[Buddha-l] Heart of the matter?

[curt]

Christopher Fynn wrote:
>
> Tibetans locate the "body" centre in the head / brain; the speech 
> centre at the throat; and the "mind" centre at the heart.
>

Tibetans also generally buy into the whole idea of a "subtle body". I 
think that's where the "chakras" are "located". If you do a google 
search on " 'subtle body' tibetan buddhism" you get lots of hits:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22subtle+body%22+tibetan+buddhism&btnG=Google+Search

The very first of those hits is an interesting article on "Extra-bodily 
States in Buddhism":
http://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/archives/approaching_buddhism/introduction/extra_bodily_states.html

The Summary of that article states matter-of-factly:

"In summary, if, without meditation practice and specific training, one 
has an uncontrolled extra-bodily experience, one should not treat it 
lightly or as an amusing curiosity. The cause may be any of the above 
explanations, a combination of factors, or something else entirely. 
Regardless of the cause, should someone be startled while his or her 
consciousness is outside the physical body, it is very easy for the 
connection between the two to be severed. Buddhist literature records 
many cases of such deaths. Therefore, it is extremely important not to 
experiment on one’s own with extra-bodily states. However, with proper 
guidance, a good motivation, and intense meditation practice, such 
states may be harnessed to expand one’s potentials for helping others 
and oneself to the benefit of all."

I would really like to have one of those "extra bodies"!

Curt Steinmetz