First, I have to say this is a very motivating story. Second, even though I have not given up everything, I have made myself very minimalistic in my living conditions. And I must say the more I give up, the better I feel. The only things I really want to accumulate are wisdom, compassion, and merit. I just want to thank you for all your inspiration.🙏📿
I am still searching for my path and am in the very beginnings of my spiritual journey. This series has given me a lot of insight into the process of finding a path and following it, thank you for giving us all this honesty about your process towards your path. I've decided I will go into retreat for a short time, I feel like I cannot ignore this calling for dedicating myself to spirituality for a prolonged period of time. Like you I've always practiced yoga and felt more inclined towards the meditation part of it than the rest. I know a friend who goes to a retreat from time to time and has asked me to come with them. It feels like it's time to start saying yes instead of maybes that turn into no's because I choose to ignore my feelings over monetary and other quite insignificant matters compared to this spiritual 'craving' I have.
The path to God self realisation is the most authentic self liberating journey for ones soul. May your efforts be rewarded, for the most high be your guide to enter the kingdom of God our true home. ❤
Amazing and relatable story buddy, yes the monastery is literally just up the road from me here in the central belt , please keep sharing your journey with us , my tcm doctor visits there also he is a great fellow too.
Long waited continuation of the story. Thank you for sharing! I'm currently preparing myself to my first 10-day retreat, and your path towards the 4 year retreat and leaving your girlfriend behind resonates in my bones and I can feel the level of commitment, dedication, and renounciation required for that! Very inspiring, I dream that maybe someday my path will take me to such a long retreat too. I'd love to hear anything you can share about that! Thanks!
@@ultimatemeaning Yes, exactly! I learned recently that there is a center next to me, I was accepted for a beginning of year retreat but unfortunately I couldn't join. Seems like I'm still too into the samsara. I'm now organizing my life and the next opportunity I'll be there for sure, pray for me!
Its a bit complicated because the practices are secret but I am sure I can talk a little bit about this. It will be easier to discuss the 8 years in Nepal♥♥♥
@@ultimatemeaning Of course 🙏 I am a renúnciate and Vajrayana lay practitioner working toward going into a near 4-month retreat and appreciate anything you are able to share about your experience 🙏
Thank you for the great video. I remember you saying that you loved Theravada's discipline, Zen's simplicity; however, what drew you to the Tibetan tradition was its metaphysics. What is the Tibetan traditions metaphysics? Also, you said that you can come across the tradition you have joined in a past life. How do I find the one that's right for me? Soto/Rinzai and Vietnamese Zen (Thich Nhat Hanh) got me into the dharma. However, I have also looked into/followed Theravadin and Tibetan monks. Thank you
Lived in a Ford Cortina station wagon with a ginger cat named Jeckle for a year and a half. Petrol was rent. Not exactly homeless, just no fixed address.
Off topic question: if you like reading (for me specifically it was the malavagga verses/chapters) what should I look into? I like the simplicity in those short stories/thoughtful lectures
37 practices of the bodhisattva by Gyaltse Togme, and 100 verses of advice for the people of Tingri (with commentary by Dilgo Khyentse Rin) spring to mind♥♥♥
@@ultimatemeaning I mean, the lifestyle before going to the retreat, like clothing, hairstyle or maybe other habits. I am just curious, this is not exactly a transcending question, thank you so much for answering.
@ultimatemeaning There are two types, one that is kind of regular. Then there is one where the tower of the deva realm, Meru, is the colors of the central channel. The circle is at the heart, the core for phowa. Then the hell realm is ice for white, yama on his throne is blue, the fire is red. Often with a cauldron on the middle producing red liquid. But that is not all, I just began research.
@@ultimatemeaningcan you please talk about them? specialy about the "ego death/cosmic joke/feeling like you are god" experience that is commonly experienced on them. What actually happens on high doses, are those experiences closer or further from reality? The way we experience reality and ourselves becomes completely different. What happens to the five skandhas when we trip?
Could you share some of the highs and lows you’ve experienced along the way and how your practice has evolved over the years? Additionally, are there any principles you’ve come to recognize as true through your own experience? I sometimes find myself post-rationalizing things I’ve experienced, convincing myself that the rationalization is accurate-though, from a different perspective, other rationalizations might also seem valid. However, I’m not referring to this kind of principle. Instead, I’m curious if there are deeper, experiential truths you’ve discovered through meditation (I am not referring to the three marks of existence (directly)).For example, I used to rationalize any feelings that arose within me-just like most people do-by always linking them to a past event or a worry about the future. Over time, I realized that these unpleasant feelings would arise within me independently of external events. I would post-rationalize them or constantly search for a reason, and of course, I always found one, convincing myself that I had identified the problem. Had I not made this intuitive act of post-rationalization and been unable to name reasons that could explain my emotional state, I would have felt helplessly at its mercy. So, I searched for reasons, naturally found them, and in doing so, felt as though I had gained control over my emotions.I hope it is now clear which principles I am referring to. Lastly, have you had any specific meditation experiences that continue to stand out to you today? I would find it very interesting to hear about them.
That's a wonderful idea for a video, my friend.I did cover this briefly in this video: ua-cam.com/video/p99mzUaVliM/v-deo.htmlsi=OcgFWY1BGzJDLlYp The most important principle on this path is called Insight into the Nature of Mind and luckily I was able to meet a skilled teacher who understands this point well 🙏🙏🙏
First, I have to say this is a very motivating story. Second, even though I have not given up everything, I have made myself very minimalistic in my living conditions. And I must say the more I give up, the better I feel.
The only things I really want to accumulate are wisdom, compassion, and merit. I just want to thank you for all your inspiration.🙏📿
I all about following the path step by step🙏🙏🙏
What an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing this with us.
It's kind of good to get it off my chest anyway♥♥♥
I am still searching for my path and am in the very beginnings of my spiritual journey. This series has given me a lot of insight into the process of finding a path and following it, thank you for giving us all this honesty about your process towards your path. I've decided I will go into retreat for a short time, I feel like I cannot ignore this calling for dedicating myself to spirituality for a prolonged period of time. Like you I've always practiced yoga and felt more inclined towards the meditation part of it than the rest. I know a friend who goes to a retreat from time to time and has asked me to come with them. It feels like it's time to start saying yes instead of maybes that turn into no's because I choose to ignore my feelings over monetary and other quite insignificant matters compared to this spiritual 'craving' I have.
Excellent aspiration and also remember that once you set foot on the path and the journey has begun on your way to awakening♥♥♥
That was bloody marvelous. Thank you again.
You're welcome, my friend♥♥♥
The path to God self realisation is the most authentic self liberating journey for ones soul. May your efforts be rewarded, for the most high be your guide to enter the kingdom of God our true home. ❤
♥♥♥
Amazing and relatable story buddy, yes the monastery is literally just up the road from me here in the central belt , please keep sharing your journey with us , my tcm doctor visits there also he is a great fellow too.
Oh you are near Eskdalemuir are you ? ♥♥♥
I'd love to hear about how it is to live in retreat setting for so long!
Yeah, it's amazing how you adjust to any situation♥♥♥
There is freedom in the perception of knowing how much you don’t know and experiencing the deception of visions.
Precisely, my friend
Ah long awaited video thank you so much for sharing on UA-cam. Pleasant to say the least.
Liam bowing from michigans UP.
PLease to meet you my Michigan friend! ♥♥♥
Thanks for sharing this Lama, it can’t have been easy but inspirational to many 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thanks, Sara♥♥♥
I loved all four parts of this story. I might ask my mom to watch through this with me.
Oh, that's really sweet♥♥♥
Long waited continuation of the story. Thank you for sharing! I'm currently preparing myself to my first 10-day retreat, and your path towards the 4 year retreat and leaving your girlfriend behind resonates in my bones and I can feel the level of commitment, dedication, and renounciation required for that! Very inspiring, I dream that maybe someday my path will take me to such a long retreat too. I'd love to hear anything you can share about that!
Thanks!
Is that a Goenka Vipassana retreat? Many people swear by them!
@@ultimatemeaning Yes, exactly! I learned recently that there is a center next to me, I was accepted for a beginning of year retreat but unfortunately I couldn't join. Seems like I'm still too into the samsara. I'm now organizing my life and the next opportunity I'll be there for sure, pray for me!
Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure, my friend♥♥♥
Thank you again for sharing your experiences, it does help me on my path.
I'm so glad to hear it could be some help🙏🙏🙏
Lama, I would very much like to hear of your Great Retreat 🙏💯
Its a bit complicated because the practices are secret but I am sure I can talk a little bit about this. It will be easier to discuss the 8 years in Nepal♥♥♥
@@ultimatemeaning Of course 🙏 I am a renúnciate and Vajrayana lay practitioner working toward going into a near 4-month retreat and appreciate anything you are able to share about your experience 🙏
7:30 is also how I'd feel if I got to go on retreat! Thank you for sharing your story.
The only thing holding us back is our own hesitation♥♥♥
Thanks for sharing
Welcome, my friend♥♥♥
would love to hear more about your time on Holy Isle
The men's retreat is on the island of Arran it is a few miles from holy Isle, although I have done a few short retreats there♥♥♥
Nice to meet a monk. 😊
Nice to meet you too, friend♥♥♥
every time Ive done a week long zen retreat, I had to trick myself into going 😅
lolz
@@ultimatemeaning I would like to be able to become part of a monastery. Sadly it is not possible here.
Thank you for the great video. I remember you saying that you loved Theravada's discipline, Zen's simplicity; however, what drew you to the Tibetan tradition was its metaphysics. What is the Tibetan traditions metaphysics?
Also, you said that you can come across the tradition you have joined in a past life. How do I find the one that's right for me? Soto/Rinzai and Vietnamese Zen (Thich Nhat Hanh) got me into the dharma. However, I have also looked into/followed Theravadin and Tibetan monks.
Thank you
Respect 🙏🙏🙏
Hi D0nella
@@ultimatemeaning Hello dear Lama!🤗
be here now do no harm help others be still close eyes listen to your breathing.
We meditate with our eyes open🙏🙏🙏
Lived in a Ford Cortina station wagon with a ginger cat named Jeckle for a year and a half.
Petrol was rent. Not exactly homeless, just no fixed address.
But by that you know exactly what I mean right?♥♥♥
@@ultimatemeaning "Exactly" no but a general idea of how easy life can be without commitment to any other people or places, yes.
Off topic question: if you like reading (for me specifically it was the malavagga verses/chapters) what should I look into? I like the simplicity in those short stories/thoughtful lectures
37 practices of the bodhisattva by Gyaltse Togme, and 100 verses of advice for the people of Tingri (with commentary by Dilgo Khyentse Rin) spring to mind♥♥♥
Renunciation is sublime 🙏
🙏🙏🙏
thx. see you later, too
Okay, where?lolz
Do you feel different from before you entered the retreat? Do you have plans to regain the other life style?
My whole way of thinking has changed since being in retreat and especially the way I perceive reality. What do you mean, other lifestyle?
@@ultimatemeaning I mean, the lifestyle before going to the retreat, like clothing, hairstyle or maybe other habits. I am just curious, this is not exactly a transcending question, thank you so much for answering.
I'm sure girls will like this episode...
Really? What special about this one?♥♥♥
lol. "Many meditators know how to meditate, but only a few know how to dismantle mental clinging."
OK but I have met very few people who know how to meditate, and quite a few who can sit still and focus on something🙏🙏🙏
@@ultimatemeaning My quote was from Je Gyare in Takpo Tashi Namgyal's Moonbeams of Mahamudra. Your initial comments in the video made me think of it.
I was researching Tankha art. There is something suspicious about the bhavachakra. It is not what is being exoterically preached.
In what way?
@ultimatemeaning There are two types, one that is kind of regular. Then there is one where the tower of the deva realm, Meru, is the colors of the central channel. The circle is at the heart, the core for phowa. Then the hell realm is ice for white, yama on his throne is blue, the fire is red. Often with a cauldron on the middle producing red liquid. But that is not all, I just began research.
Is (a young) 57 too old to go in retreat like you did?
You're never too old, my friend♥♥♥
So I could go to the same place you did in Nepal and ordain and do a retreat (at 57)?
If yes, please tell me how!
@@EricJohnson-c4z You don't need to ordain to do retreat but if you want to discuss this please DM at one of the links on the channel homepage 🙏🙏🙏
Maybe now treat yourself with retribution paladin on wow classic season of discovery, or re-treat yourself with alcohol and other natural goodies
I gave up alcohol 25 years ago I don't miss it one bit♥♥♥
I was hoping this would be the final chapter of your youtube life. It's no life living inside the Skinner Box of The Algo.
So sorry to disappoint it seems this is only the beginning! lolz
Maybe get trench coat and goggles, and color hair with neon colors and go to UG club and offer people truth about mushrooms and extacy/lsd
I can teach people a lot about hallucinogenic drugs. I have a lot of experience.♥♥♥
@@ultimatemeaningcan you please talk about them? specialy about the "ego death/cosmic joke/feeling like you are god" experience that is commonly experienced on them. What actually happens on high doses, are those experiences closer or further from reality? The way we experience reality and ourselves becomes completely different. What happens to the five skandhas when we trip?
Could you share some of the highs and lows you’ve experienced along the way and how your practice has evolved over the years?
Additionally, are there any principles you’ve come to recognize as true through your own experience? I sometimes find myself post-rationalizing things I’ve experienced, convincing myself that the rationalization is accurate-though, from a different perspective, other rationalizations might also seem valid. However, I’m not referring to this kind of principle. Instead, I’m curious if there are deeper, experiential truths you’ve discovered through meditation (I am not referring to the three marks of existence (directly)).For example, I used to rationalize any feelings that arose within me-just like most people do-by always linking them to a past event or a worry about the future. Over time, I realized that these unpleasant feelings would arise within me independently of external events. I would post-rationalize them or constantly search for a reason, and of course, I always found one, convincing myself that I had identified the problem. Had I not made this intuitive act of post-rationalization and been unable to name reasons that could explain my emotional state, I would have felt helplessly at its mercy. So, I searched for reasons, naturally found them, and in doing so, felt as though I had gained control over my emotions.I hope it is now clear which principles I am referring to.
Lastly, have you had any specific meditation experiences that continue to stand out to you today? I would find it very interesting to hear about them.
That's a wonderful idea for a video, my friend.I did cover this briefly in this video:
ua-cam.com/video/p99mzUaVliM/v-deo.htmlsi=OcgFWY1BGzJDLlYp
The most important principle on this path is called Insight into the Nature of Mind and luckily I was able to meet a skilled teacher who understands this point well
🙏🙏🙏