I thought about studying the Eastern philosophies, but I want to know before hand...is it worth it?
2007-03-01 15:50:16 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
begin with the celestine prophecy it is a movie and a book.....
I say try the "new age" first
next try the theosophical society....
then buddhism or hinduism,,,
You have no desires, and become one with humanity, understanding its secrets.... you have no fear of being broke or speaking to a group of 1000 people.... you could be naked in front of them and still be ok..... comfortable..... get the idea? it is the single hardest journey anyone can take,
It is filled with pain and sacrifice, but bliss at the same time.....
once you begin you can never go back,,,,,
it is wonderful and beautiful while also being the single most painful thing a human being can do,,,,
but worth it yes
a good head start would be to contemplate these
humilty
compassion
love
truth
realization
the path is tied closely to these...
2007-03-01 16:00:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't need the Eastern philosophies to become enlightened.
You must recognize the material world around you, is nothing more than a brief distraction in eternity. A distraction that occupies your mind with survival and pleasures, and keeps you from exploring your inner being. We are all born with the knowledge needed to achieve this enlightenment, but succumb to our basic needs and desires.
Live well and good luck....
illuminostic
2007-03-01 16:06:19 · answer #2 · answered by illuminostic_1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been studying Buddhism for 15 years. When you gain enlightenment you understand how everything works, can see cause and effect in everything, realize your own limitations and transcend them. More than anything it is a removal of all self delusion.
You do not gain any supernatural powers, master exotic ninja moves to decapitate your enemies or gain the ability to hover 2 meters above the ground. You do realize that you don't need any of those things though.
I don't know anybody who is truly enlightened but I do know people more enlightened than I am.
2007-03-01 16:01:58 · answer #3 · answered by John B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, honey that's two different questions.
My answer to the first question is, Enlightenment is: Not knowing the answer, then discovering the answer. I'm not enlightened.
My answer to the second question is Study Eastern philosophies, continue with your studies. Never stop learning.
2007-03-01 15:53:10 · answer #4 · answered by Debi in LA 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A very good question..allow me a smile for you awakening awareness and a bow for your wisdom in seeking truth.
I'd like the opportunity to add to the already fine answers given above if I may be allowed.
Enlightenment is not so much the destination, rather it is the journey itself which is the focus. To become enlightened is to become fully aware of other Beings and to be interested in their well being and happiness with no concern for ourselves at all. It is a journey well worth the effort, if you are concerned with spending something for any personal gain however, then it will be disappointing and fruitless as the purpose of the journey is not to gain but to give.
The purpose of the journey is to become aware that we each are responsible for each other's happiness, and that by continuing to help other's achieve a happier state then we ourselves become happier. We do this by giving happiness to other Beings not by taking happiness from them. Selflessness is the key, selfishness is not.
What happens..? We continue to be selfless...as quoted above..we continue to chop wood and carry water..all the things that we do in normal daily living continue to occur...
To become selfless we must eliminate those selfish thoughts in our lives to which we have become accustomed, we discard those selfish desires and encourage selfless desires...basically a process of elimination.
A wise monk was once asked if he was enlightened....he smiled and said "No..but I am highly eliminated..." A man with a good sense of humour and truth....
Peace from a Buddhist....
2007-03-01 20:02:25 · answer #5 · answered by Gaz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Enlightenment is when the mysteries and secrets to life are reavealed to u from the inside out...not from someone telling u something or u reading a book and now u think u kno it all. Its when u see everything crystal clear, people, things,events, opportunities, circumstances...EVERYTHING. Its sort of like when Neo of the Matrix knew that he was the one. Its self realization.
Yeck yea its worth it...but first u must figure out your purpose..wat u were created to do...who u are deep inside
2007-03-01 15:59:16 · answer #6 · answered by susieozbornehiphop 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As the Buddhists say, "Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, the same."
2007-03-01 15:56:18 · answer #7 · answered by Katrine 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To be enlightened is to have a perfectly clear mind. We are all ignorant of the true nature of ourselves and reality. Enlightenment is the complete removal of this ignorance.
2007-03-01 15:57:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is enlightenment worth the effort? Well, since ignorance is bliss, I guess you could get there either way. If all else fails, there's drugs.
2007-03-01 15:54:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The few humans who are alive and have achieved englightenment are too humble to say.
What we do know is that Englightenment is a highly desirable state of consciousness.
You can get there by meditation and an ascetic lifestyle.
2007-03-01 15:58:03 · answer #10 · answered by Imogen Sue 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋