Jainism [9], and others.
- In this Noble Sangha (attained spiritual community) four kinds of monastic are to be found: stream-enterers (sotāpannas), once-returners (sakadāgāmins), non-returners (anāgāmins), and full-enlightened ones (arahants). These are not to be found among the followers of other dharmas, contrary teachings (Samana Sutta, A.ii.238).
- The Samana Sutta (A.iv.340) covers the different names by which a Tathāgata ("Wayfarer," the word the Buddha chose in referring to himself) is known.
- (Descriptions derived from the Buddhist Dictionary of Pali Proper Names, Samana Sutta, by G. P. Malalasekera, Pali Text Society, London edited for Wisdom Quarterly by Dhr. Seven)
DIRECTIONS
Spectacular views make up the landscapes of this location, which are green with a bit of a rocky outcrop. Along with being green, this location is diverse as well and is home to various species of flora and fauna.
The trailhead rests by Bettada Kalyani at Kuttagallu and can be reached via various transportation options, such as taxi, cab, private vehicle, or foot.
TOP SIGHTS
Thimmappana Betta
peak, Chakrateertha Pond. Twin Rocks. Expect some pesky mosquitos along the trail. It may even rain. It is not crowded. The best time to go is after summer and before monsoon season. Parking: Free, small lot. More
How shall we meditate when we get there?
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| Standing in the face of adversity |
"There is a warrior who, on seeing a cloud of dust [stirred up by an enemy army], falters, faints, does not steel oneself, cannot engage in battle. This is the first type of warrior found existing in the world. More
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Native American giants found in Patagonia
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| Christian God forbids blood, raw meat |
The name "Patagonia" refers to the region, the land of giants with giant feet and footprints.
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| Modern Afghan cannibal cave giant (yakkha) |
Although Pigafetta's account does not describe how this name came about, subsequent popular interpretations gave credence to a derivation meaning "land of the big feet."
However, this etymology is questionable. The term might be derived from an actual character name, "Patagón," a savage creature confronted by Primaleón of Greece, the hero in the homonymous Spanish chivalry novel (knight-errantry tale) by Francisco Vázquez [63].
Chronicle's many more details
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| No giants have ever existed. |
Magellan's perception of the natives, dressed in skins and eating raw meat, may have recalled the uncivilized Patagón in Vázquez's book.
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| European meets American giants |
(In his chronicle, Pigafetta describes the Patagonians as "roaring like bulls"). More
There are really giants on earth?
Siberian Asian Clovis DNA: not first
(Discovery Future) Clovis culture Anzick-1 DNA found and analyzed. The Clovis were not the first Americans, not the first arrivals on the continent (the Americas). There have been older finds such as Monte Verde, Chile and the older White Sands footprints in New Mexico
- Universe Inside You; The Lore Lodge; Discovery Future; Xochitl, Seth Auberon, Pfc. Sandoval (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
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Wednesday, August 13, 2025
How to eat trash in LA/San Francisco
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| Why are you wandering in the woods, Ascetic? |
The word śramaṇa is pronounced /shra-ma-na/ like the English word shaman, a wandering aiming for spiritual development through simplicity, voluntary poverty (relinquishing everything), and often penances or austerities in the misguided attempt to subdue "sin" and evil and develop virtue and self-restraint. Of the many schools and teachers at the time of the Buddha that rebelled against the devotional functions of temple priests (brahmanas), only three seem to have survived to today, Buddhism, Jainism, and wandering yogi sadhus.
Hungry Ghosts (Dr. Gabor Maté)
Trash recipes
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| Assortment of dumpster diving finds (wiki) |
If one is going to eat "trash," and we do not recommend it, put drugs and drug paraphernalia away, put down the phone, tell pimp or madame you will call them later, and dive into a dumpster, preferably in a group with someone holding a flashlight. Panhandling is a better option, as is eating things growing naturally from trees as well as wild edible plants from the park or other public places. There are always also charitable organizations offering food. But all those sources having failed (and people will usually give food even if they refuse to give change), pick clean greens. Avoid all meat and dairy. Give everything the sniff test. Keep any food found in cool place, which should be easy in SF because it's usually cold at night. Boil over burning dumpster fire or one of those hobo oil barrels. Do not boil a shoe or old boot as that provides no nutrition and is likely to have toxic industrial products, plastics, dyes, and dioxin. Ask a John or Jane to cook or to offer food. Stand by the exit of a restaurant and ask for leavings before customers trash them. Seek public social services. Get a side job at a restaurant that doesn't mind employees eating extras. Finally, pretend you're in lockup, jail, or prison and consider all the jailhouse delicacies crafty and creative inmates dream up. By the addition of crumbled potato chips (which are full of deadly acrylamides in the best of circumstances) seems to make anything palatable. Avoid sugar (particularly high fructose corn syrup) and glutens (wheat, barley, rye, oats, and buckwheat, all of which have very harmful plant lichens that destroy the gut lining and lead to deficiencies, according to Dr. Joel Wallach).
A better way to be a nomad: wandering asceticism
The śramaṇas [a] are people who labor, toil, or exert themselves for some higher or religious [spiritual] purpose [1, 2], a "seeker, or ascetic, one who performs acts of austerity [tapas]" [3, 4, 5, 6].
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| Looking down on UC Berkeley and SF |
The śramaṇa religions became popular in the circles of alms-gathering mendicants from greater Magadha (the adopted home of the Buddha) that led to the development of spiritual practices [11], as well as the popular concepts in all major Indian religions such as saṃsāra (the endless cycle of rebirth and suffering) and moksha (liberation from that cycle) [12, Note 1].
The Śramaṇic traditions have a diverse range of beliefs, ranging from accepting or denying the concept of an eternal soul, fatalism (that all things are preordained) to free will, idealization of extreme asceticism (penance) to that of family life, renunciation, strict ahimsa (non-violence), and vegetarianism to permissibility of violence and meat-eating [13, 14]. More
Rainbow: "Lost in Hollywood"
What about Hollywood/Los Angeles?
Los Angeles’s collapsing streets: a city in crisis as the homeless take over block by block
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| Glittering Hollywood: The Home of Dreams |
What was once temporary has become "structural" (systemic, a permanent problem)—an unfolding homeless crisis USA in one of America’s most iconic cities.
Captured throughout LA at night, this footage reveals a hidden world shaped by urban decay, growing encampments, and the visible homeless takeover of sidewalks, parks, and business zones.
With each passing week, more areas fall into block by block takeover, changing how the city looks, feels, and functions.
As poverty in LA surges and public service systems strain, the reality of LA's decline becomes harder to ignore. The rise of LA's tent cities in every direction—from Skid Row to Venice Beach—signals a long-brewing social collapse of California now erupting in plain sight.
These changes aren’t isolated; they form part of the broader seedy side of America, where prosperity and suffering share the same streets.
The crime in LA increases alongside the growing instability. As emergency services struggle to respond, parts of the city are left with little protection or support. In many places, urban decay LA defines the new normal, where infrastructure breaks down and basic needs go unmet.
Through real interviews and firsthand footage, we trace how the LA homeless population adapts, survives, and expands amid the chaos.
This street documentary does not seek blame—but rather seeks understanding. From the fall of LA's collapsing streets to the expanding takeover, the footage examines how long-standing economic gaps, housing shortages, and social fragmentation have fueled the homeless crisis now overtaking the West Coast’s largest metro area.
By highlighting the interconnected issues of poverty in LA (and California's second city, San Francisco), the social collapse of California, and the USA's decline, this documentary invites reflection on what the future holds—not only for LA, but for urban centers on the edge.
The images of LA at night tell a deeper story—one of resilience, desperation, and the urgent need for systemic response.
📌 Please note: Thumbnails are crafted to capture attention and spark curiosity. They are designed creatively and may not always represent the video’s full content. We appreciate understanding and hope viewers enjoy what we’ve put together. This video is intended to provide insights for educational and informational purposes only. The content draws from a variety of sources—news articles, forums, social media posts, and public commentary—and aims to present a range of perspectives. While we make every effort to ensure reliability, this is not an official or definitive source. We encourage viewers to cross-check facts, explore multiple viewpoints, and remain thoughtful and discerning when engaging with online content.
📌 This video does not aim to attack or judge any person, group, or country. Instead, our goal is to foster meaningful reflection and learn from the complexities of real-world events. #homeless #homelesscrisis #homelessness #losangeles #california
- Discovery Globe - Live Documentary; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly
Friday, June 6, 2025
I found source of Ganges: Mt. Kailash
- Jamyang Tour travels to holy Tibet; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly
No car needed to get to or out of LAX
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| 40 Inspiring Travel Quotes (Castles & Carpools) |
Travel, who needs it?
“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.”
—Maya Angelou
“Experience, travel – these are as education in themselves.
—Euripides
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”
—Jawaharlal Nehru
“It is probably a pity that every citizen of each state cannot visit all the others, to see the differences, to learn what we have in common, and come back with a richer, fuller understanding of America – in all its beauty, in all its dignity, in all its strength, in support of moral principles.”
—Dwight D. Eisenhower
“A great way to learn about your country is to leave it.”
“What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.”
—William Least Heat Moon
“We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us.”
—Anonymous
“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.”
—Mary Anne Radmacher
- KTLA.com; Eds., Wisdom Quarterly, Castles & Carpools; Lonely Planet
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Saturday, May 24, 2025
I do whatever I want: The Surfing Nomad

A wandering ascetic (śramaṇa, shramana, shaman) [a] is a person "who labors, toils, or exerts [him or herself] for some higher or religious purpose" [1, 2], a "seeker, or ascetic, one who performs acts of austerity" (tapas) [3, 4, 5, 6].
The śramaṇa tradition includes primarily [the contemporary proto-Indian schools of] Jainism [7], Buddhism [8], and others such as the Ājīvika [9, 10].
The śramaṇa [Dharmic] religions became popular in the circles of wandering mendicant, contemplative, truth seekers after a direct (unmediated by priests) experience of the divine or of the ultimate truth of reality from greater Magadha (where the Buddha chose to live) that led to the development of spiritual practices [11] as well as the popular concepts in all major Indian religions such as saṃsāra (the Cycle of Rebirth and Death) and moksha (liberation from that cycle) [12, Note 1].
The Śramaṇic traditions have a diverse range of doctrines (beliefs) and practices, ranging from accepting or denying the concept of an eternal soul, fatalism to free will, idealization of extreme asceticism to that of family life, renunciation, strict ahimsa (non-violence, harmlessness, kind caring), and veganism/vegetarianism to permissibility of violence and flesh-eating [13, 14].
The Pali (the exclusively Buddhist language) word samaṇa has been suggested as the ultimate origin of the word Evenki сама̄н (samān) "shaman," possibly via Middle Chinese or Tocharian B; however, the etymology of this word, which is also found in other Tungusic languages, is controversial (see Shamanism § Etymology). More
- The 25 most romantic destinations around the world
- Pat Macpherson, Dhr. Seven, Pfc. Sandoval (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly Wiki edit sramana
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Hidden Buddhist monasteries of Mongolia
The hidden monasteries of Mongolia: How Buddhism shaped Mongolia’s nomadic soul | SLICE
Introduced in the 16th century, Buddhism spread across the endless steppes, carried by merchant caravans alongside silk and spices. Monasteries rose like mirages in the wilderness, blending seamlessly with the land’s raw power.
Through centuries of resilience, Mongolian Buddhism has evolved, influenced by Tibetan traditions yet deeply rooted in nomadic life.
From sacred rituals to the revival of monasteries after Soviet repression, this is the story of a faith (saddha) that has withstood time, exile, and change.
Documentary: Sacred Spaces – Asian temples. Humans, Nature, and Gods. Directed by: Véronique Legendre. Production: ZED, ARTE FRANCE, CuriosityStream. SLICE fully owns the rights to the use of the published content.
Any illegal reproduction of this content will result in immediate legal action.
SLICE wants to fill up viewers' curiosity!
Accessible to anyone from anywhere at any time, this channel is a weekly dose of short docs about curious facts, discoveries, astounding info, unusual stories, weird, fun, and instructive. Be smart, have a slice!
Subscribe now ► @slicedocumentary
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In French: slicefr. Facebook: slicedocs.
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- SLICE, Feb. 13, 2025; CC Liu, Crystal Q., Sheldon S. (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Free movie: 'The Gods Must Be Crazy'
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| What have the gods wrought? |
Set in Southern Africa, the film stars Namibian San farmer Nǃxau ǂToma as Xi, a hunter-gatherer of the Kalahari Desert whose tribe discovers a glass Coca-Cola bottle dropped from an airplane.
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| The Gods Must Be Crazy |
The Gods Must Be Crazy was released in South Africa in 1980 by Ster-Kinekor and broke several box office records in the country due to its immediate popularity, becoming the most financially successful South African film ever produced up to that time. More
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Monday, March 31, 2025
How to breathe and live underwater (video)
The answer, in brief, is join this tribe and do what they do. Become a master diver by epigenetics -- kickstarting our natural human capacity that mostly goes unprompted and dormant.
7 days with the tribe that BREATHES underwater (Bajau Sea Nomads)
Mermaids were once real?
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| Young men, beware of selkies, beautiful but vicious |
Suvannamaccha tries to spoil Hanuman's plans to build a bridge to (Sri) Lanka but falls in love with him instead [2].
- The figure of Suvannamaccha is popular in Thai folklore and is represented on small cloth streamers or framed pictures that are hung as luck-bringing charms in shops and houses throughout predominantly Theravada Buddhist Thailand.
Story
| A mermaid charm in Thailand |
- Hanging wall mount: Suvannamaccha luck bringing charm (amulet) in a riverside shop in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
When the divine Mother Goddess Sita is kidnapped, her husband [ET] Lord Rama enlists Hanuman's help in rescuing her. Hanuman learns that Goddess Sita is being held captive on the island of (Sri) Lanka.
Hanuman informs Lord Rama, her husband, who orders him to build a causeway to Lanka from Proto-India Jambudvipa so that Rama's army can attack.
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| Chris Columbus reported seeing mermaids. |
After a few days, they notice something is wrong and call Hanuman to report that matter to him. They tell him that each day they throw rocks into the sea and the next day they are gone. Hanuman asks for volunteers to join him while he instructs the others to continue throwing rocks into the sea.
When several volunteers step forward, Hanuman leads them into the waves. They find a large number of mermaids living underwater. As they watch, a new rock is tossed in. The mermaids underwater take the rocks and carry them away.
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| Golden Fish, you're real! Every Thai knew it! |
He changes his tactics and begins to silently woo her. She responds to him, and soon they are together at the bottom of the sea.
- When Maha Moggallana, the Buddhist monk the Buddha declared "foremost in psychic powers," looked into the sea, he saw a delightful world of mermaids (sea nymphs) dancing and existing by what sounds like advanced technological means:
- "In the middle of the ocean/ There are mansions aeon-lasting,/ Sapphire-shining, fiery-gleaming/ With a clear translucent luster,/ Where iridescent sea-nymphs dance/ In complex, intricate rhythms" (MN 50.25, trans. by Ven. Nanamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi).
- "Mansions stand for an eon in the middle of the sea,/ The hue of beryl-stones, brilliant, glowing, radiant;/ There dance full many nymphs in divers hues" (Isaline Blew Horner, born 1896, trans. of MN 50).
- "There are mansions that last an eon standing in the middle of a lake./ Sapphire-colored, brilliant, they sparkle and shine./ Dancing there are nymphs shining in all different colors." (Bhante Sujato, trans. of MN 50). More: Are mermaids manatees?
- PHOTOS: We are MERMAIDS!
Later, Hanuman asks the mermaid why she is stealing the rocks. She tells him that she is Suvannamaccha, a daughter of Ravana (the "demon" who had abducted Sita).
When Ravana saw Hanuman's Vanaras building a causeway, he instructed Suvannamaccha to stop it. Hanuman tells the mermaid why he is building the causeway.
He tells her of the abduction of Sita, the battle between Rama and her father Ravana, and why they started to build a bridge to reach Lanka. More
Dubbed. 👇🏽 share.epidemicsound.com/joeha... Add this code JOE50 on the above link for Epidemic Sound and get 30 days free then discount 50% for two months for all new users. ♦️🤍⚡️
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TOMMY VISION
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🌊 Research
Nada Hammouch.
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- Joe HaTTab, March 23, 2025; Mermaid (Sea Devi) Kelly Ani, Amber Larson, Dhr. Seven, Ananda (Dharma Buddhist Meditation) (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly
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