I was told and I believe the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul all have one thing in common. They are present. Even in the midst of a large throng of admirers who want to touch them and talk to them, when they stop to talk to one individual, they have the ability to be present with that individual as if that person is the only person in the world. In other word, they have uncanny ability to pay attention and be focused.

By contrast, we all know people who are always fidgetty. They can't sit still. When they talk to you, they are easily distracted--they will look at the Black Berries, or constantly glancing around at every movement that lurks in their sight of vision. They may be physically next to you, you know they don't hear what your are saying to them. They are not present.

Last LPG meeting we did a number of exercises to let us experience what it feels like to direct one's attention., to train your mind to let go of thoughts, and to suspend judgment as you observe objects.

Next LPG meeting, we will continue with Dr. Sood's presentation. I am going to engage you to talk about things like:
1. Where does attention come from?
2. What does Sood mean by Attention + Interpretation = Action.
3. What is TPN?
4. Where do Interpretatons come come?
5. What is FACT? And how does it neutralize emtional charges?

As always., LPG is about exploration and getting you to open up and talk about these things. There are no right or wong answers. There is only participation.

See you there.

16 Days China Tour--Hong Kong

	ATTN: gkhtom@sympatico.ca	TRAVELLERS: 18 persons
	DATE:  June 2010	NATIONALITY:  Canada

 

Here is the optional tour includes Hong Kong sightseeing. Please have a look.

If there is any other requirement, please let me know. I will bring my program closer.

Look forward to hearing from you!

16 Days China Tour in Beijing,Xi'an,Guilin,Yangtze,Guanghzhou and Hong Kong

DAY 01:	Arrive in Beijing	Dinner
Meet the guide at the airport and then transfer to check in the hotel. Have a good rest in the hotel or arrange the activity yourself. Enjoy Roast Duch as dinner.

DAY 02:	Beijing	Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner
Buffet breakfast in hotel. The tour guide will meet you in the morning. You wonderful sightseeing starts. Make a city tour around Beijing. Highlights: Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven. This evening you have got the chance to watch an amazing Kung Fu performance. Tian'anmen Square: It is the largest city square in the world, representing symbol of China's national pride, surrounded by many grand buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum. Forbidden City: Built from 1406-1420 during the Ming Dynasty, the Imperial Palace, popularly known as the Forbidden City, was the permanent residence of the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911). It covers over 720,000 square meters of floor space, with more than 8,700 rooms, surrounded by city wall as high as ten meters and a city moat as wide as 52 meters. Temple of Heaven: At the Temple of Heaven Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911) worshiped Heaven and prayed for good harvests. A masterpiece of the Ming and Qing architectural art and a precious example of China's ancient architecture, the Temple of Heaven is the largest architectural group for worshipping Heaven in the world. In 1961, it was listed by the State Council as a key monument under state protection." In 1998, it was recognized by UNESCO as a human heritage of the world. -->Temple of Heaven

DAY 03:	Beijing	Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner
Great Wall is what you cannot miss when you travel in Beijing. Today, with the escort of the local guide, you will visit the most famous section of the Great Wall, that is Badaling Great Wall. Beijing is the capital of Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 600 years. Many emperors lived in the city and were buried there after death. In ther afternoon, you will visit the Ming Tombs. This is the mausoleum complex of 13 emperors of Ming Dynasty. You have the chance to visit the largest one of them, the Chang Mausoleum. Foot massage is a good way to relax after a day to the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs.The escort you to have a foot massage using Chinese herbals to ease your fatigue. Great Wall: The Great Wall of China is a series of stone and earthen fortifications in China, built, rebuilt, and maintained between 5th century BC and the 16th century to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire during the rule of successive dynasties. Several walls, referred to as the Great Wall of China, were built since the 5th century BC, the most famous being the one built between 220 BC and 200 BC by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang; this wall was located much further north than the current wall built during the Ming Dynasty, and little of it remains. Ming Tombs: The Ming Tombs were opened to the public in 1959. The Ming Tombs, which form a group of mausoleums, are those of 13 emperors in the Ming Dynasty (1368~1644).. The Ming Tombs are characterized by its large size, complete system, and intact preservation. Among the mausoleums, the largest is the Chang Mausoleum while the smallest is the Si Mausoleum, but all of them were built in roughly the same way.� You will have the opportunity to visit the Chang Mausoleum. --> Great Wall

DAY 04:	Beijing-Xi'an	Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner
After breakfast in the hotel, our guide and chauffeur will transfer you to Beijing Hutongs, a traditional construction style of old Beijing. You also have the chance to visit a local family. And learn how to make Jiaozi - Chinese dumplings. Enjoy Jiaozi as lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the largest royal garden in China --Summer Palace. After dinner you will be transferred to train station Take a overnight train to Xi'an. Beijing Hutongs: Beijing�s hutongs, lanes or alleys formed by lines of Siheyuan (a compound with houses around a courtyard) where old Beijing residents live, witness the vicissitude of the city. Summer Palace: The Summer Palace landscape, dominated by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers, three quarters of which is water surface. Its 70,000 square meters of building space features a variety of palaces, garden and other ancient-style architectural structures. Well known for its large and priceless collection of cultural artifacts, it was among the first group of historical and cultural heritage sites in China to be placed under special state protection. -->Summer Palace

DAY 05:	Xi'an	Lunch +Dinner
The train is scheduled to arrive in Xian in the morning. Today in Xian you will visit Big Goose Pagada, Ancient City Wall and Grand Mosque. Check in hotel for one-night stay. Big Goose Pagoda:The pagoda (7 floors,64.5meters high) where widely renowned Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his classics brought from India. Ancient City Wall: Built in the Ming dynasty about 700 years ago, the wall measures around 13.9 km in circumference, 12 meters in height, 18 meters wide at its base while 15 meters wide on the top. Ancient City Wall: Built in the Ming dynasty about 700 years ago, the wall measures around 13.9 km in circumference, 12 meters in height, 18 meters wide at its base while 15 meters wide on the top. Grand Mosque: Great Mosque in Xi'an is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China and its location is northwest of the Drum Tower (Gu Lou) on Huajue Lane. -->Big Goose Pagada

DAY 06:	Xi'an-Guilin	Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner
In the morning transfter to visit the majestic Terrocotta Warriors and Shaanxi History Museum. In the afternoon, take flight to Guilin, our guide will pick you up at the airpot. After dinner, check in the hotel. Terracotta Warriors: The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum, Lintong County, Shaanxi province. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China. Shaanxi History Museum: Shaanxi Province is the birthplace of the ancient Chinese civilization. Xian City was the capital city in thirteen dynasties which in total lasted over 1100 years. Consequently, the ancient history of Shaanxi is to some degree the ancient history of China. The Shaanxi History Museum considers it an obligation to be a showcase of ancient civilizations. It is situated in the southern suburb of Xian City, northwest of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.Since it was opened to the public in 1991, its architectural buildings, internal apparatus, and exhibits have made it famous as a first-class museum in China. --> Terracotta Warriors

DAY 07:	Guilin	Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner
Today you will have a special experience of cruising on the picturesque Li River. Lunch on baord. In the afternoon, the cruise ship arrives in Yangshuo. You have some time to stroll along its West Street - the main boulevard of Yangshuo lined with numourous shops selling local souvenirs. Li River Cruise: Li River is the soul of Guilin scenery. The region covers 83-km karst area with clear, exotic, ingenious and changing characteristics. Take a boat a boat and enjoy yourself with the wonderful scenery of peeks, rivers, sunshine and reflections on the water.� West Street: West Street is the most prosperous district in Yangshuo, and each year, approximately 100,000 foreigners come here as part of their travels or to attend advanced studies. Visitors are attracted to West Street by its unique mix of cultures. -->Li River

DAY 08:	Guilin to Chongqing	Breakfast + Lunch
Today, visit the emblem of Guilin, the Elephant Trunk Hill, then Reed Flute Cave. Fly to Chongqing and baord the cruise ship on Yangtze River. Elephant Trunk Hill: is also called Elephant Hill, which stands majestically at the confluence of the Li River and Taohua River. It is deemed as the symbol of Guilin. The Elephant Hill has Shuiyue Cave, Elephant's Eye Stone, and Pagoda for Samantabhadra. The stone looks like a trunk of an elephant drinking water. Reed Flute Cave: is praised as "the art hall created by nature". The track of tourists is prosperous from Tang Dynasty. From 1959 when it was developed, it has been a must for every tourist to Guilin. -->Elephant Trunk Hill

DAY 9:	Yangtze	Meals on board
Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City. - Fengdu Ghost City: Fengdu: Ghost City is called �the hometown of Chinese Divine Tune�. In this park, the Chinese ghost culture is demonstrated by a series of typical Chinese ancient buildings and sculptures at all sizes. It is said about 1700 years ago, that two Taoists flew into the sky and became immortals. Coincidently, the combination of their surnames in Chinese is Ghost King. From then on, people called this place Ghost City. -->Ghost City

DAY 10:	Yangtze	Meals on board
Shore excursion to Shennong Stream. - Shennong Stream: It originates from Shennongjia virgin forest and feeds into the Yangtze River between Xiling Gorge and Wu Gorge. Famous for picturesque sceneries, Shennong Stream is beautiful and ancient. When you take a pea pod boat drifting along it, you will be attracted and surprised by its special steep ridges and peaks, blue and clear water, exuberant vegetation, wild flowers, flying birds, plank road built along a cliff, ancient hanging coffins as well as the local sweet love songs. -->Shennong Stream

DAY 11:	Yichang-Guangzhou	Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner
Shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam in the morning. The cruise ship will arrive in Yichang at around 11:30AM. , Disembark and meet the local guide at the pier. After lunch you will be transferred to take your flight to Guangzhou. The Guangzhou guide will pick you up at the airport and help you to check in the hotel. Have a good rest in the hotel. - Three Gorges Dam: The Three Gorges Project is the world�s largest hydroelectric power plant so far. When it is finished, the Three Gorges Project will have its main benefits in flood control, power generation and irrigation. The hydroelectric power generated is to be used in eastern and central China regions and the eastern part of southwest China�s Sichuan province. -->Three Gorges Dam

DAY 12:	Guangzhou	Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner
Highlights today: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Chen Family Temple and Five Sheep Sculpture. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall:Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, a key historical relic protected by Guangdong Province, is a memorial building built with the funds raised by the Guangzhou people and overseas Chinese in memory of Sun Yat-sen, the great revolutionary forerunner. Chen Family Temple:Chen Family Temple is now the largest and best preserved and decorated ancient architecture existing in Guangdong Province and now the site of the Guangdong Folk Art Museum. It was designated as an important cultural relic under the State protection by the state Council in 1986. It was built with donations of the Chen family then spread in 72 counties in Guangdong province. The temple used to provide lodgings for candidates of the Chen family who came to Guangdong to prepare for imperial examinations in Guangzhou. Five Sheep Sculpture: As the most famous scenic spot in Guangzhou, the Five Sheep Sculpture was built in 1959. It was sculpted out of 130 slabs of granite.� Guangzhou is nicknamed as �the sheep city� because of a legend. It says that in 2000 years ago, Guangzhou was very poor, lacking of food. One day, five fairies came from heaven, riding five sheep. Each sheep�s mouth held a wheat ear. They left the wheat ears to the local people. Since that time, Guangzhou was becoming more and more prosperous. Hence the name of the city. -->Chen Family Temple

DAY 13:	Guangzhou	Breakfast
Free activity for the whole day according to your own arrangement. Please be noted that there is no coach included for today's use.

DAY 14:	Guangzhou-Hong Kong	Breakfast
Free until the local guide pick you up in the hotel and drive you to Guangzhou Lotus Pier and board ferry to Hong Kong. The Hong Kong tour guide will wait you at Hong Kong pier and then you will be transferred to check in the hotel. Free for the rest of the day!

DAY 15:	Hong Kong	Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner
Start your Hong Kong sightseeing after a traditional Hong Kong breakfast. With the local guide's escort, today you will visit Golden Bauhinia Square, Hollywood Road, Repulse Bay, Stanley Market and Ladies Market. Hong Kong is a shopping paradise where it is possible to get high-quality goods at a lower price than other places. The local guide will lead you to a jewellery shop. After the day trip, you will be transferred back to your hotel. - Golden Bauhinia Square: Golden Bauhinia Square, also known as Expo Promenade, marks the most significant occasion in Hong Kong's history - the return of the former British colony to the People's Republic of China (PRC). The "Forever Blooming Bauhinia" Sculpture (Golden Bauhinia) is a gift from the people of the PRC to mark the widespread joy of the Chinese at the return of the territory to the Motherland after more than 150 years. - Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Row (also known as "Cat Street"), are must-see stops on every visitor's itinerary. Crammed with antique shops and an open-air curio market, these quaint locales are ideal places for picking up eclectic souvenirs and gifts. Everything from Ming dynasty furniture and lotus lamps to Mao badges and ancient snuff bottles is on sale here. Bargain hunters will also enjoy the stalls on Ladder Street, just a few metres downhill - and bargaining over price is all part of the game. - Repulse Bay: Primarily an upmarket residential area, sun-drenched Repulse Bay has a relaxed resort-like atmosphere. The wide, wave-lapped beach is popular with locals and visitors alike and great for sandy strolls in the early morning when the sun is up and the sunbathers are out in force, or at sunset when all is at peace. - Stanley Market: is a street market in Stanley on Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong. The street is a typical example of a traditional old open-air market in Hong Kong and has since become a major tourist attraction, well known for its bargains. You will find an interesting array of little shops selling silk garments, sportswear, art, Chinese costume jewelry and souvenirs. - Ladies Market: One of the most popular shopping street markets in Hong Kong, Ladies' Market is a must-visit destination for fashion lovers with an eye for bargain-priced clothing, bags, accessories, toys, cosmetics and household knick-knacks. The stalls making up this enjoyable market can be found on Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok. It is open from noon until 11:30pm. -->Repulse Bay

DAY 16:	Depart Hong Kong	Breakfast
See off at the airport. Home sweet home.

Quotations

The cost for this private tour package is US$1,010.00 per person.

Hotel room single supplement: US$295.

Cruise cabin single supplement: US$250.

Hotel information

Beijing: Happy Inns International Hotel or similar

Official Website: http://www.happy-inns.com/enindex.htm

Xian: Quest International Hotel or similar

Official Website: http://www.questhotelxian.com/

Guilin: Guishan Hotel or similar

Official Website: http://www.guishanhotel.com/

Guangzhou: Hotel Landmark Canton or similar

Official Website: http://www.hotel-landmark.com.cn/

Hong Kong: B P International Hotel or similar

Official Website: http://www.bpih.com.hk/

Cruise ship:

1. We plan to use Victoria Cruises for your group. The specific cruise ship will be chosen according to your travel time.
   
   Here is the website of Victoria Cruises for your references.
   
   http://www.victoriacruises.com/new/index.html
   
   

Price Inclusions:

1. Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast in Hotels (based on 2 persons share one twin bed room)


2. Transfer Between airports, railway stations, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in city by the private air conditioned vehicle with driver and English-speaking guide as listed in the itinerary.


3. Entrance fees to scenic spots as mentioned in the itinerary.


4. Meals listed in the itinerary;


5. Yangtze cruise;


6. Ferry tickets from Guangzhou to Hong Kong;
   
   

Price Exclusions:

1. Sightseeing, service and any other meal not mentioned in the itinerary


2. Meals: any meals which are not specified with �B�, �L�, or �D�;


3. Single supplement;


4. Gratuities to local guides and drivers;


5. Personal expenses such as excess luggage fees, laundry, postage, communications and beverages


6. Travel Insurance.


7. Soft Train Berth Ticket fare from Beijing to Xi'an, it cost USD$66.00 per person. (4 people share one cabin)
   
   Air Ticket fare from Xi'an to Guilin, it cost USD$135.00 per person. (already 20% off; including airport tax)
   
   Air Ticket fare from Guilin to Chongqing, it cost USD$95.00 per person. (already 20% off; including airport tax)
   
   Air Ticket fare from Yichang to Guangzhou, it cost USD$150.00 per person. (including airport tax)
   
   

Special Remarks

1. We reserve the right to adjust the quotation before you confirm the booking with us;


2. The rate may change in the year of 2010;


3. This price is based on the assupmtion that there will be 18 travellers to Hong Kong at the end of the Guangzhou tour; If there is less than 18, the price will be different;
   
   
   
   

 

Allnode's Thoughts on Chapter 3: Core Of Ego

Chapter 3 has these sections:

Complaining and resentment

Reactivity and grievances

Being right and making wrong

In defense of an illusion

Truth relative or absolute?

The Ego is not personal

War is a mindset

Beyond ego: your true identity

All structures are unstable

The ego's need to feel superior

Page 81:

I was astounded with Tolle's teachings on "Telling someone the news of what happened" including sometimes bad news to the other person. Astounded because he confirmed what I sometimes feel in myself when telling someone bad news. My heart and my mind logically should feel empathy and compassion when bringing the bad news to my friend. And I do. But I have also noticed just like Tolle described an unseemly sense of separation from the other person. I don't like the feeling. It is a feeling of superiority, separation, personal relief that says "I am glad I am not the unfortunate one."

Now I know it is my ego and not "I" who is generating that feeling of superiority and separation.


Ego and fame

Chapter 2: Am I my things?

The lost ring story reminded me of a similar situation that happened to me a couple of years ago in Sante Fe, NM. I was there participating in an Avatar course as a master. The course was gong very well until Sunday the last day.

That morning getting ready to go the hotel conference room, I noticed my watch was missing. The watch had significant meaning to me because it was a watch my dad used to wear and I inherited it when he passed away. I just couldn't figure out where I could have lost it. I practically torn the room apart and then I retraced my steps of my previous night. Nowhere to be found.

I went to course anyway--a bit distracted (quite a bit actually), feeling really bad. It's a famous brand of a watch and had great sentimental value to me. I performed my Avatar course duty to the best I could but I was quite sad nonetheless even though I was able to put that sadness behind the scenes and not let it affect my student. She finished the course and got great results.

Somewhere in the afternoon, I shifted out of my funk. I decided to let it go. I decided that I was not my watch even though it was a very expensive watch with sentimental value. I let it go and got connected to my higher self once again.

That evening back in the room. Though pretty much accepting the fact that I wouldn't see my Rolex again, I stood in front of the TV stand in the room. The stand has a number of shelves and the TV sits on a sliding shelf. When you look at the shelf in front it appears to be a solid piece of wood. I don't know what caused me to slide the shelf out and dropped to my knees on the floor and looked up. The watch had slid behind what appeared to be solid shelfing if you look at it from the front. It was a perfect trap door and the only way I could have discovered that was to kneel down and then looked up. No logic could have told me to do that.

I can still remember as if there was an intuitive self in me that caused me to kneel down on the carpet and looked up.

It was pure intuition without thinking that was doing the looking.

The power of letting go of possession seem to let me be connected to my intuitive self. And that had a sixth sense.

The "I" at that moment was without attachment to any thing. It was simply observing and it could sense things a lot better any thinking mind.

Welcome to Rochester Earth

Welcome to the Rochester A New Earth study group blog.

We get together to inspire and be inspired to live our life's true purpse.