The Flowing of the Dao

More info here.

Since the invasion of Tibet over 50 years ago, China has systematically destroyed the Tibetan culture. One of the most profound losses is the tradition of the great master yogis. The entire system which supported these fascinating mind masters has been inexorably eliminated. In order to record these mystical practitioners for posterity, the filmmakers were given permission to film heretofore secret demonstrations and to conduct interviews on subject matter rarely discussed. This profound historical, spiritual and educational film will someday be the last remnant of these amazing practitioners.

My friend Simon O’Dell is recording the Mumonkan for all to enjoy! This is a great service! I thank Simon for this!!

Part one in a video series based on the Zen Classic “The Mumonkan”

Pyrrho knocking it out the box .. AAAAAAAAAAAAAGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

The reductionists are going to detest this (I think?)

Went to the open house at Shambhala Meditation center last night. It was a really good time. Lots of good people and great conversation afterwards about the history and migration of Buddhism.

It’s funny because someone posted the following link in a Stickam chat room a few days before I went and I’ve just had it tabbed in my browser wanting to share it somehow with you guys …

The reason this all clicks is because at the meeting someone mentioned how the Bon religion combined with Buddhism in the synthesis that is the Tibetan Buddhism. Magnus went on to mention how there are some Buddha statues done in Greco-Roman style and began to speak of the Crusaders besting the Muslims for a time, but then the Mongols bested the Crusaders … Someone with some kind of information about this section of history please chime in in the comments so we can keep the discussion going.

ANYWAY … the word was that the Mongols were Buddhist … I’d like to know if and or at what time they converted to Buddhism vs. Islam vs. Tengriism …

Onward …

Tengriism (Tengerism, Tengrianism, Tengrianizm) was the major belief of the Turkic peoples and Mongols before the vast majority joined the established world religions. It focuses around the sky deity Tengri (also Tangri, Tangra, etc.) and incorporates elements of shamanism, animism, totemism, ancestor worship and certain elements of Chinese cosmology. In modern Turkey Tengriism is sometimes called Göktanrı religion by some scholars. Even though there is insufficient research, Tengriism is thought to heavily influence the Alevi belief system. Today, there are still a large number of Tengriist people living in inner Asia, such as the Hakas and Tuvans.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tengriism