Personal power is a feeling, like life.

Go directly to Nirvana. Don't pass go - or you'll have kids, you'll grow old together, you'll be born into another realm where you'll forget that there was even nirvana.

The Buddha taught three cycles of teachings. His first cycle of teachings cover the basics, the prerequisites. This would include the Dharmapada.

All I can say is that these cult stories are totally untrue, are without any foundation, and trade on a deep bias against Westerners who dare to embrace an Eastern belief-system.

If you really want to channel all of your energy towards higher mysticism, you should realize that sex does drain a certain amount of your occult energy.

The main reason people fail is they become attached to others who hold them back. Letting go of others and going forward may seem like a lonely and impossible task, but I assure you it is not.

Go out and do the things you are afraid to do gradually. Gain the power to do that through meditating. You will find yourself limitless reality that knows no fear.