New here, Hi

[Anka]

Hello all,

My name is James but will likely go by Anka here. For the last 4 years I have been fascinated by religion and practices. Most of my actual practical background is in zen Buddhism (Soto and Seon) but I have dabbled with some aspects of hinduism also. About 3 months ago I ran across an interview with Jason Louv and a different one with Damien Echols. The topic of esotericism and magick piqued my interest so I started to read and dabble. Lately my practice has shift further away from buddhism and closer to magick so I decided it was time to find a forum of like minded people.

Thanks all
Anka

[SpiritTalker]

Hi & welcome.

[Lord_of_Nightmares]

Hello Anka, and welcome. I enjoy Mahayana Buddhist texts myself.

[Anka]

Thanks for the welcome. Lilith, the texts are great but notably dry at some same time. It essentially is hundreds of people saying the same thing in different ways. I also found the practices seemed to deaden my emotions. They weren't as vibrant and strong which is great if the goal is not to allow them to control your actions. However, life becomes a little...less with them tempered, like you are simply going through the motions instead of living.

Anka



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[Shekinah]

Anka, Welcome hope you enjoy our gathering. I Practiced Buddhism a number of year while in Vietnam and Japan Had a medical practice in Nam and worked out of the Buddhist temple in NhaTrang. Fundamentally though have been a solitary eclectic Witch all my life. Great respect for Buddhism but the magick is not there. Been a student in a few occult mystery schools, AMORC, FRC, Metaphysical Society, etc but I remain ever a Witch convinced this is a way of life best for me. We are "Wise Ones", "Walkers between Worlds" and command the power to influence probabilities and open portals to establish a presence in the realm of Spirit.

Namaste
Shekinah

[Lord_of_Nightmares]

Thanks for the welcome. Lilith, the texts are great but notably dry at some same time. It essentially is hundreds of people saying the same thing in different ways. I also found the practices seemed to deaden my emotions. They weren't as vibrant and strong which is great if the goal is not to allow them to control your actions. However, life becomes a little...less with them tempered, like you are simply going through the motions instead of living.

Anka



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You know I have a friend who does a Japanese form of witchcraft which combines Shinto/Buddhist things and is a modern religion. They welcome all.

The website: http://www.mikage.org

Yes, I always try to find what makes me happy and emotionally fulfills me.

[Anka]

Shekinah,
"Great respect for Buddhism but the magick is not there." That's where I seemed to end up also.

Lilith,

Thanks for the link i am going to check it out today!.

Anka

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[Isidor]

Hi Anka and welcome!

It is fascinating how many shrines and temples are all over Japan, and one is welcome to stay amongst the beauty and calm they provide. I have been lucky enough to witness several ceremonies and even though it stirs a different feeling inside, it is still a phenomenal experience. As I am sure you know, the two don't have to be mutually exclusive. Perhaps the path you took to magick better prepared you to be centered and calm for magickal practice. Either way, I hope everything you are striving for is fulfilling!

Have a great day
-Isidor

[Anka]

Hi Isidor,

Thanks for the comment and reminder that they don't have to be mutually exclusive. Honestly I don't think you could beat some buddhist practices out of me at this point. They are much to ingrained. That type of practice does seem to provide a good footing to start magick though. As you have worked with your ego already, likely saves you from some hard learnt lessons.

I do envy you though, once we are more stable financially Japan will be our first trip.

Anka

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[Isidor]

Hey Anka,

That sounds like a beautiful path indeed. I am glad it is something that changed you so profoundly. What a rare experience in life!

When you do head this way, I would recommend Hiroshima first and foremost. That city has used its past to transform into the most peaceful and beautiful place I could ever imagine! It is quite literally devoted to spreading peace amongst its citizens and the world. Matsuyama is also quite beautiful and has an amazing castle (my favorite so far) with a fantastic view of the city below. Definitely try to make it during cherry blossom season!

Travel here can be cheaper than you might imagine if using the assorted travel discount sites. Clark Howard, my all-time favorite financial guru, has surprisingly realistic advice for traveling on the cheap:

https://clark.com/travel/clarks-secret- ... -possible/

https://clark.com/travel/ita-matrix-eas ... p-flights/

I went through a huge financial mess some years back and the advice his show/website/helpline provided was quite the game changer.

Good luck with your goals

-Isidor

PS: if you or your S/O were/are military then travel and accommodations could be infinitely cheaper by staying on bases or using military flights

[Anka]

Thanks for the tips Isidor. I will check them out.

Anka

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