Define Enlightenment
Define Enlightenment
It's the end all be all, the goal if you will, although if you think about it in that way you can't reach it, (how's that for some karma) but just how does one define enlightenment? I've read Mr' Snyder's book and he addresses this somewhat, I'd like to know everyone's own definition?
Thank you in advance for your replies.
Thank you in advance for your replies.
Re: Define Enlightenment
The word that was originally translated as 'enlightenment' in the Buddhist context was Bodhi. This translation was made by T W Rhys-Davids, founder of the Pali text society; and one of the reasons he used the term 'enlightenment' was due to its resonances with 'the European enlightenment', as he was of the view that the original form of Buddhism was a 'religion of reason'.
The Wikipedia definition of 'bodhi' is as follows:
The Wikipedia definition of 'bodhi' is as follows:
That is probably as near as you will get to a definition, as definitions are very difficult when it comes to such seminal ideas.Bodhi (Sanskrit: बोधि; and Pali) in Buddhism is the understanding possessed by a Buddha regarding the nature of things. It is traditionally translated into English with the word 'enlightenment' and literally means awakened. Bodhi is knowledge of the causal mechanism by which beings incarnate into material form and experience suffering.
'Only practice with no gaining idea' ~ Suzuki Roshi
Re: Define Enlightenment
Loss of ego defined as "the anxious, grasping self" - ?
Loss of "the defilements" - ?
Entry into "the deathless state" - ?
Loss of "the defilements" - ?
Entry into "the deathless state" - ?
Re: Define Enlightenment
Yea, I almost said personal definitions in my post because it does seem to be a fluid concept. This is why I'm interested in everyone's opinion.Wayfarer wrote:
That is probably as near as you will get to a definition, as definitions are very difficult when it comes to such seminal ideas.
Re: Define Enlightenment
Here- Now
More about Mindfulness here
http://bemindful.co.uk/
" A Zen master's life is one continuous mistake."
(Dogen).
http://bemindful.co.uk/
" A Zen master's life is one continuous mistake."
(Dogen).
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Re: Define Enlightenment
Smarten up? Get real? Clear your head?
- Challenge23
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Re: Define Enlightenment
It is a very good question.
And, unfortunately, it is one where, to be honest, Buddhism is a religion and not a philosophy.
There isn't really a speicfic definition of Enlightenment that everyone agrees on. The only thing that everyone seems to be able to agree on is that
A. Enlightenment exists
B. It can be attained
C. It is a really, really good thing.
Each of these things pretty much have to be taken on faith(especially the third point). It really, really sucks but there it is.
And, unfortunately, it is one where, to be honest, Buddhism is a religion and not a philosophy.
There isn't really a speicfic definition of Enlightenment that everyone agrees on. The only thing that everyone seems to be able to agree on is that
A. Enlightenment exists
B. It can be attained
C. It is a really, really good thing.
Each of these things pretty much have to be taken on faith(especially the third point). It really, really sucks but there it is.
IN THIS BOOK IT IS SPOKEN OF THE SEPHIROTH & THE PATHS, OF SPIRITS & CONJURATIONS, OF GODS, SPHERES, PLANES & MANY OTHER THINGS WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT EXIST. IT IS IMMATERIAL WHETHER THEY EXIST OR NOT. BY DOING CERTAIN THINGS CERTAIN RESULTS FOLLOW; STUDENTS ARE MOST EARNESTLY WARNED AGAINST ATTRIBUTING OBJECTIVE REALITY OR PHILOSOPHICAL VALIDITY TO ANY OF THEM.
Wagner, Eric; Wilson, Robert Anton (2004-12-01). An Insider's Guide to Robert Anton Wilson (Kindle Locations 1626-1629). New Falcon Publications. Kindle Edition., quoting from Alister Crowley
Wagner, Eric; Wilson, Robert Anton (2004-12-01). An Insider's Guide to Robert Anton Wilson (Kindle Locations 1626-1629). New Falcon Publications. Kindle Edition., quoting from Alister Crowley
- LastLegend
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Re: Define Enlightenment
Perhaps. Perhaps not.LastLegend wrote:If I were enlightened, I would be able to tell you.
I would define it in terms of experience over conjecture.
Re: Define Enlightenment
Say what you think about me here.
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Re: Define Enlightenment
enlightenment is just a word.
There are many stages or spiritual development.
There are many stages or spiritual development.
If the thought of demons
Never rises in your mind,
You need not fear the demon hosts around you.
It is most important to tame your mind within....
In so far as the Ultimate, or the true nature of being is concerned,
there are neither buddhas or demons.
He who frees himself from fear and hope, evil and virtue,
will realize the insubstantial and groundless nature of confusion.
Samsara will then appear as the mahamudra itself….
-Milarepa
OMMANIPADMEHUNG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls6P9tOYmdo
Never rises in your mind,
You need not fear the demon hosts around you.
It is most important to tame your mind within....
In so far as the Ultimate, or the true nature of being is concerned,
there are neither buddhas or demons.
He who frees himself from fear and hope, evil and virtue,
will realize the insubstantial and groundless nature of confusion.
Samsara will then appear as the mahamudra itself….
-Milarepa
OMMANIPADMEHUNG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls6P9tOYmdo