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   [Yin & Yang] What is Tao?

    [Yin & Yang]Yin & Yang

    [Yin & Yang]Five Elements

    [Yin & Yang]10 Heavenly Stems

    [Yin & Yang]12 Earthly Branches

   [Yin & Yang] Cosmic Year

 

    [Yin & Yang]Korean Ancient History

   [Yin & Yang] Tao in Korean Culture

    [Yin & Yang]Tao in Modern Korea

   [Yin & Yang] Others

 [Yin & Yang] What is Spirit?

    [Yin & Yang]Spirit World

    [Yin & Yang]Spirit Experiences

 

   [Yin & Yang] Principle of Meditation

   [Yin & Yang] Mantra Experiences

    [Yin & Yang]Taeeulju Mantra

    [Yin & Yang]Korean Prophecy

    [Yin & Yang]Nam Sa-go

    [Yin & Yang]Western Prophecy

    [Yin & Yang]Nostradamus
   [Yin & Yang] Others

 

    [Yin & Yang]Jeff Kraus

    [Yin & Yang]Dr. Shin Min Shik

    [Yin & Yang]Marshal

    [Yin & Yang]Miss. Son

    [Yin & Yang]JaeNam Kim

    [Yin & Yang]..ing

 

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This web site?

With space and time, there is Universe. Universe exist with the compostion of space and time. Space has many shapes and features but are all able to be viewed with our eyes.

Time however can not be either can be touched or seen. The only thing we can know about time is that time flows within same cycle. One day is 24 hours, never been 25 hours or 23 hours.

Time has been flowing with its own cycle since, the birth of the Universe. and this unchangeable cycle of time serves for the unchangeable order of the various features and shapes of space.

Then, can time be observed through the eye of man's wisdom?

Yes, it can. Time is invisible but from the change of the space, we are able to trace back the footprints of the time. and there are two typical ways to prove it. That is the cycle of a day and an year.

A day is the change of day and night. When the time of day ends, the time of night starts.

When the time of night ends, the time of day starts. and also season changes through circulating just like day and night.

With this understanding of the cycle of circulation, in the far east culture, sexagenary cycle has been used until nowadays.

The Gregorian calendar, the current calender, is based on the linear time thinking. This might be the difference of the West and East thinking of Time.

But Time never stops. Instead it is eternal. Therefor this world is eternal. The circle is the shape of movement of the circulation of Time.

-Part 1

A living sea inside man's body

One of the symbols of man's life is blood. If the circulation of the blood stops, the metabolism stops too. and if metabolism stops, the man will brought up to death. What does "A living sea inside man's body" mean? There is a secret fact that will make you interesting. Let's take a look at a drop of blood through the microscope.

You can see the small particles that looks like Winchell's Dounuts floating on the sticky liquid. The particles are white blood cells, red blood cells and blood platelets(thrombocyte). In a healthy man's body, 45% are the Dounuts particles and blood plasma covers 55% of the space. blood plasma are the sticky liquid that is left over after taking out all the small particles. What surprises us is the blood plasma. Blood plasma has various of inorganic matters, and the ratio of it is very much similar the ratio of inorganic matters in the sea. The only difference might be that the sea water is thicker than it is of man's blood. Can you believe that the man's blood without the particles and the sea water has similar shape? Can you imagine that inside man's body there is a small sea floating? Even heart beating resembles the shape of sea. blood waves toward capillary vessel like the tide is on the flow. and tide ebbs back to vein. This circulation of in and out is same shape of the flow of tide in and out.

Knowing one is knowing all

What does the word Universe mean? or What does Cosmos mean? "The universe is the entire spacetime continuum in which we exist, together with all the energy and matter within it(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universe)." and "The word cosmos is the Greek word for 'order', and the cosmos- the universe as a whole- was the only order to found in the chaos of Greek mythology(ALPHA & OMEGA by Charles Seife)." In Korean, Universe or Cosmos is "Woo(?, ?) Joo(?, ?)". Woo(?, ?) means the four directions (north, south, east and west). Woo(?, ?) means space. Joo(?, ?) means "comings and goings of all ages". Joo(?, ?) means time. We can discover an interesting fact that the term of Universe in Korean or Chinese has similar concept of that of the modern concept of spacetime continuum. From the Ancient ages of East, the Universe was a unified structure of Time & Space. The space is a matter. It is visible. The time is invisible. We can not see it but we know that time flows within certain rule of cycle enabling the change of the circumstances.

"Knowing one is Knowing all (????, ????)" This was the basic idea of thinking in the Far East. It means to analogize the whole out of the ultimate principle. Where ever you are, When ever at sometimes, this whole world is being ruled by the Great Ultimate Principle. The East way of thinking is analogizing through dedcution. Is there anyone who claim you need to drink all the sea water to confirm if it is salty? Anyone will know that this is not necessary to do. By only tasting a drop of sea water you will know that sea water is salty. Presuming that this Great Universe is a sea, all of the mankind, grass, trees, rocks, earth, solar systems are an individual microcosmos and are just like a drop of salt water. Especially, the reason why in the East emphasize that human are the microcosmos is because human are the being to best resemble the nature of Universe. If you get to understand the Nature Principle then you will be able to understand how important the role of human is. Anaogizing the microcosmos, you can deduce the principle of the Great Universe. Just like analogizing from a drop of sea water to see if it is salty.

The shape of the circle

With space and time, there is Universe. Universe exist with the compostion of space and time. Space has many shapes and features but are all able to be viewed with our eyes. Time however can not be either can be touched or seen. The only thing we can know about time is that time flows within same cycle. One day is 24 hours, never been 25 hours or 23 hours. Time has been flowing with its own cycle since, the birth of the Universe. and this unchangeable cycle of time serves for the unchangeable order of the various features and shapes of space. Then, can time be observed through the eye of man's wisdom? Yes, it can. Time is invisible but from the change of the space, we are able to trace back the footprints of the time. and there are two typical ways to prove it. That is the cycle of a day and an year. A day is the change of day and night. When the time of day ends, the time of night starts. When the time of night ends, the time of day starts. and also season changes through circulating just like day and night. With this understanding of the cycle of circulation, in the far east culture, sexagenary cycle has been used until nowadays. The Gregorian calendar, the current calender, is based on the linear time thinking. This might be the difference of the West and East thinking of Time. But Time never stops. Instead it is eternal. Therefore this world is eternal. The circle is the shape of movement of the circulation of Time.

http://thedaoculture.com

 

What is Yin & Yang? - Part 2

Steady Space and Changeable Time

Unlike the steady space which is visible, the invisible time is hard to observe. The change of TIme is hard to observe. However, we can observe the same kind of change as Time through the structure of an atom and the solar system.

As in the image above, the structures are circles. Atom is the smallest element of all things. Atom has proton at the center and electron revolves it. The orbit of Earth is probably the biggest scale of structure we can think of. The Sun is at the center and the Earth is revolving it. Why are the shape of the structures common? because this Universe from the smallest micro to the biggest macro are structured with one nature law or nature principle.

Diamond and graphite

All the beings in nature;including creatures and lifeless, exit under the basic conditions of form and inner order. Pebbles, stream, trees, fish, birds and all natures are enclosed by this basic condition of form and inner order. Even man-made plastics or metal products has this form and inner order. You may see and observe the form but can you see the inner order? Inner order is not been seen just like the "Time". Well, here's an good example how much the inner order is important.

Diamond and graphite are two totally different forms. Diamond is hardest mineral known to man, Graphite is one of the softest. Diamond is an excellent electrical insulator, Graphite is a good conductor of electricity. Diamond is the ultimate abrasive, Graphite is a very good lubricant. Diamond is usually transparent, Graphite is opaque. Diamond crystallizes in the Isometric system and graphite crystallizes in the hexagonal system. Two are totally different forms. Somewhat of a surprise is that at surface temperatures and pressures, Graphite is the stable form of carbon. In fact, all diamonds at or near the surface of the Earth are currently undergoing a transformation into Graphite. This reaction, fortunately, is extremely slow. Graphite is a polymorph of the element carbon. diamond is another polymorph. The two share the same chemistry, carbon, but have very different structures and very different properties. All of the differences between graphite and diamond are the result of the difference in their respective structures. Graphite has a sheet like structure where the atoms all lie in a plane and are only weakly bonded to the graphite sheets above and below. Diamond has a framework structure where the carbon atoms are bonded to other carbon atoms in three dimensions as opposed to two in graphite. The carbon-carbon bonds in both minerals are actually quite strong, but it is the application of those bonds that make the difference.

Mineral Name

Graphite

Diamond

Models

(Click on images to enlarge)

Graphite Model

Diamond Model

Crystal System

Hexagonal

Isometric

The inner order effects the form just like how diamond and graphite are being effected. Same carbon but if it can be structured differently, the form will be different.

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written by lennon/McCartney

Words are flowing out
Like endless rain into a paper cup,

They slither while they pass,

They slip away Across the universe..

Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are

Drifting through my open mind,

Possessing and caressing me.

Jai guru de va om

*Nothing’s gonna change my world

Images of broken light

Which dance before me

Like a million eyes,

That call me on and on Across the universe,

Thoughts meander Like a restless wind

Inside a letter box They tumble blindly

As they make their way Across the universe

Jai guru de va om

*Nothing’s gonna change my world

Sounds of laughter, Shades of earth

Are ringing through my open views

Inciting and inviting me.

Limitless undying love

Which shines around me

Like a million suns,

It calls me on and on Across the universe

Jai guru de va om

*Nothing’s gonna change my world

http://thedaoculture.com/

Man are microcosmos of universe.

New Science , science magazine in england in 1986 announced that if all constellations are inputed to a computer, the shape of a human body appear. When the appearance of a person is magnified, it will be the universe's shape.

From old days, we call the human as the small universe in the East. The human being is the one who resembles the big universe most.

Moreover, inside human beings is everything that exists in the universe. How about looking through specifically

The human body is the microcosmos of heaven and earth.

The head of human being is round as the heaven is and two feet flat as the earth. Like the sun and the moon being in the sky, we have bright eyes.

The eyes of human being has the fire of both the Sun and the Moon at the same time.

Human body has hands, feet, arms and legs which are conected with each other through several joints ,and qi is flowing throughout them.

 Our body has hair in the necessary places on the skin just like trees and grasses on the field or hills . as well as our bosy consists of bones like mountain ranges on the earth  as if there is a river on the river, our body also has vein. it consist of 70% of water as like the earth is 70% of water and we have the five viscera and the six entrails as like the earth has 5 oceans and 6 continents.

the inorganic nitrogene in blood is thought to be similar to salt in the sea. a year's 365days is the body,the number of star in the universe- cell, the shape of a celestial and constellation- that man is standing

the inorganic nitrogene in blood is thought to be similar to salt in the sea. as 1 year is 365days ,human also have 365 poins of body ,which are called ?? in korea.And like the number of stars on cosmo,human also has many cells in its body. And The shapes of constellation is keeping like a standing human.

all the  secrets of universe is in our body

as both at the center of the solar system and the center of the earth have their own fire ,in human body has also the same,called the heart.

Also like four seasons are due to the earth's declining, the heart is not in the center of body and declined to the left so that makes ??, and the imperpect mind is also splited easilyby the working of ???

the energy and blood is pulsated by the working between the sun and moon, and women's menstruationand the tides of the sea is effected by the moon. and there are countless flowings of energy inside the body of human like the countles s flowings of energy in the universe.

there are 9 holes of human body like the 9 planets in the solar system.(7 holes on the face, 2 holes in the lower part of the body.in addition, there's one more hole in women. the reason is because women need the space which has to make a new birth.it's like the baby universe is born from a black hole, the womb of the universe.)

everything in the universe is in a vitality of human. in a view of  life, the universe is the myself and i and the universe myself.

http://thedaoculture.com

 

A living sea inside man's body

One of the symbols of man's life is blood.

If the circulation of the blood stops, the metabolism stops too.

and if metabolism stops, the man will brought up to death.

What does "A living sea inside man's body" mean? There is a secret fact that will make you interesting.

Let's take a look at a drop of blood through the microscope.

 

 

You can see the small particles that looks like Winchell's Dounuts floating on the sticky liquid. The particles are white blood cells, red blood cells and blood platelets(thrombocyte).

In a health man's body, 45% are the Dounuts particles and blood plasma covers 55% of the space.

blood plasma are the sticky liquid that is left over after taking out all the small particles. What surprises us is the blood plasma.

Blood plasma has various of inorganic matters, and the ratio of it is very much similar the ratio of inorganic matters in the sea. The only difference might be that the sea water is thicker than it is of man's blood.

Can you believe that the man's blood without the particles and the sea water has similar shape? Can you imagine that inside man's body there is a small sea floating? Even heart beating resembles the shape of sea.

blood waves toward capillary vessel like the tide is on the flow.

and tide ebbs back to vein. This circulation of in and out is same shape of the flow of tide in and out.

http://thedaoculture.com/

 

[Yin & Yang Second Essay]- Know one, Know All

 What does the word Universe mean? or What does Cosmos mean?

"The universe is the entire spacetime continuum in which we exist,  together with all the energy and matter  within it."

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universe) "The word cosmos is the Greek word for 'order', and the cosmos- the universe as a whole- was the only order to found in the chaos of Greek mythology." (ALPHA & OMEGA by Charles Seife) In Korean Universe or Cosmos is

"Woo(?, ?) Joo(?, ?)".

Woo(?, ?) means the four directions (north, south, east and west)  and up & down.  

Woo(?, ?) means space.

Joo(?, ?) means "comings and goings of all ages".

Joo(?, ?) means time.

We can discover an interesting fact  that the term of Universe in Korean or Chinese has similar concept of that of the modern concept of spacetime continuum.

Frome the Ancient ages of East, the Universe was a unified structure of Time & Space. The space is a matter.

It is visible. The time is invisible.

We can not see it but we know that time flows within certain rule of cycle enabling the change of the circumstances.

 

 "Know one, Know All (????, ????)"

 This was the basic idea of thinking in the Far East.

It means to analogize the whole out of the ultimate principle.

Where ever you are, When ever at sometimes, this whole world is being ruled by the Great Ultimate Principle.

The East way of thinking is analogizing through dedcution.

Is there anyone who claim you need to drink all the sea water to confirm if it is salty? Anyone will know that this is not necessary to do.

By only tasting a drop of sea water you will know that sea water is  salty.

Presuming that this Great Universe is a sea, all of the mankind, grass, trees, rocks, earth, solar systems are an individual microcosmos and are just like a drop of salt water. Especially, the reason why in the East emphasize that human are the microcosmos is because human are the being to best resemble the nature of Universe.

This is not to bluff ourselves up, but instead if you get to

understand the Nature Principle then you will be able to

understand how important the role of human is.

Anaogizing the microcosmos, you can deduce the principle

of the Great Universe. Just like analogizing from a drop of

sea water to see if it is salty.

 

< & Yin is ?What book Korean the from>

Published by Daewon Publishing Company.

All copyright by "http://thedaoculture.com"

Free distribution of the article not allowed without permission.>

Yin & Yang 3- Origin of Circle

With space and time, there is Universe. Universe exist with the compostion of space and time. Space has many shapes and features but are all able to be viewed with our eyes.

 Time however can not be either can be touched or seen. The only thing we can know about time is that time flows within same cycle. One day is 24 hours, never been 25 hours or 23 hours.

Time has been flowing with its own cycle since, the birth of the Universe. and this unchangeable cycle of time serves for the unchangeable order of the various features and shapes of space.

 Then, can time be observed through the eye of man's wisdom?

Yes, it can. Time is invisible but from the change of the space, we are able to trace back the footprints of the time. and there are two typical ways to prove it. That is the cycle of a day and an year.

A day is the change of day and night. When the time of day ends, the time of night starts.

When the time of night ends, the time of day starts. and also season changes through circulating just like day and night.

With this understanding of the cycle of circulation, in the far east culture, sexagenary cycle has been used until nowadays.

The Gregorian calendar, the current calender, is based on the linear time thinking. This might be the difference of the West and East thinking of Time.

But Time never stops. Instead it is eternal. Therefor this world is eternal. The circle is the shape of movement of the circulation of Time.

http://thedaoculture.com

Yin & Yang 4- Micro & Macro

Steady Space and Change of Time

Unlike the steady space which is visible, the invisible time is hard to observe. The change of TIme is hard to observe. However, we can observe the same kind of change as Time through the structure of an atom and the solar system.

                           

                                                                                                                    

As in the image above, the structures are circles. Atom is the smallest element of all things. Atom has proton at the center and electron revolves it. The orbit of Earth is probably the biggest scale of structure we can think of. The Sun is at the center and the Earth is revolving it. Why are the shapes of the structure same? The Truth isn't far away.

 

http://thedaoculture.com

Oriental philosophy of yin and yang

Dr. Shin Min-shik

Ancient Oriental philosophers used the concept of "yin and yang" in order to perceive all natural phenomena and express their properties. And this main idea has carried over into the Oriental philosophy of modern society.

Yin originally meant the shady side of a hill. It represents darkness and passivity, and is associated with the qualities of yielding, softness and contraction. It moves downward and inward, and its primary symbols are women, water and earth.

Yang, on the other hand, means the sunny side of the hill. It represents brightness and activity, and is associated with resistance, hardness and expansion. It naturally moves upward and outward, and is symbolized by men, fire and heaven.

Oriental philosophy says that when water (yin) absorbs a large amount of heat (yang), it transmutes into vapor (yang) and rises upward.

The principles of yin and yang manifest themselves in every conceivable contrast, both large and small, and apply to all beings. Women are considered yin because of their tolerance and softness, while men are considered yang because of their strong and progressive spirit.

But women with a high degree of yang "chi (life force)" are more likely to look on the bright side of problems and deal with them very positively. Men full of yin chi are relatively tolerant, open-minded and are more likely to listen attentively to others.

It is generally said that a woman full of yang energy and a man with a high degree of yin energy make a harmonious couple, well suited for marriage. On the contrary, if both have the same level of yang energy, they will have frequent arguments and fight often.

Yin and yang energy can be balanced and regulated through several efficient treatments, including acupuncture, taking herbs, moxibustion (burning dried mugwort close to the skin) and meditation.

Meditation enhances the chi flowing through the body through calming the mind. Thus the energized chi can restore and revitalize all organs of the body. Meditation helps not only calm the mind, but keeps the energies flowing through the body, such as yin and yang, in equilibrium. What is more, it is known to be a "miracle cure" for disease.

Excessive yang energy can abruptly cause a mild-mannered person to become oversensitive and irritated, and keep him or her from sleeping well at night. On the other hand, too much yin energy causes insomnia and manic psychosis and consequently results in fatigue.

The center of yang energy is located just below the navel, whereas the center of yin energy is between the eyebrows. The smooth interchange of the two energies is very important in maintaining good health.

Mental stress and health problems can greatly affect the natural movement of yin and yang energies. And this can easily lead to mysterious headaches, fatigue and a weakened immune system as well depression. Meditation, acupuncture and moxibustion are all regarded as very powerful treatments to harmonize the energy of yin and yang and clear up the symptoms caused by the imbalance.

Updated: 06/17/1999

http://thedaoculture.com

Dual existence of yin and yang

Dr. Shin Min-shik

Yin and yang, taken together, are the reference point which allows us to see all things in existence. In the dual existence of yin and yang, we see that all things have two sides to their existence.

Within the principles of yin and yang lie diverse meanings, such as the nature of synchronization and "changeableness," which can be shown through examples from the world around us.

When morning sunlight hits the mountains, it simultaneously appears as bright on the side facing the sun, and dark on the side opposite the sun. We call the lighted part of the mountain yang and the dark part yin.

In the concept of yin and yang, there is no separation in existence; yin and yang are the different parts of being and always appear simultaneously. We call this synchronicity.

Changeableness is the most important part of the nature of yin and yang. When the sun sets, the bright side of the mountain turns dark, or becomes yin. As the stream of time flows on, yin becomes yang and vice versa; each becomes its opposite.

The most important thing to understand is that yin and yang continuously change in a cyclical pattern. This can be illustrated with examples from the body and nature.

In summer, our body temperature rises slightly, due to the heat of the sun. The sun causes the yang energy to increase in the outer body and yin energy goes to the inner body in an attempt to maintain balance. In the winter, because of the cold and wind, yin energy increases in the outer body and yang energy goes to the inner body.

Contrary to what you might think, having an abundance of cold drinks or ice cream in summer is not a good idea. Since yin energy builds up on the inside of the body, adding more yin energy (in the form of cold, yin foods) can cause an imbalance and lead to illness. It is better to have a good amount of hot and spicy food during hot months. In nations with hot climates, people usually do eat hot and spicy foods.

Likewise, in nations with cold climates, people like to routinely have cold drinks and take baths in ice water because too great a buildup of yang energy on the inside is unhealthy.

The earth provides more examples of yin and yang: In the summer, the surface of the earth is warm, and caves are cool. But during the winter, there are many animals that hibernate in caves due to their warmth. Mushrooms exist in marshes yet contain no water themselves. Cacti grow in the desert, but contain much water (yin energy).

Aloe is much like a cactus. Because of this, it is not recommended for people who possess a high degree of yin energy. But for those who feel like they have a fever, or are always thirsty and have constipation, aloe is good.

Ginseng, on the other hand, is good for people who have yin energy. If people who possess yang energy eat ginseng, they usually break out in pimples and experience a rise in blood pressure.

When making a diagnosis in oriental medicine, it is very important to view a patient's yin and yang.

When we observe all beings, the view of yin and yang enables us to comprehend the true existence of substance be seeing how all things related to each other. Fostering the habit of observing the outward and inward parts is an integral part of the wisdom of life. And its application goes beyond the field of oriental medicine, helping us understand life.

Take, for example, people who seem to always have good luck. They are more than likely lacking in some important aspects of their life. This is an example of the synchronization of yin and yang; the simultaneous existence, no matter how easy life may have been at some time. The variety of changes in life itself is the nature of change in yin and yang.

We have came to understand through research that all illness is due to an imbalance of yin and yang. Next time we will look at the four seasons in regards to the yin and yang.

Updated: 06/24/1999

http://thedaoculture.com

Five elemental activities 

by Dr. Shin Min Shik

According to oriental medicine, "wood energy," one of the "Five Elemental Energies," encompasses the power to grow and expand.

Wood energy is present in a sprout, full of the instinctive life force to grow and pierce and expand against all obstacles, ground, rocks, or climate changes. We can also observe this kind of life force flowing through a wild flower growing in a field, sometimes breaking through rock.

Because no other living thing is believed to have growing energy as powerful as that of a tree, oriental philosophers used the word wood to symbolize such a mighty life force.

To better grasp this concept, imagine the act of throwing a ball into the air. When the ball is just about to be released from the hand, its state of energy is likened to wood, full of the potential energy "to go up," like a tree from the ground.

The concept of wood energy spreads beyond trees and sprouts, however. Wind, spring, the color green, East, the liver, tendons and muscles, anger, and sour and tart foods are all said to contain wood energy.

Wind is closely connected with wood due to its power to instantaneously generate potential energy, or wind force.

Moreover the wind rises more in spring as the result of the radical climate change. Therefore, spring is also considered a component of Wood. Accordingly, anything green, including the leaves of trees or grass, is considered to possess wood energy.

The sun rises in the east and gives off the light essential to the growth of all plant life. Oriental philosophers therefore considered the East as part of wood.

Because the liver is believed to generate "chi," or life force, the organ contains the force to move the body and stretch out the hands and feet, it is also considered a part of wood. The muscle and tendons contain similar characteristics.

Finally, sour tasting foods, which can build up energy or cause people to abruptly explode with anger or discontent, are said to contain wood energy.

Armed with the knowledge of what falls into the realm of wood energy and how the different components interact, doctors of oriental medicine (OMD) can pinpoint imbalances and prescribe remedies.

Because the wood energy in green vegetables helps the liver to function, "greens" are highly recommended for those who suffer from dysfunction of the liver or those who have muscle problems.

Spring is a very important time for bodily activities associated with wood energy.

No other season affects the liver like spring. And during this time a run-down liver can be restored to perfect functioning or take a turn for the worse.

The number of people complaining about sudden bursts of pain which quickly recede also increases in the spring.

These people have a hard time trying to figure out where these sudden aches and pains come from. But it is obvious to the OMD that dysfunction of the liver - brought on by the extra wood energy present in spring - is the main cause. People who easily lose their temper should be aware that rage can worsen the functioning of the liver.

OMDs recommended that people experiencing muscle problems or inflamed tendons eat more sour foods. However, eating too many sour foods may cause some to become more aggressive or compulsive.

Anyone experiencing depression should take some time out and go to an area full of trees or greenery. Observing the color green stimulates latent wood energy and can provide the push needed to pull oneself out of a malaise.

If you feel fatigued, try wearing some green clothes. This can help stimulate wood energy and equalize your energy level.

People can easily succumb to diseases when their yin and yang or five elemental energies are disturbed or out of balance. By taking advantage of acupuncture and herbs, or learning to meditate, however, you can effectively regulate the flow of chi and bring your body back to a state of equilibrium.

http://thedaoculture.com

 

[Seeker's Journal] Yin-Yang, Sexual Equality, and Heresy
Jeff Kraus, London, Canada, Jeung San Do International Dept.

Originally printed in the Korea Times newspaper on January 25th, 2005

I was not prepared for my colleague? heretical question, because nobody in Eastern spirituality ever truly calls into question the theory of yin and yang. Yin-yang theory holds such an ancient, venerated, and central position that challenging its tenets seems tantamount to repudiating all of Eastern spirituality. Yet, ?yssa,?an American and fellow Oriental medicine student with whom I studied in 1995, posed the question: ?in and yang relationships are reflected throughout the universe, correct? In men and women, day and night, fire and water, cold and hot, the seasons of the year?? ?ure, everywhere,?I agreed. ? nucleus is yang, its electrons are yin.? ?hen here? my question.?She smiled. ?f the relationship between men and women has changed so dramatically, but the days and the seasons and the atoms have all remained constant, does that mean that women? equality has put humankind out of synch with the universe?? I could not answer her. Could you?

Part of my reticence to offer even an opinion at the time stemmed from my hard-earned awareness of my own personal ignorance. In 1995, my fascination with Eastern spirituality had only recently transformed into a serious study, and I had just reached that second stage of the student in which initial euphoria gives way to a numbing awareness of how much one does not know?nd how much of what one does know is actually wrong.

Before my studies, I thought I understood yin-yang: yin is female, yang is male, and this male-female duality is echoed throughout the universe. Being Western, I instinctively overlaid the West? duality of Good and Bad over yin-yang theory and it seemed to work: day (yang) is clearly good; night (yin) is bad. Life (yang) is good; death (yin) is bad. From this, I inferred both that I understood yin-yang and that Eastern philosophy was chauvinistic at its core.


Based on this flawed?et popular?nterpretation of yin-yang, the historically recent and dramatic change in the relationship between men and women could indeed be seen to contravene the universe? order. (I have even heard echoes of this interpretation in the East, from a learned Korean spiritual figure who vilified sexual equality as a great grief for Western women that endures only because this equality was always just a facade anyway.) This interpretation deeply troubled me, and I worried that I would find myself forced to choose between adopting chauvinism or repudiating a core concept of Eastern philosophy.

In later years, I posed Lyssa? challenging question to a Korean friend, ?ictoria,?who possesses a PhD in Philosophy. The framing of the question caused Victoria to wince. ?ou must understand that women are neither completely nor eternally yin, and men are neither completely nor eternally yang. It? contextual. A woman is yin to her husband, but yang to her child. A teacher is yang and their student is yin, even if the teacher is a young woman and the student is a venerable man.?She waved her hand. ?esides, the sociological movement that the West calls sexual equality is phenomenological; biologically, women are still yin and men are still yang.? ?o, yin-yang relationships are contextual?and biologically intrinsic?? ?e. Contextual and intrinsic.?/font>

Understanding this paradox required quite a bit of reflection and study, but eventually I understood that my Western reading of yin-yang was wrong. According to the Western view of dualities, yang? uncontrolled desire should be opposed on the yin side by sexual abstinence and virginity; but I learned that the yin counterpart to uncontrolled desire is actually prudence in desire. Similarly, yang? rage and fury is not counterpoised by calmness, but by yin? grudges and resentment. By applying my Western presumptions, I had blinded myself to a basic tenet of yin-yang theory: yin and yang do not oppose each other, they collaborate.

To illustrate using earth? calendar year, at Winter Solstice yin energy is at its peak and yang energy at its nadir, then yang waxes and yin wanes until the Summer Solstice, and the cycle subsequently repeats. This is not a war; it? a dance. Yin and yang energies rise and fall just as two dance partners spiraling around a ballroom alternate moving slowly and swiftly. Sometimes the man slows while his partner swirls around him in exuberance and sometimes the woman slows while the man swirls around her swiftly. Neither could dance without the other, and the dance never truly stops.

Given my new understanding, I now have the answer that I wish I could have given Lyssa ten years ago. Actually, I can conceive of two answers. The first potential answer is the simplest. If the relative strengths of yin and yang wax and wane cyclically, then the progression of sexual equality in which women have been historically oppressed but are presently less oppressed suggests that their standing will continue to wax in the future until men become as oppressed as women have been in the past. (This is the fearful dynamic that I suspect secretly drives the polemics of certain conservatives who decry feminism ?or the sake of the family.? Lyssa may have enjoyed this answer. But if this cycle of oppression were true, then someday society would inevitably devolve back to the caveman times of oppressed yin. I do not believe this.


My second potential answer leads to a personal heresy. I have studied many Eastern cosmological theories based on yin-yang that assert that time is cyclical and that the patterns of history will repeat. But I still hold to the Western linear view of time. I believe that mankind? history, while replete with repeating cycles, nevertheless is also a progression: like two dance partners who swing in circles, but whose dance takes them across a ballroom floor. Men and women, acting collaboratively, have succeeded collaboratively; and barring some apocalypse that puts us back in the caves, our dance will take us onward and upward to the stars.

And so my answer to Lyssa? yin-yang question is this: Women? equality has not put humankind out of synch with the universe; women? equality has put humankind in a position to gain it.

-http://www.jeungsando.org-

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Dual existence of yin and yang

Dr. Shin Min-shik

Yin and yang, taken together, are the reference point which allows us to see all things in existence. In the dual existence of yin and yang, we see that all things have two sides to their existence.

Within the principles of yin and yang lie diverse meanings, such as the nature of synchronization and "changeableness," which can be shown through examples from the world around us.

When morning sunlight hits the mountains, it simultaneously appears as bright on the side facing the sun, and dark on the side opposite the sun. We call the lighted part of the mountain yang and the dark part yin.

In the concept of yin and yang, there is no separation in existence; yin and yang are the different parts of being and always appear simultaneously. We call this synchronicity.

Changeableness is the most important part of the nature of yin and yang. When the sun sets, the bright side of the mountain turns dark, or becomes yin. As the stream of time flows on, yin becomes yang and vice versa; each becomes its opposite.

The most important thing to understand is that yin and yang continuously change in a cyclical pattern. This can be illustrated with examples from the body and nature.

In summer, our body temperature rises slightly, due to the heat of the sun. The sun causes the yang energy to increase in the outer body and yin energy goes to the inner body in an attempt to maintain balance. In the winter, because of the cold and wind, yin energy increases in the outer body and yang energy goes to the inner body.

Contrary to what you might think, having an abundance of cold drinks or ice cream in summer is not a good idea. Since yin energy builds up on the inside of the body, adding more yin energy (in the form of cold, yin foods) can cause an imbalance and lead to illness. It is better to have a good amount of hot and spicy food during hot months. In nations with hot climates, people usually do eat hot and spicy foods.

Likewise, in nations with cold climates, people like to routinely have cold drinks and take baths in ice water because too great a buildup of yang energy on the inside is unhealthy.

The earth provides more examples of yin and yang: In the summer, the surface of the earth is warm, and caves are cool. But during the winter, there are many animals that hibernate in caves due to their warmth. Mushrooms exist in marshes yet contain no water themselves. Cacti grow in the desert, but contain much water (yin energy).

Aloe is much like a cactus. Because of this, it is not recommended for people who possess a high degree of yin energy. But for those who feel like they have a fever, or are always thirsty and have constipation, aloe is good.

Ginseng, on the other hand, is good for people who have yin energy. If people who possess yang energy eat ginseng, they usually break out in pimples and experience a rise in blood pressure.

When making a diagnosis in oriental medicine, it is very important to view a patient's yin and yang.

When we observe all beings, the view of yin and yang enables us to comprehend the true existence of substance be seeing how all things related to each other. Fostering the habit of observing the outward and inward parts is an integral part of the wisdom of life. And its application goes beyond the field of oriental medicine, helping us understand life.

Take, for example, people who seem to always have good luck. They are more than likely lacking in some important aspects of their life. This is an example of the synchronization of yin and yang; the simultaneous existence, no matter how easy life may have been at some time. The variety of changes in life itself is the nature of change in yin and yang.

We have came to understand through research that all illness is due to an imbalance of yin and yang. Next time we will look at the four seasons in regards to the yin and yang.

Updated: 06/24/1999

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Five elemental activities

Dr. Sin Min-sik

According to oriental medicine, "wood energy," one of the "Five Elemental Energies," encompasses the power to grow and expand.

Wood energy is present in a sprout, full of the instinctive life force to grow and pierce and expand against all obstacles, ground, rocks, or climate changes. We can also observe this kind of life force flowing through a wild flower growing in a field, sometimes breaking through rock.

Because no other living thing is believed to have growing energy as powerful as that of a tree, oriental philosophers used the word wood to symbolize such a mighty life force.

To better grasp this concept, imagine the act of throwing a ball into the air. When the ball is just about to be released from the hand, its state of energy is likened to wood, full of the potential energy "to go up," like a tree from the ground.

The concept of wood energy spreads beyond trees and sprouts, however. Wind, spring, the color green, East, the liver, tendons and muscles, anger, and sour and tart foods are all said to contain wood energy.

Wind is closely connected with wood due to its power to instantaneously generate potential energy, or wind force.

Moreover the wind rises more in spring as the result of the radical climate change. Therefore, spring is also considered a component of Wood. Accordingly, anything green, including the leaves of trees or grass, is considered to possess wood energy.

The sun rises in the east and gives off the light essential to the growth of all plant life. Oriental philosophers therefore considered the East as part of wood.

Because the liver is believed to generate "chi," or life force, the organ contains the force to move the body and stretch out the hands and feet, it is also considered a part of wood. The muscle and tendons contain similar characteristics.

Finally, sour tasting foods, which can build up energy or cause people to abruptly explode with anger or discontent, are said to contain wood energy.

Armed with the knowledge of what falls into the realm of wood energy and how the different components interact, doctors of oriental medicine (OMD) can pinpoint imbalances and prescribe remedies.

Because the wood energy in green vegetables helps the liver to function, "greens" are highly recommended for those who suffer from dysfunction of the liver or those who have muscle problems.

Spring is a very important time for bodily activities associated with wood energy.

No other season affects the liver like spring. And during this time a run-down liver can be restored to perfect functioning or take a turn for the worse.

The number of people complaining about sudden bursts of pain which quickly recede also increases in the spring.

These people have a hard time trying to figure out where these sudden aches and pains come from. But it is obvious to the OMD that dysfunction of the liver - brought on by the extra wood energy present in spring - is the main cause. People who easily lose their temper should be aware that rage can worsen the functioning of the liver.

OMDs recommended that people experiencing muscle problems or inflamed tendons eat more sour foods. However, eating too many sour foods may cause some to become more aggressive or compulsive.

Anyone experiencing depression should take some time out and go to an area full of trees or greenery. Observing the color green stimulates latent wood energy and can provide the push needed to pull oneself out of a malaise.

If you feel fatigued, try wearing some green clothes. This can help stimulate wood energy and equalize your energy level.

People can easily succumb to diseases when their yin and yang or five elemental energies are disturbed or out of balance. By taking advantage of acupuncture and herbs, or learning to meditate, however, you can effectively regulate the flow of chi and bring your body back to a state of equilibrium.

http://thedaoculture.com

The mighty growth force of 'wood energy'

Dr. Sin Min-sik

According to oriental medicine, "wood energy," one of the "Five Elemental Energies," encompasses the power to grow and expand.

Wood energy is present in a sprout, full of the instinctive life force to grow and pierce and expand against all obstacles, ground, rocks, or climate changes. We can also observe this kind of life force flowing through a wild flower growing in a field, sometimes breaking through rock.

Because no other living thing is believed to have growing energy as powerful as that of a tree, oriental philosophers used the word wood to symbolize such a mighty life force.

To better grasp this concept, imagine the act of throwing a ball into the air. When the ball is just about to be released from the hand, its state of energy is likened to wood, full of the potential energy "to go up," like a tree from the ground.

The concept of wood energy spreads beyond trees and sprouts, however. Wind, spring, the color green, East, the liver, tendons and muscles, anger, and sour and tart foods are all said to contain wood energy.

Wind is closely connected with wood due to its power to instantaneously generate potential energy, or wind force.

Moreover the wind rises more in spring as the result of the radical climate change. Therefore, spring is also considered a component of Wood. Accordingly, anything green, including the leaves of trees or grass, is considered to possess wood energy.

The sun rises in the east and gives off the light essential to the growth of all plant life. Oriental philosophers therefore considered the East as part of wood.

Because the liver is believed to generate "chi," or life force, the organ contains the force to move the body and stretch out the hands and feet, it is also considered a part of wood. The muscle and tendons contain similar characteristics.

Finally, sour tasting foods, which can build up energy or cause people to abruptly explode with anger or discontent, are said to contain wood energy.

Armed with the knowledge of what falls into the realm of wood energy and how the different components interact, doctors of oriental medicine (OMD) can pinpoint imbalances and prescribe remedies.

Because the wood energy in green vegetables helps the liver to function, "greens" are highly recommended for those who suffer from dysfunction of the liver or those who have muscle problems.

Spring is a very important time for bodily activities associated with wood energy.

No other season affects the liver like spring. And during this time a run-down liver can be restored to perfect functioning or take a turn for the worse.

The number of people complaining about sudden bursts of pain which quickly recede also increases in the spring.

These people have a hard time trying to figure out where these sudden aches and pains come from. But it is obvious to the OMD that dysfunction of the liver - brought on by the extra wood energy present in spring - is the main cause. People who easily lose their temper should be aware that rage can worsen the functioning of the liver.

OMDs recommended that people experiencing muscle problems or inflamed tendons eat more sour foods. However, eating too many sour foods may cause some to become more aggressive or compulsive.

Anyone experiencing depression should take some time out and go to an area full of trees or greenery. Observing the color green stimulates latent wood energy and can provide the push needed to pull oneself out of a malaise.

If you feel fatigued, try wearing some green clothes. This can help stimulate wood energy and equalize your energy level.

People can easily succumb to diseases when their yin and yang or five elemental energies are disturbed or out of balance. By taking advantage of acupuncture and herbs, or learning to meditate, however, you can effectively regulate the flow of chi and bring your body back to a state of equilibrium.

http://thedaoculture.com

Korean Future according to the theory of divination based on topography

On the basis of the contents of a book, "Places" which once rose up into sensation after Son, Seok-Woo, writer of the book, anticipated the death date of the last Kim, Il-Sung in it, I will scrutinize this Nation's luck and the future of Mankind.

  It is said that he, born in Ul-Jin of the Kangwon province, got mysterious clairvoyance on the ground and splendid wisdom on topography during he was praying at a good place of a prestigious mountain.

 the book "Places" which is descriving the prediction of Kim il sung 's death by son seok woo was published just before 1 year of his death... as he died in dep. 1994 , his prediction gathered all of the people;s interest due to around time of his death .

 human beings have a fate of being born from the earth , living by food and going back to the earth. so the earth is the womb of human beings. the human beings have a destiny reapeating prosperity and development eternally on the earth.

 the prophets who recognized the principal of the earth can predict the future of human beings by use of the geographical feature and the relation of fate and human beings.

Mt. BaekDu which the forefather of all of the mountains.

Korea is a country that has many moutains, and the mountains are so graceful and elegant and they are filled with all the energy of the earth creating the harmony between heaven and the earth, explains he about our mountains and rivers.

He added "the mountain is the place where the energy of the earth is renewed, and Korea is the country that constantly moving energy of the earth erupts". He, also, says that Mt. BaeDo is the vertex of the earth.

Mt. Bae-Du is the forefather of all the mountains and the windpipe of the earth, and the water of Chen-Ji, a lake on the top, is self creative energy and the water drawn from the well early at dawn.

The great king, who governs the world, will be born in Korea.

He replied to his disciple who asekd him to answer the question about the leader who will flow from the grace out of a unique ground place. "Where is it that the great leader will be born who will rise up, save and govern a populaton of 7 billion and 2 thousand million people during the Great universe change". and "it was originally pointed out from the Genesis of the earth, truly  Where is it?

The renowned astrology specialists were looking for the same place. The specialists believed that fortune and luck are related to the location and its environment. They say that the world top place is located in the Korean land and coagulated in it.

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Who is Monk Tanheo?

His secular name is Kim Geum Taek. Tan Heo is is posthumous Buddhist name and his Buddhist name is Tak Seong.

He was born in North Jeolla province, Korea in 1913. When he was 15, he exchanged mail with a high priest, Han-am, to have an answer for Dao. When he was 22, he entered the priesthood at Sang-won-sa in Oh-dae-san.

He had a extensive knowledge about Eatern philosophy and he gave a lecture about the Avatamska Sutra at the Eastern philosophy seminar in Japan and Taiwan. Especially, in Taiwanese University, he was held in respected as a world-wide great scholar in religious comparative study. In 1983, he passed away at 71.

Tan-heo was a Buddhist scholar who knew not only Buddhism, but also Confucism, Daoism and overall Eastern philosophy. Especially he was known as a great Buddhist scholars of the Avatamska Sutra which is known for its abstrucsity and the Book of change in our time. He foretold the time of his death by only 10 hours difference and 13 sarira came from his body.

His ability of prophecy was well known by foretelling Korean war, Uljin Samcheok armed spy incident and pareparing the disaster. During Vietnam war, he also predicted that the US would not win the war and widthdraw from Vietnam.

Tan-heo's father, Kim Hong Gyu, was a seeker after truth and participated actively as a middle-grade member(one of 24 leaders) in early Jeung San Do's first movement. As a Buddhist leader, Tan-heo often mentioned Gae-byuk and Later Heaven and the background of his idea was deeply influenced by his father's Jeung San Do teachings.

Monk Tanheo prophecy

-

In the present, according to the principle of the Change progression, Gan dosu(Time of Gan) is reflected in the direction of Gan. According to the principle of Jeongyeok(book of right change or Right-Ching), time of Later Heaven(the world after the change) will start soon because Gandosu(Time of Gan) has come already. The view of the future through the philosophy of Change is much more comprehensive and, furthermore, it gives a big advantage to see the future of human society in the cosmic level.

The end of the world story, the Last Judgement day from Christianity, has been around since two thousand years ago. The origin of this kind of foreknowledge about the future can be found in the Western religion, but according to the Eastern principle of the Change, Bokhui's eight signs of divination revealed 'Principle of Heaven' six thousand years ago and King Wen's eight signs of divination revealed 'Principle of constancy' three thousand years ago and reached until today, and about eighty years ago(in 1886), the principle from the Book of Right Change, the Change of the future, foretold the detailed future of nature and human in Later Heaven.

The prophecy of the Western religion concluded the end of the world and related to the Advent of Christ, but 'the Principle of right Change' resolves the revolution of nature in Later Heaven, how the human race will be judged, and how many people will live in the world without irrationality.

Eight signs of divination in Jeongyeok(Book of right Change) is the Change of future as the eight signs of Later Heaven. According to this, the earth will have a time of maturation as if a girl of puberty encounters the first menstrual period.

("If Buddha alive")

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Who is Nam Sa-go?

(Nam Sa-go ??? ???, 1509~1571)

kyukam1, ???? Gyeok-am (hermitage of decorum) Nam Sa-go was a great sholar, an incredibly talented prophet, and a wise man of the sixteenth century during Korea's Joseon dynasty. He was born in 1509, in a city called Uljin located in Gyeonsang-do province, and passed away in the year 1571. Sa-go was his given name and his adopted the name "Gyeok-am" symbolized his prestigious place in the Joseon dynasty. He was deeply studied in the I-Ching (The Book of Changes) and had a great understanding of the principles of astronomy, geomancy, and physiognomy. In his later years, he served in the royal court of the Joseon dynasty at the time of King Myeongjong, as the chief of the royal astronomical center. It is said that Nam Sa-go achieved enlightenment at a temple called Bulyeongsa (The temple of Buddha's shadow) located in his hometown. It was here that he met an old monk who conveyed esoteric words and teachings to him.

Like many other famous people in history, there are many anecdotes about Sa-go's life. One day, as he was walking along the Yeongdong, an eastern mountain range, he unexpectedly looked up the sky. Suddenly, with a great voice he shouted "Today, a person who will harm the Joseon dynasty will appear!". This turned out to be the day when Toyotomi Hideyoshi; who initiated two invasions of Korea in 1592 and again in 1597, was born. In the Year of the Dragon (1592), he stated "When a man riding a white horse comes over the south sea, that is when our country will collapse." True to fact, when Japan started its invasion the following year, a captain named Gato Giyosama rode a white horse after they crossed the south sea.

What is Gyeokamyurok (????, ????)?

-A book of future by Korean philosopher Nam Sa-go

???

"Gyeokamyurok (????)?is written by a famous Korean philosopher Nam Sa-go (???, 1509-1571). This book consists of more than sixty traditional Korean poems and written in both Hangeul(Korean language) and traditional hanja characters(Chinese characters; Koreans use Hangeul and hanja combined since old times to now). In this book, Nam Sa-go prophesied various incidents starting from the end of sixteenth century to the future of today. He was deeply versed in the Eastern principles of Yeokhak (I-Ching?he science of divination), Pungsu (feng-shui : geomancy), astrology and physiognomy. He foretold of the future and asked us to prepare with a sincere mind. Specifically, he explained in detail about a reform of the spiritual world in heaven, changes to religious belief systems of Korea, the true title of God, and a method to survive the great change facing humanity at the time of gaebyeok.

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Going Home the First Time, Meditation

 by Jeff Kraus 

 Everyone knows the fantasy: meditating on an idyllic Eastern mountain peak with birds singing in rhythm to the soft ddak, ddak of a temple’s wooden gong. Such images attracted me to Asia ten years ago, seeking an inner sense of purpose that my upbringing in Canada had not provided. But my first visit to an actual mountain temple outside of Seoul resulted in a monk offering me inner peace for $2000 US in tuition. From this I learned that a mountain peak can be simply a piece of the city mounted high. Luckily, I met a doctor of traditional Eastern medicine who offered to teach me meditation.

I think that my expectations of meditation matched those of most Westerners, since we all learned what to expect from movies and television shows. (We suspect that this image is wrong, but we do not know exactly how.)
I knew that I would not really have to shave my head and wear a saffron robe, but I expected that my teacher would have me meditating in a hushed temple with woven mats and ancient statues. In later years, when I started instructing others in meditation, several of my Western students mentioned their fear that they would find meditation boring, a result that would have meant in their minds that they lacked some unique inner vision. I shared this concern and also feared that I would fail the esoteric art of meditation for petty reasons, such as failing to keep my mind from wandering or being unable to sit in one position for long periods of time.

The reality of my first meditation session was much like the reality of many stereotyped experiences: half of my expectations were completely confounded, and the expectations that were met surprised me. Instead of a serene temple at dawn, my first meditation experience occurred in my teacher’s apartment after a fine dinner of kalbi and crab. During dinner, my teacher’s sister-in-law expressed her astonishment that I truly wanted to learn meditation; she was a modern Korean and viewed meditation as an outmoded and eccentric pastime. Her astonishment astonished me, for I had always presumed that all Asians revered meditation, and I suppose I even thought that monks were only the highest form of meditators and that all other Asians had at least some cultural experience of the art.

After coffee, my teacher announced: “Let’s meditate!?BR> His apartment study had a computer station along one wall, his library against a second wall, and a meditation shrine against the third. His humble shrine, covered in white paper, had a simple silver water bowl, two white candles, and an incense brazier. He and I sat on two cushions side by side, and he began the instructions.

“Straighten your back. Breathe with your lower abdomen, like a baby does. Babies have the most perfect, natural breathing rhythm, right from the stomach. Your legs do not have to be in any limb-twisting lotus position, just cross them comfortably.”He gave me more practical advice on how to relax my muscles, where to place my hands, and how to hold my head. The instruction that surprised me most was: “Close your eyes, but not all the way.?All the depictions of meditation I had seen had shown people with their eyes closed. But Doctor Shin explained, “If you close your eyes, your mind will wander too easily. Instead, leave your eyelids open a crack to keep you grounded in reality.?BR>

“I thought that the point of meditation was to transcend reality.?BR> “If you close your eyes,?he explained, “your mind will drift off into your vast pool of memories and start compulsively thinking about everything. That’s analytical meditation, an entirely different form.?He smiled. “Besides, if you close your eyes, you’ll fall asleep.?BR>
We meditated in silence at first, listening to our own breathing. After a few minutes, Doctor Shin led me in chanting the mantra that he had taught me earlier in his clinic office: a fundamental mantra focused on healing. At twenty-three syllables, the Tae-eul Mantra seemed long and complicated to me, but short to him. For a Westerner, a short mantra would be “ohm,”but historically, Eastern mantras have stretched as long as ten thousand syllables, comprising the contents of entire tomes of learning.

After a time in which my mind focused on questions such as “Am I doing this properly?and “Am I chanting the mantra right,?I noticed my left hand become cold as though an ice pack were hovering near it and my right hand tingled as though near a heat source. Then, my feet and legs became numb, and this numbness progressed up my legs and chest and arms, until all that remained was the sound of the mantra, my breathing, and my mind. A euphoria swelled within me, something that my mind did not recognize, yet could examine with eager curiosity. Eventually, my consciousness felt like a balloon tethered to a speeding car, just tenuously attached to reality.

The clapping of my teacher’s hands, signaling the end of meditation, startled me. I would later learn that sometimes during meditation, when your joints are aching or your body is sick, minutes can seem like hours. But in that first meditation session, what felt like a handful of minutes spent chanting turned out to have been forty minutes.

Afterward, my emotional elevation evolved into a mind-set of peace and expansive awareness. In trying to describe this elevation to friends, I explained that it did not feel like the giddiness of alcohol or sex, but rather like the euphoria one feels upon beginning a journey home. In my subsequent years of meditation, I came to recognize this giddiness as a happy stage that meditators eventually learn to move beyond as they seek the state in which the mind stops speaking and starts listening. Through and beyond this state lies the potential to see the
universe as it exists in truth.

Jeff Kraus (ilshimjunsa@hotmail.com)

- monthly publication 'greatopen'-

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Experiencing the Universe Through Tae-eul Mantra Meditation
Nancy Chartier, Dallas Dojang

My Sister Introduces Me to Jeung San Do

I have been hearing of Jeung San Do for several years now through my sister, Cynthia. We have a very close relationship; we are best friends. She never tried to push me into it; I guess she knows me pretty well. She would go and meditate, and talk about these wonderful people there, and I would think ‘That’s nice? and try to catch up with my busy, all too important life.

This year, I was under a lot of stre