there is a zen saying regarding what it takes to gain enlightenment: “To gain enlightenment, you must want it as much as a man whose head is held under water wants air.”
seems extreme to me; in this world, there are not very many with their heads being held under water; and if that were true, it would not leave much time to become enlightened; I agree that a human being would desperately want air, and struggle mightily; I do not think that most people, however, are that desparate for enlightenment, nor are they focused enough, nor will they mostly likely be so anytime soon
if it takes such an extreme focus, I doubt very few , in this world will be wanting to gain enlightenment; as for the few, if they feel like me, they are not very taken by so-called “enlightened” beings in this world, whose conduct and attitudes leave a lot to be desired
enlightenment is not for my ego, or anyone else’s ego to be trashed, humiliated, or otherwise lessened by the “enlightened” one; worth and dignity of all come first, including respect for the individual, even if the “enlightened” don’t like their egos or claim that the ego is in the way of enlightenment; as far as I can see, most “enlightened” human beings have an enormous amount of EGO that they carry around, and yet THAT enroumous ego of the “enlightened” is not a problem
talk about disregard, contradiction, and disrespct
still, in this world, if an individual feels so inclined, or drawn to a relationship with an “enlightened” one, they are always free to do so; I just don’t want any part of it
I would rather be unenlightened and struggling to climb the highest spiritual mountain; if I ever say that I am enlightened, if I ever say that I am trying to teach, or that I am a master -- PLEASE -- someone, enlightened or not, take a gun to my head, and put me out of my misery
dharmicmel
thursday. 16 april 2009 ce