Is the concept of enlightenment a myth?

[longskate88]

Originally Posted by Big Punisher

Sounds like the path to true happiness is to stop deep thought, not brooding on past mistakes, worrying of the future, being self concious etc.

I love **** like this, subscribed

I've actually been doing some of the things you mentioned, especially with material possessions. I don't really care about my car as long as it gets me where I need to go, stopped buying watches, etc.

As far as the other things, I've been told by a couple people including my gf/ex that I sound really apathetic most of the time. I guess not being overly dramatic about meaningless stuff is apathy? When we broke up, I just walked away...didn't spend a single minute being sad.

I think enlightenment is attainable, but there is the dark side of perceived apathy from those who are unenlightened. Maybe

 

[caelte]

Enlightenment is about getting rid of illusion. Most of the humans on the planet seem hell bent on acquiring more illusion as fast as they can. Seems like it might be hard to find a truly enlightened individual.

If it is about getting rid of illusion than enlightenment is the same as dis-illusion. Not many want to be dis-illusioned either. I guess that's why it's not very popular. Must be about the red or blue pill.

Enlightenment wouldn't take you away from humanity it would bring you closer and deeper. If enlightenment is the healthiest state then the world must look really crazy and fucked up to an enlightened person. But I guess they wouldn't care.

 

[willpower]

Originally Posted by longskate88

I love **** like this, subscribed

I've actually been doing some of the things you mentioned, especially with material possessions. I don't really care about my car as long as it gets me where I need to go, stopped buying watches, etc.

As far as the other things, I've been told by a couple people including my gf/ex that I sound really apathetic most of the time. I guess not being overly dramatic about meaningless stuff is apathy? When we broke up, I just walked away...didn't spend a single minute being sad.

I think enlightenment is attainable, but there is the dark side of perceived apathy from those who are unenlightened. Maybe

Indeed. Enlightenment has a slacker quality to it.

 

[Tangfastic]

Metro, you sound ripe pickings for any number of cults. I hope you have good friends looking out for you!

Seriously, true enlightenment is a life of true inaction, clearly this is only worth pursuing if you have absolute faith this will reap benefits in another life.

I used to a work with a guy who was a devout Catholic and lay monk, and was surprised when he said his order (I can't remember which but it was a major order) actively meditated as opposed to simply praying. I don't know if this mediation is a recent part of Catholic monastic life or if prayers in the past were structured to accommodate meditation and it was never thought of as meditation in the eastern sense.

 

[Dragon]

I think enlightenment has a lot to do with perspective change.

For example, a lot of people think enlightenment is about living without material things or not seeking them (cars, watches, etc.). By dismissing the material world, they feel that they are closer to enlightenment. I think that putting lesser value on the material world is just a side effect of an enlightened perspective. Once you see the world from a different perspective, the Ferrari doesn`t so important anymore. That doesn`t mean that if you own a Ferrari you will not be enlightened, or if you sell it you will.

 

[globetrotter]

enlightenment is a young mans game.

when I was a teenager, I wanted to find enlightenment, sort of. part of that was trying to totally minimalize my ego. I actually made that a main focus of my life for just under a decade. then I realized how much I liked getting respect, status, and comfort.

I don't think that it is a myth, I am just not sure that it is the best tihng to chase in life.

 

[Get Smart]

Originally Posted by globetrotter

enlightenment is a young mans game.

when I was a teenager, I wanted to find enlightenment, sort of. part of that was trying to totally minimalize my ego. I actually made that a main focus of my life for just under a decade. then I realized how much I liked getting respect, status, and comfort.

I don't think that it is a myth, I am just not sure that it is the best tihng to chase in life.


wise words, agree 10000000%. Did pretty much the same in early 20s

 

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by globetrotter

enlightenment is a young mans game.

when I was a teenager, I wanted to find enlightenment, sort of. part of that was trying to totally minimalize my ego. I actually made that a main focus of my life for just under a decade. then I realized how much I liked getting respect, status, and comfort.

I don't think that it is a myth, I am just not sure that it is the best tihng to chase in life.

Originally Posted by Get Smart

wise words, agree 10000000%. Did pretty much the same in early 20s

It just means you gave in. Nothing wrong with that, and maybe it's the only way, but I wouldn't call them wise words.

 

[Get Smart]

I wouldnt call it giving in. More of a Taoist/Existentialist take on life, insomuch as just simplifying life and not fretting over the small stuff, creating your own take on happiness. Basic stuff that many can't seem to ever grasp or accomplish. I don't think "enlightenment" needs to mean you are on some higher spiritual level, just being comfortable in your own skin is about as enlightened as one can probably get. Sure everyone thinks he already is in own self perception, but probably not in reality. In the most layman's way to put it, the book Tao of Pooh, on the back cover where it's written that while the other characters fret, pontificate, etc, Pooh just "is".

 

[MetroStyles]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

I wouldnt call it giving in. More of a Taoist/Existentialist take on life, insomuch as just simplifying life and not fretting over the small stuff, creating your own take on happiness. Basic stuff that many can't seem to ever grasp or accomplish. I don't think "enlightenment" needs to mean you are on some higher spiritual level, just being comfortable in your own skin is about as enlightened as one can probably get. Sure everyone thinks he already is in own self perception, but probably not in reality. In the most layman's way to put it, the book Tao of Pooh, on the back cover where it's written that while the other characters fret, pontificate, etc, Pooh just "is".

Well, damn, dude. That's just about what I'd call enlightenment.

In a way existentialism and enlightenment are very very connected. As Camus says, the thinking man realizes that life is utterly meaningless: there are two choices - suicide or acceptance of the absurdity of existence. If one chooses the latter, the world is his to interpret and interact with as he wishes (i.e. "create your own take on happiness"). Enlightenment is similarly about accepting what is and living life for the sake of living life, not to get to some secondary goal or purpose.

Perhaps you are an enlightened one!

 

[Get Smart]

Originally Posted by MetroStyles

Perhaps you are an enlightened one!

heh, my barber thinks so

 

[globetrotter]

Originally Posted by Get Smart

In the most layman's way to put it, the book Tao of Pooh, on the back cover where it's written that while the other characters fret, pontificate, etc, Pooh just "is".


bingo!


MS - here's the thing, when you are young you can spend your whole life fretting about philosophy. that's cool. there is a guy who lives at my gym, literally, he cleans up and they let him live there, he works out all day and hangs around. he's a cool enough guy. maybe 50. he may very well be "enlightened".

I deal with bills and work, I don't really give a **** (anymore) about philosophy, I am not enlightened. I come home to my wife who loves me, and my kids who love me. I sit in my comfertable chair, eat a nice meal, drink a nice imported beer, watch a silly tv show.

who has the better life?


hard to say.

who has the more comfortable life. pretty easy to say.

 

[caelte]

I recall in the Lotus Sutra, the BIG B said he, hmmm.., mis-spoke about enlightenment. His idea was: if people knew the truth about it they wouldn't be interested. So he sweetened it up a bit. Enlightenment is not for the satisfied.​

 

[cimabue]

Know thyself.

This is the only enlightenment.