MCTB2 - Discussion
MCTB2
Alan Smithee, modified 7 Years ago at 12/27/16 8:12 PM
Created 7 Years ago at 12/27/16 8:12 PM
MCTB2
Posts: 310 Join Date: 4/2/10 Recent Posts
It has been a while since I've been on the board -- had a kid, started teaching, wrote a novel, blah blah blah -- but I was wondering if there are any updates regarding when Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha 2 will be available and/or published?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Daniel M Ingram, modified 7 Years ago at 12/27/16 9:20 PM
Created 7 Years ago at 12/27/16 9:20 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Thanks for your interest.
Currently on about page 320 of 445 in current format of editorial fourth pass.
After that will hand it to a few people to comment on, take those suggestions and incorporate them as best I can, then index it, last editorial pass for typos and final points, then send it on to the publisher, after which it is about 4-6 months to get it printed and out there, so, likely Fall, 2017 if all goes well. There may be an online version before that.
All this assumes a lack of legal complexity, which is not guaranteed, unfortunately, as that could further slow things down, but I hope not. It also assumes my continued good health, a lack of further life complexity, etc.
Daniel
Currently on about page 320 of 445 in current format of editorial fourth pass.
After that will hand it to a few people to comment on, take those suggestions and incorporate them as best I can, then index it, last editorial pass for typos and final points, then send it on to the publisher, after which it is about 4-6 months to get it printed and out there, so, likely Fall, 2017 if all goes well. There may be an online version before that.
All this assumes a lack of legal complexity, which is not guaranteed, unfortunately, as that could further slow things down, but I hope not. It also assumes my continued good health, a lack of further life complexity, etc.
Daniel
Alan Smithee, modified 7 Years ago at 12/28/16 11:31 AM
Created 7 Years ago at 12/28/16 11:31 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 310 Join Date: 4/2/10 Recent Postsneko, modified 7 Years ago at 12/29/16 8:48 AM
Created 7 Years ago at 12/29/16 8:48 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 762 Join Date: 11/26/14 Recent PostsDaniel M Ingram, modified 7 Years ago at 1/26/17 3:44 AM
Created 7 Years ago at 1/26/17 3:44 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
MCTB apparently is not currently available from Amazon directly at the moment as my publisher (Aeon) is switching to a new distributor or printer or something, but it should be available again shortly, I am told.
MCTB2: currently a draft that is pretty close to done is being reviewed by a few people and, when their comments are back and incorporated, then I will index it, have it proofed once more, and send it on to the publisher. Yeah!
Hope you are all well!
Daniel
MCTB2: currently a draft that is pretty close to done is being reviewed by a few people and, when their comments are back and incorporated, then I will index it, have it proofed once more, and send it on to the publisher. Yeah!
Hope you are all well!
Daniel
neko, modified 7 Years ago at 1/26/17 4:19 AM
Created 7 Years ago at 1/26/17 4:19 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 762 Join Date: 11/26/14 Recent PostsAlex W, modified 7 Years ago at 1/26/17 10:43 AM
Created 7 Years ago at 1/26/17 10:43 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 34 Join Date: 8/22/09 Recent PostsAdrian Smith, modified 7 Years ago at 2/12/17 4:17 PM
Created 7 Years ago at 2/12/17 4:17 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 9 Join Date: 12/11/11 Recent PostsAbingdon , modified 7 Years ago at 2/13/17 6:17 AM
Created 7 Years ago at 2/13/17 6:17 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 53 Join Date: 8/22/09 Recent Postsganesha23, modified 7 Years ago at 2/13/17 4:56 PM
Created 7 Years ago at 2/13/17 4:56 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 7 Join Date: 10/2/15 Recent PostsDaniel M Ingram, modified 7 Years ago at 2/13/17 6:01 PM
Created 7 Years ago at 2/13/17 6:01 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Given that I started editing it in late 2012 or so, I can't remember in all honesty what all the differences are.
It is longer, has more story to it, and has tried to incorporate the feedback I have gotten over the last 10 years on the book as best I can, time allowing. Beyond that, you will just have to see it.
It is longer, has more story to it, and has tried to incorporate the feedback I have gotten over the last 10 years on the book as best I can, time allowing. Beyond that, you will just have to see it.
ganesha23, modified 7 Years ago at 2/13/17 6:32 PM
Created 7 Years ago at 2/13/17 6:32 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 7 Join Date: 10/2/15 Recent PostsMiguel Ladoblanco, modified 7 Years ago at 2/13/17 11:30 PM
Created 7 Years ago at 2/13/17 11:30 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 5 Join Date: 12/3/12 Recent Postssupaluqi, modified 7 Years ago at 2/15/17 12:53 AM
Created 7 Years ago at 2/14/17 7:57 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 45 Join Date: 4/12/16 Recent Posts
re: MCTB A Revised Four Path Model (I tried to comment there but not sure if works)
You wrote
"Stream enterers cycle through the ñanas"
the context implies that all stream enterers cycle.
I wonder if this is the case for those who enter through the impermanence gate, but not necessarily the case for those who enter through the 'not self' gate?
In other words, the experience of breaking things down into vibrations and 3d snow, perhaps isnt necessary to get stream entry. I would speculate that emphasising impermanence practices leads to vibes and 3d snow and brings cycling to the foreground. Personally I believe I got stream entry via primarily samatha practice with a visual kasina and a vipassana attitude dominated by the 'not self' aspect. I could not control the (vipassana) jhanas, I randomly jumped up after energy surges without explicit inquiry or noting. I did perhaps 20% four foundations noting (after I reached 4th jhana). 80% samatha, and always in the background was awareness of 'who am I'? Thus I didnt cycle after path. Impossible?
You wrote
"Stream enterers cycle through the ñanas"
the context implies that all stream enterers cycle.
I wonder if this is the case for those who enter through the impermanence gate, but not necessarily the case for those who enter through the 'not self' gate?
In other words, the experience of breaking things down into vibrations and 3d snow, perhaps isnt necessary to get stream entry. I would speculate that emphasising impermanence practices leads to vibes and 3d snow and brings cycling to the foreground. Personally I believe I got stream entry via primarily samatha practice with a visual kasina and a vipassana attitude dominated by the 'not self' aspect. I could not control the (vipassana) jhanas, I randomly jumped up after energy surges without explicit inquiry or noting. I did perhaps 20% four foundations noting (after I reached 4th jhana). 80% samatha, and always in the background was awareness of 'who am I'? Thus I didnt cycle after path. Impossible?
Rainbow, modified 7 Years ago at 2/14/17 9:18 PM
Created 7 Years ago at 2/14/17 9:17 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 41 Join Date: 6/29/16 Recent PostsDaniel M Ingram, modified 7 Years ago at 3/5/17 6:59 AM
Created 7 Years ago at 3/5/17 6:59 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Yeah, that draft will not be included in the current version of MCTB2, as that involved my previous editor, and all that editing work was scrapped after complexity arose. Still, MCTB2 is based on the draft that that draft was based on, though the current version forks off of that in a slightly different direction.
The comments are back from some reviewers, and all their concerns have been incorporated and addressed as best I am able.
I am now in the indexing phase, which is fun, then I need to read it again front to back, something I haven't done in a while, then one more pass by an editor or two for last little typos and issues, and then it is off to the publisher, and I get my life back if all goes well. Yeah!
The comments are back from some reviewers, and all their concerns have been incorporated and addressed as best I am able.
I am now in the indexing phase, which is fun, then I need to read it again front to back, something I haven't done in a while, then one more pass by an editor or two for last little typos and issues, and then it is off to the publisher, and I get my life back if all goes well. Yeah!
J C, modified 7 Years ago at 3/14/17 8:38 PM
Created 7 Years ago at 3/14/17 8:38 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 644 Join Date: 4/24/13 Recent PostsDaniel M. Ingram:
Yeah, that draft will not be included in the current version of MCTB2, as that involved my previous editor, and all that editing work was scrapped after complexity arose. Still, MCTB2 is based on the draft that that draft was based on, though the current version forks off of that in a slightly different direction.
The comments are back from some reviewers, and all their concerns have been incorporated and addressed as best I am able.
I am now in the indexing phase, which is fun, then I need to read it again front to back, something I haven't done in a while, then one more pass by an editor or two for last little typos and issues, and then it is off to the publisher, and I get my life back if all goes well. Yeah!
The comments are back from some reviewers, and all their concerns have been incorporated and addressed as best I am able.
I am now in the indexing phase, which is fun, then I need to read it again front to back, something I haven't done in a while, then one more pass by an editor or two for last little typos and issues, and then it is off to the publisher, and I get my life back if all goes well. Yeah!
Is there any way we could get access to a draft to review? I'd love to look it over and I could proofread if you'd like.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 7 Years ago at 3/26/17 5:04 AM
Created 7 Years ago at 3/26/17 5:04 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
The first full pass of the index is done, now to clean the index up, read the whole darn thing again one last time all the way through, then one more proofreading, and I send it off to Aeon for publication. Yeah!
shargrol, modified 7 Years ago at 3/26/17 8:31 AM
Created 7 Years ago at 3/26/17 8:31 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 2410 Join Date: 2/8/16 Recent PostsDaniel M Ingram, modified 7 Years ago at 3/30/17 5:06 AM
Created 7 Years ago at 3/30/17 5:06 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
The index is done. It is about 20 pages long and totally over the top, thus fitting with the book nicely.
I will read the whole friggin' thing through once more, have one more proofreader read it, and it goes to the publisher if all goes well.
I will read the whole friggin' thing through once more, have one more proofreader read it, and it goes to the publisher if all goes well.
J C, modified 7 Years ago at 3/30/17 1:04 PM
Created 7 Years ago at 3/30/17 1:04 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 644 Join Date: 4/24/13 Recent PostsDaniel M Ingram, modified 7 Years ago at 3/30/17 11:57 PM
Created 7 Years ago at 3/30/17 11:57 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
It will be available online as soon as certain other complexities are mitigated. Sorry for the delay and high security precautions.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 6 Years ago at 5/12/17 5:10 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 5/12/17 5:10 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
I have read the whole book through, and the last proofreader is on page 238 of 493 pages of the last proofreading, so, as soon as that is done and their suggestions and typo-corrections incorporated and accepted, which should be in the next few weeks, then my end is done until I get the proofs. Yeah!
River, modified 6 Years ago at 5/12/17 10:44 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 5/12/17 10:44 AM
RE: MCTB2
Post: 1 Join Date: 7/6/14 Recent Posts
Much love and thanks for all the work that goes into this compassionate teaching. The first edition gave me hope and a path in a dark time in my life. Everyone who's supporting those supporting the creation of this project. All the family and friends of the author and editors and proof readers. Thank you.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 6 Years ago at 6/23/17 5:25 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/23/17 5:25 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
I just sent the final manuscript of MCTB2 to Aeon for publication.
What a long, strange journey it has been.
How long until it is in print, I have no idea.
My body is literally shuddering involuntarily with strange sense of the weight of the thing lifting off my shoulders.
May this work be for the benefit of all beings.
Tomorrow, I start on MCTB3... Kidding!
Be well and practice well,
Daniel
What a long, strange journey it has been.
How long until it is in print, I have no idea.
My body is literally shuddering involuntarily with strange sense of the weight of the thing lifting off my shoulders.
May this work be for the benefit of all beings.
Tomorrow, I start on MCTB3... Kidding!
Be well and practice well,
Daniel
neko, modified 6 Years ago at 6/23/17 6:08 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/23/17 6:08 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 762 Join Date: 11/26/14 Recent PostsBen V, modified 6 Years ago at 6/23/17 7:01 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/23/17 6:39 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 417 Join Date: 3/3/15 Recent PostsMettafore, modified 6 Years ago at 6/23/17 10:01 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/23/17 10:01 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 171 Join Date: 3/24/14 Recent Posts
Congratutlations, Daniel.
MCTB1 was a high energy life-changing book. I am grateful to have come across the higher dharma concepts through it.
Looking forward to MCTB2. Will this edition have greater focus on more Shamtha or methods other than noting?
MCTB1 was a high energy life-changing book. I am grateful to have come across the higher dharma concepts through it.
Looking forward to MCTB2. Will this edition have greater focus on more Shamtha or methods other than noting?
Rednaxela, modified 6 Years ago at 6/23/17 11:52 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/23/17 11:52 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 158 Join Date: 12/23/11 Recent PostsDaniel M Ingram, modified 6 Years ago at 6/26/17 2:48 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/26/17 2:48 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
More techniques, definitely much more samatha, much more magick, more autiobiography, and other odds and ends thrown in for good measure. It should fill in some parts of the middle better thant he first one did, I hope, and explain a lot of why the book is what it is. I think the original was about 150,000 words, and this is over 320,000, so it is over twice as long. I think it took longer to write than the original, but it is hard to remember at this great distance how long the first one took. The editorial process was certainly more, um, elaborate. The index alone is about 20 pages at 8.5x11", and how long it will be in print form I don't know. The cover will be basically the same. I think the format will be larger to accommodate the graphics, perhaps that size known as Crown Quarto.
As a point of idle curiosity, would anyone other than me be interested in "exemplar" versions, meaning hand-bound, on very nice paper, with a bookmark ribon, nice endpapers, and all of that? They obviously wouldn't be cheap to produce or purchase. I asked my publisher if he might produce a few in a limited edition, but haven't heard back from him about this yet, as I sent it Friday, and he was likely off over the weekend. I admit a fetish for nicely bound books but have no idea the degree to which others might appreciate that sort of thing. It may all be vanity and absurdity, yet for years I have dreamed of such a version anyway. If my publisher won't, I might have one made for myself for my private amusement.
As a point of idle curiosity, would anyone other than me be interested in "exemplar" versions, meaning hand-bound, on very nice paper, with a bookmark ribon, nice endpapers, and all of that? They obviously wouldn't be cheap to produce or purchase. I asked my publisher if he might produce a few in a limited edition, but haven't heard back from him about this yet, as I sent it Friday, and he was likely off over the weekend. I admit a fetish for nicely bound books but have no idea the degree to which others might appreciate that sort of thing. It may all be vanity and absurdity, yet for years I have dreamed of such a version anyway. If my publisher won't, I might have one made for myself for my private amusement.
Chris M, modified 6 Years ago at 6/26/17 6:45 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/26/17 6:45 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 5175 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts... would anyone other than me be interested in "exemplar" versions, meaning hand-bound, on very nice paper, with a bookmark ribon, nice endpapers, and all of that?
Count me in, Daniel. I think it would be a nice volume to have given the importance of the book to my personal history.
Guilherme Saboia Lima de Souza, modified 6 Years ago at 6/26/17 8:16 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/26/17 8:16 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 2 Join Date: 8/13/10 Recent PostsAndrew K, modified 6 Years ago at 6/26/17 11:21 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/26/17 11:21 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 54 Join Date: 4/14/12 Recent Posts
Congrats on finishing it! Really looking forward to it. Thank you Daniel.
Re: special book binding, I'd be interested
Re: special book binding, I'd be interested
J C, modified 6 Years ago at 6/26/17 1:58 PM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/26/17 1:58 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 644 Join Date: 4/24/13 Recent PostsDaniel M. Ingram:
More techniques, definitely much more samatha, much more magick, more autiobiography, and other odds and ends thrown in for good measure. It should fill in some parts of the middle better thant he first one did, I hope, and explain a lot of why the book is what it is. I think the original was about 150,000 words, and this is over 320,000, so it is over twice as long. I think it took longer to write than the original, but it is hard to remember at this great distance how long the first one took. The editorial process was certainly more, um, elaborate. The index alone is about 20 pages at 8.5x11", and how long it will be in print form I don't know. The cover will be basically the same. I think the format will be larger to accommodate the graphics, perhaps that size known as Crown Quarto.
As a point of idle curiosity, would anyone other than me be interested in "exemplar" versions, meaning hand-bound, on very nice paper, with a bookmark ribon, nice endpapers, and all of that? They obviously wouldn't be cheap to produce or purchase. I asked my publisher if he might produce a few in a limited edition, but haven't heard back from him about this yet, as I sent it Friday, and he was likely off over the weekend. I admit a fetish for nicely bound books but have no idea the degree to which others might appreciate that sort of thing. It may all be vanity and absurdity, yet for years I have dreamed of such a version anyway. If my publisher won't, I might have one made for myself for my private amusement.
As a point of idle curiosity, would anyone other than me be interested in "exemplar" versions, meaning hand-bound, on very nice paper, with a bookmark ribon, nice endpapers, and all of that? They obviously wouldn't be cheap to produce or purchase. I asked my publisher if he might produce a few in a limited edition, but haven't heard back from him about this yet, as I sent it Friday, and he was likely off over the weekend. I admit a fetish for nicely bound books but have no idea the degree to which others might appreciate that sort of thing. It may all be vanity and absurdity, yet for years I have dreamed of such a version anyway. If my publisher won't, I might have one made for myself for my private amusement.
Yes please. I love nicely bound books as well. I would preorder a few of those nice versions.
Is there any way to preorder the book now or get an electronic version or something? I want to read it as soon as possible!
elizabeth, modified 6 Years ago at 6/26/17 6:08 PM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/26/17 6:08 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 76 Join Date: 5/10/14 Recent PostsAdam, modified 6 Years ago at 6/27/17 4:35 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/27/17 4:35 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 110 Join Date: 3/10/16 Recent PostsSimon Ekstrand, modified 6 Years ago at 6/27/17 12:04 PM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/27/17 12:04 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 245 Join Date: 9/23/11 Recent Posts
Wow, congratulations on getting it completed Daniel, what a long trip it has been.
Set this up so we can buy a signed copy directly from you please!![emoticon](https://www.dharmaoverground.org/o/classic-theme/images/emoticons/happy.gif)
Really looking forward to reading the book.
Simon
Set this up so we can buy a signed copy directly from you please!
![emoticon](https://www.dharmaoverground.org/o/classic-theme/images/emoticons/happy.gif)
Really looking forward to reading the book.
Simon
Mark Boolootian, modified 6 Years ago at 6/27/17 8:03 PM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/27/17 8:03 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 16 Join Date: 6/26/11 Recent Posts
Regarding how long before it is in print, according to AEON, it looks like March 2018:
http://www.aeonbooks.co.uk/product/mastering-the-core-teachings-of-the-buddha-an-unusually-hardcore-dharma-book-second-edition/40590/?MATCH=1
http://www.aeonbooks.co.uk/product/mastering-the-core-teachings-of-the-buddha-an-unusually-hardcore-dharma-book-second-edition/40590/?MATCH=1
J C, modified 6 Years ago at 6/28/17 2:05 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/28/17 2:05 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 644 Join Date: 4/24/13 Recent Posts
Wow thanks for the link! I hope it's available before then or there's an electronic copy available before then... I don't know if I can make it till March!!
Daniel M Ingram, modified 6 Years ago at 6/28/17 2:57 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 6/28/17 2:57 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
There will be a free electronic version again, like with the first edition, as the option to do that is in my publishing contract (gotta' love Aeon Publications, as who else would allow that?) but there are few complexities to work out beforehand owing to some odd quirks of the history of how this edition happened, so, as soon as those are sorted out, I will release the electronic edition.
Oliver at Aeon said they would be happy to produce a nice hardbound edition, so that will happen. Yeah! I will let you know more when I know more. In the meantime, there is typesetting, proofs to read, and all of that, which take some time.
Oliver at Aeon said they would be happy to produce a nice hardbound edition, so that will happen. Yeah! I will let you know more when I know more. In the meantime, there is typesetting, proofs to read, and all of that, which take some time.
LoveQuest, modified 6 Years ago at 9/3/17 3:20 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 9/3/17 3:20 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 20 Join Date: 7/13/17 Recent PostsThis very moment, modified 6 Years ago at 9/3/17 6:59 PM
Created 6 Years ago at 9/3/17 6:59 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 71 Join Date: 7/6/17 Recent PostsDaniel M Ingram, modified 6 Years ago at 9/7/17 4:45 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 9/7/17 4:45 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Aeon wanted to one last light editorial pass just to make sure they had read it and that all typos and little things had been caught, so it is on the desk of DB, likely back to me sometime this month, he thinks, and then I just need to read his edits and sign off on it and send it back and then they typeset it and make a book of it, so we are close.
J C, modified 6 Years ago at 9/13/17 2:14 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 9/13/17 2:14 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 644 Join Date: 4/24/13 Recent PostsDaniel M. Ingram:
Aeon wanted to one last light editorial pass just to make sure they had read it and that all typos and little things had been caught, so it is on the desk of DB, likely back to me sometime this month, he thinks, and then I just need to read his edits and sign off on it and send it back and then they typeset it and make a book of it, so we are close.
Where are we with the electronic version? I'm so excited!
Daniel M Ingram, modified 6 Years ago at 9/13/17 3:28 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 9/13/17 3:28 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
The electronic version should be out around the same time the book is available, that being when the final version is completed and copywrited, with more details when I know them.
Some experiences along the way made me a bit more cautious about getting this one out, so apologies for that. I plan to update the version here in the wiki shortly thereafter, hopefully fix all the broken links, and also have a .pdf version available, and people likely will create ebook versions also, which is fine by me.
There is a new cover for the book, just slightly different, with pinkish-purple swirls on the front rather than the red ones of the first version, just finalizing all that now. Thanks to all who submitted designs years ago in that hilarious thread, but the final thing will be pretty close to the original.
I have no idea if MCTB2 will live up to people's expectations, but I have tried my best to enhance it, clarify things, and make it better and more usable, as well as a bit more human, as it has more of my story in it to help normalize things. It has been a long, strange road.
May all this work help practitioners to accomplish all they are capable of with more ease than might have happened otherwise.
Some experiences along the way made me a bit more cautious about getting this one out, so apologies for that. I plan to update the version here in the wiki shortly thereafter, hopefully fix all the broken links, and also have a .pdf version available, and people likely will create ebook versions also, which is fine by me.
There is a new cover for the book, just slightly different, with pinkish-purple swirls on the front rather than the red ones of the first version, just finalizing all that now. Thanks to all who submitted designs years ago in that hilarious thread, but the final thing will be pretty close to the original.
I have no idea if MCTB2 will live up to people's expectations, but I have tried my best to enhance it, clarify things, and make it better and more usable, as well as a bit more human, as it has more of my story in it to help normalize things. It has been a long, strange road.
May all this work help practitioners to accomplish all they are capable of with more ease than might have happened otherwise.
Yilun Ong, modified 6 Years ago at 9/13/17 4:36 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 9/13/17 4:36 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 623 Join Date: 8/7/17 Recent PostsDaniel M. Ingram:
May all this work help practitioners to accomplish all they are capable of with more ease than might have happened otherwise.
Congratulations and deep gratitude, Daniel! I believe your work has and will benefit many! Looking forward to grabbing a copy...
![emoticon](https://www.dharmaoverground.org/o/classic-theme/images/emoticons/smile.gif)
Richard Zen, modified 6 Years ago at 9/17/17 10:22 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 9/17/17 10:22 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 1665 Join Date: 5/18/10 Recent PostsDavid Starflower, modified 6 Years ago at 9/21/17 10:25 PM
Created 6 Years ago at 9/21/17 10:25 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 33 Join Date: 9/10/17 Recent PostsDaniel M Ingram, modified 6 Years ago at 9/22/17 1:08 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 9/22/17 1:08 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent PostsAlan Smithee, modified 6 Years ago at 11/5/17 12:07 PM
Created 6 Years ago at 11/5/17 12:07 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 310 Join Date: 4/2/10 Recent Posts
Yo yo! MCTB2 is now on Amazon for pre-orders!
May 31, 2018.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1911597108/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
I really can't wait to read this. Very exciting stuff.
May 31, 2018.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1911597108/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
I really can't wait to read this. Very exciting stuff.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 6 Years ago at 11/6/17 2:00 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 11/6/17 2:00 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Yeah, except there are still a few hundred pages to do the last light edit on and the proofs to be approved, but otherwise we are close.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 6 Years ago at 11/7/17 2:20 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 11/7/17 2:20 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Got through second batch of light edits to accept, mostly things about Aeon's preferred use of capitals and the like, which are done to the section on Fruition. It is pretty fast work at this point, but Aeon's editor's time is short, so not sure when the next batch will show up. Anyway, still progress is being made. Hopefully, it won't be much longer. It is fun re-reading it and realizing that all sorts of things I feared I forgot to include are all in there. May it help many practitioners to realize all this for themselves.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 6 Years ago at 12/5/17 2:21 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 12/5/17 2:21 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
The last light edit is finally done, the file is back on the desk of Aeon, and now there is just typesetting, proofs and print if all goes well.
Yeah!
Yeah!
Daniel M Ingram, modified 6 Years ago at 1/10/18 11:42 PM
Created 6 Years ago at 1/10/18 11:42 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Rumor from Aeon is that it might be out by April, but those who know how this has gone so far will hopefully chuckle a bit when they read that. ;)
Daniel M Ingram, modified 6 Years ago at 2/8/18 8:21 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 2/8/18 8:21 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
The typeset proofs are back on my desk, hopefully will have them reviewed in the next few weeks and back to Aeon for the final typesetting.
Daniel - san, modified 6 Years ago at 2/8/18 4:03 PM
Created 6 Years ago at 2/8/18 4:03 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 309 Join Date: 9/9/14 Recent Postsrik, modified 6 Years ago at 2/8/18 7:24 PM
Created 6 Years ago at 2/8/18 7:24 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 51 Join Date: 2/9/17 Recent PostsDaniel M Ingram, modified 6 Years ago at 3/2/18 6:21 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 3/2/18 6:21 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
I am done reviewing the typeset proofs, and two other readers are almost done with their review of them, and, when they are, I will compile all the little changes, send this off to Aeon (hopefully by the end of next week), they will then add the ones they wish to, and then we re-index it based on those, and it is done. Yeah!
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 5/17/18 6:33 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/17/18 6:32 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
MCTB2 index and all TOC and other corrections should be done this week and printing should begin on Monday if all goes well. There will be a free version at www.mctb.org. I will work to create a summary of the key points, as it is now very long. I have two friends who have volunteered to help with the summary creation process, and there might be more helping.
Dada Kind, modified 5 Years ago at 5/17/18 11:26 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/17/18 11:26 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 633 Join Date: 11/15/13 Recent Posts
! Good news
Not sure if you've been asked this yet, but has the publication of similar pragmatic-oriented books by Rob Burbea, Shinzen Young, Culadasa, Leigh Brasington, etc in the past few years influenced MCTB2 significantly? Content-wise? In presentation/style, at least?
Thanks!
Not sure if you've been asked this yet, but has the publication of similar pragmatic-oriented books by Rob Burbea, Shinzen Young, Culadasa, Leigh Brasington, etc in the past few years influenced MCTB2 significantly? Content-wise? In presentation/style, at least?
Thanks!
Malte, modified 5 Years ago at 5/18/18 9:31 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/18/18 9:30 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 38 Join Date: 4/24/15 Recent PostsDaniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 5/18/18 10:06 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/18/18 10:06 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
MCTB2 is very much like MCTB, just a lot longer. Its style is very much the same, the writing very much my own. The quirks are there in abundance. It makes no attempts to be anything other than what it is. Still, I am pondering what will be involved in creating a much shorter summary in the range of 100 pages or so. That will be a project that will have to wait until I sell my houses and land, as that is the next large time-suck project that needs to be finished.
Konstantin Alexandrov, modified 5 Years ago at 5/19/18 2:13 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/19/18 2:13 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 17 Join Date: 10/5/17 Recent PostsDaniel M. Ingram:
MCTB2 is very much like MCTB, just a lot longer. Its style is very much the same, the writing very much my own. The quirks are there in abundance. It makes no attempts to be anything other than what it is. Still, I am pondering what will be involved in creating a much shorter summary in the range of 100 pages or so. That will be a project that will have to wait until I sell my houses and land, as that is the next large time-suck project that needs to be finished.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 5/19/18 9:18 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/19/18 9:18 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Plan is sell main house, be homeless for a while, wander the world for some indefinite period doing what seems best, see what happens.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 5/19/18 10:06 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/19/18 10:06 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Finishing checking the typeset proofs of the index shortly, which is the last thing to do, then will send off the last of the corrections and the beast will be done, hopefully in the next few hours.
The index is totally over the top, by the way, at about 20 pages, and I still laugh out loud every time I read it.
The index is totally over the top, by the way, at about 20 pages, and I still laugh out loud every time I read it.
rik, modified 5 Years ago at 5/19/18 11:56 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/19/18 11:56 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 51 Join Date: 2/9/17 Recent PostsDaniel M. Ingram:
Finishing checking the typeset proofs of the index shortly, which is the last thing to do, then will send off the last of the corrections and the beast will be done, hopefully in the next few hours.
The index is totally over the top, by the way, at about 20 pages, and I still laugh out loud every time I read it.
The index is totally over the top, by the way, at about 20 pages, and I still laugh out loud every time I read it.
Do you know how long it will take between this process being completed and when it will start shipping?
I read the first one on the computer and have been waiting to buy a physical copy of this one, looking forward to seeing it!
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 5/19/18 11:58 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/19/18 11:58 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent PostsAndrew, modified 5 Years ago at 5/20/18 2:55 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/20/18 2:55 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 8 Join Date: 6/13/17 Recent Posts
Looking forward to the new version. Thanks for your dedication in producing it. Any chance the previously mentioned deluxe version with quality binding, etc will get released? I'd order one without hesitation. Do you have an expression of interest list for this project to gauge numbers?
Dada Kind, modified 5 Years ago at 5/20/18 10:13 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/20/18 10:13 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 633 Join Date: 11/15/13 Recent Posts
Fair enough.
Will the online version be up on MCTB.org before or after the physical release?
What's the 100 page summary for? Physical release or online only?
Will the online version be up on MCTB.org before or after the physical release?
What's the 100 page summary for? Physical release or online only?
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 5/20/18 10:37 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/20/18 10:37 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Owing to some complexities that happened along the way, the online version won't be available until I have the copyright, as I would prefer to avoid the possibility of anyone doing anything surprising and unfortunate, such as trying to copyright my book as theirs. Sorry for this precaution. The copyright shouldn't take that long, hopefully.
As to the summary, it will proceed from the online version and then what will happen with it I am not sure. It may eventually become a printed book. It may stay an online entity: no idea at this point. I will have to see where the wind takes it and what projects compete for my time and the time of those that might be helping with that project.
As to the summary, it will proceed from the online version and then what will happen with it I am not sure. It may eventually become a printed book. It may stay an online entity: no idea at this point. I will have to see where the wind takes it and what projects compete for my time and the time of those that might be helping with that project.
Billy, modified 5 Years ago at 5/20/18 2:20 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/20/18 2:20 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 19 Join Date: 4/30/18 Recent PostsDaniel M. Ingram:
Owing to some complexities that happened along the way, the online version won't be available until I have the copyright,
I believe that in strict legal terms, a work is copyrighted as soon as it is written. If you’re talking about registering with the U.S. copyright office, they say on their website to allow 6-18 months.
Liam Mulqueen-Duquette, modified 5 Years ago at 5/22/18 11:06 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 5/22/18 11:05 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 2 Join Date: 2/20/12 Recent PostsHans, modified 5 Years ago at 6/1/18 6:09 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/1/18 6:09 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3 Join Date: 6/1/18 Recent Posts
Daniel, would it possible to get an electronic copy privately, if I prove to you (via bank statement etc) that I've preordered the physical edition from Aeon? I'd love to get started reading it.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 6/4/18 10:43 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/4/18 10:43 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
A hardbound, deluxe, limited edition of MCTB2 will be available and can be pre-ordered here from Aeon.I have asked Aeon to keep the markup in price over production costs the same as the paper version, but I don't know the production costs, so don't know how the price relates to the cost to make the book. Remember, there will be a free, online version here.
While seemingly a vanity project, which in some ways it is, I plan to give this more durable version to some meditation centers' libraries and the like. I also just love well-bound, durable books. Call me old fashioned.
The hardbound book cover will be of claret-colored Wibalin (an eco-friendly durable paper product), and the paper for the pages will be of 80gms Munken Premium Cream. The content will be the same.
A team has been assembled for a summary, condensed version of the book and we should start work shortly. It will likely initially be available at www.mctb.org, but Aeon has agreed to publish it in book form also when we are done. I imagine something that could fit in one's pocket and be about one tenth the length of the original. This will involve significant reduction in useuful content, but also create something far less daunting to read.
Thanks for your patience,
Daniel
While seemingly a vanity project, which in some ways it is, I plan to give this more durable version to some meditation centers' libraries and the like. I also just love well-bound, durable books. Call me old fashioned.
The hardbound book cover will be of claret-colored Wibalin (an eco-friendly durable paper product), and the paper for the pages will be of 80gms Munken Premium Cream. The content will be the same.
A team has been assembled for a summary, condensed version of the book and we should start work shortly. It will likely initially be available at www.mctb.org, but Aeon has agreed to publish it in book form also when we are done. I imagine something that could fit in one's pocket and be about one tenth the length of the original. This will involve significant reduction in useuful content, but also create something far less daunting to read.
Thanks for your patience,
Daniel
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 6/4/18 11:04 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/4/18 11:04 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Re: copyright times, one can pay the Copyright office an additional $875 expediting fee and obtain a copyright in a much shorter time. This has already been done multiple times with the book to defend my rights to the content of my works.
Re: copyright happening automatically, this is true unless you are possibly facing legal challenges in court, and then it is not true in practice and you need the real copyright certificate. Thus, given the odd history of this book, I am preparing most thoroughily just in case surprises occur. I expect none, given that this current published version goes back to a draft from before the trouble began and Y's off from there, using nothing of the disputed version, still, I am being cautious, particularly given the point below:
Re: giving out electronic copies before I have the copyright, this has only occurred on an extremely limited basis for those helping with the production of the book and a few other rare circumstances to very close friends who are trusted absolutely. Given that the copyright office is a bit rubber-stampy with any copyrights submitted, meaning that you can copyright in your name nearly anything that doesn't already have a registered copyright, and this apparently can't easily be stopped once it is submitted without a Federal Injunction, which are extremely hard and costly to obtain, and to fight said rubber-stampiness once it occurs costs in the $50,000-$100,000+ range in Federal court and takes years, I am taking no chances this time with the manuscript, given what happened earlier in its history. To get this manuscript to production has so far cost me in the $40,000 range, which is much more than MCTB1 generated in total revenue to me and more than MCTB2 is likely to generate in the next decade if MCTB1 is any guide. I would prefer to not have to add $50,000 to $100,000+ to that pricetag for obvious reasons, much less spend all that time around lawyers and in courts. Sorry for the level of caution. Patience is recommended.
Daniel
Re: copyright happening automatically, this is true unless you are possibly facing legal challenges in court, and then it is not true in practice and you need the real copyright certificate. Thus, given the odd history of this book, I am preparing most thoroughily just in case surprises occur. I expect none, given that this current published version goes back to a draft from before the trouble began and Y's off from there, using nothing of the disputed version, still, I am being cautious, particularly given the point below:
Re: giving out electronic copies before I have the copyright, this has only occurred on an extremely limited basis for those helping with the production of the book and a few other rare circumstances to very close friends who are trusted absolutely. Given that the copyright office is a bit rubber-stampy with any copyrights submitted, meaning that you can copyright in your name nearly anything that doesn't already have a registered copyright, and this apparently can't easily be stopped once it is submitted without a Federal Injunction, which are extremely hard and costly to obtain, and to fight said rubber-stampiness once it occurs costs in the $50,000-$100,000+ range in Federal court and takes years, I am taking no chances this time with the manuscript, given what happened earlier in its history. To get this manuscript to production has so far cost me in the $40,000 range, which is much more than MCTB1 generated in total revenue to me and more than MCTB2 is likely to generate in the next decade if MCTB1 is any guide. I would prefer to not have to add $50,000 to $100,000+ to that pricetag for obvious reasons, much less spend all that time around lawyers and in courts. Sorry for the level of caution. Patience is recommended.
Daniel
Chris M, modified 5 Years ago at 6/4/18 12:34 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/4/18 12:34 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 5175 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent PostsDaniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 6/4/18 3:10 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/4/18 3:10 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
I should note as a point of deep gratitude that a solid chunk of those costs were helped by a single donation by a skillful patron, so I didn’t have to bear all of those costs, but I did still ending up spending about what MCTB1 generated in revenue during its decade in printed publication. I actually am happy to keep the dharma very money-neutral, which this all ends up being, as I strongly feel that keeping the money part clean helps keep the dharma clean, and, oddly enough, through complexity, that has been almost exactly how things have ended up.
Noah D, modified 5 Years ago at 6/4/18 3:18 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/4/18 3:18 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 1211 Join Date: 9/1/16 Recent PostsDaniel M. Ingram:
I should note as a point of deep gratitude that a solid chunk of those costs were helped by a single donation by a skillful patron, so I didn’t have to bear all of those costs, but I did still ending up spending about what MCTB1 generated in revenue during its decade in printed publication. I actually am happy to keep the dharma very money-neutral, which this all ends up being, as I strongly feel that keeping the money part clean helps keep the dharma clean, and, oddly enough, through complexity, that has been almost exactly how things have ended up.
This is a nice lesson! Appreciated.
Hans, modified 5 Years ago at 6/5/18 3:17 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/5/18 3:17 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3 Join Date: 6/1/18 Recent PostsDaniel M. Ingram:
I would prefer to not have to add $50,000 to $100,000+ to that pricetag for obvious reasons, much less spend all that time around lawyers and in courts. Sorry for the level of caution.
Andrew, modified 5 Years ago at 6/6/18 5:26 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/6/18 5:26 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 8 Join Date: 6/13/17 Recent PostsDaniel M. Ingram:
A hardbound, deluxe, limited edition of MCTB2 will be available and can be pre-ordered here from Aeon.
Order placed.
Thank you so much for both the work itself and making this edition available. As an avid reader I appreciate the modern benefits of ebooks and print on demand versions ensuring availability. There is just something a little sad about reading great ideas presented in condensed ugly fonts, haphazard bindings or barely opaque stock that has become too common (even in professional reference works, I'm looking at you Elsevier!). As any good magician, salesman or politician knows some attention to the context/medium/circumstances of the message contributes greatly to a successful transmission. So thank yo again for this.
Jinxed P, modified 5 Years ago at 6/6/18 6:36 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/6/18 6:36 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 347 Join Date: 8/29/11 Recent Posts
Daniel,
Why does Aeon go with such a high price? I understand for the deluxe edition, but even for MTCB 1, the price right now for the Kindle on Amazon is $25, and $40 for the paperback. How much will the new version cost? Only huge fans (like me) would pay such a price for the book, but there's no way the general public will. I can't imagine that price would be the most profitable for either you or Aeon.
When the book comes out, I'm going to let all my dharma friends know about it, but if the cost is anything above $20 for a paperback I don't see them buying it.
Why does Aeon go with such a high price? I understand for the deluxe edition, but even for MTCB 1, the price right now for the Kindle on Amazon is $25, and $40 for the paperback. How much will the new version cost? Only huge fans (like me) would pay such a price for the book, but there's no way the general public will. I can't imagine that price would be the most profitable for either you or Aeon.
When the book comes out, I'm going to let all my dharma friends know about it, but if the cost is anything above $20 for a paperback I don't see them buying it.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 6/6/18 7:05 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/6/18 7:05 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
My deal with Aeon is that they have no control of the content and I have no control of the price. They did start the price a lot higher, actually, then dropped it at my request, then, after more requests, dropped it again, so it is a lot cheaper than it was, but I think that is as low as they will go, and there it is. There is also a free version that will be available, which is really cool of them to tolerate, and it will be in both .pdf and on a website www.mctb.org, once I get that up and everything is secure. Anyway, nothing else I can do about it. It will be what it is.
Laurel Carrington, modified 5 Years ago at 6/7/18 1:16 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/7/18 1:16 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 439 Join Date: 4/7/14 Recent Posts
Thanks for the update. Your readers are poised to swoop in and partake the moment it is released
.
![emoticon](https://www.dharmaoverground.org/o/classic-theme/images/emoticons/happy.gif)
Antonius Block, modified 5 Years ago at 6/7/18 10:55 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/7/18 10:55 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 16 Join Date: 4/1/13 Recent Posts
Yes, I just pre-ordered the hardback version too. I know that the benefits from this book are going to be worth far more than the price to me. And, I love a good-quality hardback.
Heiliges Basilikum, modified 5 Years ago at 6/10/18 11:56 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/10/18 11:56 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 7 Join Date: 6/5/18 Recent Posts
It's been fascinating to read the progression of the book edits to the submission to the copywriting. Thank you for being transparent and open with the process!
Hans, modified 5 Years ago at 6/11/18 6:03 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/11/18 6:03 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3 Join Date: 6/1/18 Recent Posts
Aeon just emailed me, they've received the paperback versions of MCTB2 and are starting to ship the preorders
![emoticon](https://www.dharmaoverground.org/o/classic-theme/images/emoticons/happy.gif)
Antonius Block, modified 5 Years ago at 6/11/18 11:16 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/11/18 10:45 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 16 Join Date: 4/1/13 Recent Posts
Hans, that's great news, I can see the paperback version is showing as "in stock" on the Aeon website. I hope the hardbound version follows soon!
Hmm, I hope there is no conflict between the paperback hitting the public domain and Daniel securing copyright.
Hmm, I hope there is no conflict between the paperback hitting the public domain and Daniel securing copyright.
Nick Green, modified 5 Years ago at 6/14/18 3:52 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/14/18 3:49 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 53 Join Date: 12/8/10 Recent Posts
My (paperback) version arrived today here in UK! Whilst Amazon Prime have it listed for 30 June, I found another bookshop (via Amazon) listing it to deliver now (free P&P). On first opening the package I was intially surprised to see it physically bigger than the first version (same dimensions as TMI) but understandable given the increase in text. Also, delighted to see a long autobiographical section (maybe over 100 pages) that I gave a thumbs up for a while back on DhO. So, time to start reading. Thanks Daniel
![emoticon](https://www.dharmaoverground.org/o/classic-theme/images/emoticons/happy.gif)
Antonius Block, modified 5 Years ago at 6/15/18 5:03 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/15/18 5:03 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 16 Join Date: 4/1/13 Recent Posts
Nick, that's great news and interesting about your impressions, thanks for sharing. The online version at www.mctb.org is still "coming soon," I guess awaiting the copyright. No sign of the hardback version I ordered (I'm also in the UK) - still listed as forthcoming on the Aeon website. Looking forward to more discussion but in the meantime I will have to be patient.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 6/15/18 10:53 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/15/18 10:53 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
I finished creating all the pages for www.mctb.org, entering in all the book sections, with the large exception of the footnotes, still thinking about how to do that best in Wordpress. The footnotes are important and numerous. I was thinking of just putting them in [square brackets] wherever the footnote was to have been. Thoughts? Found the first error: a sentence that mentions a chapter that is no longer there. There will surely be others as well.
Dada Kind, modified 5 Years ago at 6/15/18 11:51 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/15/18 11:51 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 633 Join Date: 11/15/13 Recent Posts
I'm not a Wordpress guy but,
https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/footnotes/
One of these plugins might help. (Sorted by popularity). Anything to read it sooner
https://wordpress.org/plugins/tags/footnotes/
One of these plugins might help. (Sorted by popularity). Anything to read it sooner
![emoticon](https://www.dharmaoverground.org/o/classic-theme/images/emoticons/tongue.gif)
Bart, modified 5 Years ago at 6/16/18 4:30 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/16/18 4:10 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 6 Join Date: 6/7/15 Recent Posts
Hello Daniel, I would use square brackets with any number, and install this plugin: https://wordpress.org/plugins/footnotation/
As the documentation reads:
To make a footnote, type it inline within arbitrarily numbered square brackets:
As the documentation reads:
To make a footnote, type it inline within arbitrarily numbered square brackets:
[7. Example footnote.] |
Antonius Block, modified 5 Years ago at 6/16/18 7:04 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/16/18 7:04 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 16 Join Date: 4/1/13 Recent Posts
Hello Daniel,
Just putting the footnote text in square brackets would be ok, but would disrupt the flow of the main text somewhat. There is a reason you put them into footnotes in the first place. Having said that, I don't have any clever ideas for how to do it better. I can't wait to read it in whatever format, square brackets or whatever :-)
Thank you for doing the free version, no doubt it will become a valuable web resource.
Just putting the footnote text in square brackets would be ok, but would disrupt the flow of the main text somewhat. There is a reason you put them into footnotes in the first place. Having said that, I don't have any clever ideas for how to do it better. I can't wait to read it in whatever format, square brackets or whatever :-)
Thank you for doing the free version, no doubt it will become a valuable web resource.
Linda Wright, modified 5 Years ago at 6/16/18 3:28 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/16/18 3:28 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3 Join Date: 9/19/09 Recent Posts
The Kindle version is out! I got an email from Aeon notifying me that it was awaiting me in my library. Looking forward to another deep dive.
Thanks for all your effort on this enormous project, Daniel.
Thanks for all your effort on this enormous project, Daniel.
Mantri Sanyasi Raj, modified 5 Years ago at 6/16/18 10:28 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/16/18 10:28 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 12 Join Date: 6/16/18 Recent Posts
Question about the Audio book - Is the audio book based on MCTB or MCTB2/ Sorry - It's not clear from the audio book link on Daniel's web ste.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 6/17/18 8:12 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/17/18 7:49 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent PostsMantri Sanyasi Raj, modified 5 Years ago at 6/17/18 4:00 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/17/18 4:00 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 12 Join Date: 6/16/18 Recent Posts
Thanks - Looking forward to it. Due to a visual impairment, I rely on audio books rather than printed ones, so that would be very helpful.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 6/17/18 5:03 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/17/18 5:03 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
As to the audiobook, the time it will take me will be directly proportional to the amount of quality of the recording in terms of accuracy and professionalism. Even though I wrote it and know it well, I am a touch dyslexic and mix up words, word order, numbers and the like when I read out loud sometimes and can't always tell I have even done it. Audio quality will be very high regardless, as sound was my first career and I have a great recording rig, but reading quality might be variable unless I take a ton of time to carefully do takes of each part and edit carefully.
I am mostly tempted to just set aside a few days, read it into a good mic, edit it little, and let it be what it is, reading flaws and all. I doubt I can read it straight through without adding in some additional commentary, revision, laughter, sighs, perhaps snark, the occasional grunt, and other things that would generally be considered totally unprofessional in a normal audiobook but might just be fun here if people can get into that spirit of things. I think that would fit with the tone of the book, but some might not get it. Thoughts? Take the time to read it straight and clean and edit it very carefully or just read it in one take and to heck with it for the sake of expedience?
Daniel
I am mostly tempted to just set aside a few days, read it into a good mic, edit it little, and let it be what it is, reading flaws and all. I doubt I can read it straight through without adding in some additional commentary, revision, laughter, sighs, perhaps snark, the occasional grunt, and other things that would generally be considered totally unprofessional in a normal audiobook but might just be fun here if people can get into that spirit of things. I think that would fit with the tone of the book, but some might not get it. Thoughts? Take the time to read it straight and clean and edit it very carefully or just read it in one take and to heck with it for the sake of expedience?
Daniel
Mantri Sanyasi Raj, modified 5 Years ago at 6/17/18 6:10 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/17/18 6:10 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 12 Join Date: 6/16/18 Recent Posts
My vote: I am tempted to lean towards fun, impromptu and expediency
but as an afterthought will vote to - Please take your time to do it right. This is going to be a very important and vauable resource that will probably live on for a very long time. Many people will just listen to the audio book and not read the print version so its quality is as important as the print version and not just an add-on/extra. So - Don't rush it!
![emoticon](https://www.dharmaoverground.org/o/classic-theme/images/emoticons/happy.gif)
but as an afterthought will vote to - Please take your time to do it right. This is going to be a very important and vauable resource that will probably live on for a very long time. Many people will just listen to the audio book and not read the print version so its quality is as important as the print version and not just an add-on/extra. So - Don't rush it!
Adam, modified 5 Years ago at 6/18/18 10:53 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/18/18 10:53 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 110 Join Date: 3/10/16 Recent Posts
At the risk of trying to have my cake and eat it... why not both? Suggest doing the one take approach one chapter at a time, as time and mood permits and release as a mini-podcast series on your website, indulging in any digressions you like (so almost like a directors cut/commentary). And also do a traditional/professional version as a proper audiobook even if it takes you a long time to get done, since the informal version would tide people over.
Related question - when will the hardback MCTB2 be done/sent?
Related question - when will the hardback MCTB2 be done/sent?
Not two, not one, modified 5 Years ago at 6/18/18 2:32 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/18/18 2:32 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 1038 Join Date: 7/13/17 Recent Posts
[quote=]Thoughts? Take the time to read it straight and clean and edit it very carefully or just read it in one take and to heck with it for the sake of expedience?
Daniel
It's a hard one Daniel. The clean and perfect might reach a new audience, particularly the visually impaired. Whereas the one take would be really appreciated by your existing audience. I guess I'm inclined to say - let the author's voice shine through. One take. JMHO.
Daniel
It's a hard one Daniel. The clean and perfect might reach a new audience, particularly the visually impaired. Whereas the one take would be really appreciated by your existing audience. I guess I'm inclined to say - let the author's voice shine through. One take. JMHO.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 6/18/18 8:19 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/18/18 8:19 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Alright, will think about those suggestions for the audiobook. The goofball in me wants to do it in funny accents: will have to work on that.
Just finished transferring all of the text including footnotes from the .pdf to Wordpress, so it is just a question of prettying up some links and getting some things settled and it will be up and available.
As to the hardback version of MCTB2: no idea when it will be done.
The summary team is assembled to start working on the stripped-down, practice-oriented pocket version: will see how that goes, but don't hold your breath, as it will be harder to meditate on it if you do. ;)
Just finished transferring all of the text including footnotes from the .pdf to Wordpress, so it is just a question of prettying up some links and getting some things settled and it will be up and available.
As to the hardback version of MCTB2: no idea when it will be done.
The summary team is assembled to start working on the stripped-down, practice-oriented pocket version: will see how that goes, but don't hold your breath, as it will be harder to meditate on it if you do. ;)
Andromeda, modified 5 Years ago at 6/18/18 8:21 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/18/18 8:21 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 393 Join Date: 1/15/18 Recent PostsDaniel M. Ingram:
As to the audiobook, the time it will take me will be directly proportional to the amount of quality of the recording in terms of accuracy and professionalism. Even though I wrote it and know it well, I am a touch dyslexic and mix up words, word order, numbers and the like when I read out loud sometimes and can't always tell I have even done it. Audio quality will be very high regardless, as sound was my first career and I have a great recording rig, but reading quality might be variable unless I take a ton of time to carefully do takes of each part and edit carefully.
I am mostly tempted to just set aside a few days, read it into a good mic, edit it little, and let it be what it is, reading flaws and all. I doubt I can read it straight through without adding in some additional commentary, revision, laughter, sighs, perhaps snark, the occasional grunt, and other things that would generally be considered totally unprofessional in a normal audiobook but might just be fun here if people can get into that spirit of things. I think that would fit with the tone of the book, but some might not get it. Thoughts? Take the time to read it straight and clean and edit it very carefully or just read it in one take and to heck with it for the sake of expedience?
Daniel
I am mostly tempted to just set aside a few days, read it into a good mic, edit it little, and let it be what it is, reading flaws and all. I doubt I can read it straight through without adding in some additional commentary, revision, laughter, sighs, perhaps snark, the occasional grunt, and other things that would generally be considered totally unprofessional in a normal audiobook but might just be fun here if people can get into that spirit of things. I think that would fit with the tone of the book, but some might not get it. Thoughts? Take the time to read it straight and clean and edit it very carefully or just read it in one take and to heck with it for the sake of expedience?
Daniel
bud , modified 5 Years ago at 6/23/18 10:55 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/23/18 10:55 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 49 Join Date: 6/6/11 Recent Posts
I noticed that a version of what claims to be MCTB2 was uploaded to a popular ebook torrent site today. No idea if it's the finished version, and I'm happy to wait for an official release, but I thought it was interesting that someone got their hands on it.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 6/24/18 6:33 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/24/18 6:33 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Postsbud , modified 5 Years ago at 6/24/18 10:48 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/24/18 10:48 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 49 Join Date: 6/6/11 Recent Posts
It is one of those invite-only torrent trackers (myanonymouse.net), and I have no invites to give. I can grab the file and email it to you if you want to check it out.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 6/24/18 11:34 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/24/18 11:34 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent PostsDada Kind, modified 5 Years ago at 6/24/18 11:34 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/24/18 11:34 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 633 Join Date: 11/15/13 Recent Postsbud , modified 5 Years ago at 6/24/18 12:59 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/24/18 12:59 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 49 Join Date: 6/6/11 Recent Posts
Huh, you're right, I had no idea the ebook was out. I've been sitting here patiently waiting for no reason.
Billy, modified 5 Years ago at 6/25/18 10:17 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/25/18 10:17 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 19 Join Date: 4/30/18 Recent Postsbud .:
It is one of those invite-only torrent trackers
What is happening in this moment, modified 5 Years ago at 6/25/18 11:21 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/25/18 11:19 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 5 Join Date: 5/30/18 Recent Posts
I suppose the growth of Patreon has been one response to piracy. On there, more items, services, one on one sessions etc, can be offered additionally alongside the purchase of a book, to individuals who've donated.
John R, modified 5 Years ago at 6/28/18 5:48 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/28/18 5:46 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 11 Join Date: 6/21/18 Recent Postsbud .:
It is one of those invite-only torrent trackers (myanonymouse.net), and I have no invites to give. I can grab the file and email it to you if you want to check it out.
I'm on there.
It wasn't me.
Edit: it is just the 2nd edition of book one.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 6/28/18 6:32 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 6/28/18 6:32 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Piracy is annoying in theory, but, given that there will be a free version shortly available online anyway, not really a biggie, so long as it is the latest version. www.mctb.org links and table of contents nearly done, very close.
Raving Rhubarb, modified 5 Years ago at 7/5/18 3:31 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 7/5/18 3:31 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 73 Join Date: 7/5/18 Recent Posts
MCTB2 has been out for days and still no review of it here? You guys are weird (:
I read the new parts already. I particularly enjoyed the autobiographical section. To my tastes, it could have been even longer.
Thanks Daniel for all your work. It's highly appreciated.
I read the new parts already. I particularly enjoyed the autobiographical section. To my tastes, it could have been even longer.
Thanks Daniel for all your work. It's highly appreciated.
David R McCoy, modified 5 Years ago at 7/5/18 5:27 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 7/5/18 5:27 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3 Join Date: 7/5/18 Recent Posts
I had just started the 1rst Edition ....and stopped when I heard MCTB2 was in the works...I just placed my order today as I like a hard copy... Looking forward to the new edtion!
Raving Rhubarb, modified 5 Years ago at 7/8/18 5:10 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 7/8/18 5:10 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 73 Join Date: 7/5/18 Recent Posts
By the way, is there a reason why MCTB doesn't mention actualism at all? I'm puzzled that even the autobiographical section doesn't include your experiments with it.
Laurel Carrington, modified 5 Years ago at 7/8/18 8:42 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 7/8/18 8:42 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 439 Join Date: 4/7/14 Recent PostsRaving Rhubarb:
By the way, is there a reason why MCTB doesn't mention actualism at all? I'm puzzled that even the autobiographical section doesn't include your experiments with it.
It’s in there, but not named, in the limited emotional range models, I think it was.
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 7/8/18 5:13 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 7/8/18 11:25 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
As Laurel rightly pointed out, there are aspects of that phase in MCTB2 in the emotional models section (and also the rapture section), but:
1) The autobiographical narrative in MCTB2 largely cuts off in April, 2003, as that is when the essential point of my Buddhist practice occurred. That was 15 years ago. I could write hundreds, if not thousands, of pages about what has happened during those 15 years, of which actualism would be a relatively small part, and I am not sure what I would say about it beyond what I wrote in the essay I wrote about it some years ago. I hardly think of that relatively small period in my overall practice history except when I talk with those who are still interested in actualism for whatever reason.
2) This is a book called Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha, and so, as such, I have largely focused on Buddhism. This seems reasonable to me. While I have pursued all sorts of things during my life and practice, I left most of that out to focus on the topic of the book. Topics that consumed hundreds of hours of practice and study get sentences or paragraphs only. Some are mentioned in a single line or even just hinted at in a phrase. While obviously MCTB2 contains vastly more autobiographical material than MCTB, still, it is not an autobiography, and I did my best to cut the narrative down to key practice-related points and do only a thumbnail sketch of topics that could have been books in themselves. For example, my phase of exploring Ceremonial Magick, which consumed many hundreds of hours of time at least, gets precious few words, though you can see some influence if you look in the magickal sections. My Daoist study gets almost no words at all. I say almost nothing about my yoga phase. I say very little about dreams in comparison to how important dreams have been in my life and practice. I gloss over my childhood and familial trials and tribulations in a few sentences, but they had profound impacts on my practice. My time exploring Zen gets summarized in the recommendation of a few books. Adolescence itself gets about a paragraph, but it was this huge and complex ordeal that again had large practice implications. The situation with Kenneth gets stripped to bare essentials, but the whole story is like some sort of long-running, low-brow, petty, soap-opera tragedy that has lasted for 30 TV seasons and is still going, and that had way more impact on my thoughts on practice, life in general, and the limitations of insight practice as regards social interactions than the brief AF period, which comparitively is but a blip in the whole decades-long timeline.
3) Even with my attempts to streamline things, the book is 320,000 words, which, were it not in crown quarto size, single spaced, and in a small font, would be about 1,300 pages in many normal book formats. Seriously, I think it is now too long, and so have assembled a team to try to cut to the practice nuggets rather than expand the thing out. If you want more on Actualism, there are hundreds of thousands of words written about it in all sorts of forums, and Richard Maynard has been extremely prolific, as have numerous members of his group, and so I hardly think there is any dearth of writing on the topic. Seriously, what more needs to be said? The number of threads even on the DhO about it would take days to read unless you read exceedingly fast, so perhaps that will satisfy whatever lack you perceive.
4) My writings are fractious enough even when I discuss traditional Buddhism. Adding something as obviously inflammatory as Actualism to the mix would hardly help, I feel. Even the DhO, which is more tolerant of a range of practices and frameworks than many settings, did not weather its Actualism phase well, and one can easily trace some of the major schism and alienation of participants on the forum to that period. Many would list that phase of Actualisms discussion as among the most divisive of the DhO's phases. I get enough of that already with MCTB as it is. I personally found that there was something about Actualism that really got people riled up either for or against, and found that people had a very hard time stripping it down to core technologies and focuses, instead getting rapidly spun up into the politics, rhetoric, personalities, dramas, scandals, cult-like aspects, and hype. It seems to rob even very reasonable people of their level-headedness, and many otherwise reasonable people would get polarized and inflammatory against those who were attempting to be level-headed about it, as plenty felt that only extreme positions on Actualism could possibly be valid and that some inquisitive, open-minded, exploratory, experimental, balanced, curious and empirical approach could only be seriously considered by fools who had betrayed the purity of Buddhism. Similarly, there were those who felt that any attempt to deconstruct, critically investigate, analyze, fuse, cross-correlate, moderate, incorporate, question, or modify what they felt was a pure, perfect and holy teaching of Actualism was vile heresy and an attempt to polute Actualism with the delusional, useless, dead-end "180-degrees opposite" that they felt Buddhism was. These viewponts fractured the DhO at points and alienated many who felt that the atmosphere was just too toxic to stick around. Many never returned. I still get emails which start along the lines of, "Hey, I have this question about practice. I would have posted it on the DhO, but I left during the toxic AF period and presume it is still going on, having never looked at the DhO again, as I was so disgusted."
1) The autobiographical narrative in MCTB2 largely cuts off in April, 2003, as that is when the essential point of my Buddhist practice occurred. That was 15 years ago. I could write hundreds, if not thousands, of pages about what has happened during those 15 years, of which actualism would be a relatively small part, and I am not sure what I would say about it beyond what I wrote in the essay I wrote about it some years ago. I hardly think of that relatively small period in my overall practice history except when I talk with those who are still interested in actualism for whatever reason.
2) This is a book called Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha, and so, as such, I have largely focused on Buddhism. This seems reasonable to me. While I have pursued all sorts of things during my life and practice, I left most of that out to focus on the topic of the book. Topics that consumed hundreds of hours of practice and study get sentences or paragraphs only. Some are mentioned in a single line or even just hinted at in a phrase. While obviously MCTB2 contains vastly more autobiographical material than MCTB, still, it is not an autobiography, and I did my best to cut the narrative down to key practice-related points and do only a thumbnail sketch of topics that could have been books in themselves. For example, my phase of exploring Ceremonial Magick, which consumed many hundreds of hours of time at least, gets precious few words, though you can see some influence if you look in the magickal sections. My Daoist study gets almost no words at all. I say almost nothing about my yoga phase. I say very little about dreams in comparison to how important dreams have been in my life and practice. I gloss over my childhood and familial trials and tribulations in a few sentences, but they had profound impacts on my practice. My time exploring Zen gets summarized in the recommendation of a few books. Adolescence itself gets about a paragraph, but it was this huge and complex ordeal that again had large practice implications. The situation with Kenneth gets stripped to bare essentials, but the whole story is like some sort of long-running, low-brow, petty, soap-opera tragedy that has lasted for 30 TV seasons and is still going, and that had way more impact on my thoughts on practice, life in general, and the limitations of insight practice as regards social interactions than the brief AF period, which comparitively is but a blip in the whole decades-long timeline.
3) Even with my attempts to streamline things, the book is 320,000 words, which, were it not in crown quarto size, single spaced, and in a small font, would be about 1,300 pages in many normal book formats. Seriously, I think it is now too long, and so have assembled a team to try to cut to the practice nuggets rather than expand the thing out. If you want more on Actualism, there are hundreds of thousands of words written about it in all sorts of forums, and Richard Maynard has been extremely prolific, as have numerous members of his group, and so I hardly think there is any dearth of writing on the topic. Seriously, what more needs to be said? The number of threads even on the DhO about it would take days to read unless you read exceedingly fast, so perhaps that will satisfy whatever lack you perceive.
4) My writings are fractious enough even when I discuss traditional Buddhism. Adding something as obviously inflammatory as Actualism to the mix would hardly help, I feel. Even the DhO, which is more tolerant of a range of practices and frameworks than many settings, did not weather its Actualism phase well, and one can easily trace some of the major schism and alienation of participants on the forum to that period. Many would list that phase of Actualisms discussion as among the most divisive of the DhO's phases. I get enough of that already with MCTB as it is. I personally found that there was something about Actualism that really got people riled up either for or against, and found that people had a very hard time stripping it down to core technologies and focuses, instead getting rapidly spun up into the politics, rhetoric, personalities, dramas, scandals, cult-like aspects, and hype. It seems to rob even very reasonable people of their level-headedness, and many otherwise reasonable people would get polarized and inflammatory against those who were attempting to be level-headed about it, as plenty felt that only extreme positions on Actualism could possibly be valid and that some inquisitive, open-minded, exploratory, experimental, balanced, curious and empirical approach could only be seriously considered by fools who had betrayed the purity of Buddhism. Similarly, there were those who felt that any attempt to deconstruct, critically investigate, analyze, fuse, cross-correlate, moderate, incorporate, question, or modify what they felt was a pure, perfect and holy teaching of Actualism was vile heresy and an attempt to polute Actualism with the delusional, useless, dead-end "180-degrees opposite" that they felt Buddhism was. These viewponts fractured the DhO at points and alienated many who felt that the atmosphere was just too toxic to stick around. Many never returned. I still get emails which start along the lines of, "Hey, I have this question about practice. I would have posted it on the DhO, but I left during the toxic AF period and presume it is still going on, having never looked at the DhO again, as I was so disgusted."
Daniel M Ingram, modified 5 Years ago at 7/8/18 5:39 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 7/8/18 5:35 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 3268 Join Date: 4/20/09 Recent Posts
Answers to questions:
1) Depends on whom you ask. Richard, having read my material, complained to a very close friend who also knew him and had hung out with him that what we were describing was not Actualism at all, but instead some corrupt Buddhist interpretation of it. However, others who were given designations as having achieved some sort of Actualist something (these designations morphed over time as politics changed), said it was Actualism. Thus, we already have disagreements about what Actualism was and is, and so I would have to ask your definition of it, and then perhaps we can compare. I don't care about most of the questions you ask as it became more and more clear that what Actualism was was not at all clear, at least to me. Richard would likely say that it is all very clear and you just have to read his stuff to clarify it, so, go read his stuff if you are interested, as ActualismTM is Richard's thing, or ask him yourself.
2) As you like.
3) What I did was valuable, and I describe is in that essay, and I described exactly what I did, but what to call it and who can brand it and what box it falls into and how to classify it seems more intellectual, territorial, religious, political and dramatic than what I was actually doing and what it lead to, and that heavy taint of those warring over the terms and politics and the like still seems to linger even now. I got totally sick of all of that years ago, moved on, and never looked back. If you are interested in resurrecting those debates, you will do it on your own.
4) The transformation I list in my micro-PTSD and BlissTech post (which didn't get a lot of traffic or interest, which is surprising to me, given what it discusses) also seems to have also had some strong, lasting power, as I have felt significantly lighter for months now, and it seems to have really cleared some stuff out, but I don't consider that fundamental in the same way as what happened in April, 2003. You can classify these any way you like. Why don't the benefits of discussing Actualism pan out the same way? Well, that's a great question. What I do know is that we did the experiment, it blew up, the DhO fractured into at least three camps, numerous friends were lost, communities broke, people fled, disgust was rampant, thoughtful intellectual debate was reduced, zealous defensiveness pervaded, and as soon as the Actualism thing faded that all stopped. There was no prohibition on discussing Actualism, but so far as I can tell interest either faded or those interested in it left and went elsewhere. I included the metta/powers essay in MCTB2 as I feel it is important, and that the magickal argument for kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity are important, and that increasing the coverage of the Brahmaviharas in MCTB2 was important, and so it seemed a better place for it than an obscure essay lost in a drop-down list on my site.
What is your practical interest in these topics? Where does the rubber meet the road for you, in your life, in your practice now? I fail to see the practical tie-in, so help me with that, please, and might do that in another personal thread to address your particular needs.
So many neat things in MCTB2 from my point of view, and it is interesting that some of the first discussions to arise from it are revolving around topics from which I was thankful that the world seemed to have moved on. Further proof that authors have a hard time predicting how their audiences will respond to their writings.
1) Depends on whom you ask. Richard, having read my material, complained to a very close friend who also knew him and had hung out with him that what we were describing was not Actualism at all, but instead some corrupt Buddhist interpretation of it. However, others who were given designations as having achieved some sort of Actualist something (these designations morphed over time as politics changed), said it was Actualism. Thus, we already have disagreements about what Actualism was and is, and so I would have to ask your definition of it, and then perhaps we can compare. I don't care about most of the questions you ask as it became more and more clear that what Actualism was was not at all clear, at least to me. Richard would likely say that it is all very clear and you just have to read his stuff to clarify it, so, go read his stuff if you are interested, as ActualismTM is Richard's thing, or ask him yourself.
2) As you like.
3) What I did was valuable, and I describe is in that essay, and I described exactly what I did, but what to call it and who can brand it and what box it falls into and how to classify it seems more intellectual, territorial, religious, political and dramatic than what I was actually doing and what it lead to, and that heavy taint of those warring over the terms and politics and the like still seems to linger even now. I got totally sick of all of that years ago, moved on, and never looked back. If you are interested in resurrecting those debates, you will do it on your own.
4) The transformation I list in my micro-PTSD and BlissTech post (which didn't get a lot of traffic or interest, which is surprising to me, given what it discusses) also seems to have also had some strong, lasting power, as I have felt significantly lighter for months now, and it seems to have really cleared some stuff out, but I don't consider that fundamental in the same way as what happened in April, 2003. You can classify these any way you like. Why don't the benefits of discussing Actualism pan out the same way? Well, that's a great question. What I do know is that we did the experiment, it blew up, the DhO fractured into at least three camps, numerous friends were lost, communities broke, people fled, disgust was rampant, thoughtful intellectual debate was reduced, zealous defensiveness pervaded, and as soon as the Actualism thing faded that all stopped. There was no prohibition on discussing Actualism, but so far as I can tell interest either faded or those interested in it left and went elsewhere. I included the metta/powers essay in MCTB2 as I feel it is important, and that the magickal argument for kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity are important, and that increasing the coverage of the Brahmaviharas in MCTB2 was important, and so it seemed a better place for it than an obscure essay lost in a drop-down list on my site.
What is your practical interest in these topics? Where does the rubber meet the road for you, in your life, in your practice now? I fail to see the practical tie-in, so help me with that, please, and might do that in another personal thread to address your particular needs.
So many neat things in MCTB2 from my point of view, and it is interesting that some of the first discussions to arise from it are revolving around topics from which I was thankful that the world seemed to have moved on. Further proof that authors have a hard time predicting how their audiences will respond to their writings.
Chris M, modified 5 Years ago at 7/8/18 8:21 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 7/8/18 8:21 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 5175 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my hardbound version of MCTB2. I'm going to dig into it with zeal once it gets here.
Dada Kind, modified 5 Years ago at 7/8/18 11:21 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 7/8/18 11:20 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 633 Join Date: 11/15/13 Recent Posts
Oh, that post wasn't done. I had to go do other stuff. It's in draft mode. Not sure if it can be viewed by others? I was gonna edit it so sound less argumentative and critical LOL. Anyway, close enough.
1) I don't particularly care about Richard or the official writings of Actualism. I don't have my own definition of Actualism. Almost everything I've read about it has come from your essay, your posts, and a few other DhO posters.
Not sure what you mean by 2).
I still don't see how you feel this way about Actualism-like, but not about MCTB Buddhism. You use Buddhist terminology freely when describing your experiences. Doing so has created all kinds of (very similar) problems. Yet, you feel that it's worthwhile. But, when it comes to Actualism-like it seems you got what you were looking for, gave up on all mapping, and don't advocate for the practices.
4) What you describe in that post is content-based. It also doesn't seem to relate to perception. "You can classify these any way you like." I don't see these classifications as particularly arbitrary. Some practices produce effects at the lower levels of perception, consciousness, etc and are content-less; they can be said to be fundamental. Psychological insights don't fit that description.
I just find your description (and the few others I've read) appealing. I also just want to understand from a mapping POV how it relates to the rest of Buddhism. I could come up with some practical implication for this latter point.
A couple years ago I followed some of instructions in that essay and some from the Hamilton Project. I think I had a couple of PCEs. They are appealing. But, other things vie for my time. Perhaps if there were a larger community with more data points I (or others) would be more inclined to put in more time and reap the benefits. (I see the Actual Freedom Trust or whatever as cult-like so I don't consider that community as an option). This is a practical point. As you say, the essays on your website are obscure. Whether you put MEIA in your book (in some form) has real implications. Less people get access to potentially beneficial instructions, which leads to a smaller community on the DhO.
Sorry about this. I wasn't going to mention all this until I saw someone had the same question. I have other points about MCTB2 which are, incidentally, also critical. They're tricky to explain so maybe another time.
I do have one non-critical thought I had while reading! When you were talking about differential equations it occured to me that maybe there's a correlation in the history of the philosophy of mathematics between having passed the A&P and mathematical platonism. And, perhaps, a negative correlation between having passed the A&P and formalism. In any case, there's a lot of history between mysticism and mathematics.
1) I don't particularly care about Richard or the official writings of Actualism. I don't have my own definition of Actualism. Almost everything I've read about it has come from your essay, your posts, and a few other DhO posters.
Not sure what you mean by 2).
What I did was valuable, and I describe is in that essay, and I described exactly what I did, but what to call it and who can brand it and what box it falls into and how to classify it seems more intellectual, territorial, religious, political and dramatic than what I was actually doing and what it lead to, and that heavy taint of those warring over the terms and politics and the like still seems to linger even now. I got totally sick of all of that years ago, moved on, and never looked back. If you are interested in resurrecting those debates, you will do it on your own.
4) What you describe in that post is content-based. It also doesn't seem to relate to perception. "You can classify these any way you like." I don't see these classifications as particularly arbitrary. Some practices produce effects at the lower levels of perception, consciousness, etc and are content-less; they can be said to be fundamental. Psychological insights don't fit that description.
What is your practical interest in these topics? Where does the rubber meet the road for you, in your life, in your practice now? I fail to see the practical tie-in, so help me with that, please, and might do that in another personal thread to address your particular needs.
A couple years ago I followed some of instructions in that essay and some from the Hamilton Project. I think I had a couple of PCEs. They are appealing. But, other things vie for my time. Perhaps if there were a larger community with more data points I (or others) would be more inclined to put in more time and reap the benefits. (I see the Actual Freedom Trust or whatever as cult-like so I don't consider that community as an option). This is a practical point. As you say, the essays on your website are obscure. Whether you put MEIA in your book (in some form) has real implications. Less people get access to potentially beneficial instructions, which leads to a smaller community on the DhO.
So many neat things in MCTB2 from my point of view, and it is interesting that some of the first discussions to arise from it are revolving around topics from which I was thankful that the world seemed to have moved on. Further proof that authors have a hard time predicting how their audiences will respond to their writings.
I do have one non-critical thought I had while reading! When you were talking about differential equations it occured to me that maybe there's a correlation in the history of the philosophy of mathematics between having passed the A&P and mathematical platonism. And, perhaps, a negative correlation between having passed the A&P and formalism. In any case, there's a lot of history between mysticism and mathematics.
P A, modified 5 Years ago at 7/10/18 7:27 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 7/10/18 7:24 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 7 Join Date: 3/24/18 Recent Posts
Really enjoying MCTB2 though have currently only read bits that are obviously additions/significant expansions of 1st edit. Not sure a 3rd edition (MCTB2 lite) necessary but would love a whole new book devoted just to stages of Insight with more detail than MCTB2. Really enjoyed the Vimeo film you did explaining the Nãnas map in detail and was hoping there'd be more along those lines in MCTB2. Any chance? Specifically I'd like more about how the Nãnas are related to each other via practice- e.g. how does 3rd V Jhana apparently come for free if you reach the 2nd, what maintains a practioner in a stage and what leads to falling back, why are S Jhanas so obviously states but V Jhanas stage like despite their concordance etc etc Thanks .
JohnM, modified 5 Years ago at 7/16/18 10:56 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 7/16/18 10:55 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 87 Join Date: 1/7/18 Recent Posts
My paperback copy of MCTB2 arrived today. Looks wonderful. I love that Aeon offered an ebook version with the paperback purchase. I'll have both out for reference going forward. Great job Daniel!
https://twitter.com/JohnMunroe/status/1019067185010958339
https://twitter.com/JohnMunroe/status/1019067185010958339
ivory, modified 5 Years ago at 7/19/18 1:45 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 7/19/18 1:45 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 199 Join Date: 9/11/14 Recent Posts
I just got my copy of the book today. I'm going camping this weekend for some alone time and can't wait to dig through the pages! Thanks Daniel for putting this together!
Teague, modified 5 Years ago at 7/29/18 4:09 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 7/29/18 4:09 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 104 Join Date: 8/1/11 Recent Posts
Just started reading my beautiful hardbound edition of MCTB2.
Thanks Daniel. This book was and continues to be the most influential book I've ever picked up.
Thanks Daniel. This book was and continues to be the most influential book I've ever picked up.
Robin Woods, modified 5 Years ago at 7/31/18 7:37 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 7/31/18 7:37 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 191 Join Date: 5/28/12 Recent Posts
I'm not finished it yet, but the revised version seems to address so many things that left me confused after first encountering the original.
What a bizarre, strange, extra-ordinary book - the fact that this stuff is actually true is the most remarkable thing that has ever happened in my lifetime.
A Secret Treasure Map From The East - no less - as if reality were actually like The Goonies or something....
What a bizarre, strange, extra-ordinary book - the fact that this stuff is actually true is the most remarkable thing that has ever happened in my lifetime.
A Secret Treasure Map From The East - no less - as if reality were actually like The Goonies or something....
J C, modified 5 Years ago at 9/5/18 1:26 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 9/5/18 1:26 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 644 Join Date: 4/24/13 Recent PostsDada Kind:
I do have one non-critical thought I had while reading!
When you were talking about differential equations it occured to me that maybe there's a correlation in the history of the philosophy of mathematics between having passed the A&P and mathematical platonism.
And, perhaps, a negative correlation between having passed the A&P and formalism.
In any case, there's a lot of history between mysticism and mathematics.
This reminds me of the quote from the book of John that Daniel likes: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," which Daniel interprets to mean that words and concepts have always been a part of ultimate reality.
Your post just sparked a bunch of connections...
Pepe ·, modified 5 Years ago at 9/26/18 8:02 AM
Created 5 Years ago at 9/26/18 7:59 AM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 715 Join Date: 9/26/18 Recent PostsJ C, modified 5 Years ago at 10/9/18 6:51 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 10/9/18 6:51 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 644 Join Date: 4/24/13 Recent PostsDada Kind:
I just find your description (and the few others I've read) appealing. I also just want to understand from a mapping POV how it relates to the rest of Buddhism. I could come up with some practical implication for this latter point.
Omega Point argues persuasively that AF correlates well with an artificially extended and solidified stage in the Tibetan tradition, where dullness prevents you from seeing the problems or moving on:
https://www.dharmaoverground.org/discussion/-/message_boards/message/5527670/en
Mantri Sanyasi Raj, modified 5 Years ago at 12/13/18 5:23 PM
Created 5 Years ago at 12/13/18 5:23 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 12 Join Date: 6/16/18 Recent PostsDaniel M. Ingram:
As to the audiobook, the time it will take me will be directly proportional to the amount of quality of the recording in terms of accuracy and professionalism. Even though I wrote it and know it well, I am a touch dyslexic and mix up words, word order, numbers and the like when I read out loud sometimes and can't always tell I have even done it. Audio quality will be very high regardless, as sound was my first career and I have a great recording rig, but reading quality might be variable unless I take a ton of time to carefully do takes of each part and edit carefully.
I am mostly tempted to just set aside a few days, read it into a good mic, edit it little, and let it be what it is, reading flaws and all. I doubt I can read it straight through without adding in some additional commentary, revision, laughter, sighs, perhaps snark, the occasional grunt, and other things that would generally be considered totally unprofessional in a normal audiobook but might just be fun here if people can get into that spirit of things. I think that would fit with the tone of the book, but some might not get it. Thoughts? Take the time to read it straight and clean and edit it very carefully or just read it in one take and to heck with it for the sake of expedience?
Daniel
Hello Daniel,
Just wondering if you had a chance to work on the audio book project. Is there an MCTB2 audio book out there? Sorry oculd not locate and just wondering if we are any closer to seeing one anytime soon
?
I am mostly tempted to just set aside a few days, read it into a good mic, edit it little, and let it be what it is, reading flaws and all. I doubt I can read it straight through without adding in some additional commentary, revision, laughter, sighs, perhaps snark, the occasional grunt, and other things that would generally be considered totally unprofessional in a normal audiobook but might just be fun here if people can get into that spirit of things. I think that would fit with the tone of the book, but some might not get it. Thoughts? Take the time to read it straight and clean and edit it very carefully or just read it in one take and to heck with it for the sake of expedience?
Daniel
Hello Daniel,
Just wondering if you had a chance to work on the audio book project. Is there an MCTB2 audio book out there? Sorry oculd not locate and just wondering if we are any closer to seeing one anytime soon
![emoticon](https://www.dharmaoverground.org/o/classic-theme/images/emoticons/happy.gif)
Bill T, modified 4 Years ago at 12/23/19 2:50 PM
Created 4 Years ago at 12/23/19 2:50 PM
RE: MCTB2
Posts: 108 Join Date: 11/22/19 Recent PostsJohnM:
My paperback copy of MCTB2 arrived today. Looks wonderful. I love that Aeon offered an ebook version with the paperback purchase. I'll have both out for reference going forward. Great job Daniel!
https://twitter.com/JohnMunroe/status/1019067185010958339
https://twitter.com/JohnMunroe/status/1019067185010958339