The nature of enlightenment

Intention will allow oneself to be aligned with Spirit, which in turn allows one to naturally gravitate towards a spiritual path that accomodates the unique qualities of the vessel (body, mind, personality, etc.) that they embody. Ultimately, it is the willingness to surrender all attachments to one's illusory separative existence that enables the realization of enlightenment. So, yes, in a manner of speaking, enlightenment is only achieved by intent.

Travis

 

Radar, whilst I agree, I can not help but wonder if 'surrendering to all attatchments' can not just as easily happen as a result of no intention. I have byron Katie in mind here. It seems to me she was not Intending for 'enlightenment' yet it happened to her so I read. What do you think of her way of(?spontaneous) 'enlightenment'? and more to the point, do you consider her 'enlightened?

 

My own personal jury is out on Byron Katie, actually. The process of self-inquiry she advocates ("The Work") is no doubt legitimate in essence, but she also seems too fixated on questioning superficial aspects of our beings rather than the fundamental nature of our identity. For example, I make a major distinction between asking "who am I really?" (which is basically the question that triggered Eckhart Tolle's realization) and something more cognitive or circumstantial in nature such as, "am I really unhappy because my mother was too strict during my childhood?", which is the type of questioning she seems to recommend. If misinterpreted, this type of spiritual practice could end up being little more than a sophisticated form of cognitive behavioral therapy (a rather remedial psychotherapeutic approach).

On the other hand, however, perhaps she is just encouraging people to start with the most superficial aspects and work inwards until one's true nature is revealed.

As far as her own realization goes, she may not have been "intending" for enlightenment to happen, but (assuming she has legitimately attained the state) she was willing to relinquish her identification with the conceptual mind and the egoic identity that accompanies it. For me, this is the same willingness exhibited by a Zen monk (for example) just prior to attaining enlightenment, the only difference being the process that precipitated the ultimate surrender of separative identity.

Or, In other words, one doesn't need to know that they're on a path to enlightenment in order for that path to be authentic.

Travis

 

yeh, maybe she just had a 'aha' moment...and ended up abundant in one way or another. who am I to know, really!

Radar, do you recognize synchronicity in your life and what part (if any)does this play in enlightenment/or aiding it.

 

I think synchronous events occur naturally as a result of aligning oneself with Spirit. They're almost like the universe's built-in mechanism for acknowledging when separative consciousness is merging with universal consciousness -- that which appears to be external aligning with that which appears to be internal. They are like fleeting representations of the interconnectedness of all life.

Divine synchronicity can provide orientation during the period that precedes embarking on a conscious spiritual path, guiding the spiritual aspirant towards the practices and realizations that will provide the most expedient means of uplifting their consciousness as well as reaffirming that they're on the right track.

At later stages of the path, however, my sense is that synchronicity becomes less important. The direction has already been established and the individual has had enough direct experience communing with Spirit to know it. Spirit may intervene from time to time in the form of synchronicity in order to rectify deviations from the path or inspire an individual during periods of disillusionment or despondency, but in general, the individual's willpower and intuition are in the driver's seat and require no external aid.

Ultimately, I think enlightenment could be considered the embodiment of synchronicity. All actions that arise from the state of enlightened consciousness are intertwined with universal consciousness in a fashion that allows events to unfold naturally and achieve optimal results.

Enlightenment is the synchronization of oneself with the higher order of the universe.

Travis

 

I'm capable now.

You read me like a book back in april. :cheers2:

 

Enlgihtenment can mean whatever you want it to mean. It is about reaching a certain goal , but it doesn't involve everybody taking teh same path. enlightenment is like space itself , it has no set boundaries. My first glimpse came after nearly 7 years of a mental gauntlet and the deconstruction of every sight I see and sound I hear.

You can try to show people the way , but it's virtually impossible to teach someone the subtle nuances of abstract thought and how to let go of every social axion they hold onto. To teach people to forge their way through the inner and outer world until they reach the foundation of thought is nothing short of miraculous.

To attempt to teach people to overcome the very concept of duality , and realize that it is one , is futile. Being able to look at things from the point of view of your "essence" is a once in a lifetime experience.

There are several tips to give but it has to make a connection in a person's mind.

 

Part of the problem in talking about one's self being "enlightened" is that the statement it's self is a contradiction unless you also convey that you are talking about the infinite self and not the ego self.

But another part of it is the whole notion of it being a "higher" state of consciousness or is in some absolute way better than the others.

It's all just a preference though. Being enlightened is preferable to not being so in some ways, but in other ways it's the other way around.

I don't have a problem saying I have access to enlightenment. It's a cherished part of my life, but I also have no problem with anyone not believing me. It's not for to me to prove it, it's up to other people to decide for themselves. It's like whether someone believes I went to the beach last Tuesday or went to the park. ....Hmmm.....It's a beautiful sunny day right now, and I just reminded myself about going to the beach. (And I'm not speaking metaphorically now; I really am going to the beach!) Cya