Daoism Discussion 1

 I re-read the first 37 chapters a few times and each time I found my thoughts on Dao changing. At first I read it as a universal life force (Chapter 14), similar to what I call the element Spirit or one might find in pantheism, especially with the idea of returning to it -  " Being at one with Tao is eternal.." (Ch. 16)

But then on another re-read it seemed more like a way of thinking/living; with a focus not on restraint, but humility and balance. "Just do what needs to be done. Never Take advantage of power...Achieve results, but never glory in them. " (Ch.30)

What stands out to me the most with the Dao is that its about balance, humility, and acceptance (Ch. 13) as opposed to attempting to reach a perfect ideal. It seems much more obtainable, while still indicating the importance of living well - "It is more important to see simplicity to realize one's true nature, to cast off selfishness and temper desire." (Ch. 19)  There is no call for living without, just living without excess; as found in Chapters 9 -  "Better to stop short than fill to the brim..."

There is an emphasis on balance with Daoism especially found in chapters 2 & 29.  Understanding the give/take, beauty/ugly, the binary is not contradiction, but on a continuum.  "Sometimes things are ahead and sometimes they are behind..." (Ch. 29) Its all interconnected and balanced. There is not much spoken of with male vs female other than chapters 6, 10 &28, although I do like the tone of reverence there is for the feminine energy and a call for men not to shy away from it. 

Personal thoughts in my comment. 

Comment to follow my post: 

Daoism is fascinating! I genuinely wish there was a class dedicated to East Asian religions, as this is really my first introduction to it. This website was interesting because if provides different translations of the Tao Te Ching and each ones take on a different tone. Its interesting to compare them side by side. He even has one page dedicated to just the first chapter translated 76 different ways. 

https://www.taoistic.com/taoteching-index.htm

Definitely don't use it as your only source, as it's translations also come from the different author's interpretations. Our text book is the closest thing to literal translation i think, based on the Annotated book supplied in the module's supplementary reading. 

poem for Imbolc

  A little thankful song 

by Frank L Stanton

For what are we thankful for? For this:

   For the breath and the sunlight of life

 For the love of the child, and the kiss

   On the lips of the mother and wife.

     For roses entwining,

       For bud and for bloom,

     And hopes that are shining

       Like stars in the gloom.

 For what are we thankful for? For this:

   The strength and the patience of toil;

 Forever the dreams that are bliss—

   The hope of the seed in the soil.

     For souls that are whiter

       From day unto day;

     And lives that are brighter

       From going God's way.

 For what are we thankful for? For all:

   The sunlight—the shadow—the song;

 The blossoms may wither and fall,

   But the world moves in music along!

       For simple, sweet living,

         (Tis love that doth teach it)

       A heaven forgiving

          And faith that can reach it!

New moon reading

 For the new moon, I see it as the time to “plant the seeds which grow to fruition for the full moon”

What “seeds” should I plant?

- Astrid: between now and the full moon I will get a sign/renewed hope in regards to “my person” as I call him. ALSO be alert. The advance from that friend may happen during this lunar cycle. 

- elf struck: be careful with what you think and fixate on, for that is what you draw to you. 

- the merciful one: there will be a death of someone you know but it is not someone close to you. 

- Freyr: the group shamanism journey day will give you a day of peace and contentment. 

- initiate: stay open and curious as you explore the idea of changing your major 

- Kat and Jack might get secretly engaged 

What is something I need to release during this cycle?

-  nothing at this time 

What are some obstacles I will face? 

- the sigil keeper: keep an eye out for signs and omens about the challenge to come. (Between now and full moon)

- shapeshifter: you will overcome the challenge by being authentic and remembering that I CAN overcome this. 

Any last advice for this portion of the cycle?

- sorceress: do a ritual of self empowerment, in a general sense, not specific to any one goal. Do reading with Brigid for more info

Dhammapada Chapter 16 - my issue with Buddhism

 since the professor is so unorganized.... I did my text reading and reflection only to find out there is specific chapters I have to sick to. I however like my reflection so I will post it here. 

Quote: “Let a man be free from pleasures and let a man be free from pain; for not to have pleasure is sorrow and to have pain is also sorrow.” - Dhammapada 210

Chapter 16 “Transient Pleasures” pretty much shares the sentiment of the quote above, repeating it 8 different times with slight variation before closing the chapter on the importance of dharma. This is the point where I struggle with Buddhism. Buddhism’s goal is to break the cycle of rebirth by releasing attachment and letting go of sorrow thus allowing them to be one with Nirvana (to make the vaguest summary). 

My religious faith is all about honoring cycles - including the cycle of death and rebirth, or in this case, joy and sorrow. I believe that every sorrow has a purpose, a lesson. I do not mean this in the cliche “don’t be so sad, this serves a purpose” but in a “if you want to know why this happened, there is a reason.” Sometimes that lesson is to be reminded that you can survive hardship. Sometimes that lesson is to learn the depth of suffering, for it is only by comparison that we appreciate true joy. The dark only makes the light shine brighter. 

There is also a natural cycle to life, after every winter there is a spring. My favorite holiday, Imbolc, is actually the harbinger of spring. A reminder that the harsh and cruel winter (death) will come to an end and spring with its warmth and fertility (rebirth) is on the horizon. Buddhism seems to ignore or view this cycle as bad, whereas I see the goal of never suffering to be sort of childish (I do not mean that in a harsh way) and unnatural. 

I often turn to Buddhism’s mindfulness and reminder that “all things are temporary, even joy, even pain” as a coping mechanism for not giving in to sorrow, but I cannot wrap my head around wanting a life completely devoid of it. 

Survive

 My mind is spiraling in the worst way. 

I cannot sleep because I have to have a survival plan.

In a state of emergency… I’ve worked it out and I could live out of my SUV. Would not be ideal but honestly? I could. 

Sell literally almost everything that I own. Except what I pack: (each bag being a drawer for future settlement)

1 bag (bottoms): 2 or 3 pairs of jeans. 2 or three pairs of black soft pants. 1 pair sweat pants. 2 maxi skirts (green and burgundy&blue), floral romper, 1 sundress, pink grey floral long sleeve dress. 

2 bag (tops): 2 plain print black tank tops, 2 plain Burgundy tank tops, 1 grey tank top, 1 fancy blue tank top, 1 green floral tank top,1 white tank top, 1 pink tank top. 2 floral nice short sleeve blouse, 3 casual short sleeve (phantom, 2 pick), 3 casual long sleeve (anime, sun & moon, pink granite), 3 nice long sleeve (black cut out sparkle, grey pink, black lace tan). 

3 bag (warmth): 3 sweaters/hoodies (serial killer, brown, sleep token), 3 flannel, 1 fleece, 1 black over thermal) 

4 bag: 10 pair underwear, 5 pair pajama (4 pair small set, 1 pair long sleeve set for warmth), as many pairs of socks as I can. tooth brush, tooth paste, hair brush, 3 lotions, 3 lipsticks, 1 eyeliner, tweezers, nail clippers) 

5 bag: Bug out bag.... solar panels and mini generators, emergency thermal blankets (the silver ones), water purifying tablets, Can opener, The granola bars I have, screw drivers, pocket knife, TOILET PAPER, bottles of water to fill the rest of the space. 

Mom purse: benedryl, Neosporin, my bipolar meds, adderall to sell in case of emergency, anxiety meds. Mios for me to flavor water.  Travel lotion. Travel bottles of toiletries. Three perfumes (graphite, marshmallow, and the baby VS bottle). Wallet. Passport. Birth certificate. 

In ONE box I can fit keepsakes: pick 1 item from each shrine to represent that deity. War shield (ancestors). 

in ONE SMALL box: However many candles I can fit in case of emergency for warmth. 3 lighters. 

Bedding: Both mattress toppers, all 3 warm blankets, 

Important items: Cat carriers. Laptop & Charger, Tent, at least 3 bath towels.

Empty out my car completely - in area under the trunk:

- bags of dog food & all her bones that I possibly have

- all bags of cat litter I currently have

- All cans of cat food I currently have

- Bags of Cat food that I currently have

Box: Any dry food that I can; Canned Meat (chicken, beef, sardines, tuna, corn beef hash, Vienna sausages, potted eat), canned veggies (Corn, green beans, carrots, spinach), fruit cups

**Once the food runs out... will literally just have to buy food daily from dollar stores etc. Stock up as I can. 

Storage:

Backsteat: Dog Hammock and blankets for the pets. ALL BAGS and BOXES under the hammock. Like when I moved up here. Anything that doesn't fit will go in the trunk (which will then be moved to front seat at night time) 

Front Seat: passenger floor board for the cat litter, water bowl at pit stops. Maybe have a bowl in the hammock? Dry food available in passenger seat for cats; hammock for dog. Wet food given at night with bed set up. 

Water bottles to fill any remaining space. 

Nighttime: seats folded down, both bed pads put over them. Sleeping bag and blankets layered - sleep on vs under as many as comfortable. Pets fed while I watch. Water bowl where they can access. 

Logistics:

Internet via hotspot from phone plan & possible satellite internet?

Bathroom anywhere we can. Shower at Gyms (I would get a PF membership $10; they are 24 hours & I can probably park in the parking lots) or Truck stops. 

Money for: Phone plan, Gas, Food, Cat litter. **I will BURN through gas... because the car will be running during the wintertime non stop. (Space heater for winter.... charge storage can be charged from the car, then the heater plugged in.) 

Phone: $55 straight talk

Gas: $650 a month

food: $500 a month (aiming high, me and the pets on gas station food and canned goods)

Cat payment: $234

Car insurance: $80

Loan payment: $430 

Health insurance.... $100?

--------------------------------

2049 --> $2630 a month before taxes = $31560 = $15.20 an hour at 40 hours. 

Look for any fully remote work or odd jobs I could do. Really push selling readings online. Still registered to WI that way I can still get health insurance while I roam.

(Google digital nomad jobs)

****Save up for: Solar paneling to put on top of my car --> Look if I need to set up camp somewhere I will use the toilet outside if I have to.

**** Save up for: New Tires & oil changes as needed

-------------------------------

What prepping do I need to do?

- buy the mini solar generators

- buy the emergency blankets

- State Park passes for whatever states I enter (usually $20 bucks?)

- Another Lead for snow. If I stop to camp, the cats would go in the tent and not leave, but snow would have free reign of her lead. 

to know:

To essentially live while camping long term requires public land, so states like:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming are generally considered the best options due to the availability of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land where dispersed camping is often permitted. 

Otherwisw, reserve campsites where you can. (preferably with a bath house on site)

No one would really know that I wasn't just camping for the night. 

I could also reach out to friends and camp in their back yards whenever available. See if Rach would let me set up a tent in her back yard in a pinch?

Now that I've gotten this written out maybe I can sleep. 

"Journey" Homework...

 I have tried to journey a few times on my own and not had much success. I did have two very brief interactions

1) I did not realize I was journeying until after. I felt moved to daydream, the same way I do when I feel pulled to dance which sometimes means I might get a message from the other side. I couldn't daydream so I took my dog for a walk outside. I was playing music and walking her against the wind, I thought I was just daydreaming but the usual messenger did not appear... instead I saw a man. It was with my minds eye, so I figured just a part of the day dream. As I walked on with my dog I dreamt I was walking closer to him and I realized he was a kelpie. People around him were shying away in fear so I swallowed mine and walked right up to him without hesitating and hugged him. When he did not react badly, I raised my hand for just a moment and saw that I was not stuck (kelpies and stick you to their skin so they can drown and eat you). So I tried to sing to him, I did so out loud, the cold made it hard and only every other word came out, not sounding good at all. But he lowered his head with his ear closer to me so he could hear me and embraced me to his chest while doing so. I felt... safe. 

When I finished the chorus I stopped singing and with my face against him, relaxed as we held each other, said "You're not alone anymore". I FELT HIM ACKNOWLEDGE THIS and immediately snapped out of the "daydream" and started to cry. I'm not sure if that was in regards tot he sub zero wind blowing in my face or the momentary connection I had, but realized I had journeyed because I had actually made contact with the spirit of a kelpie. I felt his presence acknowledge what I had said... that doesn't happen in my daydreams. 

2) Preparing to go to sleep tonight I asked my ancestors for guidance. I said that I know they provide it more often than I am aware of and that I was sorry for not recognizing it but that I was grateful. Other than school and work I don't know what I am supposed to be doing right now. I don't know what I should be focusing on... self care? I have been. Resting? With being sick, I have been forced to. Ever since that talk at the session I have been letting my body relax and rest. But I feel like I am missing something. (I said all this to them). Then I opened myself up and just listened.

At first I heard bubbling water.. like I was sinking below the surface and air bubbles were escaping. Then I saw that I was at the bottom of some source of murky water. I couldn't see around me but I could see up the surface... it was a very long way to swim. I sensed movement around me, a predator in the water. The same feeling I imagine one would have while swimming with a shark... but I was not afraid. I was not in any  danger. The Kelpie was around but he did not show himself.

The surface was so very far and for a moment I thought about asking the kelpie to help me get there, but then I paused and asked myself why did I want to go to the surface? I was not in danger of being eaten, not in any danger of drowning, here in the water it wasn't cold or chaotic and to my surprise I wasn't in a soul cage (usually when I meditate and find myself under water its in a soul cage). When I realized I didn't know if I actually wanted to go up to the surface I jolted out of the journey, unable to get back. 

I did audibly ask "What the heck was that supposed to mean??" and got up to write this. 

Buddhism Basics

 4 Noble Truths

• Life is Suffering
• The cause of suffering is attachment
• the end of suffering is obtainable 
• There is a path to the end of suffering

8 Fold Path - Dharma 

• Right View -  see reality through the lens of the four noble truths
• Right Resolve - is to be resolved on renunciation—the wish to be freed from suffering, resolved on freedom. 
• Right Speech - to abstain from false, divisive, and harsh speech, as well as idle chatter
• Right Action - the intention of causing no harm to ourselves and others but to ensure that what we are doing physically does not cause harm to any sentient beings. This means an avoidance of killing, injuring, stealing, and sexual misconduct.
• Right Livelihood - for monastics is to live from the donations of others and never take more than one needs. For laypeople, it means to avoid any livelihood that causes suffering to others by cheating, harming, or killing them
• Right Effort - means to diligently cultivate good qualities and to abandon non-virtuous thoughts and actions.  The Buddha taught that if you want to be happy, there are certain behaviors that will help you attain that goal and others that will prevent it.
• Right Mindfulness - to remain mindful of the body, feelings, consciousness, and mental phenomena while abandoning attachment and aversion.
• Right Concentration - to remain withdrawn from our senses and focused upon the object of our meditation while we practice. By avoiding counter-productive, harmful thoughts and actions, we develop a stable mind.

Three "Main Branches" of Buddhism

• Theravada Buddhism: the oldest branch, focused on cognitive methods of enlightenment
• Pali Canon (Teachings of Buddha himself)
• Mahayana Buddhism, focused on compassion and supernatural intervention
• Sutras, came up with the "right path"
• Vajrayana Buddhism, focused on exploring esoteric and often counter-intuitive secrets to reach enlightenment
• Tantras, not everyone can find the answers - only special people 
• Tibetan Buddhism - Dhali Lama being an example of the special people 

Buddhism was born from Hinduism. 

Was popular because...

• Based on teachings of buddha but not an authoritative teaching
• does not require ritual practice
• Emphasis on individual journey and process
• Balanced way of life, living a middle way 
• strong focus on ending suffering 
• Does not endorse the Caste system...and at the time there was a LOT of suffering 

Important Practices:

• Meditation (not Buddhist specific)
• Altar Offerings
• Chants and praying
• Studying and learning from monks 

Buddhism's Karma: "Buddha’s teaching past actions do not determine current experiences. The bodily features and abilities with which one was born might have been a result of past actions, but past actions do not pre-determine the ways in which a person uses her body and abilities in this lifetime, nor do they predetermine the ways in which others treat her body and abilities"