do you think it is possible to have a meaningful romantic relationship? Is it possible to love one more than another after enlightenment or self awareness? To seek material gain?
2006-08-08 11:09:47 · 7 answers · asked by cory55355 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
not having a relationship FOR material gain... But pursuing material gain after enlightenment or self awareness.
2006-08-08 11:17:52 · update #1
Of course. A life devoted to spirituality doesn't exclude anything. That was the case in the old days (and in some instances now) when monks would just meditate and be excluded from the world or a seeker would go in a cave and do nothing but meditate. There is nothing bigger than Life and everything can be used to awaken .......ESPECIALLY being in a romantic relationship! That is the best spiritual practice in the world. So much stuff/issues are going to be thrown at you. It's a true challenge to stay open and see what is true. It helps if the other person is devoted to seeing the truth and living a life of spirituality too but it's not necessary.
Also, it's helpful to see that spirituality isn't separate from daily living. Many saints and enlightened ones woke up and continued to live their daily existence doing menial jobs. It's not what you do. Anything is good. Just do it with awareness and peace.
This life is it. Every challenge, every bird singing, every conversation, every little thing in this life that happens to you is an opportunity to wake up. Life is the ultimate teacher. It just takes awareness.
You can love more than one other. You love all others cuz you realize you're connected to others. Every person reflects back to you your light. You can still be in a relationship. The growth between the couple will continue to expand. There is no stopping point to it.
Nothing wrong with seeking material gain. People have ideas that if someone is spiritual the person should be living simply with hardly any possessions. This is just a false idea many centuries old of what spirituality is. Money is necessary in this day and age and it's good. You can have it and have nice things, the only difference now, is your happiness comes from knowing who you are. You use money and you enjoy the freedom that comes from having it but you're not attached to striving to get it to make you whole.
good question.
2006-08-09 12:20:31 · answer #1 · answered by .. 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This could go either way. The more enlightened one becomes the more it becomes simple to see past trivial personality flaws and to truly love others. At the same time it may become more difficult to find someone who can partake in stimulating conversations and discuss deeper concepts that you are understanding more clearly. Meaningful romantic relationships exist on several levels. Does someone exist who can meet you on those levels or can you be satisfied with less? Of course your love will flow openly to all but to fulfill the position of a romantic relationship a degree of sharing should exist which goes both ways.
Those who are enlightened rarely seek material gain but if they do it will be for the betterment of a group, not for selfish gain.
2006-08-08 18:31:23 · answer #2 · answered by CosmicKiss 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What a great question! The question probably arises as a result of accepting the common idea that spirituality and samsara are different. You may find it interesting to look beyond that dualism via zen, Tibetan or other Mahayana and Vajrayana practices where the metaphor "first there is a mountain, then there is no mountain, then there is" attempts to express the realisation that spirit and material are indeed not-two. They are not one, but neither are they separate.
With that realisation we can each then love a specific other as both the unique individual they are AND as an embodiment of the other side of our sexuality, of all humanity, of the universe, of spirit, ....
As for material gain, the question then becomes "How is this body using what its efforts have acquired?"
Much Love and keep on keeping on.
Simon
2006-08-08 18:34:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have done what you say, then be fruitful and multiply, as you were commanded. If you lie, and seek material gain, then you have never been spiritual nor enlightened. Where do you think you really belong?
"Avarice" is not the way of the "spiritual" or the "enlightened." You could have been neither!
2006-08-08 18:20:52 · answer #4 · answered by Insight 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your question is confusing. Is it possible to be spiritual and have romantic love? yes. Is it possible to be spiritual, and pursue a romantic relationship for material gain? probably not.
2006-08-08 18:14:05 · answer #5 · answered by curiositycat 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would think that type of person would be GREAT to have a relationship with.
2006-08-08 18:14:16 · answer #6 · answered by Elizabeth 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi
I dont think it is.
I did it and am doing it no girl these days wants a loser like that even if they are handsom?
(Shakes head)..shame
2006-08-08 18:43:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋