IS SELF REALIZATION ATTAINABLE?
 

Looks like a new definition of self-realisation is on the way thanks to the New Age Industry.

Yes. With the caveat that I don't know what you call "self realization"

Like everything, if you believe it is, then it is and if you don't believe it is, then it isn't.

According to Wiki the western definition is the "fulfillment by oneself of the possibilities of one's character or personality"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-realization

So is that like reaching your full potential? Reaching your goals? What if you change course half way through? Do you still reach your full potential?

From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-realization

The so called ''western'' definition seems lacklustre, possibly because we don't really use such concepts in our society. It also does not seem to relate to spirituality either.

Indian religions however describe self-realization in a spiritual context, so I go with this. Generally it is viewed as the end of a destination: no more incarnations, no more journey. If there is an end to a journey it means there is nothing more to learn, no adventure, no passion, etc. All that awaits is eternal bliss and oneness, with no craving of any kind. Or alternatively, there is eternal worship of a personal god, which is what I've heard from Hare Krishna people.

Is this possible? Is there an eternal form of god dancing and a band of followers in front of him/her singing praise? Hmm. Or what about the impersonalist belief where one is totally free of attachment and desire?

Exploring them, they do rest on a number of assumptions..

1. That a human is the highest, final incarnation within a hierarchy of life forms [This belief rests on teleological assumptions]. Humans are too quick to project themselves upon the universe, with the gods being like humans [looks, language, behaviour, construction work], and the idea that *happiness* and *suffering* are essential pieces of the universe.

2. That a human can be free of all attachment and desire [What about the need for other people for our well being? What about income, food, water, sex and survival?]. The meditating monk will also depend on alms or charity. It's easy to be distracted by that reality when you sit down in peace but one cannot escape that dependence. The act of spiritual practice and wanting to go deeper is a desire as well.

If peeps relate Self as being what you are then Self Realization has to encompass what you are that is realized, that is from a finite perspective and an infinite perspective.

As touched upon with noone there is beyond that also ..

I think it's very straightforward regardless of what this scripture say's or that definition implies .

Peeps can argue all day long what it means, but I think the basics have to be addressed first in regards to what Self implies .. and what Realization implies ..

If there isn't any common ground with these two aspects then there really is no hope :)


x daz x

Of course.
That is the nature of existence...
And, as self-conscious beings, that is precisely what we are here for.

~ J

Realization of one self?..... Realize who you really are???? That's what I would assume self realization is. But some people call an SUV a truck too. But then if you correct them they get mad and offended because they feel dumb and they start to argue and make no real points. You agree just so you can get on with life. Then the truth is lost and distorted. When there really is a difference between a truck and an SUV. It is what it is. Ok sorry for my rant.

:laughing4: Good one hallow.