[MD] Mind-body practice

[Krimel]

[Dwai]
So long as it is an opinion I have no problem with that. If you were  
cognizant of Classical Indian Philosophy (predates Western Philosophy  
by several thousand years by some accounts) -- Adi Shankara would be  
one of the stalwarts you would have encountered. He espoused Advaita  
Vedanta and brought about a huge revival of Upanishadic philosophy  
and Uttara Mimamsa school in general.

As far as Western Mysticism goes -- I don't really know much about  
it, except what I've read seems to indicate some form of self  
mutilation or repressed sexuality (during the middle ages) or the  
classical mind-body divide (another shining aspect of SOM?). Please  
note, there is no offense meant here.

[Krimel]
I do not live in the east and while I find eastern philosophy interesting I
am not much interested in the evolution of doctrine there. I spend quite a
bit of time on Jewish and Christian doctrinal evolution because it is
interesting to me personally as it informs the views of my friends and
neighbors. I do think people should be acquainted with all aspects of their
culture. I find the degree of religious illiteracy in the west appalling but
I would not put say the Apostle Paul on any list of profound thinkers.
Influential, yes but profound, no. Nor would I expect you to be interested
in Arias, or Valentinus.