2007-06-16 17:39:55 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Philmeta11 & Vinslave: A Buddha emits light for the Buddha is *awake*, so much light that enlightenment unfolds, if this were not true there would only be the void, look around, do you know "the cypress tree in the courtyard"? It is Buddha and also Buddhas light. ~ : )
2007-06-19 05:59:12 · update #1
It's interesting you should ask this question at this time. This week is the seven year anniversary of my awakening, and I can literally feel myself going through it back then, now. (did I say that right?) Every year at this time I'm reminded of those eight days that changed my life forever, but this year seems to stand out that much more. (You may have noticed it in my questions)
Anyways, to answer your question. At this time in June of 2000, Al knows that enlightenment is unfolding.
2007-06-17 00:54:30 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Great question CD, and, as with most great questions, I guess that most of us will have our own, singular, versions of an answer.
I noticed an answer the other day to a completely different, but related question that reminded me of something that happened around 7 years ago, ( I must be in 'sync' with Sunman ! ), it just came to me in a 'flash' that all this stuff about 'becoming' enlightened was raising expectations that could only be disappointed at some time or another.
Has anyone ever heard the Dalai Lama state that he is 'enlightened' ? I haven't, and I've listened to many of his words and read a few of his books. There must be a reason for this, because surely if anyone currently living in this world is 'enlightened', it must be the Dalai Lama, right ?
Wrong.
I am sure that his Holiness would be the first to agree that 'enlightenment', like happiness, isn't something that we can 'become', it is a state of mind, and to 'get there' all it takes, like everything else in life in the 'physical' is a decision. In this case the decision to 'Be' 'enlightened.
And that's pretty much it for my version.
Who is it that 'knows' enlightenment is unfolding ?
Anyone who understands that we, as a manifested species, are accelerating towards a 'critical mass' situation of understanding the true nature of our existence, and that more and more of us every day are coming to the 'real'-isation that it is us creating all of this, individually, in groups, and all of us together, and when we reach that critical mass, then we shall make a true 'leap' of 'evolution', and 'graduate' to the next level of the game. :-)))
Of course, anyone who doesn't want to 'catch the wave' this time around will be able to do so anytime they wish, so no-one gets to miss the ride !
2007-06-17 08:18:23 · answer #2 · answered by cosmicvoyager 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Because awakening is so ordinary and includes ALL, there is a kind of merging with the life being lived. The difference is...there is this awareness that is walking along with the life, often in amusement. Anger, frustration, needs, bodily pains, all arise, but none of these are taken PERSONALLY. Life tends to zoom on by...'willy nilly'. :)
Blissful experiences, that most of us have experienced, come and go. The awareness is the only constant. Anything that comes and goes, regardless of how amazing, is not enlightenment. YOU are there (awareness) after 'experiences' come and go....YOU are there through all of life's experiences...because YOU are the only constant.
We live in the cerebral arena...losing touch with the gentle childlike person we actually are. The mind machine distracts us from our naturalness. The mind is necessary, but overplays it's role.
If there can be a practice...which can be grabbed by the mind...it would be to 'touch' ones simple self...the little spontaneous person, you are, who can never be corrupted and is always there...waiting for recognition.
I want to add that is an unfolding...a new habit has to be formed...one of ignoring much of the mind chatter. Thoughts cannot be stopped, they are relentless! They can be ignored.
2007-06-17 10:41:31 · answer #3 · answered by Eve 4 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Buddha
2007-06-17 00:42:12 · answer #4 · answered by JimBob from 'Bama 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The Buddha.
2007-06-17 00:46:01 · answer #5 · answered by goodfella 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The enlightened one;
Is one who has wisdom but keeps silent!
Who knows all but keeps on learning!
Who is great yet remains a peasant!
Why is this? Because as soon as one enters the realm of chasing mundane things or arrogance. They enter the bliss of encouraging ignorance and all the open books will then close. For the truth points to itself, and yet so complex it maybe. For all we need to do is look in the mirror!
Perhaps this is way the genius always says their work is still yet incomplete!
2007-06-21 22:40:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a story!
Yesterday at the school of Harley I was coming in full realization of my physical limits. The clutch was killing me! Now, I realized in the bookwork aspect that many rules of the road are pure truth in your affectiveness as a human being. It was the same stuff! Nothing we do on this planet is a wasted experience and I've found everything can be applied to a person's enlightenment. Which is why it always feels not quite attained, always unfolding...because we are, in fact....unfolding, and constantly seeking to unfold in mini scenerios. I think we humans love the art of unfolding....
So, the first exercise is under my belt. IT's balancing the bike and my feet were off the ground for the first time and I'm wobbling along in first gear. Thinking I should be doing this for awhile before I move to the next phase, but of course that's not going to happen. We're already as a class, moving forward.
So, we're standing around taking a break and listening to our instructors when one of them said, "Oh, look at this guy!" We turn around and I'm beyond floored. There is this guy out on the street, standing on the seat of his motorcycle with his arms spread wide and his head thrown back with his long hair blowing in the wind. He rides this way for awhile and perfectly executes getting back down and taking control of his bike.
I'm frozen. I can't even imagine how that's even possible. I'm wobbling with my feet off the ground for the first time and I already have the full span of 1-50 in my awareness.
Interesting to note, but in my last answer to you I eluded to how I actually throw myself into my limitless state, and it's standing in the exact same pattern as this guy. With my arms thrown out and my face up. I expand through the chest.
REality is that I have to take more time with this bike experience. The instructors said that my mind got in the way too much. Hunh...
How humble I am to start over with something and to start at the very beginning where the first thing I have to do is throw out my mind.
and unfold again....each time, breaking down the barriers between the body and the ever present Universe...
2007-06-17 10:20:41 · answer #7 · answered by shakalahar 4 · 6⤊ 0⤋
One who practices the correct path and thread along the Truth for the Truth will only reveal to those who seek. Just as polishing a dull and stained mirror, if one is diligent with practice, clarity will surely prevail in a matter of time.
The 'who' is in fact each and every one of us who has the capability to do so. The path is found nowhere else but before our own eyes and heart.
2007-06-17 08:44:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Enlightenment does not unfold; it is not a story. The story is of the disappearance of the one who would seek enlightenment. It is, therefore, not known by anyone.
Phil
2007-06-18 01:19:34 · answer #9 · answered by philmeta11 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Happiness is knowing you are happy.
To be happy, derive it from making others happy, in this way you step along the Path harmlessly and with greater humility.
Enlightenment will be attained by dilligent effort in this regard, whether you will know it or not remains a question for the wise. May we all develop wisdom.
Peace from a Buddhist....
2007-06-17 12:54:07 · answer #10 · answered by Gaz 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋