Enlightenment

Originally Posted by Enlightened

SerpentQueen - There are no stages to this. It's 2 different words for the same simple truth.

Once you have realised that there is no self whatsoever, you are free.

No levitation, no magic, no fireworks. It's back to your natural state that isn't being clouded by a fictitious 'self' pulling the strings.

There is no 'you'.

Of course there is hands, legs, eyes etc a space where thoughts come and go. All that's happened is that thoughts have combined to build a self that you believe to be you.

When you look at it for what it is, you realise the simple truth that it's a phalasy.

Well then I guess I am also enlightened. But, there is a problem with that: by stating I am so, or merely thinking it, by labeling it so, I have created yet another belief, another false construct. No?

I don't have any beliefs for the millionth time, and i'm not selling you any either.

I'm straight to the point and direct. The Dalai Lama seems a lovely, warm hearted guy, but, BUT, he isn't waking people up.

Let's always keep the bottom line in sight.

DO WHAT WORKS.

Buddhism may be a noble hobby, but no one is waking up.

[BlueSky]

Originally Posted by Enlightened

I'm new to the forum, but I came here to help you. I have the key to enlightenment.

It's a very bold claim, but i'd love to show anyone that's ready the gate.

This is no joke.

Let's do this people, our world is dying. It's time we woke up and saved it...

I think many people here are enlightened to a personal understanding that there is no independent, self existing “I”.
I think many people here recognize that in light of that, there is something there and it appears as an independent “I” as well as an interconnected “I”.
This is a great thing IMO because it helps a person to be more present like an observer of life instead of a victim.
I think that’s as far as it goes. To offer to others a “state” called enlightenment resulting from looking inside and not finding an independent self is the illusion.
We can become enlightened to certain personal truths (and they are personal) but there is no state called enlightenment.
James

Originally Posted by Enlightened

Once you have realised that there is no self whatsoever, you are free.

Intellectually this is not freedom, only conceptual freedom.
It's simply not as easy as telling someone this & in turn them having a look, for the most part, for most seekers, it will remain simply as a concept.

Originally Posted by Enlightened

No levitation, no magic, no fireworks. It's back to your natural state that isn't being clouded by a fictitious 'self' pulling the strings.

Have you recognized the natural state of what IS?

Originally Posted by Enlightened

Topology - My focus right now is waking people up from the delusion of self.

But you've made a strong statement, you cant find yourself anywhere. This is good. What are you seeing when you try to locate a 'self'?

In the background is the normal perceptive field of ordinary consciousness. In the foreground: the mind splashing around trying to locate something to call a self.

Next?

[Squatchit]

Hiya Enlightened

Thank you for responding. You must know that your OP was bound to cause this sort of reaction? I'm guessing it goes with the territory.

When I look for myself, I find it. It's very very tiny, like a little spark of light or awareness or something, but that's it. I can't ignore it's there. And it's very much me.

So I guess that means I'm simply not on the same hymn sheet as you.

Ah well, all part of the rich tapestry of life.

Take care and I'm reckoning it's not long before you take your leave of this forum.

Squatch

A couple of posts here are basically the same. They fall under the difference between 'understanding' and 'realising'.

There is a HUGE difference between the two.

Understanding means 'you get it', you may even believe it, but until you actually look and truly SEE the illusion in action, then the belief is of no use whatsoever.

I don't care if anyone believes me, I only ask that you look and see for yourself. If you don't, it's your call but you won't wake up.

Topology - Great stuff. The first to do what I suggest, hats off to you.

What you're noticing is the struggle to find a self to call you. There's a shift going on now. Can you see the thought pattens that you have been under the illusion of, the thoughts that have built a 'you'?

I can't find this "you" you mentioned. I've cleaned house of most of the psychic debris from childhood and puberty. Not finding much of what you're asking me to see.

Next?

Squatchit - You're hiding. You're running.

You barely even tried. You took a tiny peek, and somehow this was your plausible excuse to excuse yourself, wish me well and still smell of roses.

Well no, not cool. If you're going to run, then please be honest about it. You even have 'Master' status.

Come on, keep pushing it. What do you see when you look for a 'you'?

Hmmm, I am having great difficulty with 'going further' than just looking inside. I honestly do not know what to do. If I look inside (which to be honest I am not sure how to do) I don't really see anything (by this I don't mean no me, just not sure what I am supposed to be doing) and just end up thinking about other things (largely what am I supposed to be feeling)

I feel I need more 'instructions'

If I accept that there is no me, then what? I still have to think, I still have to converse with others, I just don't understand it.

I need it in basic laymans terms, think "expalining to a child"