Wisdom for those on the Path

To expand on the previous post; here's a piece I wrote in a different forum. I see alot of people getting alot of information but lack process or direction. So "to send Chi" in cyber-ville I thought this would be useful here as well.  Take it as face value there are no definitive in anything. 

Traveling abound you encounter many types of people. You see how people perform their art and traditions. There is no region the same as well as the people that practice them.  The one thing that is universal is quality or not. The underlying problem with anything is passing on to the younger generation the fruits of a tradition to be carried forward. This can be seen in family held recipes of a favorite dish, herbal remedy or secret gardening technique.

Being a lifelong student of Spiritual Studies and Body/Mind Health practices I feel its useful to send "Wisdom Chi" to the community. There is usually many burning questions, common questions received like how does one learn? In anything in life I had found with whatever one focuses in one will need the following: 

•   The initiative to get massively passionate on whatever that might be.
•   A Mentor Experience HANDS ON IN PERSON. There is no better way.
•   Access to Oral Tradition; or the insights that are not written anywhere.

These are three check points I follow to this day. When I was a performing Musician/student, I made sure my teachers where the best in their field but also had the Self Mastery "the insights you never seen anywhere". Being a lifetime student as well in East Asian Traditions follows the above. 

A few years back during my comparative Taoist Religious Studies, my teacher sent to me by accident (or not..possibly for shock value). A several day footage of a obscure village in China performing a two week Funeral Ritual that went in out of homes and non stop chanting, and dances etc. It was amazing! The level of Mastery was something I will never forget and was quite moving. It motivated me to ramp up my sincerity of memorization, practice and educating the next generation, even more.

The future of these traditions require mentor-ship, hands on experience and specialized knowledge. Communities, healing enclaves and experiences is how one accelerates the process. You will need to sacrifice things in life to get what you want. Its no different than being in school. In School many are out and about on the weekend and the dedicated are at home studying deeper. The ones that succeed are the dedicated and persevere. The ones whom waste time and don't give extra effort miss out and accumulate miss opportunities.

The internet is great for connecting and communication; as I am doing here.. but should not be the dominant force in getting to be a hopeful expert in whatever one seeks. These practices require serious effort and practice like anything. You will need to be involved with people, teachers and experiences. You have to get tested in whatever you do thats the value of participating. There will be lots of wins, stumbles and plain ole "I blew it moments". 

Eventually through the process you become more educated grounded and begin to the embody the tradition. Learning will never cease and do-not over fill you're cup in haste to avoid someone more experienced then you. Take the useful lessons from anyone and learn to integrate them in you're life practice.  

 

 A old East Asian oral story on The Great Apple says it all:

I can tell one how great this apple is. I can describe it in many wonderful ways and sounds. But it will require you to express your inner will and see for yourself. Only then will it confirm to you all that I have told you. You will need to test many apples large ones, small ones and various types. Only then will you develop the skill of eyes are open to receive the experience; ears open to develop wisdom and mouth mindfully in action to embody the experience. You now have truly learned have you not.

GWA