how can I create a rule that will allow my machine to FTP to itself, but not allow other machines to FTP to it.. I know this sounds weird but this how they want it so they can test some application functionality that uses ftp.

you would be much better off using 2 systems, one to recieve, one to send.
How you configure ipfilter for ftp depends on if you want to do passive FTP or active FTP, if you're using IPSEC, WU-FTPD etc.

For detailed doc. reference:
http://www.docs.hp.com/en/5991-7705/5991-7705.pdf

There's examples, in chapter #7 "HP-UX IPFILTER & FTP", and at the bottom of the pdf file, none for exactly what you're requesting, but should get you on the right track.

PS: make sure you're running the latest version of ipfilter, especially if you're using the latest opengl patch, otherwise you can expect random OS crashes.

they dont want to use multiple systems... they want this secure as possible so clear text does not make it over the network... dont even ask me why they wont use SFTP, you will get the same stupid answer i got