#daily sutra

[karstenramserofficial]

163 # Must find, leave the ego behind

The strong need that we feel within is the grace of existence we must live in The truth of the unknown we must find we have to leave the ego behind.

[thejoyofviolentmovement]

New Audio: DC's Sutras Shares Bruising "A Daily Reprieve"

New Audio: DC's Sutras Shares Bruising "A Daily Reprieve" @TristanxWelch @heygroover @romainpalmieri @DorianPerron

Washington, DC-based post-hardcore outfit Sutras — Tristan Welch (vocals, guitar) and Frederick Ashworth (drums, bass) — are a self-described “Dharma punk collective,” with its members acknowledging the one thing they know well: suffering. Their work is influenced by some of the DC area’s legendary post hardcore bands, including Majority Rule and Pianos Become The Teeth, their love of the…

[gwynrielshappyendings]

Unwrap the ✨️spice✨️ this holiday season with a special gift from a few of us in the Gwynriel community!

Gwyn and Az have been gifted the Kama Sutra for Solstice. Join them as they explore the positions and each other. 😉

Fics will post daily between December 1st-24th.

Follow us on Tumblr and our Ao3 Collection (coming soon!)

Image by @sadiegirl2021

[ryin-silverfish]

What are monks and what do they do?

are they religious leaders like priest or are they schoolers or something else?

How did someone become a monk in ancient times? Was it a boys only position? Could just anybody become a monk or did you have to do something or be something to qualify?

By monk, I assume you mean "Buddhist monks"?

Well, they are members of the Sangha, one of the "Three Jewels" (三宝) of Buddhism, which consists of the Buddha, the Dharma (Buddhist Teachings), and the Monastic Community.

(Once again, I can only talk about Mahayana Buddhist monks in imperial China. If you want more info, I recommend talking to an actual Buddhist.)

Usually, when we say "monk" (僧/和尚), we don't just mean "adherents of the Buddhist religion", since you can offer incense at a temple, copy sutras, or have a statue of Bodhisattva Guan Yin on your private altar without becoming a monk.

These are people who 1) have gone through the relevant ordination rites and swear to abide by a set of religious vows, and 2) are part of a monastic community.

In other words, they are "cloistered" (出家人), leaving their home to learn and practice their religion in a temple, as opposed to lay practitioners (在家人) who carry out their religious activities in daily life.

And no, it's not a boy-only position——there are plenty of Buddhist nuns (比丘尼/尼姑) too.

Officially, to become a monk, you need to leave your worldly life behind. Which means, if your parents are still alive, you need to get their permission, if you are a court official, you need to quit your job, and if you are married, well, you cannot remain married.

Also, living in a monastic community means you were no longer considered viable for conscripted labor or taxation, and temples owned private lands, the increase of which could, well, depriving the imperial court of available land.

(This is one main motivation for historical prosecutions of Buddhism by certain emperors: the seizing of temple property + returning the monks and nuns back into the taxable population.)

As such, the imperial court tended to keep a firm control on the number of monks and the size of the temple. Basically, you need an official permit (度牒) from the state too, given out to each temple by the officials, and the monks didn't have the authority to make you one of their own in private.

Those who have committed one of the five grave crimes——killing their father, killing their mother, killing an arhat, destroying the unity of the monastic community, and "wounding the Buddha"——cannot become a monk either.

The most visible change one must make is shaving their head, like, entirely bald.

Those above the age of 7 but under 20 can become monks-in-training, called 沙弥/沙弥尼, but not formal member of the clergy because they are still considered too young to endure the physical and mental hardships.

(Similarly, adults who seek to become a formal monk must also pass through this training stage first.)

An aspiring monk, after receiving his permit, must first find a respectable monk, answer a series of questions that assess his fitness for monastic life, pay his respect to the Buddha and the monks of the temple he's joining, then becomes the disciple of one of those monks.

One monk will shave his head and bath him, while his master clothes him in his monk robes. Then, on the next day, he will receive his ordinations inside a temple hall, in front of the entire community, where he recites the monastic percepts (read: rules a monk must follow) and agrees to abide by them.

At this point, he has become a monk-in-training, which is a prerequiste stage for formal monk ordination, 比丘戒.

Usually, the latter ceremony is carried out at an actual altar, and the candidate must have already bought the "six necessasities" of monkhood ——three sets of robes, almsbowl, sitting cushion, and water container.

In Chinese Buddhism post-Yuan dynasty, the ordination rites may also include using burning incense sticks to leave a bunch of little marks (usually 12) onto one's head.

(Source: 《中国古代僧人生活》)

[talonabraxas]

The Essence of Buddhist Mantras

The philosophy behind Buddhist chanting

Buddhist chanting is not merely a ritualistic practice; it's an exercise that connects you to the universal truths of existence. Rooted in the teachings of the Buddha, these chants drive you away from negative energies, emotions, and states of mind that guide you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and the universe.

The role of mantras in meditation and enlightenment

Mantras play a vital role in Buddhist meditation, aiding in concentration, mindfulness, and inner transformation. By repeating a specific Buddha mantra, the practitioner can enter a state of focused awareness, transcending the chatter of the mind. When you chant this repetitively, it creates a frequency that aligns with the natural vibrations of the body and mind and leads to a state of harmony and enlightenment. Whether it's the calming "Om Mani Padme Hum" or the empowering Buddha mantra for success, each chant has a unique purpose and effect.

The essence of Buddhist mantras lies in their ability to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness. These three virtues are central to Buddhist philosophy and practice. Mantras like the Tara mantra are chanted with devoted love and compassion, while others like the Buddhist mantra for protection invoke wisdom and insight. he focused recitation of mantras fosters mindfulness, the practise of being fully present and involved with the present moment.

9 essential Buddhist mantras for life concerns

There are various Buddhist practices for specific purposes. It may help you in case of various needs, from healing and prosperity to love and spiritual growth.

1. Om Mani Padme Hum

Known as the "Universal Mantra," "Om Mani Padme Hum" is one of the most recognized Buddhist mantras that focuses on giving and receiving compassion, contributing to a mantra for happiness and contentment. This in turn, helps you be happier in life and fosters a sense of contentment and overall wellbeing.

2. Om Tara Tuttare Ture Soha

The Tara Mantra, "Om Tara Tuttare Ture Soha," is a chant dedicated to the female Bodhisattva Tara. It helps to get through obstacles of relationships, be more emotionally balanced and find deep connection with your inner self. The Tara mantra benefits include emotional healing and spiritual growth.

3. Buddhist Kuber mantra

Regularly chanting the Kuber mantra, "Om Zambala Zalendhraye Soha" or the Buddha mantra for success, helps you attract wealth, prosperity and abundance in life. It is not just about attracting wealth; it's also about developing financial wisdom which means you can make smarter decisions related to money.

4. Tayata Om mantra

Chanting the Medicine Buddha Mantra, “Tayata Om Bekanze Bekanze Maha Bekanze Radza Samudgate Soha” cleanses negativity, helps you heal from past trauma as well as serves as a way to detach yourself from disturbing incidents and clears you way to enlightenment.

5. Amitabha Buddha mantra

Chanting the Rebirth Mantra, "Om Ami Dewa Hrih" mantra helps to clear mental clutter, get clarity of goals in life so that you can focus on what really matters and take action to achieve them more effectively.

6. Vajra Guru mantra

Chanting "Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum" not only helps you gain inner sense of peace and calm but also it deepens your meditation practice which enhances concentration and helps you be more mindful in your daily life. It clears away negative energy that may impede your success amd protects you against physical, emotional and spiritual harm.

Additionally, it might also help you in losing weight as it may promote mindful eating. However, it's important to note that this will be effective when you combine it with lifestyle changes, discipline and regular exercise.

7. Lotus Sutra mantra

The chant, "Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo" captures the essence of Buddhism, it has the ability to transform any suffering in life, be it regarding sickness, old age or something else. It helps you overcome fear and gives you strength to face any problems or difficulties.

8. White Tara mantra

'Om Tuttare Ture Ture Ayush Punya, Mama Jnana Kuru, Pushtim Svaha' is a Tibetan mantra which is linked to a good health and long life. It is frequently sung with good intentions for the benefit of others and spreads positivity.

9. Shakyamuni mantra

Chant “Om Muni Muni Mahamuni Shakyamuniye Svaha Om” as it shields you from harmful energies and negative emotions, fostering a sense of safety and protection. Additionally, it soothes the mind and helps you get over anxiety and stress.

Understanding the life of Buddha and his teachings is central to appreciating the depth of Buddhist mantras. His journey to enlightenment and the principles he taught provide the foundation for the various chants and their applications in daily life.

Buddha by Talon Abraxas

[sgiandubh]

Hello good afternoon! On Sam's part, we already have some speculation there in Mordor (will we have a Barbie Fitness revival?). But what about IFTA? Will we have a two-pronged attack this weekend?

Dear IFTA Anon,

The IFTA event is in Dublin, on April 20th. Next week, not this week-end.

For the moment, we have Landcon in Paris on Saturday and yup, he registered for the Cologne Hyrox on Sunday:

And so is Mrs. Xena, what a surprise:

Of course she geotagged herself, aaah-ing and oooh-ing near the Dome. Ha. Ha.

After all, she told Herr Lederhosen, her Bavarian fan Numero Uno, she was going to race PRO at Hyrox Cologne, hashtag lonewolf, hashtag Club Flamingo (but afterwards, LOL) - more about this, here: https://www.tumblr.com/sgiandubh/744955031835541504/out-of-the-ol-bubble?source=share

If you care to see the event's agenda, you'll notice Hyrox PRO women is very short (I have no clue why, ask me about Pre-Raphaelites, instead) and almost simultaneous with the beginning of the Men's race, where S competes. Cue in salacious comments from *urv, I think we should expect at least that.

On the flip side, a revival would be very farfetched, taking into account that Daily Fail article which portrayed him as a Raya lookin' for a hookin', elite available man (LOL for years). PR might be a bitch, but never does something like that without a reason.

Fingahs crossed for that Flamingo Club. Oh, and pour la bonne bouche, she even told us where she is staying in Cologne:

A 'full appartment with kitchen' and thank you Primal (paid partnership, of course) for today and the ESN hotel, starting tomorrow. Here is an interesting clue, just in case anyone pre-empts the fanfic and imagines a kama-sutra side event in one of the numerous hôtels de charme of Cologne.

There is no ESN hotel (yes, I looked, Deutschland and her beauty are not my forte) in town. The ESN she is talking about is Elite Sports Nutrition, a German fitness supplements company (https://int.esn.com/) prominently featured at FIBO 2024 (same dates, roughly, same place):

They pay for the room and she doesn't even know or care where the hotel is.

So long for the fish, Anon. That settles it for me. Also, for having participated several times at different high-level events organized by the German authorities (think EU ministerial summit level), I can tell you these people do not joke about accommodation, transfers and registration formalities: this is very strict and very, very effective. Best organization in the world and I know something about it.

*fondly and suddenly remembers her miraculous long week-end at the Adlon Hotel, in Berlin, circa 2007 *

[Later edit]: Told you. *urv already wrote Chapter 13 of Fitness at Dawn. It's based in Cologne:

*bangs head against wall*

[journeytothewestresearch]

Is the White Dragon Horse Buddhist?

I was recently contacted by a reader on my main external blog. Part of their question asked:

I heard on the Fifth Monkey [@jttwaudiodrama] production notes for Part 8 that the White Dragon Horse wasn’t really converted to Buddhism and thus never “left his family” and obligations. Would this make him eligible for marriage...?

My answer:

There is some inconsistency in the White Dragon Horse’s story. I can’t recall him officially taking vows during the journey, but the Buddha states in chapter 100 that he had (at some point):

Then he [the Buddha] said to the white horse, “You were originally the prince of Dragon King Guangjin of the Western Ocean. Because you disobeyed your father’s command and committed the crime of unfiliality, you were to be executed. Fortunately you made submission to the Law and accepted our vows ... (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 4, p. 382). 又叫那白馬：「汝本是西洋大海廣晉龍王之子，因汝違逆父命，犯了不孝之罪。幸得皈身皈法，皈我沙門 ...

He is then elevated in rank to become an Aṣṭasenā, a group of eight celestial beings said to be "in attendance when the Buddha speaks the Mahayana sutras" (Buswell & Lopez, 2014, p. 74). The Buddha continues:

... Because you carried the sage monk daily on your back during his journey to the West and because you also took the holy scriptures back to the East, you too have made merit. I hereby grant you promotion and appoint you one of the dragon[ horses] belonging to the Eight Classes of Supernatural Beings (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 4, p. 382). ... 每日家虧你馱負聖僧來西，又虧你馱負聖經去東，亦有功者，加陞汝職正果，為八部天龍馬。」

After transforming back into a dragon, he takes his place atop a Huabiao pillar in paradise:

The elder, his three disciples, and the horse all kowtowed to thank the Buddha, who ordered some of the guardians to take the horse to the Dragon-Transforming Pool at the back of the Spirit Mountain. After being pushed into the pool, the horse stretched himself, and in a little while he shed his coat, horns began to grow on his head, golden scales appeared all over his body, and silver whiskers emerged on his cheeks. His whole body shrouded in auspicious air and his four paws wrapped in hallowed clouds, he soared out of the pool and circled inside the monastery gate, on top of one of the Pillars that Support Heaven (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 4, p. 382). 長老四眾，俱各叩頭謝恩。馬亦謝恩訖。仍命揭諦引了馬，下靈山後崖化龍池邊，將馬推入池中。須臾間，那馬打個展身，即退了毛皮，換了頭角，渾身上長起金鱗，腮頷下生出銀鬚，一身瑞氣，四爪祥雲，飛出化龍池，盤繞在山門裡擎天華表柱上。

A huabiao pillar in Xinghai Square, Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China. Via Wikipedia.

A detail of the huabiao dragon finial. Via Wikipedia.

And lastly, JTTW refers to him as a bodhisattva:

I submit to the Bodhisattva of Vast Strength, the Heavenly Dragon of Eight Divisions of Supernatural Beings (Wu & Yu, 2012, vol. 4, p. 385). 南無八部天龍廣力菩薩。

So given this info, I don’t think he would be involved in a relationship.

Sources:

Buswell, R. E. , & Lopez, D. S. (2014). The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton University Press.

Wu, C., & Yu, A. C. (2012). The Journey to the West (Vols. 1-4) (Rev. ed.). Chicago, Illinois: University of Chicago Press.

[the-monkey-ruler]

Monkey King: Arena of Heroes (2022) 跨越神话 的冒险之旅

Date: April 7, 2022 Platform: PC / iPhone / iPad / Andriod Developer: Playbest Limited Publisher: Playbest Limited Genre: RPG Theme: Stylized / Anime Also known as: Legends of Wukong: Demon Arena Type: Retelling

Summary:

Epic Oriental Mythology RPG Monkey King: Arena of Heroes is here! Join Monkey King and Tang Monk on an epic journey from ancient China to the West in search of sacred sutras! Take part in intense 6v6 RPG card battles, collect hundreds of heroes, and build up your team on the way to the champion of four realms. Don’t miss out on the lifetime free daily 10x draws!

Source: https://www.monkeykingaoh.com/en

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_KE8nWKYTM

[mrsarnasdelicious]

Blue Jones NSFW Alphabet

A = After (what they’re like after sex)

He sucks at aftercare. He needs aftercare. Tell him he's done well, help him clean up and snuggle him. Hold him, rock him to sleep.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

On himself it is of course his cock, guy is hung and he is so fucking proud of it.

On you, your tits and your ass, because he is a letch.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

Doesn't cum very much, but has a very short refractory period. Loves to see you swallow, but loves it more to watch it drip from your pussy/ass.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

He is a major exhibitionist. He fantasizes fucking you on stage, in front of a big, awed audience.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Very experienced, with a lot of diverse kinks, might even had some bisexual encounters under his belt.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Girls on top, hands down. He loves seeing your boobs bounce and let you do all the heavy lifting.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

He tries to deflect your assertion by joking sometimes, but it never lasts long, because he craves it so much.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

He's quite well groomed, actually, keeping the top trimmed and the balls shaved.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

He'll pretend not to give a shit about romance and gentler aspects of your sexlife, but it is all a lie. He adores it when you are not just sexually intimate, but also romantic. He needs your affection like he needs oxigen.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Daily, at least three times. Especially when watching the girls perform. Guy just is horny all the time.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

FemDom, Edging, voyeurism, orgasm denial, masochism, humiliation and body worship (giving).

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

His office, the bedroom, the hot tub and his personal seat in the club.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

It's easier to ask what does not turn him on. All you have to do is be near him. Or when he is on stage, or when he is bossing the girls around. He's always turned on.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Pegging, bodily waste and daddy (tho he pretends that isn't the case)

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

BOTH. He loves getting head and he adores eating muff. He is fucking good at eating puss too, especially when you praise him!!!

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

If he is left in charge, he will be fast and rought, too greedy to calm it down, but if you take charge, he loves it slow, with looots of edging.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

Absolutely! All you have to do is say the word and he is throbbing and ready for you!

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

You know he will not knock anything he has not tried yet, man's read the kama sutra and stuff. He is very risk taking in every aspect of his life, so also between the sheets.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

He can go for five round in a good long session. He usually lasts average, but with edging, he does very well in endurance, too.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

Oh he wants to use a lot of toys on you, but you usually have him deep in subspace before the can really get the chance to. There are times, when he has behaved himself exceptionally well for a full week, he's allowed to use your magic wand to drive you into absolute overstim.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

He thinks he wants to tease you, but this never pays off well for him. He looooooves it when you tease him, though. Rile him up, draw it out, make him lose his mind!

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

Oh you know he is loud! He moans and whines like an absolute pornstar. And he cannot shut up. Constant begging and dirty talk.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

Blue really really wants to be dommed, but there is always his ego that needs to be broken down first, every single session. He will never grow into it.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

He has an oddly graceful cock. He's cut, quite thick and proportionally long. He's quite veiny, but it fits him.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Resting Mood: Horny!

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

He zonks off right away, sessions take a lot of him emotionally and he has been on his feet most of the night, he needs his beauty nap.

[lunaxx08]

daily dose of varadeva flirting with(out) rizz

╰┈➤ ❝ [ day 27 ] ❞

varadha version : are you a volcano? cause i lava you. deva version : do you believe in karma? because i know some good karma-sutra positions.

[mumms-the-word]

The Art of the Night

Day 27 of the BG3 Fic February Challenge

Did I already have this scene written? Yes I absolutely did. I like Gale's romance scene but I was so disappointed when the game created a mashup of the Kama Sutra and One Thousand and One Nights and DIDN'T let us read passages from it.

So made up some passages for myself.

Check out my masterlist of BG3 fics!

---

27. Choose any scene in the game and write it with your headcanon

---

How about the perfect night in Waterdeep? Yes…let’s imagine how it would be. The scene is this: you and I stand in the room that is the centre of my universe. The sculptures, the paintings, the walls enlivened by the spines of a thousand books. The grand piano plays the Lliirian Suites all by itself, and as we look out beyond the arches that lead to the terrace, we see the weary sun take its daily dive into the sea.

———

Dani moved to the railing of the terrace, placing her hands on the wood and leaning her weight against it. It felt as real as any she’d touched in Baldur’s Gate, worn smooth by craftsmen, time, and weather. She closed her eyes and soaked in the warmth of the setting sun and the salt of the briny sea air. Just like home…

She knew it was all illusion and fantasy, that the magic was merely tricking her mind into feeling the weight of the wood and smelling the scent of the sea. But for the moment, she wanted to exist in that illusion. After so many days surrounded by decay, the warmth and light of even a setting sun was like a balm to her spirit and body.

She felt Gale join her at the railing and she opened her eyes, turning to look at him. But his gaze was on the horizon, a deeply thoughtful, almost sorrowful expression on his face. Despite the obvious concentration it must take to make and maintain this illusion, his mind was clearly on the future and the choice he felt was all but inevitable. He gazed at the horizon like a man who knew he would never see such a sight again.

She wanted to reach out and caress his cheek, turn his face back to hers, kiss him until he forgot all his worries. But she settled, for now, with taking his hand.

He glanced down, as if surprised, and then met her gaze. He gave her a soft smile. 

“What do you think?” he asked.

She gave his hand a squeeze. “I love it. I could spend every evening watching the sunset here, with you.” 

“Could you?” He seemed surprised by her words, lifting his head to gaze out over the ocean again, as if looking at it a little differently than before.

“Once all of this is over, yes. I’m a sucker for a good sunset.” She tilted her head, waiting for him to smile at her little remark, but he was lost in thought once more, his eyes scanning the world around them. Memorizing, she realized, or perfecting the memory. As though this might truly be the last night his eyes beheld the scene.

She couldn’t let him stay lost in his thoughts. She tugged on his hand, leading him back to the cushioned bench that sat off to one side. There, she sat down and patted the space beside her, inviting him to join her. He smiled faintly. 

“My favorite spot,” he said, gesturing toward her. He settled beside her, body close, shoulders brushing. “Many times, evening turned to night and back to daybreak once more while I sat here, lost in words.”

She raised her eyebrows playfully at him. “Oh? Up all night reading? I do love that rebellious streak of yours.”

He gave her a teasing, half-mischievous look. “Allow me to live dangerously while I still can.”

His words, though said with humor, made her smile falter. She didn’t want to think about that now. His possible death. Not while they were, for the moment, surrounded by the comforts of home, his home, far, far away from the Absolute.

“What sorts of books did you read?” she asked. “It can’t have all been spell tomes. At least, I hope not.”

He chuckled. “No, not all spell tomes or magical theory, though there was plenty of that as well. I’d read just about anything I could get my hands on, if it interested me. History, philosophy, literature, poetry…romance…”

He shifted to reveal a book on the side table behind him. “This,” he said, reaching for the book, “might just be all of that wrapped in one.”

Dani glanced at the cover and instantly recognized it. “Is that…?”

“The Art of the Night,” he said, running his hand over the cover. It depicted a man and a woman in sensual embrace, their bodies fluid and ethereal. Around the woman’s head was a round halo of divinity, like a thin crescent moon in the starry sky that surrounded them. “It details the first thousand nights of a newlywed king and queen. They turned everything they did into an art. The art of conversation. The art of taste, time-honored and newly acquired.”

His thumb idly traced the halo of divinity around the woman’s head. “The art of the body. The exploration and acceptance of the self and the other. The art of the night itself.”

“I’m familiar with this story,” Dani said, reaching for the book. He gave it willingly, watching as she traced a finger along the curving lines of the woman’s body.

She recalled what she knew…what she had memorized, back when she’d gotten her hands on a version of the king and queen’s story a couple of years ago. She hadn’t kept it long, because her troupe had to travel light and books were heavy, so she had only memorized a few pages to entertain her fancy when she could no longer read the physical copy. It wasn't much, but what she did remember was that this tale was more than fairy tale. It was sheer, poetic eroticism, beautiful and haunting, alluring and sensual.

She stood and wandered a step or two away, opening the book and flipping through the first few pages, her eyes skimming the text. It wasn’t precisely the same as the tale she’d read. In the margins of the text, on nearly every page, there were magic symbols and words. Each night was embellished with the markings for a spell or a ritual, accompanied by poetic instructions on how to recreate the experiences and lessons the noble couple gained in their first three years of marriage. And, more than occasionally, the pages contained diagrams of the couple in the various ways they experienced their pleasure, drawn in the same fluid, ephemeral style as the cover. 

This copy, this version, wasn’t just the tale itself, she realized. It was both the romantic, erotic tale and a magical Quarta Sune, both poetry and sex manual, mixing in magic and making the hypothetical romance of the king and queen entirely possible, if one knew how to manipulate the spells.

She turned to a passage she knew well, almost by heart. She was quiet a moment, reconnecting with the words, before she began to speak them softly, a note of fondness in her voice.

“‘That night, the king met his beloved once more in their chambers,’” she read. 

“‘Dearest one,’ said he,  ‘Gold I have given thee,  and jewels from my store;  chains for thy neck  and bands for thy wrists;  and still, thine eyes shine more brilliantly  than any treasure in my kingdom. 

‘What gem in all the realms  can be more precious than thy gaze?  What more can I give to you,  my beloved, so that you may know  the ardent depths of my heart?  What more, when thine eyes alone  make all riches seem as dull iron?’

‘Tender-hearted king,’ said the queen,  ‘I need neither gold nor gems;  my love is not so cheaply bought  nor so willingly sold.  And yet, already thou possess  that which I long for most.  Thy steady gaze, my love,  and thy faithful hand are all I ask.’”

Gale stood and joined her, brushing nearly against her back as he looked over her shoulder and spoke the next few lines softly in her ear.

“‘Come, take my hand,  and look beyond this simple visage. I will bare my soul to thee, this night,  and gaze boldly at thine. For more than bone and blood are we, but spirits merely housed in flesh.’”

Dani’s breath caught, her mind distracted by the way his breath stirred her hair, by how close his lips were to her neck. She turned her head slightly and found his dark eyes watching her. He hadn’t been reading the lines, but reciting them from memory.

She was at a loss for words. He was barely touching her and yet she felt like her entire body was slowly kindling aflame, warmth spreading from her core to her toes and the very tips of her horns. She clutched the book a little tighter, casting about for something to say.

“My, um…my copy didn’t have pictures,” she breathed. "Or spells."

He blinked, as if processing her words, and then chuckled, shaking his head. “You were missing out, then. Some of the later diagrams can be quite…fascinating.”

When he looked at her again, his smile was half-apologetic and half-admiring. “You know…I must have read that passage a thousand times, but never have I heard the words expressed so beautifully as you did now. You have a gift, Dani. You are…” 

He trailed off, his gaze slowly taking in the features of her face, lingering a moment on her lips before meeting her eyes again. “You are wonderful,” he breathed. “So wonderful I can scarcely believe any of this to be real.”

Dani didn’t know what to say to that. She felt lost in his brown-eyed gaze, trying to discern shades of deep amber from chestnut and mahogany, enchanted by the flecks of bronze that appeared in the light of the setting sun. She had never considered herself a fawning romantic, but staring into his eyes, she felt she could all too easily become one.

After several heartbeats, Gale dropped his gaze to the book, gently taking it from her hands. “Can I show you?” he asked, turning the pages. “What they mean? To experience love and pleasure in more ways than just the body?”

“You mean��like the gods do,” she said, turning to face him, the book between them. “Like you said before.”

“Precisely.” He smoothed flat the pages of the book, showing her two diagrams of hands, magic symbols and poetry surrounding the sketches. “Why confine ourselves to the pleasures of mortal flesh? It is but one stitch in a vast tapestry. Let me show you more.”

Something about the brightness in his eyes made her hesitate. He would know more than her what pleasures could exist outside the body, she supposed, and she trusted him. And yet…

As if sensing her hesitation, he closed his eyes in concentration. Dani felt herself grow lighter, floating apart from her body. The sky around them darkened and then shone with a million brilliant stars, draped with purple, blue, and red stardust shimmering in clouds and galaxies, appearing both within reach and endlessly far away. The more she turned her head to look, the more the structures and objects of Waterdeep fell away, leaving them in the expanse of beautiful, eternal space. Even their bodies were left behind. They existed now as spirits only, shining and translucent. 

“What do you think?” he asked again. “Beautiful, is it not?”

It was, but already she missed the real Gale. As a spirit, his eyes glowed with magic and she could see the stars through his body. But while the swirling galaxies and glittering stars were stunning, she missed his rich brown eyes. When she reached out to brush his arm, she found his body simultaneously tangible and intangible, as though a mere thought could allow her to phase through him completely. 

She had no doubt that if they stayed like this, Gale would reveal a hundred avenues of pleasure she had never experienced before, but her selfish little heart didn’t want to be impressed by magic. She just wanted the man himself.

“It’s our first night together, Gale,” she said. She could still sense her body, somewhere in the material plane, and focused there, reaching out to it like an anchor. Outside of the galaxy illusion, she placed her hands over his and closed the book. The visions of galaxies melted away, their spectral bodies becoming physical and visible once more, though the illusion of Waterdeep remained. “Shouldn’t we start somewhere closer to the beginning? I want to experience you first. We'll have time to try all the rest later.”

He looked doubtful. “Are you sure?”

“Gale,” she whispered softly, pressing her hand to his chest, over his heart. Her touch silenced him in an instant, though he still looked uncertain. “I’ve never been more sure. Tonight isn’t the end for us.”

This was what she wanted, more than the beautiful illusions or spectral experiences. She felt his heart beating beneath her palm, felt the warmth of his body. She wanted more of that. More of the real, touchable Gale, with his soft brown hair and his gentle, dark eyes. She wanted to slip her hands beneath his shirt and touch his skin, feel the way his muscles twitched or tensed when her fingers grazed over them. She longed to taste his lips and feel the weight of him against her and watch his face flush and see how far that flush traveled down his neck and chest.

With her other hand, she gently slipped the book from his grip and set it on the railing. She stepped into the space between them, filling it with her body, pressing her palm more firmly against his chest. “You are what I want, Gale. The real man in front of me. Not the illusion and not the fantasy."

"But—"

"You don’t have to worry about impressing me. I’m no goddess.”

“Yes, you are,” he said, placing his hand over hers. He said it as though it were a fact, irrefutable, and with such warmth that it made her breath hitch. 

She was used to admiration, entertainer that she was. She was used to praise. She was used to flattery. But the deep sincerity of his words and the way he looked at her was new. He spun poetry from mere words without even trying, and she was always caught off balance by the beauty of it.

But then his clever smile was back, and he said, “Trust me, I would know.”

She scoffed and gave him a light shove. He swayed on his heels but didn’t budge, chuckling at her feigned irritation.

“That said…" He kept ahold of her hand, threading his fingers with hers as he lowered them away from his chest. "Will you meet me halfway?”

“Halfway?”

He snapped his fingers and the balcony and sunset shifted, bookshelf-laden walls enclosing around them once more. But rather than his study, this room was a little smaller, a large canopied bed taking up the majority of the space. Stacks of books sat precariously on beside tables and spots on the floor while a fireplace burned cheerfully on one wall, a cushy armchair angled in front of it. Dani half expected to find Tara curled up in the armchair, though she hadn’t the faintest idea what Tara might look like.

“Your bedroom?” she asked, tilting her head. "In Waterdeep?"

“Indulge me,” he said. “Unless you’d like a canopy of stars once more.”

She shook her head. If this was a true, or mostly true, reflection of Gale’s room in Waterdeep, she was in no hurry to leave. She looked around with interest, but some of the details, like the words on the spines of books, shifted and blurred beneath her vision, as though Gale didn’t want her looking too closely. 

Not matter. She wasn’t here to read anyway.

“I’m sure you’ll find the bed more than comfortable,” he said. “And, should I soon find myself a little too distracted to maintain the rest of the illusion, the bed will remain. For a few hours, at least.”

She arched an eyebrow at him and he shrugged, offering no further comment. She grinned and hopped onto the bed, flopping back with her arms spread. He was right. It was solid beneath her, not at all an illusion, and it was certainly comfortable. Better than the bedrolls on hard ground that she’d been sleeping on this past month or so.

“Oh, I could get use to this,” she said, settling right in. “You’ll have to teach me this little spell.” She lifted a hand and gestured like she was revealing words on a banner. “Conjure Bed. School of…er…”

“Conjuration,” he finished, the humor obvious in his voice. “As the name implies.”

“Right, I could have guessed that.” She propped herself up on one elbow to find him watching her again, that same fond, enchanted look he’d worn the last few days, especially tonight. She held out her hand to him, an open invitation for him to join her. “Well? What are you waiting for?”

He opened his mouth as though to answer, paused, and then shook his head fondly. “Nothing. Nothing at all.”

He reached out and took her hand, climbing onto the bed with her. She lay back, cradling his face in her hands as he rested part of his weight against her, gazing down at her with a look so filled with love she could only smile and stare. 

There they were, those dark eyes she loved so much. There, too, was the oddly pleasant scratch of his beard against her palms, the softness of his hair as her fingertips sank into it, the heat and weight of his body as it pressed her into the downy mattress. Exactly as she wanted it.

“I love you,” she whispered.

His smile was gentle and loving, reflecting her words before he even spoke them. “I love you, too, Meridan Zavrai.”

He bent his head to kiss her and she let the world around her fade into a hazy blur, until at last the only thing she could see, the only thing she could hear, the only thing she could touch, was Gale himself.

[karstenramserofficial]

162 # Stay tune

Stay in tune with the grace of existence. When the feeling of “Longing” comes, ask yourself, who is the one, who wants something?

[hillbillyoracle]

I'm currently working on the harm reduction section of my zine "social sobriety" about sobriety, digital addictions, and activism.

And one question I asked myself recently really shifted my perspective:

If I was mandated to spend the same amount of time on my phone/laptop as I do now, what ways could I spend time on them that I would make me feel better/I wouldn't feel like that time was wasted?

It's lead to a couple changes for me.

I use my lock screen and wallpaper as a reminder of my spirituality. I try to stop and read the sutra I have as my wallpaper at least daily to keep it top of mind.

I've really curated the apps that are on my home screen. Currently it's just Insight Timer (meditation), Kindle (reading), AnyList (grocery list and house info), my camera, and a collection of favorites that are mostly geared toward learning (Duolingo, Chess, NYT Puzzles, etc) as well as some utility apps (DayOne, Google Calendar, Windy) and some fun apps (PokemonGo, Tumblr).

I'm now slowly taking off apps that I would not want to spend that amount of time on like Instagram, news apps, and mobile games.

My laptop is a little trickier to curate but I also don't get as lost in it since I have so many add ons to block things I don't want to spend as much time on.

So yeah I think it's a helpful question to ask if you don't like your relationship with tech. Cause at a minimum, you'll wind up using for your phone for things you feel better about.

[chicagognosis]

The particular beauty of this scripture, The Voice of the Silence, is that it is practical. It teaches a very profound mystical science of acquiring information for ourselves, not merely with the senses of our physical experience, but with the consciousness. Some people have called that consciousness soul: the ability to perceive and to understand.

In our last lecture, we talked about the stages of meditation, the principles outlined such as in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which are also correlated within Buddhism, as well as Blavatsky’s scriptures, or her translation of it.

More importantly, what we want to understand in this talk today is the spiritual path known as initiation. It is a path in which by meditating, the consciousness develops its true potential and is able to understand mysteries beyond the senses, beyond physical experience, and beyond our common daily life.

New Lecture Transcription!

[mahayanapilgrim]

The Buddha, in the Prajñápáramitá Sutra

(This text is commonly called "The Heart Sutra.") said:

'Subhuti, in what way does a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva; being aware that he has a body, practice perfect conduct?

Subhuti, a Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, when walking,

- is fully mindful that he is walking;

- when he stands up is fully mindful of standing up;

- when sitting is fully mindful of sitting;

- when sleeping is fully mindful of sleeping; and if his body is well or ill,

- he is fully mindful of either condition!' That's just how it is!

To understand how one can integrate present awareness with all the activities of one's daily life, let's take the example of walking.

There's no need to jump up immediately and walk in a distracted and agitated way, marching up and down and breaking everything one finds in front of one, as soon as the idea of walking arises.

Rather, as one gets up, one can do so remembering

- 'now I am getting up, - and while walking

- 'I do not want to become distracted'.

In this way, without becoming distracted, step-by-step, one should govern oneself with the presence of awareness.

In the same way, if one remains seated, one should not forget this awareness, and whether one is eating a tasty morsel, or having a drop to drink, or saying a couple of words, whatever action one undertakes,

whether it is of greater or lesser importance, one should continue with present awareness of everything

- without becoming distracted.

Since we are so strongly habituated to distraction it is difficult to give birth to this presence of awareness, and this is especially true for those who are just beginning to practice.

But whenever there's any new kind of work to be done,

the first thing one has to do is to learn it.

And even if at the first few attempts one is not very practiced,

- with experience, - little by little the work becomes easy.

In the same way, in learning Contemplation, at the beginning one needs commitment

- and a definite concern not to become distracted,

following that one must maintain present awareness

- as much as possible,

and finally, - if one becomes distracted, one must notice it.

If one perseveres in one's commitment to maintaining present awareness, it is possible to arrive at a point

where one no longer ever becomes distracted.

~ NAMKHAI NORBU RINPOCHE

***The Mirror: Advice on Presence and Awareness

[talonabraxas]

The Essence of Buddhist Mantras

The philosophy behind Buddhist chanting

Buddhist chanting is not merely a ritualistic practice; it’s an exercise that connects you to the universal truths of existence. Rooted in the teachings of the Buddha, these chants drive you away from negative energies, emotions, and states of mind that guide you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and the universe.

The role of mantras in meditation and enlightenment

Mantras play a vital role in Buddhist meditation, aiding in concentration, mindfulness, and inner transformation. By repeating a specific Buddha mantra, the practitioner can enter a state of focused awareness, transcending the chatter of the mind. When you chant this repetitively, it creates a frequency that aligns with the natural vibrations of the body and mind and leads to a state of harmony and enlightenment. Whether it’s the calming “Om Mani Padme Hum” or the empowering Buddha mantra for success, each chant has a unique purpose and effect.

The essence of Buddhist mantras lies in their ability to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and mindfulness. These three virtues are central to Buddhist philosophy and practice. Mantras like the Tara mantra are chanted with devoted love and compassion, while others like the Buddhist mantra for protection invoke wisdom and insight. he focused recitation of mantras fosters mindfulness, the practise of being fully present and involved with the present moment.

9 essential Buddhist mantras for life concerns

There are various Buddhist practices for specific purposes. It may help you in case of various needs, from healing and prosperity to love and spiritual growth.

1. Om Mani Padme Hum Known as the “Universal Mantra,” “Om Mani Padme Hum” is one of the most recognized Buddhist mantras that focuses on giving and receiving compassion, contributing to a mantra for happiness and contentment. This in turn, helps you be happier in life and fosters a sense of contentment and overall wellbeing.

2. Om Tara Tuttare Ture Soha The Tara Mantra, “Om Tara Tuttare Ture Soha,” is a chant dedicated to the female Bodhisattva Tara. It helps to get through obstacles of relationships, be more emotionally balanced and find deep connection with your inner self. The Tara mantra benefits include emotional healing and spiritual growth.

3. Buddhist Kuber mantra Regularly chanting the Kuber mantra, “Om Zambala Zalendhraye Soha” or the Buddha mantra for success, helps you attract wealth, prosperity and abundance in life. It is not just about attracting wealth; it’s also about developing financial wisdom which means you can make smarter decisions related to money.

4. Tayata Om mantra Chanting the Medicine Buddha Mantra, “Tayata Om Bekanze Bekanze Maha Bekanze Radza Samudgate Soha” cleanses negativity, helps you heal from past trauma as well as serves as a way to detach yourself from disturbing incidents and clears you way to enlightenment.

5. Amitabha Buddha mantra Chanting the Rebirth Mantra, “Om Ami Dewa Hrih” mantra helps to clear mental clutter, get clarity of goals in life so that you can focus on what really matters and take action to achieve them more effectively.

6. Vajra Guru mantra Chanting “Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum” not only helps you gain inner sense of peace and calm but also it deepens your meditation practice which enhances concentration and helps you be more mindful in your daily life. It clears away negative energy that may impede your success amd protects you against physical, emotional and spiritual harm.

Additionally, it might also help you in losing weight as it may promote mindful eating. However, it’s important to note that this will be effective when you combine it with lifestyle changes, discipline and regular exercise.

7. Lotus Sutra mantra The chant, “Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo” captures the essence of Buddhism, it has the ability to transform any suffering in life, be it regarding sickness, old age or something else. It helps you overcome fear and gives you strength to face any problems or difficulties.

8. White Tara mantra ‘Om Tuttare Ture Ture Ayush Punya, Mama Jnana Kuru, Pushtim Svaha’ is a Tibetan mantra which is linked to a good health and long life. It is frequently sung with good intentions for the benefit of others and spreads positivity.

9. Shakyamuni mantra Chant “Om Muni Muni Mahamuni Shakyamuniye Svaha Om” as it shields you from harmful energies and negative emotions, fostering a sense of safety and protection. Additionally, it soothes the mind and helps you get over anxiety and stress.

Understanding the life of Buddha and his teachings is central to appreciating the depth of Buddhist mantras. His journey to enlightenment and the principles he taught provide the foundation for the various chants and their applications in daily life.

Buddha by Talon Abraxas