Tosti

Presumably with some discernment. If I understand Joss correctly Confucianism was the singular scholarly method and background for all scholarship by the time we are talking about any serious textual references. While there exists the possibility(and references both in Eastern and Western tradition) that non-referenced scholars were extant or that something like the Holy Fool(we do see references, but how much can we really know) existed, how much does it impact what we can know about methodology today? I'm sure modern scholars, in their dry and forensic way, have been all over this, however t

Speaking of Wilhelm.... http://realitysandwich.com/219794/secret-of-golden-flower/

Because what they are experiencing isn't in the purely material realm and they are translating it into imagery they can understand? Jaques Vallee sort of idea?

I have an interest in Neidan and texts relating to it, both from a historical(even with my limited ability and no ability at all in language) perspective as well as an aesthetic one. I have studied Western Alchemy over the years and esoteric truths in general. I practiced martial arts for many years(and taught, etc), Kung-fu and others. When I was young I became interested in Taoist philosophies and western esotericism and along with a great deal of entheogenic experiences allowed me to progress in my own strange leap-frog fashion. I mention Neidan because that is what I am here to mention. M

I have had numerous experiences over the decades(not all of which are easily classified but which taken together gives one a good glimpse into the platonic realm at the least). I generally don't discuss most of my experiences openly because they often lead people astray. What I am looking for here on this forum is information. In particular I am able to judge a level of knowledge from the responses to certain questions.

But if that is not what they were then why is it what they are? Qigong cannot be Neidan in the sense that it was for the Ancients. Moderns change words to suit their preferences but things in themselves do not change.

Thanks for the advice

I'm pretty skeptical about Mitchell and Winn, even though Winn has some interesting articles and all that.

What do you think this means? Are you engaged in any practices that might encompass this? What do you do? If you care to share it is appreciated, if not, it is understood.

https://tenor.com/view/bill-clinton-bill-clinton-president-chuckle-gif-4753366

Hey, I'm off probation! Now I can say anything I want and become the Holy Fool of the website! j/k

That was my instinctive feeling. It looks like the translator might have some understanding. Looks like some Fourth Way guys. As for the Buddhist influence I have read that and it's apparent. In your opinion does it dilute or help or doesn't it matter much in context? Would you say that there is something missing in the text or is it complete enough to serve?

I think it's about doing what it describes. It is quiet but in the interior there is movement.

I found this site interesting although I don't read Chinese so haven't the foggiest how well it's translated. What is the opinion on it? Joss? Others? http://www.thesecretofthegoldenflower.com/

Thanks for the links. I'm sure everyone will find them helpful.