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Enlightened Masters

Posted: Wed Aug 21, 2013 6:06 pm
by Vidyaraja
Have any of you met any enlightened masters personally? Not just someone who claims they are enlightened, is knowledgeable about Buddhism, or is generally a nice compassionate individual. I mean have any of you met anyone who exerted an aura, a force, a power, a charisma, a holiness, a superiority? Someone who through mere contact or in whose mere presence one feels different, a sense of calm, or the sense that one is in the presence of a superior being? Have any of you met anyone who has displayed a true siddhi? More broadly have you ever encountered an individual who has a supernatural or mystical quality or attainment?

If you haven't, that's fine, but an answer that I am not looking for "such people don't exist, this is scriptural mythology, this doesn't have to do with Buddhism, you wouldn't be able to tell unless you were enlightened as well, there are no such signs as these, etc." If that is what you believe, OK, but really I am just curious if anyone here can say they have met or encountered an individual who has such qualities or who possesses siddhis of some sort or even if you know someone who has claimed to have met such an individual.

Re: Enlightened Masters

Posted: Wed Aug 21, 2013 10:37 pm
by dyanaprajna2011
By your criteria? No. But I have met beings who were enlightened. One of my best friends, a nominal Christian, has shown more compassion and loving kindness than the next 10 people I know combined. He's taught me more about showing kindness to all people than anyone else I've ever met, or even ever heard of. There's also a particular tree down at the local park that's taught me a thing or two.

Re: Enlightened Masters

Posted: Wed Aug 21, 2013 11:12 pm
by Hickersonia
I have not met anyone personally who I have ever believed might be a fully enlightened being, nor have I ever met anyone who I was aware had any kind of supernatural power.

I have met a few who I have decided might be advanced on the path, stream-enterers and the like, but who am I really to say?

I hope you find what you are seeking, friend. Please be well.

Re: Enlightened Masters

Posted: Wed Aug 21, 2013 11:17 pm
by lobster
dyanaprajna2011 wrote:By your criteria? No.
I don't recognise the criteria either. Sounds like a spiritual Elvis Presley or dharma pop star to me.
We have trees around here too and have even 'met' a masterful street light, that taught me an important lesson . . . :twothumbsup:

As for the enlightened. Very unnoticeable, extraordinary qualities of kindness, awareness, service etc which are not immediately obvious. :popcorn:

Re: Enlightened Masters

Posted: Thu Aug 22, 2013 12:14 am
by Luke
I have never met him, but I believe that Garchen Rinpoche is/is very close to being enlightened. I have heard of people bursting into tears just by being in his presence. He seems remarkable in every way...

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