Does "enlightenment" have pro's and con's ?... or is it all pro's?

Question

..as we are led to believe.

answer if you have any personal experience or opinion about this.

Answer 1

Self-awareness is a path to suffering. Any "enlightenment" theories which include self-awareness will lead to an internal struggle. Most theories that emerged out of the Ancient Civilizations and through to the pre- and post-war German philosophers, will have this problem. This is why so many philosophers experience depression.

It is helpful, in my experience to have clear goals and objectives in one's pursuit of enlightenment.

1. How will you know when you are enlightened?
2. What will be different when you are enlightened?
3. What is necessary to get from here to there?

Generally, this requires letting go of some of our beliefs. However, most people are unwilling to change their beliefs. By extension, many choose suffering.

Answer 2

Based on the ancient Greeks (Socrates, Aristotle, Plato specifically) and the Buddha, I'd say it's better to be enlightened than not.

The opposite of enlightenment is ignorance. Ignorance is not bliss. The quote is "IF ignorance is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise." That's a big IF.

Ignorance puts you at the mercy of others. They can play you for a fool and take advantage of you. Ignorance puts you at the mercy of Life in General. You'll end up pursuing things that you think will make you happy but will only make you poor (after you spend all your money) and tired (after working so hard trying to earn money to get things).

Pro's and con's? If you say that enlightenment means that you see all the injustice and evil in the world, and the emptiness of "things", then that may be a "con". But the Buddhists say that whether you are enlightened or not, you will experience suffering; it's just that wisdom tells you that suffering is good for the things that it teaches and that alleviation of suffering is irrelevant to your happiness. The Buddhists say that compassion, helping others get through their suffering, is how you get through your suffering. COMPASSION.

In summary, it's all in your attitude. Whatever your situation, see the good in it (the learning experience, the strength you gain through perseverance, the living experience that you gain --- you see all the things that can be experienced in human life).

Don't believe me just because I cite the philosophers. Try it out for yourself. Buddha wouldn't have it any other way.

By the way, the ancient Greeks said that fame and fortune are not worthy goals. Instead, try: sharing good times (not necessarily expensive good times) with good friends.

Answer 3

Enlightenment comes in stages, and it is seldom easy but if you are ready, then you will achieve it whether there are difficulties or not.
The process usually involves trial along with epiphany, and to overcome ones self is always the toughest part.
Just ask St John of the Cross, who will tell you that the dark night of the Soul is something that must be overcome if you are to see the golden dawn

Answer 4

Enlightenment is supposed to be without any cons, it is perfect understanding. If you are Enlightened, you do not suffer, and if you don't suffer, where will you find a con, as any con is simply something you are discontent with, and to be Enlightened is to be utterly content. That's how I understand it anyway.

Answer 5

enlightenment hasn´t come to me yet. So I can´t say my experiences with cons and pros...

Answer 6

the con might be you die to defend your enlightment...but enlightened would say that is the greatest honor