Hey.
I have done a few decades worth of study concerning meditation, awareness, and enlightenment.
I absolutely love meditation and hanging out with a Sanga and/or like minded people who enjoy sitting.
There are some great benefits from having a practice.
During this period of time I have talked to more than a few people who talk about awareness and enlightenment.
A lot of this amounts to absolutely nothing.
Have you ever met anyone who is enlightened? I would like to hear from you. I would like to know exactly what "enlightened" means.
Over and over again I hear the constant commenting that enlightened people can't seem to discuss this state using everyday language. I am told that this state is somehow beyond my or your understanding, dangerous if somehow we am not ready to take on the enormous task of being enlightened, or if I study long and hard enough and really apply myself it will happen.
Of course I won't be able to explain it to anyone. No one seems able to do this.
Despite this seemingly mysterious state people continue to argue over who is "enlightened" and who is not.
Exactly what have all the "enlightened ones done?"
We have been on this planet for thousands of years and I suppose there have been quite a few "enlightened" ones along the way.
Nothing much seems to have changed in the basics of human interactions.
I think it has become really sad that so many people have decided to be professional gurus and sell enlightenment. Of course they can sell it under any label or definition they decide on since there never has been a concise definition of enlightened.
Most of these people would refuse to say they are enlightened yet have no problem with selling the idea to as many people as possible. If they were to admit that are enlightened someone may ask them to prove it.
Most of what these professional "gurus" are selling can be had for the price of a library card and some well spent time reading.
And, it seems like I have talked to more than a few people who feel the same way I do. I think lots of people fear challenging the "system" because they fear they will be criticized or ostracized from the community they practice in.
I think it's about time we start looking at a meditation practice as a practical devise and enjoy the benefits without all the mystical price tag that comes with the concept of enlightened.
Next time some thoughts on awareness.
In Loving Kindness
Bryan
