Well? I'm curious what y'all think.
It generally means rev like, or like the rev
:)
the rev
I mean from a spiritual sense.
What behaviors of characteristics would one expect from an enlightened person?
I'd expect the enlightened one not to fear death.
I'd expect the enlightened one to accept change gracefully.
I'd expect the enlightened one to be kind and forgiving.
I'd expect the enlightened one not to stress and worry over the future, or ruminate despondantly over past mistakes.
Tell me what you think of when you imagine an enlightened person.
"It generally means rev like, or like the rev"
Hey! lol...well then please - do tell what it's like to be "rev like", and what one would do if granted such a lofty status.
Well for one you would start a sub forum on the OG to share all of your wisdom with :)
I agree with your statements, but there is an intangible mystical thing as well
the rev
"I agree with your statements, but there is an intangible mystical thing as well"
Tell me about that part.
Honestly, I think that part may be a mirage...and that "enlightenment" may be more accessable than we imagine. Not easy, mind you, but accessible.
btw, let me assure all of you that I'm not pretending to BE enlightened. I want to nip that one in the bud.
The unfortunate thing about "Enlightenment" is that you are expected to act differently. If you've spent most of your life as a quiet, introverted person (like Ramana Maharshi, often considered one of the spiritual giants of all time) then that pattern of behavior will continue.
If you're brash and abrasive (like Nisargadatta Maharaj, a sage I love) or like alcohol and women (like Alan Watts, another favorite), then that pattern will also be likely to continue.
Enlightenment doesn't mean that suddenly "you" are perfect...you simply see the play of life (Lila) from a different perspective. The ups and downs still happen, it just affects you differently. ;)
What behaviors of characteristics would one expect from an enlightened person?
I'd expect the enlightened one not to fear death.
Biologically, the body fears death. The realization that WHAT you are will never die can still be there, but the body will still fight to survive.
Plain instincts.
I'd expect the enlightened one to accept change gracefully.
Acceptance of all things, even not liking what is changing. ;)
I'd expect the enlightened one to be kind and forgiving.
You can see through the illusion of "self" and still get pissed off at someone for doing something stupid. It doesn't last tho. ;)
I'd expect the enlightened one not to stress and worry over the future, or ruminate despondantly over past mistakes.
There is the realization that, in the present moment (which is all we have), we are giving 100%. Stressing about the past or future is, literally, pointless.
This doesn't mean you don't plan for things, you just know that you're going to do whatever the moment dictates and that's all you're able to.
SCRAP
"Enlightened" is how you feel after you take a big dump.
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye
salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye
therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect (Matthew, 5: 44 & 46-48).
"Tell me what you think of when you imagine an enlightened person. "
Interesting thread Rastus,
This below is only what I believe, so everything that anyone thinks is to strange for them, please just dismiss it.
I think pretty much everything you yourself listed above. And an enlightened person wont be able to eat animal meat, or in any way consciously hurt another being (humans and animals), physically or mentally. An enlightened person wont be able to hurt his/her own body either, so he/she wont drink alcohol or take any other harmful drugs.
An enlightened being will also understand that "Everything is good"
and lastly, I believe that an enligtened person will be "homosexual" (this issue is a bit complicated and sensitive to explain). Especially considering that Jesus was enlightened....
Btw, from my point of view, those people that Scrap talks about, weren´t fully enlightened. They only had short, tiny glimpses of enlightment. Strong signs though, that they don´t have long time left, until they will be fully enlightened.
"You can see through the illusion of "self" and still get pissed off at someone for doing something stupid. It doesn't last tho. ;) "
getting pissed, is a sure sign someone isn´t enlightened.
and lastly, I believe that an enligtened person will be "homosexual" (this issue is a bit complicated and sensitive to explain). Especially considering that Jesus was enlightened....
Would you mind trying to explain this?
acceptance of all things.
a real emphasis on the virtues of Honor, Duty, Justice, Love, Loyalty, Courage and Harmony.
getting pissed, is a sure sign someone isn´t enlightened.
Nisargadatta Maharaj was known for "getting pissed" at those that came to his home for his teachings. If you think he, Ramana, and Alan Watts, weren't true sages, I suggest updating your research.
Enlightenment isn't some magical, mystical wonderland. It's the simple realization of what you already are. There is nothing to attain. Everything is good (because it can't be any other way), and that includes having regular emotions and feelings about certain things.
SCRAP
"Would you mind trying to explain this?"
I´ll mail you.
Perhaps androginy would describe the concept better.
"Enlightenment doesn't mean that suddenly "you" are perfect...you simply see the play of life (Lila) from a different perspective. The ups and downs still happen, it just affects you differently. ;)"
That makes perfect sense to me. I think I've had a distorted sense of what "enlightenment" means. One thing I've found is that the guy in my shoes is pretty much the same guy.
"Biologically, the body fears death. The realization that WHAT you are will never die can still be there, but the body will still fight to survive."
I will definitely try to keep myself from dying. I don't imagine an enlightened person, for instance, losing his dignity in abject terror at death's approach, however.
"Acceptance of all things, even not liking what is changing. ;)"
You mean, even accepting terror? Wouldn't that dissolve terror?
"You can see through the illusion of "self" and still get pissed off at someone for doing something stupid. It doesn't last tho. ;)"
I have found that when I do get furious, it's not long lasted. I let it go quickly...way more quickly than before. And also the things that would provoke my anger...many of those things simply don't exist anymore.
"This doesn't mean you don't plan for things, you just know that you're going to do whatever the moment dictates and that's all you're able to."
I am truly enjoying living in the moment. Well, "enjoy" isn't always the operating adjective, but being invested in it, rather than focusing on the future (i.e. Living in the unreality of thoughts).
Aaron,
I think "enlightenment" is independent of religion. Think about it, how many gossiping, petty "christians" do you know?