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Moonshoe
Blue Mantis


Registered: 05/28/04
Posts: 27,202
Loc: Iceland
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Are you striving for enlightenment? 4
#22453077 - 10/30/15 10:48 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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How many people actually see attaining some kind of enlightenment state as a real goal in life?
Do you believe in the possibility of enlightenment (nirvana, awakening, transcendence, ascension, liberation etc)?
Do you work towards it?
What methods do you use to attain it?
I believe it is possible. Because by living well I can change my consciousness from horrible to positive, why shouldn't it be possible to go from positive to enlightened?
A single yoga class makes me feel happy, calm and relaxed. A single session of meditation makes me feel calm and at peace.
So it makes sense to me that taking these disciplines farther, practicing them daily for decades, could indeed lead to a total tipping point, a moment where your consciousness passes a threshold into a new state- awakening.
Lately I am getting into binaural beats as a way to use brainwave entrainment as a powerful short cut to meditative absorption.
Just interested for how many people are like Buddhists or Hindus in being concerned with actually working towards a spiritual "End Goal".
--------------------
Everything I post is fiction.
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Oggy
Stranger Danger


Registered: 12/05/14
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22453083 - 10/30/15 10:49 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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No, I am not. Fornicating on everything is too much fun.
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Beanhead
IS IRONIC PARADOX


Registered: 10/11/08
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe] 2
#22453090 - 10/30/15 10:50 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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No, i'm striving to be a functional part of society and finding the few people that make it work somehow.
I read I write I reflect upon that thoughts keep expanding

I'd like stance training & martial arts though.
Edited by Beanhead (10/30/15 10:51 AM)
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deff
just love everyone



Registered: 05/01/04
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22453101 - 10/30/15 10:53 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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to enlightenment !
--------------------
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SunnyD
WiZarD oF LoVe



Registered: 04/29/13
Posts: 25,236
Loc: Planet earth
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Beanhead] 1
#22453120 - 10/30/15 10:59 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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I feel i have found my purpose and i couldnt be happier with life And thats to improve myself and the world around me
Good habits and good vibes, motivation, love and peace of mind But nothings perfect i have my flaws via mind and body I love myself, and i love life beyond words its truly a beautifuly amazing trip bad and good
--------------------
        And to everyone who thinks life is just a game, Do you like the part you are playing? This is the time in life I am living! And I face each day with a smile My music Library of Synthesizer goodness
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: SunnyD]
#22453137 - 10/30/15 11:04 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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If by enlightenment you mean thinking for yourself, then yes.
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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HardTrippin
The Ambivalent



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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy]
#22453144 - 10/30/15 11:06 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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I think its possible but I doubt my ability to achieve such a state while maintaining a career and having a family. I'm gonna aim to get as close as I can in the circumstances anyway.
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"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
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MoxyOx
Grazin'

Registered: 10/08/10
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy]
#22453159 - 10/30/15 11:10 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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That is not enlightenment, that is thinking for yourself.
@OP
Yes, I've become enamored with Zen philosophy and the way of the samurai. The martial arts are becoming a part of me and death is beginning to make sense. The profoundest mushroom experience has slowly begun to become integrated to what I am and what is occurring in this life.
I do not understand enlightenment as the Buddhists perceive it. I find the acceptance and stillness, lacking. If it is what they seek, that is.
-------------------- No one behind, no one ahead. The path the ancients cleared has closed. And the other path, everyone's path, easy and wide, goes nowhere. I am alone and find my way.
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: MoxyOx]
#22453169 - 10/30/15 11:13 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Okay please explain to me what enlightenment is. I found your post to be full of hippie nonsense.
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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MoxyOx
Grazin'

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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy] 1
#22453173 - 10/30/15 11:16 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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No. I owe you nothing. Pick up a book and read Malcolm.
-------------------- No one behind, no one ahead. The path the ancients cleared has closed. And the other path, everyone's path, easy and wide, goes nowhere. I am alone and find my way.
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: MoxyOx]
#22453175 - 10/30/15 11:17 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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What book would you recommend?
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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MoxyOx
Grazin'

Registered: 10/08/10
Posts: 1,439
Loc:
Last seen: 1 month, 20 days
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy]
#22453182 - 10/30/15 11:19 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Depends on what you seek. What do you seek?
-------------------- No one behind, no one ahead. The path the ancients cleared has closed. And the other path, everyone's path, easy and wide, goes nowhere. I am alone and find my way.
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: MoxyOx] 2
#22453188 - 10/30/15 11:20 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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An explanation of what you define enlightenment to be
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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MoxyOx
Grazin'

Registered: 10/08/10
Posts: 1,439
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy] 1
#22453200 - 10/30/15 11:24 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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I know what enlightenment is not; but as to what it is, I am still learning. It is an internal search, a journey through the self.
Thinking for yourself is an efficient tool, but it is not enlightenment.
-------------------- No one behind, no one ahead. The path the ancients cleared has closed. And the other path, everyone's path, easy and wide, goes nowhere. I am alone and find my way.
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nice1returns
I am the Holy Shit



Registered: 09/04/14
Posts: 2,303
Loc: miwuaki
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22453205 - 10/30/15 11:25 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Im already enlightened 
I'm like superman except krypton doesn't destroy me
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SirShroomsAlott
Howdy



Registered: 05/15/14
Posts: 6,945
Loc: United States
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: MoxyOx] 3
#22453214 - 10/30/15 11:27 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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I've truly always been curious, how do you know you're enlightened if one becomes enlightened? Do you just say I'm enlightened and know you are? Or you don't know but other people claim you are?
The reason I ask is because both ways seem to only be the perspective of someone, who like any other human, could be wrong....I wouldn't say enlightenment is impossible, but I don't believe any human has ever been IMO
And how is anyone to know what enlightenment actually is if we don't know anyone who is and it's an internal search making "enlightenment" a subjective and possibly different thing for everyone
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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^^^^ That's what I'm saying! Somehow my definition was shot down meaning that they obviously think there's some objective explanation. He goes on to call me uneducated and to pick up a book and then says its basically all subjective and an internal journey through oneself..
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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Jean-guy Masta
Railyard Ghost


Registered: 09/23/14
Posts: 1,827
Loc: MT-Hell
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: MoxyOx] 1
#22453232 - 10/30/15 11:33 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Achieved enlightment with my super drug use power .Normal people don't know shit
--------------------

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MoxyOx
Grazin'

Registered: 10/08/10
Posts: 1,439
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Exactly. Monks spend their entire lives devoted to its attainment. I would not claim to be even anywhere close to their position considering I've put in a fraction of time to the pursuit(or lack thereof?), but I've sought it out and not found it. I know where it is not, and what it is not.
Or maybe, I do not know what I speak of. We are all alone in our minds, you do not need my voice dictating thoughts in your head.
Neither does the voice fighting back inside your mind know either.
Ask yourself, whose voice is speaking in your mind? Is it your own? Someone else's? An integration of both?
By finding what something is not, you figure out what it is by form.
-------------------- No one behind, no one ahead. The path the ancients cleared has closed. And the other path, everyone's path, easy and wide, goes nowhere. I am alone and find my way.
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MoxyOx
Grazin'

Registered: 10/08/10
Posts: 1,439
Loc:
Last seen: 1 month, 20 days
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy]
#22453244 - 10/30/15 11:36 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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You are hurt that I questioned you. That is fine. You take what you need from this.
-------------------- No one behind, no one ahead. The path the ancients cleared has closed. And the other path, everyone's path, easy and wide, goes nowhere. I am alone and find my way.
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: MoxyOx] 3
#22453248 - 10/30/15 11:39 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
MoxyOx said: You are hurt that I questioned you. That is fine. You take what you need from this.
Dude I"m not hurt You just admitted you have no idea what the fuck you're talking about
Quote:
I know where it is not, and what it is not.
Quote:
By finding what something is not, you figure out what it is by form.
Quote:
Or maybe, I do not know what I speak of
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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Beanhead
IS IRONIC PARADOX


Registered: 10/11/08
Posts: 17,257
Loc: Geospatial inversion.
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: MoxyOx]
#22453249 - 10/30/15 11:39 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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As long as you can't do this you're not enlighted as shit
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Love_spirit
Circle Of Power


Registered: 07/18/15
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22453321 - 10/30/15 11:58 AM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Sometimes planets align to have you at the perfect time and space. I've already spent so much time in trance. The well ran dry. Creative projects are a good use of my time.
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Tripsurfer
Bring Back Asante!



Registered: 08/01/12
Posts: 7,129
Loc: West of Windward
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Love_spirit]
#22453538 - 10/30/15 01:08 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Definitely. I meditate everyday towards this goal
Looking for a teacher at the moment
-------------------- Ach en wee ben ik de klos, met mijn boog schoot ik een albatros... A philosopher is a person who knows less and less about more and more, until he knows nothing about everything.

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JacksonMetaller
Stranger

Registered: 03/13/11
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy] 6
#22453566 - 10/30/15 01:18 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
Malcolm_Xtasy said: An explanation of what you define enlightenment to be
"Enlightenment" is a form of intuition not easily communicated by language or science unless that language or science facilitates a realization of mutual experience. When your girlfriend is pissed you don't have to calculate the curvature of her eyebrows or define the characteristics that signal discontent. You simply know. Your evolutionary nature processes that entire reaction for you. You can break it down with science if you choose, identify the neurophysiological pathways involved in pattern recognition and stress signaling, write a book about it and try to define the experience... But it's better understood as a "gut" reaction. "Enlightenment" as well is like an intuitive parallel to science. It's an understanding of the nature of being, not by a communicable model, but by experience.
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deff
just love everyone



Registered: 05/01/04
Posts: 9,406
Loc: clarity
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very nice JacksonMetaller
--------------------
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highvibes
just tryna get high

Registered: 10/28/15
Posts: 227
Loc: Canada
Last seen: 8 years, 2 months
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22453584 - 10/30/15 01:25 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Enlightenment is fleeting. I've had it, but it inevitably slips through your fingers. If I want enlightenment back I'll just smoke some more dmt.
-------------------- I only did ketamine once. I thought you were supposed to do as much as you do cocaine. I didn't move for 3 hours and it sucked. Fuck ketamine.
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Quote:
JacksonMetaller said:
Quote:
Malcolm_Xtasy said: An explanation of what you define enlightenment to be
"Enlightenment" is a form of intuition not easily communicated by language or science unless that language or science facilitates a realization of mutual experience. When your girlfriend is pissed you don't have to calculate the curvature of her eyebrows or define the characteristics that signal discontent. You simply know. Your evolutionary nature processes that entire reaction for you. You can break it down with science if you choose, identify the neurophysiological pathways involved in pattern recognition and stress signaling, write a book about it and try to define the experience... But it's better understood as a "gut" reaction. "Enlightenment" as well is like an intuitive parallel to science. It's an understanding of the nature of being, not by a communicable model, but by experience.
Right on man great explanation! I appreciate you not giving me a bunch of hippie bullshit!
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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Near Dylan
Shitpost Artist


Registered: 07/29/15
Posts: 13,929
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: highvibes]
#22453614 - 10/30/15 01:33 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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I believe enlightenment is achieved at the moment of death. Or perhaps after.
Quote:
highvibes said: Enlightenment is fleeting. I've had it, but it inevitably slips through your fingers. If I want enlightenment back I'll just smoke some more dmt.
Have you ever heard the phrase: "There's a difference between doing psychedelics and thinking you're a better person, and doing them and actually becoming a better person" Throw that around in your noggin a bit. I half agree with Malcolm, half agree with the opposite. Most of the time I hate hearing cliche hippie shit that sounds straight out of the diary of a teenager who tried acid once. But, sometimes, it really makes you think. Enlightenment is different for everyone in my eyes. A person that believes to be enlightened may not be enlightened in another person's eyes. Depends on how concrete the definition of "enlightenment" is.
--------------------
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invitro

Registered: 05/03/13
Posts: 2,529
Last seen: 1 month, 21 days
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Quote:
JacksonMetaller said:
Quote:
Malcolm_Xtasy said: An explanation of what you define enlightenment to be
"Enlightenment" is a form of intuition not easily communicated by language or science unless that language or science facilitates a realization of mutual experience. When your girlfriend is pissed you don't have to calculate the curvature of her eyebrows or define the characteristics that signal discontent. You simply know. Your evolutionary nature processes that entire reaction for you. You can break it down with science if you choose, identify the neurophysiological pathways involved in pattern recognition and stress signaling, write a book about it and try to define the experience... But it's better understood as a "gut" reaction. "Enlightenment" as well is like an intuitive parallel to science. It's an understanding of the nature of being, not by a communicable model, but by experience.
Could that paragraph be distilled into "intuitive understanding"?
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JacksonMetaller
Stranger

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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy] 1
#22453724 - 10/30/15 02:01 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
Malcolm_Xtasy said:
Quote:
JacksonMetaller said:
Quote:
Malcolm_Xtasy said: An explanation of what you define enlightenment to be
"Enlightenment" is a form of intuition not easily communicated by language or science unless that language or science facilitates a realization of mutual experience. When your girlfriend is pissed you don't have to calculate the curvature of her eyebrows or define the characteristics that signal discontent. You simply know. Your evolutionary nature processes that entire reaction for you. You can break it down with science if you choose, identify the neurophysiological pathways involved in pattern recognition and stress signaling, write a book about it and try to define the experience... But it's better understood as a "gut" reaction. "Enlightenment" as well is like an intuitive parallel to science. It's an understanding of the nature of being, not by a communicable model, but by experience.
Right on man great explanation! I appreciate you not giving me a bunch of hippie bullshit!
It's not bullshit. Like my example above about science, it's just people trying to deliver you a message in a package you don't understand how to open. You understood my explanation because i delivered it in a different package. Same message however. People just communicate differently and it's understandable that we don't always get the intended message
Edit: I should say "a lot of it is not bullshit". I can't speak for every hippy you've talked to Only the ones i've been successful in communicating with.
Edited by JacksonMetaller (10/30/15 02:05 PM)
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Tripsurfer
Bring Back Asante!



Registered: 08/01/12
Posts: 7,129
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: invitro] 1
#22453728 - 10/30/15 02:02 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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I believe enlightenment to be a singular kind of 'perceiving' caused by a certain physiological state of the brain. Thats what people do when they meditate, cultivating the brain to achieve this state.
Actual mind over matter as the mind influences the medium of its own existence
-------------------- Ach en wee ben ik de klos, met mijn boog schoot ik een albatros... A philosopher is a person who knows less and less about more and more, until he knows nothing about everything.

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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: MoxyOx]
#22453753 - 10/30/15 02:09 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
JacksonMetaller said:
Quote:
Malcolm_Xtasy said:
Quote:
JacksonMetaller said:
Quote:
Malcolm_Xtasy said: An explanation of what you define enlightenment to be
"Enlightenment" is a form of intuition not easily communicated by language or science unless that language or science facilitates a realization of mutual experience. When your girlfriend is pissed you don't have to calculate the curvature of her eyebrows or define the characteristics that signal discontent. You simply know. Your evolutionary nature processes that entire reaction for you. You can break it down with science if you choose, identify the neurophysiological pathways involved in pattern recognition and stress signaling, write a book about it and try to define the experience... But it's better understood as a "gut" reaction. "Enlightenment" as well is like an intuitive parallel to science. It's an understanding of the nature of being, not by a communicable model, but by experience.
Right on man great explanation! I appreciate you not giving me a bunch of hippie bullshit!
It's not bullshit. Like my example above about science, it's just people trying to deliver you a message in a package you don't understand how to open. You understood my explanation because i delivered it in a different package. Same message however. People just communicate differently and it's understandable that we don't always get the intended message
Edit: I should say "a lot of it is not bullshit". I can't speak for every hippy you've talked to Only the ones i've been successful in communicating with.
I was referring to this post
Quote:
MoxyOx said: I know what enlightenment is not; but as to what it is, I am still learning. It is an internal search, a journey through the self.
Thinking for yourself is an efficient tool, but it is not enlightenment.
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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JacksonMetaller
Stranger

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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy]
#22453807 - 10/30/15 02:24 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
Malcolm_Xtasy said:
I was referring to this post
Quote:
MoxyOx said: I know what enlightenment is not; but as to what it is, I am still learning. It is an internal search, a journey through the self.
Thinking for yourself is an efficient tool, but it is not enlightenment.
To be fair though I feel there is some merit to his post. I can totally sympathize with the fact that it's vague nature is not appealing to the intellect of many individuals though.
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Now you're just being overly accommodating
Regardless, great post man.
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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SirShroomsAlott
Howdy



Registered: 05/15/14
Posts: 6,945
Loc: United States
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Quote:
JacksonMetaller said:
Quote:
Malcolm_Xtasy said: An explanation of what you define enlightenment to be
"Enlightenment" is a form of intuition not easily communicated by language or science unless that language or science facilitates a realization of mutual experience. When your girlfriend is pissed you don't have to calculate the curvature of her eyebrows or define the characteristics that signal discontent. You simply know. Your evolutionary nature processes that entire reaction for you. You can break it down with science if you choose, identify the neurophysiological pathways involved in pattern recognition and stress signaling, write a book about it and try to define the experience... But it's better understood as a "gut" reaction. "Enlightenment" as well is like an intuitive parallel to science. It's an understanding of the nature of being, not by a communicable model, but by experience.
The way you explain it still makes it sound like something that is subjective and by it's very nature it would be inherently different for everyone, because everyone experiences and interprets situations differently making them draw different conclusions even if the end goal was the same. I realize it's something that can't be put into words or a straight forward definition as you said, but with the way you explained (which was very intelligible btw, never saw someone explain it so well TBH) sounds like you can only be enlightened towards certain areas of your life based off the things you experienced and not something such as the OP suggested meaning "(nirvana, awakening, transcendence, ascension, liberation etc)" or enlightenment as a whole.
It would be impossible IMO for one human being to have an understanding of the nature of being simply because our brains and being are not designed to even comprehend the entirety of being or existence as a whole and we simply don't live long enough to be able to understand it fully especially if it is something based off experience. I'm not trying to disprove what you said and maybe this is what you meant, you just seem the most knowledgeable or able to provide the best explanations for a confusing topic so I'm directing it your way so please don't attack me like I'm trying to be a dick about it
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nice1returns
I am the Holy Shit



Registered: 09/04/14
Posts: 2,303
Loc: miwuaki
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You can see the path but until you walk the path you will never be as enlightened as me
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ImSl8
Foreseein'


Registered: 07/11/14
Posts: 320
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: nice1returns]
#22454252 - 10/30/15 04:21 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Hobozen


Registered: 11/03/11
Posts: 10,634
Loc:
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22454300 - 10/30/15 04:33 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Quote:
Moonshoe said: Do you believe in the possibility of enlightenment (nirvana, awakening, transcendence, ascension, liberation etc)?
There's a difference between enlightenment and awakening in pure land zen
Quote:
Awakening vs. Enlightenment.
A clear distinction should be made between awakening to the Way (Great Awakening) and attaining the Way (attaining Enlightenment). (Note: There are many degrees of Awakening and Enlightenment. Attaining the Enlightenment of the Arhats, Pratyeka Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, etc. is different from attaining Supreme Enlightenment, i.e., Buddhahood.) To experience a Great Awakening is to achieve (through Zen meditation, Buddha Recitation, etc.) a complete and deep realization of what it means to be a Buddha and how to reach Buddhahood. It is to see one's Nature, comprehend the True Nature of things, the Truth. However, only after becoming a Buddha can one be said to have truly attained Supreme Enlightenment (attained the Way).
A metaphor appearing in the sutras is that of a glass of water containing sediments. As long as the glass is undisturbed, the sediments remain at the bottom and the water is clear. However, as soon as the glass is shaken, the water becomes turbid. Likewise, when a practitioner experiences a Great Awakening (awakens to the Way), his afflictions (greed, anger and delusion) are temporarily suppressed but not yet eliminated. To achieve Supreme Enlightenment (i.e., to be rid of all afflictions, to discard all sediments) is the ultimate goal. Only then can he completely trust his mind and actions. Before then, he should adhere to the precepts, keep a close watch on his mind and thoughts, like a cat stalking a mouse, ready to pounce on evil thoughts as soon as they arise. To do otherwise is to court certain failure, as stories upon stories of errant monks, roshis and gurus demonstrate.
Another illustration:
To make sure that his disciple would reach the great ocean and not be misled by smaller bodies of water, a Zen Master explained the difference between rivers, lakes and seas, the characteristics of fresh water, salt water, etc. Finally, he took the disciple to the highest mountain peak in the area and pointed to the ocean in the distance. For the first time, glimpsing the ocean with his own eyes, the disciple experienced a Great Awakening. However, only after he followed the long, arduous path and actually reached the ocean, tasting its waters, did he achieve Enlightenment.
Quote:
Do you work towards it?
i work towards awakening but not enlightenment. enlightenment takes serious discipline, and i'm not ready for that at this time in my life. too much fun now.
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MoxyOx
Grazin'

Registered: 10/08/10
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Hobozen]
#22454658 - 10/30/15 05:56 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Thank you blankk. Good post.
-------------------- No one behind, no one ahead. The path the ancients cleared has closed. And the other path, everyone's path, easy and wide, goes nowhere. I am alone and find my way.
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Shroomopotamus
Happy Mushrooming



Registered: 09/27/09
Posts: 18,757
Loc: Funkotron
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: MoxyOx] 2
#22454666 - 10/30/15 05:57 PM (8 years, 3 months ago) |
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Shroomopotamus don't strive for enlightenment, enlightenment strives for Shroomopotamus.
-------------------- * Live by the mushroom, die by the mushroom
    This is a trap! A trap! You are all busted! Busted! You fools!
If a time comes where I fail to appear I've been abducted and I will miss you all Please smile and pet puppies as often as possible Be happy Be nice (<3);}
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Seriously_trippin
Cosmic Guru Ganesh



Registered: 07/12/13
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Things like doing yoga,meditation or psychedelics might lead to epiphanies but imo that's not enlightenment. Living life and studying life constantly is the only way to get more enlightened. Keeping an open mind,going through relationships,learning and mostly life experience. Happiness and sadness .I don't think there is some unattainable enlightenment I'm missing. I think part of enlightenment is knowing that you can always know more be more mentally mature. Most people who claim they're enlightened I think they are inherently not.
-------------------- R.I.P Zombi3, Blue Helix Modest Mouse Zappa Slothie That Kid With The face ShLong Le Canard split_by_nine & Big Worm Forever Etched in the sands of time in the shroomery and ever so beloved and deeply missed by many
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Moonshoe
Blue Mantis


Registered: 05/28/04
Posts: 27,202
Loc: Iceland
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I feel like I have to believe that its possible to attain some kind of transcendent state and actually transcend the sufferings of life. I choose to believe this and act as though it is true.
I want to be sitting in lotus position as an 80 year old man in deep Samahdi doing yoga at sunrise, astral traveling and having lucid dreams every night, chanting mantas and hiking in the forest.
--------------------
Everything I post is fiction.
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Hobozen


Registered: 11/03/11
Posts: 10,634
Loc:
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22456474 - 10/31/15 04:12 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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I guess this is where faith comes in.. if the possibility of a highly enlightened state is doubted, ignored, or overlooked, where will we find the serious discipline and drive to advance to to great lengths in our practice? Faith and vision... to envision some highly conscious state achieved through years of serious practice and dedication to the discpline, while having faith in its possible.existence, in.whatever form it might take when our mental cloud settles and we.can see with a clarity that is probably so profound and unlike anything we can imagine, that changes the way we dream, how conscious we dream, how long we stay concious in dreams (and non dreams)...
The ancient taoist(?) cave dwellers were said to live and meditate in darkness for years and at some point experienced a merging with cosmic consciousness . Upon their return to the village/people, they would be seen as the one with a higher/clearer vision. Theres a forum called taobums (sp?) and they get deep into this stuff. But yea.. Enlightenment gets pretty out there id guess /stoned rant
Edited by Hobozen (10/31/15 04:14 AM)
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Lucis
Nutritional Yeast

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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe] 1
#22456669 - 10/31/15 07:11 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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I used to care about such things when I was in my mid 20's, but after I got clean I just stopped caring about that and accepted my life for being the little black rain cloud that it is, which I made this way due to my poor choices.
Just remember one thing, if you think you're enlightened, you're not.
-------------------- ©️
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Apollyphelion
Dungeon Master/Princess(1009)


Registered: 03/15/07
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Lucis] 1
#22456707 - 10/31/15 07:35 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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I don't believe in enlightment The concept of it is also depressing. It is elitist, and implies there is a peak. In my universe, there are no peaks, no ultimate mountain. The idea of an ultimate mountain is uninspiring and lame to me. Maybe true enlightment is there is none. The only fitting description for enlightment is that it is a paradox. For when you become enlightened, it means you have never been father away from it.
--------------------
"I'm looking at you looking at it" SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL PLEASE! www.youtube.com/apollyphelion Creator of the World's Worst Comic Book
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Tripsurfer
Bring Back Asante!



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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Apollyphelion]
#22456821 - 10/31/15 08:25 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Once peaking on mushrooms I experienced what I think to be a great awakening. Bright light and a very clear understanding of the need to let go of the self but also the knowledge that I was unable to do so at the time. It was awe-inspiring and beautiful and I cried tears of joy after.
My daily meditations are more of a struggle against myself. Usually when I am just about fed up with it, some sort of breakthrough occurs and I am motivated to continue. I have also become hooked on the relaxation it brings me
-------------------- Ach en wee ben ik de klos, met mijn boog schoot ik een albatros... A philosopher is a person who knows less and less about more and more, until he knows nothing about everything.

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Davesnothere
Stoner


Registered: 10/22/15
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Tripsurfer]
#22456896 - 10/31/15 09:02 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Well Im aboard for some enlightened spirituality.... I dont know if I strive for it, but I do use it as way to be a better person every day and be more at peace with my surroundings. The Chinese kids story "journey to the west" portrays it well, You don't let your mind ape run free at every earthly desire. You act from knowledge and reason and commpassion for the world. You act as a part of nature not aloof as most seem too.
-------------------- Disappointment is caused by unrealistic expectations.
Edited by Davesnothere (10/31/15 09:04 AM)
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MrBlueYoMind
Don't do drugs (Without me)


Registered: 04/27/11
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Davesnothere]
#22457348 - 10/31/15 11:25 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
nice1returns said: You can see the path but until you walk the path you will never be as enlightened as me
-------------------- Confucius say: He who sticks drugs in butthole has head up ass. EVOLUTION REQUIRES REPRODUCTION
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Moonshoe
Blue Mantis


Registered: 05/28/04
Posts: 27,202
Loc: Iceland
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: MrBlueYoMind]
#22457442 - 10/31/15 11:56 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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It has been shown that meditation has profound physical effects on the body and actually physically alters the structure of the brain . So you really can transform yourself and your consciousness through lifelong spiritual discipline. Also meditators can learn many incredible physiological feats (check out Wim Hof) and has lead to really profound wisdom (read the Dhammapadha it's really incredible ) and yoga has such profound euphoric Relaxation and wellbeing from it, I can really see the long term effects of this lifestyle Profoundly transforming people on many levels and it Seems like the most beneficial lifestyle to me.
--------------------
Everything I post is fiction.
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MrBlueYoMind
Don't do drugs (Without me)


Registered: 04/27/11
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22458161 - 10/31/15 03:20 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Are Buddhists attached to the concept of enlightenment?
My understanding (which is probably incorrect so feel free to correct me) of Buddhism and enlightenment is that once one achieves enlightenment, they no longer exist in the physical realm of life-death suffering (they escape Samsara).
If this is true, then how does one know this to be true? Once one is enlightened they aren't here to tell anyone about it. If the path to enlightenment is to free oneself from all desires and attachments, by telling the path to someone else then one would have to desire for another to know, thus "losing" the enlightenment/not being truly enlightened. If a being gained some sort of power to where they could travel back and forth they would still have to desire for others to join the path, creating a contradiction in the path.
Maybe I just misunderstand...
-------------------- Confucius say: He who sticks drugs in butthole has head up ass. EVOLUTION REQUIRES REPRODUCTION
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Hobozen


Registered: 11/03/11
Posts: 10,634
Loc:
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: MrBlueYoMind]
#22458254 - 10/31/15 03:49 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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You're overthinking it
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invitro

Registered: 05/03/13
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe] 1
#22464384 - 11/01/15 09:10 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Enlightenment to me is like a creme brulee, I don't know what exactly it is but it sounds good and I want it.
Edited by invitro (11/01/15 09:17 PM)
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highvibes
just tryna get high

Registered: 10/28/15
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: invitro]
#22464396 - 11/01/15 09:13 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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pass some of that enlightenment over this way breh! And a beer while you're at it.
-------------------- I only did ketamine once. I thought you were supposed to do as much as you do cocaine. I didn't move for 3 hours and it sucked. Fuck ketamine.
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Seriously_trippin
Cosmic Guru Ganesh



Registered: 07/12/13
Posts: 14,473
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22464757 - 11/01/15 10:33 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Moonshoe said: It has been shown that meditation has profound physical effects on the body and actually physically alters the structure of the brain . So you really can transform yourself and your consciousness through lifelong spiritual discipline. Also meditators can learn many incredible physiological feats (check out Wim Hof) and has lead to really profound wisdom (read the Dhammapadha it's really incredible ) and yoga has such profound euphoric Relaxation and wellbeing from it, I can really see the long term effects of this lifestyle Profoundly transforming people on many levels and it Seems like the most beneficial lifestyle to me.
I don't doubt nor dis that but I think there is always room for more "enlightening". I subscribe to faith giving people more well-being,calmness and many more positive change in life. However enlightenment is a strong word, I think tesla was a genius or hawking but even people like that I don't think can be truly enlightenment. For me that's the same thing as all knowing or omnipotent.
-------------------- R.I.P Zombi3, Blue Helix Modest Mouse Zappa Slothie That Kid With The face ShLong Le Canard split_by_nine & Big Worm Forever Etched in the sands of time in the shroomery and ever so beloved and deeply missed by many
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Angel_Above
Nobody



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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Oggy]
#22464945 - 11/01/15 11:34 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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No. That's a paradox. It cannot be sought.
It just is.
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Near Dylan
Shitpost Artist


Registered: 07/29/15
Posts: 13,929
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Angel_Above]
#22464960 - 11/01/15 11:39 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Angel_Above said: No. That's a paradox. It cannot be sought.
It just is.
sounds hetty +weeds +dah dang bing
--------------------
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Prisoner#1
Even Dumber ThanAdvertized!


Registered: 01/22/03
Posts: 193,665
Loc: Pvt. Pubfag NutSuck
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy]
#22465001 - 11/01/15 11:53 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Malcolm_Xtasy said: If by enlightenment you mean thinking for yourself, then yes.
enlightenment means 'follow what the other pseudo religious non thinking hippies are doing'
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highvibes
just tryna get high

Registered: 10/28/15
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Prisoner#1]
#22465022 - 11/02/15 12:00 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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enlightenment is found in the bottom of a meth pipe. filled with dmt
-------------------- I only did ketamine once. I thought you were supposed to do as much as you do cocaine. I didn't move for 3 hours and it sucked. Fuck ketamine.
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Prisoner#1
Even Dumber ThanAdvertized!


Registered: 01/22/03
Posts: 193,665
Loc: Pvt. Pubfag NutSuck
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: MrBlueYoMind] 1
#22465042 - 11/02/15 12:10 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
MrBlueYoMind said: Are Buddhists attached to the concept of enlightenment?
they may talk about it but it means dick because it's simply talk
Tibetan buddhist monks demand to be treated like gods, you do not feed the poor or starving before making sure the monks are fed, they accumulate wealth and whether it continues today or noot doesnt negate that until at least the last 50 years they would abduct children to work as slaves in the monasteries
in Thailand every male is ordained as a buddhist monk, most opt not to remain as a monk but they still follow the traditions which also include ensuring that the monks are well cared for, these monks are untouchables and it is actually a crime to touch them, arrest them or anything else
in sri lanka and myanmar the buddhist monks are waging a war against the muslims, not some peaceful protest sort of war, they've started attacking the muslims in a show of force with swords, guns and any other weapon, they incorporate child soldiers that have been dragged into all of it. it's the same in most places
there is no enlightenment, just pretentious jackasses that think they're better than everyone else and decide to tell everyone about it constantly
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TheGreenArrow
Goodbye, Mr. Chops.



Registered: 06/22/12
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22465079 - 11/02/15 12:27 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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You already are.
-------------------- A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, design a building, conn a ship, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve an equation, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.- Robert A. Heinlein Saint RedBow of the Shroomey Loomey-Patron Saint of Sandbaggin Sumbitchs
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TheGreenArrow
Goodbye, Mr. Chops.



Registered: 06/22/12
Posts: 15,270
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: TheGreenArrow]
#22465085 - 11/02/15 12:28 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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It's actually a supremely good joke.
-------------------- A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, design a building, conn a ship, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve an equation, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.- Robert A. Heinlein Saint RedBow of the Shroomey Loomey-Patron Saint of Sandbaggin Sumbitchs
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Tripsurfer
Bring Back Asante!



Registered: 08/01/12
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Prisoner#1]
#22465832 - 11/02/15 08:54 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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The fact that some Buddhists are assholes doesn't negate the existence of a state of enlightenment.
I do not believe enlightenment comes with the ability to see ultimate truth or anything like that.
I do however believe that by practicing meditation certain mental states can be achieved giving the experience of enlightenment.
Yeah its completely subjective and wont give me special powers. Supposedly its pretty awesome though so I wants it.
-------------------- Ach en wee ben ik de klos, met mijn boog schoot ik een albatros... A philosopher is a person who knows less and less about more and more, until he knows nothing about everything.

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Prisoner#1
Even Dumber ThanAdvertized!


Registered: 01/22/03
Posts: 193,665
Loc: Pvt. Pubfag NutSuck
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Tripsurfer]
#22465856 - 11/02/15 09:02 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Tripsurfer said: The fact that some Buddhists are assholes doesn't negate the existence of a state of enlightenment.
some buddhists? it's the foundations of the faith
Quote:
I do not believe enlightenment comes with the ability to see ultimate truth or anything like that.
I do however believe that by practicing meditation certain mental states can be achieved giving the experience of enlightenment.
see, this is just the sort of pretentious twattery I was referring to because now a person cannot simply come to a realization halfway through their work day that life is nothing like what they had been taught to believe for so many years
Quote:
Yeah its completely subjective and wont give me special powers. Supposedly its pretty awesome though so I wants it.
it's as subjective as god in the fact that it doesnt exist
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TheMovement
faeirie princess in training



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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Prisoner#1]
#22467298 - 11/02/15 04:26 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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bump/
-------------------- Utwiddle.net In order to act like a king, one need only treat everyone else like one. BUMP THIS THREAD EVERYTIME YOU SEE IT Join the Anarchy Camp! Down with Oppression!!
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MoxyOx
Grazin'

Registered: 10/08/10
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Prisoner#1]
#22470442 - 11/03/15 10:50 AM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Realizations are helpful, they come and go. Meditation helps in unwinding the social/physical constructs that we have developed, but it goes beyond that.
There's more to thoughts then just imagery and logic.
"it's as subjective as god in the fact that it doesnt exist"
I exist, as do you.
God, evil, the devil, enlightenment, awakening, the whole shebang and then some, they exist in our minds and texts. We make them real by accepting them and propagating them.
-------------------- No one behind, no one ahead. The path the ancients cleared has closed. And the other path, everyone's path, easy and wide, goes nowhere. I am alone and find my way.
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topdog82
Death Spirit



Registered: 07/16/10
Posts: 7,992
Loc: California
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: MoxyOx]
#22470880 - 11/03/15 12:31 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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I am a little skeptical that full on "enlightenment" exists. But I do think that cultivating incredible clarity of mind has its benefits. In my life, returning to meditation, yoga, dream yoga, and scripture reading always keeps me a little more sane
Whether this will end in enlightenment I am unsure. I see it more as sort of symbolism/figurative speech for the extreme states of emptiness and mental clarity that one can achieve with the right understanding
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Uzziel
O_o


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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: topdog82]
#22470887 - 11/03/15 12:33 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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I don't care to be enlightened
I just want a dog that will get me a beer on demand and my life will be complete
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topdog82
Death Spirit



Registered: 07/16/10
Posts: 7,992
Loc: California
Last seen: 5 months, 3 days
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22471183 - 11/03/15 01:47 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Moonshoe said: I feel like I have to believe that its possible to attain some kind of transcendent state and actually transcend the sufferings of life. I choose to believe this and act as though it is true.
I want to be sitting in lotus position as an 80 year old man in deep Samahdi doing yoga at sunrise, astral traveling and having lucid dreams every night, chanting mantas and hiking in the forest.
Lol this is gonna be me in old age. I was also gonna get two dogs and a goat so I could get fresh milk in the morning. Maybe some chickens for eggs as well
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topdog82
Death Spirit



Registered: 07/16/10
Posts: 7,992
Loc: California
Last seen: 5 months, 3 days
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Prisoner#1] 2
#22471194 - 11/03/15 01:49 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Prisoner#1 said:
Quote:
MrBlueYoMind said: Are Buddhists attached to the concept of enlightenment?
they may talk about it but it means dick because it's simply talk
Tibetan buddhist monks demand to be treated like gods, you do not feed the poor or starving before making sure the monks are fed, they accumulate wealth and whether it continues today or noot doesnt negate that until at least the last 50 years they would abduct children to work as slaves in the monasteries
in Thailand every male is ordained as a buddhist monk, most opt not to remain as a monk but they still follow the traditions which also include ensuring that the monks are well cared for, these monks are untouchables and it is actually a crime to touch them, arrest them or anything else
in sri lanka and myanmar the buddhist monks are waging a war against the muslims, not some peaceful protest sort of war, they've started attacking the muslims in a show of force with swords, guns and any other weapon, they incorporate child soldiers that have been dragged into all of it. it's the same in most places
there is no enlightenment, just pretentious jackasses that think they're better than everyone else and decide to tell everyone about it constantly
hahahah this was the most retarded post I have read in a while. I lost a lot of brain cells sir. I would like them back...
"Some buddhists around the world are assholes therefore enlightenment does not exist"
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Hobozen


Registered: 11/03/11
Posts: 10,634
Loc:
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: topdog82]
#22471246 - 11/03/15 02:01 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Tripsurfer
Bring Back Asante!



Registered: 08/01/12
Posts: 7,129
Loc: West of Windward
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Prisoner#1]
#22471268 - 11/03/15 02:07 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
see, this is just the sort of pretentious twattery I was referring to because now a person cannot simply come to a realization halfway through their work day that life is nothing like what they had been taught to believe for so many years
I am not saying that at all. What I am saying is that meditation can help you cultivate the brain to achieve certain states accompanied by certain experiences. Some people achieve those states spontaneously or by having a massive stroke (https://www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_taylor_s_powerful_stroke_of_insight)
Without going into the whole epistemology of it, I definitely belief in the existence of the singular experience called 'enlightenment' itself
-------------------- Ach en wee ben ik de klos, met mijn boog schoot ik een albatros... A philosopher is a person who knows less and less about more and more, until he knows nothing about everything.

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BreathlessVision
The Electric Sceptic


Registered: 03/11/14
Posts: 1,736
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Tripsurfer]
#22471617 - 11/03/15 03:23 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Moonshoe said: How many people actually see attaining some kind of enlightenment state as a real goal in life?
Do you believe in the possibility of enlightenment (nirvana, awakening, transcendence, ascension, liberation etc)?
Do you work towards it?
What methods do you use to attain it?
I believe it is possible. Because by living well I can change my consciousness from horrible to positive, why shouldn't it be possible to go from positive to enlightened?
A single yoga class makes me feel happy, calm and relaxed. A single session of meditation makes me feel calm and at peace.
So it makes sense to me that taking these disciplines farther, practicing them daily for decades, could indeed lead to a total tipping point, a moment where your consciousness passes a threshold into a new state- awakening.
Lately I am getting into binaural beats as a way to use brainwave entrainment as a powerful short cut to meditative absorption.
Just interested for how many people are like Buddhists or Hindus in being concerned with actually working towards a spiritual "End Goal".

Hey moonshoe, I really want to answer this question in depth because it gets me really excited to talk about all of this stuff. I will try to make an argument for all sides of the dice because I think there are many - I don't like absolutes and I am still figuring life out like the rest of humanity so I don't have a definite answer but I will say what I can.
I think to go anywhere with the concept of enlightenment you need to first ask: what is 'enlightenment'. I mean I think it could be many things, perhaps it is the attainment of a blissful state of awareness - of the whole cosmos, so that you feel entirely in sync with existence rather than seeing myself as slime on a rock or some put-down model of life. It could be I think more like a path, or a mindset, a potential in human beings that pulls them forward to seek truth or the 'true enough' as Mckenna puts it .
I do not think there is an 'end goal' as such, I think it is a realisation, or a series of realisations in life which are unwordable. Experiences and feelings you cannot put into words - the ineffiable.
Sometimes I think if you try to crystalise and frame the ineffiable, it is no longer ineffiable - you have put it into words or form etc...also when you try to explain the numinous the ineffiable, the whole thing is so complex and has so many layers that you sound 'mad' or culturally deemed insane.
I want to write more but I have somewhere to be but hopefully I can come and give more input later on.
To round it off - I think I am still seeking, I think I am looking for the path or the way. I am still lost, deep in the ocean with the fishes and the strange creatures.
Here is a video that you may like - it makes me wonder, it makes me feel, it makes me ask the big questions.
Peace

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invitro

Registered: 05/03/13
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Last seen: 1 month, 21 days
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22493267 - 11/07/15 10:01 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Speaking of emotional intelligence, I thought you guys might enjoy this short quiz on reading facial expressions.
http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ei_quiz/
  
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akira_akuma
Φύσις κρύπτεσθαι ὕψιστος φιλεῖ


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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: invitro] 1
#22493284 - 11/07/15 10:04 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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thoughts on enlightenment:
there is a certain space of time and a focus that is required, no attachment to thoughts, and to simply act with out the thought; but one must be mindful of the focus you give to yourself, and that's really all there is. there is concentration, which is simply the same idea, but applied to certain streamlined actions, which is not the same as enlightenment...enlightenment is simple, and ineffectual, that is, until is gone again.
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Near Dylan
Shitpost Artist


Registered: 07/29/15
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: akira_akuma]
#22493289 - 11/07/15 10:06 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
akira_akuma said: thoughts on enlightenment:
there is a certain space of time and a focus that is required, no attachment to thoughts, and to simply act with out the thought; but one must be mindful of the focus you give to yourself, and that's really all there is. there is concentration, which is simply the same idea, but applied to certain streamlined actions, which is not the same as enlightenment...enlightenment is simple, and ineffectual, that is, until is gone again.
I always thought of enlightenment as something you can't lose. If you lose it, it means you weren't really enlightened in the first place.
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nicechrisman
Interdimensional space wizard



Registered: 11/07/03
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22493292 - 11/07/15 10:07 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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I think enlightenment comes from ceasing to strive
-------------------- "Cosmic Love is absolutelely ruthless and highly indifferent: it teaches its lessons whether you like/dislike them or not." John C. Lily
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akira_akuma
Φύσις κρύπτεσθαι ὕψιστος φιλεῖ


Registered: 08/28/09
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Near Dylan]
#22493313 - 11/07/15 10:14 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Near Dylan said:
Quote:
akira_akuma said: thoughts on enlightenment:
there is a certain space of time and a focus that is required, no attachment to thoughts, and to simply act with out the thought; but one must be mindful of the focus you give to yourself, and that's really all there is. there is concentration, which is simply the same idea, but applied to certain streamlined actions, which is not the same as enlightenment...enlightenment is simple, and ineffectual, that is, until is gone again.
I always thought of enlightenment as something you can't lose. If you lose it, it means you weren't really enlightened in the first place.
and that's true to an extent, but you shouldn't lapse on the existence of it in the first place. if you want it you need to focus. it does impart an existence, but it must be brought into it by you.
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akira_akuma
Φύσις κρύπτεσθαι ὕψιστος φιλεῖ


Registered: 08/28/09
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Prisoner#1]
#22493325 - 11/07/15 10:17 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Prisoner#1 said:
Quote:
MrBlueYoMind said: Are Buddhists attached to the concept of enlightenment?
they may talk about it but it means dick because it's simply talk
Tibetan buddhist monks demand to be treated like gods, you do not feed the poor or starving before making sure the monks are fed, they accumulate wealth and whether it continues today or noot doesnt negate that until at least the last 50 years they would abduct children to work as slaves in the monasteries
in Thailand every male is ordained as a buddhist monk, most opt not to remain as a monk but they still follow the traditions which also include ensuring that the monks are well cared for, these monks are untouchables and it is actually a crime to touch them, arrest them or anything else
in sri lanka and myanmar the buddhist monks are waging a war against the muslims, not some peaceful protest sort of war, they've started attacking the muslims in a show of force with swords, guns and any other weapon, they incorporate child soldiers that have been dragged into all of it. it's the same in most places
there is no enlightenment, just pretentious jackasses that think they're better than everyone else and decide to tell everyone about it constantly
first off, that is all just stupid human silliness. it's a perversion.
not that i'm a buddhist. but you know secondly, enlightenment is a thing, it was a thing that was heavily revered. you probably have experienced it plentifully in your life time and simply call it something else, but it is a thing, it's simply the feeling of being on top of your game, on a roll but not from a high but from being so inextricably focused and sincere.
it's such a simple concept but it's lost in translation.
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invitro

Registered: 05/03/13
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Re: Are you striving for enlightenment? [Re: Moonshoe]
#22522657 - 11/14/15 02:17 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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In response to OP, enlightenment is a goal in my life, I do work towards it, mostly by silent meditation.
I've been trying to do a better job at defining what enlightenment is ever since you posted this thread originally and it has been elusive. I'd like to take another shot at defining it:
Painting a picture: Image that you are on the Titanic with lots and lots of other people, just after the iceberg has struck and the whole ship is tilting sideways. At that point everyone is keenly aware of their limited time to live and their focus shifts. You can look around you and see the ballroom filled with diamond studded jewelry and gold plated chandeliers and crystal dinnerware and the glow of lamps everywhere. And you look at the people on the decks huddled together in fur coats, all of them nervous and afraid and in trouble. It's at that point that the silliness of pursuing wealth becomes so apparent, you are at your last moment you are taking your last breaths. The most valuable thing in the world becomes obvious, to say goodbye to friends family and loved ones. To do what you can to make amends and right as many wrongs as you can. To recognize what others have done for you and to return as many favors as you can.
Defining enlightenment: This is not a definition that I can convince you by logic is true, but it's something felt from the inside, something I can feel on the inside (sometimes but not always).
Enlightenment, one possible definition, is to be able to feel and recognize that people at their core are loving supportive creatures, and as such they have an intrinsic worth. To try to see past all the many failings, and hurts and wrongs, and not let those things cloud our perception of people until we no longer see them as valuable but only see their shortcomings and not their inner core.
To realize we are on that sinking ship, we are at our last breath, and these few seconds that we have left are an opportunity to do something beautiful.
This is only my perspective and I'd like to hear more from others!
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