上位 200 件のコメント全て表示する 250

[–]Rks1157Theravāda / Saddhānusāri 17ポイント18ポイント  (4子コメント)

I'm awake too. I got up around seven this morning. I realized it was Tuesday.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (3子コメント)

That's fantastic. How long were you in denial of the fact that it was Tuesday?

[–]Rks1157Theravāda / Saddhānusāri 7ポイント8ポイント  (2子コメント)

I was ignorant until the alarm went off.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (1子コメント)

But will it forever be Tuesday? I am finding it difficult to believe that we are discussing the same concept.

[–]Rks1157Theravāda / Saddhānusāri 6ポイント7ポイント  (0子コメント)

Of course not, it is already Wednesday in Sri Lanka.

[–]capnrafiki 3ポイント4ポイント  (11子コメント)

Even everyone over at /r/awakened would respond to all these questions in a similar way. The Buddha said that there are people who mistake where they are on the path. I've experienced everything you mentioned but know I am far from Nirvana. A buddha wouldn't go on reddit and try and prove he's awakened comment after comment as you have. I'm glad you're making progress, I doubt I'll go on reddit and tell people about it if I ever attain full realization in this life.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (10子コメント)

but what use is being awakened if you keep it to yourself. where is the compassion in that.

My post was Ask me anything, and that includes try and trip me up etc. The bottom line is there is nobody here to be offended by all the doubting.

The only thing standing between you and liberation are your very clear beliefs about what it entails. Drop those beliefs and come home, please.

[–]capnrafiki 0ポイント1ポイント  (9子コメント)

I understand that friend, you haven't told me anything I don't already know, or at least anything I haven't heard before from literally anybody else on this subreddit. I am telling you this for your own good, I am not trying to put you down, I just don't want anybody deluded from where they are at. I didn't read your post and immediately say "bullshit." But I did read through all your comments and when you say things like this:

If it helps, all the desire for sex evaporated after my very first retreat and there was no doubt in the dhamma from the first moment I heard it.

Why feel the need to prove it so bad? Nobody even mentioned or asked you anything about sex.

and this:

Because you aren't a bunch of strangers, you are all me

This is a popular realization on the way, but if this is the stance you take you have ways to go. and this:

there is only one awareness and we are it, no?

Also a realization on the way, but once again if this is the stance you take, you have more work yet to do. and this:

And how do you know anything so definitely that you can tell another what they are? I sure as hell don't have that level of knowing!

Well, you should. and this:

As I said somewhere in the comments, there is no way i could spend 5 straight hours responding to everyone with a mixture of sincerity and humour if this was just an attention seeking exercise by a troubled mind. it would have either bitten the bait or got bored by now.

Again with your grasping need to prove it to us (or yourself for that matter). Spending 5 hours on reddit seems exactly what you said it isn't. and maybe this:

This really has laid some questions to rest and has been worth every moment spent typing.

I would like to know what questions you are referring to exactly? If you want to be compassionate, go feed the hungry, go help the poor, help the needy. Try to teach those who know nothing of the root of suffering. Don't waste your time on reddit trying to prove your awakening to the Buddhist community, for this alone is enough to suspect you have not awakened, it's like I can see your attachment from behind the screen. I wish you best of luck on your path and your endeavors.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (8子コメント)

There is no self to prove anything to and there are plenty of other distractions here that are not reddit. There's no way a troubled mind would waste that much time trying to prove a point like this. It would have got bored and played with the virtual reality headset, or lit the fire, or gone for a drive, or gone to see friends."

The main question was "Do buddhists really know much about liberation?" and the answer is clearly "No" and explains why I was right to leave Buddhism behind 2 years ago.

There is nobody trying to prove anything. I said "Ask me anything" not "Please reflect back to me that you think I am right."!

[–]capnrafiki 2ポイント3ポイント  (7子コメント)

Spending 5 hours on reddit means nothing. I've spent countless hours in my youth replying back and forth trying to prove points on youtube. No I wasn't enlightened. I agree that there is no self to prove anything, but your text reflects no such understanding. I will not argue with a deluda-buddha.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (6子コメント)

well he's definItely not arguing with you so you got one thing right!

[–]capnrafiki 0ポイント1ポイント  (5子コメント)

Well, looking back at my comments I realized something, that I'm a fool and my heart wasn't open. I owe you an apology. Who am I to say who and who isn't awakened? As far as I'm concerned all is of buddha-nature. I don't know you, and if anybody was trying to prove anything it was me trying to prove you wrong, for my own egos sake. I sincerely apologize, and I'm glad about your realization. I lost sight of my own sadhana. Enjoy the deathless state friend.

Edit: Oh and I'm sorry I called you a deluda-buddha. Boy did I think that was clever.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (4子コメント)

There is nobody here to apologise to, there is no separate individual self. Let go of your ideas and come home, please.

"Enlightenment" is nothing more than accepting that this moment is all there is. Once that is seen and grasped, the mind realises the futility of it's projections into past and future, and the whole thing gradually slows down.

Your ideas of what enlightenment should look like do not exist in this present moment, they are only the projection of a conditioned mind.

Buddhism is just squiggles on paper and sounds coming out of mouths, there is nothing real in there to be found. The encouragement of the refinement of character is so that the truth may ultimately be realised, but the refinement is not the goal - it is the vehicle which takes you to the place of realisation.

Once enough refinement has occurred, the nature of things can be clearly perceived. It is nothing more than delusion to think that purification has to happen in it's entirety before the truth can be known.

That is nothing more than a clever trick by a clever mind which does not wish to lose control of it's human. By setting such a seeming unattainable goal it serves the purpose of preventing any meaningful investigation. Such clever minds have twisted the Buddha's very basic instruction of investigate what is real, and turned it into something with so many ideas and accoutrements that it would take lifetimes to study it all.

Sounds like the perfect trap to me! Can't you see it?

[–]asrava 0ポイント1ポイント  (3子コメント)

If someone gave such a lecture to you before you had your surgery, how open you would have been to their words. If you think that folks have helped you let go of your suffering, you wouldn't be lurking around here giving Dharma Talks.

If I were near you, I will rip the parts that were surgically fixed in your body before you even get a chance to open your mouth.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (2子コメント)

I am not giving Dharma talks, you misunderstand.

[–]semiretardadoinsight 2ポイント3ポイント  (15子コメント)

What's your practice like? Can you tell us a little about your practice/study/traditions history and teachers if you've had them?

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 2ポイント3ポイント  (14子コメント)

3 months intense training Mayahasi style walking vipassana in a Theravadin (northern thai) monastery.

Previous retreats with a Mayahana schooled realised one here in the UK.

3 years of relentlessly questioning everything whilst watching my life fall apart.

A suicide attempt, followed by collapse of the ego and identity.

A few months in no mans land, followed by a 'realise or die trying' moment.

Then it seemed inevitable and one day it happened as a result of general mindfulness of the body and mind objects. But I"m not sure what happened. All I know is that I know nothing, the head is quiet and every single day is wonderful, even if it isn't.

[–]semiretardadoinsight 2ポイント3ポイント  (3子コメント)

Cool my teacher is in that lineage/tradition, though we spell it Mahasi. I'm glad you're feeling (apparently much) better :)

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (2子コメント)

Maybe it is Mahasi Sayadaw... Burmese tradition.

[–]semiretardadoinsight 1ポイント2ポイント  (1子コメント)

Yeah exactly. You spelled it Mayahasi originally :) My teacher ordained for a few months in Burma on a temporary basis.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

Yep, often seem to get that one mixed up with Mayahana!

[–]neprotivo 0ポイント1ポイント  (5子コメント)

In which monastery did you stay in Thailand?

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (4子コメント)

Wat Chom Tong, south of Chiang Mai for the intense Mahasi

and several others around the region.

[–]neprotivo 0ポイント1ポイント  (3子コメント)

Cool, I've practiced there too. Who was your teacher?

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (2子コメント)

It was khun Thanat

[–]neprotivo 0ポイント1ポイント  (1子コメント)

So we have the same teacher :) I've had I think 5 retreats with him.

You can go there and have another retreat. If you are not enlightened it will help you dispel the delusion. If you are enlightened your presence will be of great benefit for the other students there.

I'll be happy to talk in private with you if you like.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

Whats wrong with talking in public? I don't have any preference, I am awakened to the truth of no self, remember?

[–]athanathiosMix and Match 2ポイント3ポイント  (32子コメント)

That sounds great! But I have some questions for you, namely, why do you feel it necessary to announce this on Reddit in front of a bunch of strangers (this isn't a criticism, this is a serious question)? The second question is when did it take place and how can you be sure it's not a state of say deep meditation you reached? Have you talked to a teacher of gotten any verification from a guru?

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (31子コメント)

  1. Because you aren't a bunch of strangers, you are all me. It isn't necessary at all, but it sure is interesting.

  2. Nothing took place but the false view seemed to cease about a month ago. No meditation involved. I gave that up some time ago and just paid attention to life. Relentlessly.

  3. I am trying to get verification by asking in various places including here. Why? Because I feel such compassion and peace and want to share it, but really don't know what is happening and it seems unkind to lead a bunch of people astray with such a big delusion.

[–]animuseternalpure land/thiền 4ポイント5ポイント  (25子コメント)

Because you aren't a bunch of strangers, you are all me.

You asked earlier what the difference is between a Buddhist's awakening and another kind of awakening. This is one of them.

The doctrines explicitly refute this concept and it is more in line with Jainist, Vedic, and Taoist interpretations of awakening. In Buddhism, anatman does not mean that we are all the same universal Self. Buddhist realization of anatman means that nothing in the phenomenal world, including the whole of reality itself constitutes an identifiable, enduring self.

The only enduring nature is the unconditioned, which is not a Self. We are not all the same entity. Nirvana is not a great universal. It is pure and luminous emptiness. There is no Self to be found there.

[–]SilentWindHiddenSun 2ポイント3ポイント  (19子コメント)

You are correct, the unconditioned is not a self, it simply is as it is which escapes description (being beyond any discrimination, it cannot be conveyed through words). I would say however that with realization of the dharmabody while there is no self per se, everything is without a doubt Buddha; that isn't to say that the illusions of phenomenon are buddha; being that the characteristics of phenomenon are void of self-nature, being that their nature is suchness which cannot be divided up into parts and thus these characteristics are just the fabrication of relative discrimination by the perceiving mind;

this being the case, they are not actually as they appear because they are just the illusion of differentiation, which only appears to the discriminating mind that is clung to through mentation (mental activity). This only occurs because of ignorance regarding the Mind being Buddha (thus, without differentiation, without mental activity; it being the non-dwelling nirvana, its essential suchness is its inconceivable wisdom).

So if this were a samyaksambuddha and from the perspective of the primordial buddha (dharmakaya) then everything IS Buddha which is to say everything IS the suchness of Mind(in other words, every manifestation is the noumenal wisdom of buddha)

[–]higherentity 0ポイント1ポイント  (1子コメント)

You explained it better than he did.

[–]SilentWindHiddenSun 2ポイント3ポイント  (0子コメント)

Some may be slightly further along than others would like to admit, this makes explaining the insights cultivated far easier than those who attempt to strike out above their weight. Thanks, my friend.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (16子コメント)

Sounds about right.

How about this:

If I pick up the cigarette lighter in front of me and turn my awareness to it, the unity of all things collapses and everything else becomes "not lighter" so that "lighter" can exist - a duality appears.

This comes with literally a feeling of collapse all around me as I enter the world of duality. It is much more pleasant to stay in the place before views arise unless I need to define objects for a particular reason. The colours are brighter, the mind is quiet and everything is wonderful. There is crisp silence all around and nothing which could possibly create any stress whatsoever.

[–]urbanzennistJackie Ch'an Buddhism 1ポイント2ポイント  (9子コメント)

This comes with literally a feeling of collapse all around me as I enter the world of duality. It is much more pleasant to stay in the place before views arise unless I need to define objects for a particular reason. The colours are brighter, the mind is quiet and everything is wonderful. There is crisp silence all around and nothing which could possibly create any stress whatsoever.

Hm, curious experience. First, in case this is something psychological, might be worth seeing a therapist. That aside, although, this seems like the most famous trap in Zen Buddhism, moreso than enlightenment. Be careful. It is described in many sutras, that enlightenment isn't apart from duality. There is no "more pleasant" place when refraining from entering duality, as compared to quietude. This trap of quietude is described as a dangerous trap, because most people linger there before they fall back into lower realms once more. Experience it and continue growing!

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (8子コメント)

You didn't ask "pleasant for what?"

Surely the most famous trap is the idea that enlightenment takes years of pain and suffering to achieve?

[–]urbanzennistJackie Ch'an Buddhism 1ポイント2ポイント  (7子コメント)

Well, feel free to answer that one. However, as far as I'm aware (and the sutras back this up), there shouldn't be a differential, as it were, between pleasure when engaging in concepts/the world and pleasure in which such interaction is not occurring at the point of enlightenment. At least, this is the way Buddhism describes it.

EDIT: In response to your edit, sometimes enlightenment DOES take years to achieve. However, the trap of quietude is described as more delusive and therefore, more dangerous. I'm not sure if what one believes about how long enlightenment takes can prevent them from reaching it in their own time.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (6子コメント)

No you seemed to answer it for yourself without asking me what was actually meant.

The body and mind find it much more pleasant when they are not expected to divide the world up into little bits and keep track of them all.

I have no preference.

[–]urbanzennistJackie Ch'an Buddhism 2ポイント3ポイント  (5子コメント)

Hm, I suppose that this could be true for some people. It isn't always true that such a difference exists, though.

[–]SilentWindHiddenSun 0ポイント1ポイント  (5子コメント)

To perceive a lighter in the first place, is itself a false discrimination; furthermore, you need not turn your awareness to something because this entire thing is spontaneous, self-originating presence, if its a manifestation; it's already within awareness. There is no need for the collapse of unity regarding the suchness within this phenomenal illusion because these characteristics are themselves empty of identity, empty of self-hood, they are not as they appear. Suchness cannot be discriminated, thus there can be no collapse of the unity of suchness as it is immutable; this is why it is the single flavor; these illusions are entirely self-empty for this very reason.

There is not a form of "everything becomes one, so that this becomes other" because the very perception of this one is itself an empty perception, further, what would be more accurate is that within this discriminating field of awareness there is the quality of partial illumination, in that to be aware of one thing leaves one unaware of others; this is another reason why this is a self-empty illusion; because in suchness there is no partial illumination as it is all of a single flavor (being the flavor of inconceivable, immutable wisdom); this is why it is said to have the quality of illuminating the whole universe, because being such, there is no characteristic of oneness nor a characteristic of division; it is completely without any characteristics or marks because suchness is the unborn mind (which, dwelling nowhere, is not able to be identified nor pointed to, nor observed and discriminated). Everything within this spontaneous presence is just the manifestation of this dharmakayic wisdom (which is not-two, as wisdom and suchness are not separate)

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] -1ポイント0ポイント  (4子コメント)

I know all of that.

This spontaneous self originating presence is EVERYTHING including this conversation, all the world wars, Donald Trump and my definition of a lighter.

Despite this, you are all still discussing and arguing about buddhism on the internet and bring out that particular argument like a super-cannon when you feel beat.

What I explained to you is my direct experience, and really your interpretation of it is entirely irrelevant to this discussion.

[–]SilentWindHiddenSun 0ポイント1ポイント  (3子コメント)

I have given no interpretation. I have given no argument and further, I am not one that will feel beaten regardless of experience; I have nothing to prove nor do I have any desire to disprove. I have only answered honestly.

This spontaneous presence is not everything in that these things you call everything are without inherent nature being relative fabrications, these characteristics are only so to the conceptual mind; which is itself a fabrication. It is more like, the phenomenal illusion is the antithesis to suchness because this aspect of relativity is itself a fabrication; suchness is without relativity; thus it is not these relative characteristics, including everything you mentioned; however the nature of these things is suchness, but being that they are empty, suchness is not these things.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (2子コメント)

I agree completely but the very use of language carries inherent limitations to expression. ...except for the first paragraph of your previous post where you interpret my direct experience and call it a false discrimination.

[–]SilentWindHiddenSun 1ポイント2ポイント  (1子コメント)

Of course language is limited; yet buddhas still teach through words as this is what is the best vehicle for those attached to words; the limitations of language are mainly for those reading, for one articulating, while there are indeed somethings that escape description, there is still the ability to communicate in great detail one's understanding.

As people are not asking for you to describe something that goes beyond the sense-realms, they are asking you to describe your own experiences and understanding that have led you to this declaration, I do not see language being a barrier except for one who has not fully integrated whatever insight was gained and because of this is only aware of it intuitively and unable to communicate it.

It seems though that you have your own opinion of this insight. I would say that if you were genuine to keep going because until this conceptual mind is exhausted into the dharmakaya (original mind, primordial buddha), one is still bound to samsara as phenomenal appearances will continue to arise; It is only through completely exhausting this conceptual mind by recognizing the emptiness of dharmas (being that their nature is without relativity/differentiation, these appearances are entirely empty of self-nature) that one gains complete awakening; however something tells me you are not interested in what I have to say in this regard, so it seems our conversation is reaching its end.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (4子コメント)

correct. there is no self to be found in any of you, nor in me, there is only one awareness and we are it, no?

[–]animuseternalpure land/thiền 1ポイント2ポイント  (3子コメント)

there is only one awareness and we are it, no?

No. There is no 'we' in awareness. It is not something we are apart of and no something that we return to. This idea is a very popular one, but is refuted time and again in the scriptures.

MN22:

"There are, monks, these six grounds for false views.[15] What are the six? There is here, monks, an uninstructed worldling who has no regard for Noble Ones, who is ignorant of their teaching and untrained in it; who has no regard for men of worth, who is ignorant of their teaching and untrained in it: he considers corporeality thus: 'This is mine, this I am, this is my self';[16] he considers feeling... perception... mental formations thus: 'This is mine, this I am, this is my self'; and what is seen, heard, sensed, and thought;[17] what is encountered, sought, pursued in mind,[18] this also he considers thus: 'This is mine, this I am, this is my self'; and also this ground for views (holding): 'The universe is the Self.[19]

Buddhism is not Monism. We are not 'all one.' The perception of Self/Other is illusory entirely. The perception of 'only one awareness' that 'we are' a part of is an illusion too.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

Oh please excuse the limitations of language. "We" in this case does not imply any duality. Some concessions have to made to even discuss this subject...

[–][deleted] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

Buddhism is not Monism. We are not 'all one.' The perception of Self/Other is illusory entirely.

Monism is not monism! Monism is many things. And buddhist thought can fall under one of them.

There is reality. It is the only thing that there is. Within that reality are many individual realities. These individual realities are real and so is the overarching reality that gives rise to them. I've seen this described as dialectical monism and I've seen zen, tao, etc described as being dialectically monist.

[–]athanathiosMix and Match 0ポイント1ポイント  (4子コメント)

Thanks for taking time to answer these, I hope what you are saying is the case. The reason I am asking is because the Buddha himself was asked if there are monks in the Sangha who think they are enlightened and were not or hit stream-entry but were mistaken and the Buddha said yes, so if this can happen to the Buddha's monks then it can happen today.

In addition it's been asserted that one must have a mastery of concentration to hit the ultimate level. During the course of mastering meditation many amazing things can happen and some people think they are there, when they are only experiencing temporary peace. There is release of the mind that has nothing to do with the uprooting of the defilments and these states can last a long time and unless the defilements are excised they will come back.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (3子コメント)

If it helps, all the desire for sex evaporated after my very first retreat and there was no doubt in the dhamma from the first moment I heard it.

I have not meditated for some time, this is not the result of an intense period of practice. It's a result of trying to live that in everyday life.

Thanks for taking the time to ask!

[–]athanathiosMix and Match 0ポイント1ポイント  (2子コメント)

That's fine, directly seeing your nature can get you there too. Unless you can go a while and specifically identify that the defilements aren't coming back, there is a good chance you're there. However I would seek out a teacher, this is dicey territory and the ego does have a way of pulling the wool over our eyes. Myself included have been in spots that are so perfect they seem to be it, but they are not.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (1子コメント)

Theres nothing perfect about this, it's the most ordinary thing in the world.

I have been in those perfect places before however, and if I recall it was the direct contemplation of why those states of bliss could not be maintained that finally pushed all beliefs out of the window.

I see the defilements arise like poor photocopies of the original, but they are so poor that there is no desire to grasp at them and they just evaporate.

[–]athanathiosMix and Match 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

Thanks for sharing your experience

[–]clickstation 2ポイント3ポイント  (20子コメント)

When you see an apple, what do you see?

[–]RoaminRonin13non-affiliated 1ポイント2ポイント  (5子コメント)

This reminds me of a story told by a Rinpoche at a dharma talk I attended. It went something like this.

Years ago there was a big meeting planned between a Tibetan Rinpoche and a Zen master, where they would debate / discuss the dharma. This is supposedly the first time something like this had been organized in the West, so it was a big deal and the dharma center was packed with people hoping to witness this amazing intellectual and spiritual exchange.

Neither spoke the other's language, so there were translators. Everyone settled in, introductions were made, and the debate was to begin.

The Zen master reaches into his robes, pulls out an orange, and exclaims "what is this"?

Rinpoche sits quietly as the Zen master repeats the question, more forcefully than before - "what is this"?

Rinpoche leans towards his translator, who looks up and says, "Rinpoche would like to know, don't they have oranges where he comes from"?

Edit: I guess what I'm saying is, in response to your question, I would expect to see an apple. To awfully paraphrase the Diamond Sutra, the thing we call an apple is not an apple - it has no "apple-ness". That is why we call it an apple.

[–][deleted] 0ポイント1ポイント  (4子コメント)

The Zen master reaches into his robes, pulls out an orange, and exclaims "what is this"? Rinpoche sits quietly as the Zen master repeats the question, more forcefully than before - "what is this"? Rinpoche leans towards his translator, who looks up and says, "Rinpoche would like to know, don't they have oranges where he comes from"?

Funny story, but all it shows is that Rinpoche didn't understand what he was being asked. When a zen monk pulls out an orange from their robes and asks you "What is this?", they are not asking you, "What am I holding in my hand?"

[–]RoaminRonin13non-affiliated 0ポイント1ポイント  (3子コメント)

Assuming the story is based on an actual event, I sincerely doubt that he didn't understand what he was being asked.

[–][deleted] 0ポイント1ポイント  (2子コメント)

Does your sincere doubt coincide with your preferred belief?

[–]RoaminRonin13non-affiliated 0ポイント1ポイント  (1子コメント)

Does you're assumption of the Rinpoche's ignorance?

I have no preferred belief. I shared an amusing anecdote - which I think paints them both as a little bit silly, an idea that makes me smile. You colored it with your subjective position, that the Rinpoche "didn't understand" the Zen monk. Now you want to turn that back on me? No thanks - you can keep it.

[–][deleted] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

You told a story. I said, "Funny story, but all it shows is that Rinpoche didn't understand the question." I smiled too.

This isn't making assumptions; it's drawing an inference. Rinpoche is talking about the orange, the zen master was talking about something else. Whenever we deal with words, we colour them with our subjective position. I'm not sure what you think is being turned back on you, but if you don't want it, put it down.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (13子コメント)

there is only the seeing, no seer and no apple

[–]clickstation 1ポイント2ポイント  (12子コメント)

Good theoretical answer, but not something that a truly awakened person would say :)

Keep on keeping on! :)

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] -1ポイント0ポイント  (11子コメント)

what do you want me to say then?

there is no apple? you defined it as an apple, not me.

i just see stuff everywhere and it's all the same stuff, this body included.

[–]clickstation -1ポイント0ポイント  (10子コメント)

I don't want you to say any particular thing, really. I'm just saying that's not what an awakened person would say.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (9子コメント)

what would an awakened person say? i.e. you? in order for you to know what one would say i guess you have to have experienced being awake.

i still have 35 years of self-oriented language tools and no other awake beings around me to learn new language. I could quite happily speak in the 3rd person for the rest of this life but people would get pissed off quite quickly.

[–]clickstation 1ポイント2ポイント  (8子コメント)

That's also not how an awakened person would handle the situation :)

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (2子コメント)

so stop keeping me in suspense... How would the real McCoy handle this situation?

[–]clickstation -2ポイント-1ポイント  (1子コメント)

I suggest you turn your efforts to "how to be awakened" really :)

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

There aren't any efforts. Everything is just chill.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (4子コメント)

are you getting realisation and purification confused?

it's quite possible to awaken before all karma is cleared out, it just makes the last part of the purification effortless.

there is no desire, no anger, and no ill will lingering here. these things arise like secondhand photocopies of the original and dissolve immediately upon contact with awareness.

[–]clickstation 0ポイント1ポイント  (3子コメント)

When light shines into a room, the darkness disappears.

The mold might stay for a little while, before it eventually disappears, too. But the darkness disappears immediately.

The issue now is differentiating which is the darkness and which is the mold.

[–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

Why do you have an issue? I don't.

[–]ordinarysuperlame 0ポイント1ポイント  (1子コメント)

The lights never went out, where could the darkness hide? You just had your eyes closed. That's a whole different game.

[–]KimUnhinayana 2ポイント3ポイント  (0子コメント)

When an interviewer asked the Dalai Lama: “what would be your explanation or understanding of, or insight into, mystical experience in the Buddhist tradition?” His Holiness replied:

"Even a genuine practitioner can experience different kinds of mystical experiences. At the initial stage, these experiences are not at all reliable. So if he or she is too attached or considers these as important or a great experience, it is absolutely wrong. There is great danger in doing so.

Once you further your own mental development through practice, what for you is merely a manifestation or reflection of your deeper experience, looks like a mystical experience to ordinary people. But it is normal to you. So I think we have to make this distinction."

[–][削除されました]  (13子コメント)

[deleted]

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (4子コメント)

    What if the motivation was nothing more than to see how others might respond to such a declaration? I can assure you the post was made in good faith and it seems to have exposed exactly the sort of beliefs and ideas I had to see through in order to wake up.

    Does your mind allow that or does there have to be a more sinister motive? I was under no illusions that everyone would bow down to me and give praise. I was expecting exactly this type of discussion.

    [–]animuseternalpure land/thiền[M] 0ポイント1ポイント  (6子コメント)

    As a mod, and after some questioning, I cannot decide if this user is a troll and should be banned, or someone genuinely mentally ill and needs a doctor referral.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (5子コメント)

    I can assure there is no trolling going on here, and no mental illness either.

    If you would prefer that I leave your sub then I will do so gracefully and will not return.

    (despite having a tibetan Uchen script "sabbe satta suki hontu" - "May all beings be happy" tattooed on the left arm)

    [–]Thomas_Amundsen_mahayana 0ポイント1ポイント  (4子コメント)

    sabbe satta suki hontu

    Pali written in Tibetan Uchen?

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] -1ポイント0ポイント  (0子コメント)

    :) Thankyou! You found my conversation with the zen guy who ended it by inviting me to NYC if I was ever passing....

    What kind of wisdom are you looking for if "There is no answer" is not enough for you? :D

    [–]Buddhism123 1ポイント2ポイント  (30子コメント)

    Have you perfected right thought, right speech, and right actions? Or have you just come to he realization that none of it matters or exists as you previously did? This is certainly a realization, but if you think you have reached the goal... no my friend, you still have deeper to go. When you know, you don't have to ask. When you see clearly, there is no need for confirmation. What you describe sounds something like: "pleasant abiding in the here and now". Buddha talked about these meditative states. Called them dukkha. Sallekha Sutta

    Edit: I do like your view though... let it be your guide through the rest is of your trek down this path. A strong clear view can be an incredible guide for one seeking liberation.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (11子コメント)

    I didn't come here asking for confirmation.

    I have no need for anything.

    [–]Buddhism123 0ポイント1ポイント  (10子コメント)

    I am trying to get verification by asking in various places including here. Why? Because I feel such compassion and peace and want to share it, but really don't know what is happening and it seems unkind to lead a bunch of people astray with such a big delusion.

    Why did you come here then?

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (9子コメント)

    Because compassion.

    I don't expect someone still suffering to be able to validate my 'claim' but a few other awakened ones have already chimed in and told me all i need to know.

    [–]Buddhism123 0ポイント1ポイント  (8子コメント)

    The Buddha teaches us that skillful actions are compassionate actions. I'm asking you how this post of yours is skillful; how do these words of yours help anyone else who is reading them? If you have the wisdom to lead others and desire to do so, then do as the Buddha taught and have people agree with your words because they deem them right after due diligence and not because they have faith that the person saying the words can't be wrong. That being said, I actually see there is wisdom in your words... I'm just letting you know that, to a Buddhist, you are not finished.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (7子コメント)

    I agree completely, but to be finished, by it's very definition, the identity of buddhist also needs to be dropped at some point. I am here for whatever reason you want. To cause a fuss, to cause offence, to convince you to drop the search and come home, or maybe just for my own perverse amusement.

    Whatever definition your mind provides to try and explain the experience of the thread, it is NOT THE PRESENT MOMENT, and is instead a view. The buddha taught that when the coming into views ceases, suffering can be no more. Your views and those of others are smeared all over this thread.

    [–]Buddhism123 0ポイント1ポイント  (6子コメント)

    What skillful means are you trying to accomplish my friend? If you tell me it doesn't matter because you lack identity, then I would suggest you get that identity back and habituate skillful actions before completely letting go... as the Buddha teaches. What good are you to "anyone else" if your actions are unskillful? (Even if you don't suffer because of it)

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (5子コメント)

    No you don't get it. There is nobody here to be trying to accomplish anything, just life expressing itself in the only way it can because of the causal chain of events that goes way back. You can put whatever label you want onto it but that need to label is the root of your suffering.

    [–]Buddhism123 0ポイント1ポイント  (4子コメント)

    Not according to the Buddha my friend. I have Suttas as evidence for what I say. Do you have evidence to suggest your words/actions are skillful? Again, I urge you to re-open your mind to the possibility that what I'm saying is right.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (3子コメント)

    I don't understand what you are saying.

    You have Suttas? WTF is this some kind of show and tell?

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (17子コメント)

    Hahaha nice try, dukkha means suffering, the ONLY thing i am sure of is that suffering is not occurring here.

    [–]Buddhism123 0ポイント1ポイント  (16子コメント)

    Those meditative states are dukkha because they are impermanent and subject to change.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (15子コメント)

    Well done, you are very well studied. I am not. I read two books on buddhism, the second one said the same as the first so I did not bother reading any more. Your point is?

    [–]Buddhism123 0ポイント1ポイント  (14子コメント)

    My point is simply that there are meditative states, as described by the Buddha in the link included in my first post, that sound very much as what you are describing "pleasant abiding in the here and now." Sounds like something you might be interested in.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (13子コメント)

    That's correct and I have experienced various meditative states.

    But, it's been nearly 2 years since I did any sitting...

    [–]Buddhism123 0ポイント1ポイント  (12子コメント)

    Meditative states are not just for sitters my friend.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (11子コメント)

    I didn't say they were, but the name itself implies that they are reached through meditation, or have I misunderstood?

    [–]Buddhism123 0ポイント1ポイント  (10子コメント)

    In terms of exact definitions, I'm not sure if "meditative state" is entirely accurate. The Sutta I linked calls them "absorptions"... but yes, suttas mention practitioners being able to go in and out of them at will.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (9子コメント)

    Thats awesome, but I have to admit that I gave up being a practitioner before mastering all that stuff.

    Awakening is not the same as purification, people seem to get this confused. It is quite possible to wake up yet have an inharmonious mind, and in a way that's much preferred because the purification happens very quickly and effortlessly once the clinging to ideas has ceased.

    [–][deleted] 1ポイント2ポイント  (1子コメント)

    I'm glad you are. I look forward to you spreading good vibes.

    [–]karma_yeshevajrayana 1ポイント2ポイント  (9子コメント)

    Let's leave it at that for now, and talk again in 12 month?

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (8子コメント)

    Is that a question, or an instruction for me to leave this sub?

    [–]animuseternalpure land/thiền 3ポイント4ポイント  (29子コメント)

    Congratulations. It should be noted that Buddhist awakening is very specific and it doesn't behoove this group to discuss the matter.

    If you are awakened, few on this sub are inclined to believe you and will actively attempt to challenge your conception. If you are awakened in a non-Buddhist way, it'll become clear and isn't relevant to this sub. If you mean it in a Buddhist way, that will also become clear (but you wouldn't have made this post).

    Whether you are or aren't, I'm not sure if it matters. If you have something to teach us about the dharma, then please feel free to participate in this sub and engage, without the need of this thread. Surely, there are beings on this sub who have awakened to various levels of enlightenment. But, as the scriptures have predicted, they do not reveal themselves; it is only their words and actions that telegraph to us their awakening.

    Best to you on your journey.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

    The idea of non-buddhist awakening to the truth of no-self being different to buddhist awakening to the truth of no-self is interesting. Can you elaborate on how they may be distinguished from one another? Kind of the point of this was to encourage the sort of questioning you are suggesting might occur. By my very nature I have no attachment to outcomes so bring it on.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (27子コメント)

    That isn't a question and i don't have anything to teach but there is confusion over why you think there is something wrong with the post.

    [–]animuseternalpure land/thiền 2ポイント3ポイント  (26子コメント)

    Nothing is necessarily wrong with the post. Just, an enlightened Buddhist wouldn't be inclined to telegraph his/her awakening, as noted in the Surangama Sutra (among many others). I'm inviting you to participate in the threads in this subreddit, as that will be a better signifier for us to determine whether you are or are not awakened.

    And if you are awakened, and you came to this sub, for what other reason did you come but to teach us the dharma?

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (25子コメント)

    Because I really don't know anything any more, including whether or not "I" am "awakened" in the "like a buddha" sense. All I know is that everything is cool, permanently so.... and I wanted to see what happens after making a statement considered so bold by those still bound by ideas.

    [–]animuseternalpure land/thiền -1ポイント0ポイント  (24子コメント)

    • For how long has it been the case?
    • Did you noticeably go through previous stages of awakening? If so, how many? If not, what makes you inclined to think this is the last stage instead of the first?
    • Can you enter and dwell within the dhyana/samadhi state called 'nirodha' ('cessation') at will and indefinitely?

    including whether or not "I" am "awakened" in the "like a buddha" sense

    Well, there's only one samyaksambuddha in every world system at any given time, so no one on Earth can become 'like a Buddha' in the most technical sense until the dharma of the previous Buddha has gone away. But we can determine whether you are on one of the four stages of awakening toward arhatship or on one of the ten stages of awakening toward buddhahood.

    All I know is that everything is cool, permanently so.

    How do you know that it's permanent?

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (23子コメント)

    1. For a little over a month

    2. Yes there have been previous stages of awakening. It's difficult to recall but maybe 4 or 5 prior to this in the preceding few years.

    3. Meditation is very peaceful now if that's what you mean. No effort required to sit, and no point to sitting other than to sit.

    4. This time there is no desire for it to stay like there has been before. That absence of attachment to the state is quite obvious. This is not a state of bliss, quite quite different to that.

    It seems that time has stopped in all daily activities. There is no past and no future, only this moment and the mind has largely ceased it's chatter.

    [–]animuseternalpure land/thiền 0ポイント1ポイント  (22子コメント)

    Meditation is very peaceful now if that's what you mean. No effort required to sit, and no point to sitting other than to sit.

    No. I mean, in meditation, you should be able to enter and dwell within any of the samadhi states at will. Nirodha would be the last one, which is complete absorption into cessation. But I predict being able to dwell in any of the four 'form' absorptions as well as any of the formless absorptions as well.

    If all you're telling me is that you're capable of sustained mindfulness, then I think you're missing the mark and misinterpreting a lesser attainment for the real deal.

    the mind has largely ceased it's chatter.

    This makes me suspect. It sounds like you've managed to escape anxiety and the ruminating mind--which is huge, it took me a long time too and I suffered PTSD for decades--but it doesn't sound like samadhi. A fully enlightened being would have mastered both mindfulness and samadhi, could plunge into the absorptions effortlessly, could create a mind-manifest body in which to travel the six realms, and could sustain a samadhi-like focus and attention of mind even outside of meditation.

    From what it sounds like, you haven't managed to achieve a state of complete sensory seclusion (which is the first absorption), much less been able to sustain diamond-like samadhi outside of meditation. But I could be wrong here and your words are just insufficient.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (21子コメント)

    How do you know all of this?

    Nothing can hurt me any more, I don't rise to any bait from anyone and each day is beautiful even if it isn't. Each night there is the head and the pillow and the sound of the breath, each morning there is the opening of the eyes and a deep sense of peace.

    I came here because I REALLY DON'T KNOW what is going on anymore. The mind has largely ceased it's chatter. Do you really expect it to stop completely? That seems unrealistic and unnecessary.

    [–]animuseternalpure land/thiền 0ポイント1ポイント  (20子コメント)

    How do you know all of this?

    I was raised in this religion and I've read nearly all the texts available.

    The mind has largely ceased its chatter. Do you really expect it to stop completely? That seems unrealistic and unnecessary.

    It should definitely stop entirely in (concentration) meditation. Sight, sound, taste, touch and scent all also become suspended in the dhyanas. That is not to say there is no perception, just that the sensory systems no longer contribute any input.

    As for non-sitting life, I expect the stream of attention to flow freely. There is no "chatter" there. Whatever thoughts are necessary to complete a task arises and then ceases. Whatever image falls upon the eye is gone a moment later; this is how thoughts in the mind should be.

    I remain far from enlightenment, but you describe nothing I haven't experienced for myself. The exception might be that my mind can be completely silent. You mention that you've trained under Mahasi's lineage--I personally think they take too many liberties with the scriptures. Nowhere in any canon of texts does it say that vipassana alone can lead to enlightenment. You do not train the absorptions, but it is literally the last of the Eightfold Path. Everything in the canons (yes, all of them) suggests that the absorptions must be mastered in order to attain nirvana.

    You sound like you've made a lot of progress, but I do not think you have attained arhatship. For one thing, you'd know for certain. You could enter into the fourth absorption right now and retrieve the memories of your past lives. But it sounds like you have aptitude. I hope you do find true awakening soon enough. And I hope you don't tell us about it. ;)

    [–]semiretardadoinsight 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

    This is very contentious among scholars. Bikkhu Bodhi and Ajahn Brahm have an ongoing debate on this topic and I would say it's disingenuous to misrepresent the debate as having been resolved.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] -2ポイント-1ポイント  (18子コメント)

    How do you know all of this? These are just ideas.

    Isn't freedom from ideas the point of all that practice?

    [–]asrava 2ポイント3ポイント  (16子コメント)

    You are a fake.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 2ポイント3ポイント  (14子コメント)

    And how do you know anything so definitely that you can tell another what they are?

    I sure as hell don't have that level of knowing!

    [–]asrava 0ポイント1ポイント  (13子コメント)

    I sure as hell don't have that level of knowing!

    Don't know because you have never hit the 5th Jhana. You were just sleeping in thd retreats. Got it. You are a fake.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (12子コメント)

    You know an awful lot about my past considering we have never met. How can you be so sure I was sleeping in the retreats. It would have been quite a waste of money to fly half way around the world to practice sleeping. Even I am not that dumb!

    [–]asrava 0ポイント1ポイント  (11子コメント)

    How did you move between 4th Jhana to 5th Jhana? You just flunked my test.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (10子コメント)

    Is that supposed to make me feel like some sort of a failure, because "I" "Flunked" "Your" "Test"?

    You passed my test. How does that make you feel?

    [–]asrava 0ポイント1ポイント  (9子コメント)

    Sorry, you have more work to do. Come back after another retreat

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (8子コメント)

    You fail to understand the concept of "I am awake, ask me anything".

    And luckily I fail to understand the concept of "argument" so it's all good. Thanks for your time.

    [–]asrava 0ポイント1ポイント  (7子コメント)

    You fail to understand the concept of "I am awake, ask me anything".

    "I" is a concept. "Awake" is a concept.

    You haven't abandoned it -- It is right there in the title. You can come back once you have found answers to my question on Jhana. Until then you are just a fake.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (6子コメント)

    Fake is a concept, no? The idea that I somehow need to satisfy your question in order to validate my own experience, well that is just bullshit.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

    A fake what?

    [–]asrava 1ポイント2ポイント  (28子コメント)

    You would have surely hit 8th Jhana then. How do you move from the 4 Jhana to 5 Jhana?

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (27子コメント)

    Jhanas are just mind objects to get caught up in.

    [–]asrava 2ポイント3ポイント  (26子コメント)

    You would have surely hit 8th Jhana then. How do you move from the 4 Jhana to 5 Jhana?

    Jhanas are just mind objects to get caught up in.

    Even I can say that. Give specific answers or it didn't happen.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (25子コメント)

    But they are just mind objects to get caught up in, I was told to ignore any phenomena that arose during meditation so I did.

    You are right tho, nothing has happened. Things have always been this way, I just didn't notice before.

    [–]asrava 1ポイント2ポイント  (24子コメント)

    I was told to ignore any phenomena that arose during meditation so I did.

    So you did not apply your brain to what they told you? You simply listened to what all they said ...and did meditation like a pre-programmed robot.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (23子コメント)

    No I did my best not to cling to anything that arose and after time the grasping stopped.

    [–]asrava 0ポイント1ポイント  (22子コメント)

    No I did my best not to long to anything that arose and after time the grasping stopped.

    Grasping to what?

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (21子コメント)

    Grasping to distinguish between phenomena in awareness and give different labels to each phenomena.

    The object is only the object because of the subject. When that distinction is removed there is nothing but experience without labels.

    [–]asrava 0ポイント1ポイント  (20子コメント)

    How do you move from 4th Jhana to 5th Jhana?

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (19子コメント)

    You already asked that. Apologies if the answer given does not fit in with your idea of what it should be.

    [–]bunker_manShijimist 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

    I'm not. I'm more than half asleep, due to when I got up. Ugh.

    [–]undead-pixie 0ポイント1ポイント  (1子コメント)

    What is your favorite cookie recipe?

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (0子コメント)

    Gave up sugar a while ago, but recall a preference for oat & raisin.

    [–]Concise_Piratezen 0ポイント1ポイント  (1子コメント)

    If I asked you what is the meaning of life, what would you say?

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

    There is no meaning! It just is, that's the beautiful thing.

    [–]urbanzennistJackie Ch'an Buddhism 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

    Well, the pot has definitely been stirred.

    [–]ordinarysuperlame 0ポイント1ポイント  (11子コメント)

    Welcome to Tozan's rank two. The more you attempt to relate to people living in the first rank state, the more dissilusioning it becomes and you withdraw towards rank three. Keep working.

    Remember something however, we all - you included - are in the process of waking up. You cannot be awake because you were never truly asleep either. This is all a play of forms and beliefs, keep letting them go.

    In nothingness there is a path that leads away from the dusts of the world. I'll meet you there at dawn.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (10子コメント)

    OK, shall I bring some beers?

    [–]ordinarysuperlame 0ポイント1ポイント  (9子コメント)

    If you made it through the night, you will have already given them away.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (8子コメント)

    I'l take that as an "I don't drink..."

    All this telling me I still have work to do, let this go, etc sounds like sleeping people to me.

    Welcome to Tozans rank what? Welcome to Spektrolyte's hairy armpit. Keep going until you reach the nasal, then we can talk about whether or not I should have given away the beers ...

    [–]ordinarysuperlame 0ポイント1ポイント  (7子コメント)

    Only when I'm thirsty.

    Since you ninja edited a further reply, I will follow suit.

    The fact that you're annoyed that nobody believes you're a Buddha should clue you in to the fact that you absolutely are not finished maturing.

    Tozan's five ranks are an easy way to tell precisely where somebody is in their path. You are barely a few steps down the path with miles to go before you're home.

    Vulgarities and deflections are amusing games to play but you'll leave them behind one day too.

    Blessings of wisdom to you brother.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (6子コメント)

    Who said I was annoyed? This whole thread is hilarious.

    The fact that most of you don't get it is made conspicuous by the fact a few others have.

    Tozan's five ranks are just more Buddhist doctrine.....

    [–]ordinarysuperlame 0ポイント1ポイント  (5子コメント)

    Your heart speaks the words your mouth keeps secret.

    The fact that you think there's a phantom "you" that we all are means you're looking at the world through a dirty window instead of walking outside.

    And Tozan was just a dirty Asian forest poet. I could just as easily sum you up in Grateful Dead lyrics.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (4子コメント)

    Do you honestly think that an awake person came here NEEDING approval from Buddhist scholars?

    Could it just be that I am jumping into the lions den with bait to create an argument so stupid that all of the doctrine gets exposed by those who attempt to refute what they misunderstand to be a bold claim?

    And could the value possibly be for others unswayed by this doctrine to see it for what it really is?

    Or is it always all about you...

    [–]ordinarysuperlame 1ポイント2ポイント  (3子コメント)

    Did you ever think that you keep changing the rules of the game to stay in control?

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (2子コメント)

    There are no rules, there is no game, and there is nothing to control, let alone there being any outcome.

    Do you ever think that you are trying to catch a puff of air AND STICK A LABEL ON IT?

    [–]ovideata 0ポイント1ポイント  (7子コメント)

    Do you believe in rebirth? Do you find the universe to be 'broken' or do you find it to be wonderful? Do you intend to do anything at all to alleviate the suffering of everyone else? How would you rate your ability to help others and what would be your thoughts if the person you held dearest would be in great peril or experience great suffering and tearfully ask for your help? Did you feel like you were abandoning everyone while attaining abiding nibbana? I assume any sort of physical pain, no matter how strong, would not bother you much?

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (6子コメント)

    1. Do you believe in rebirth?

    I don't believe in anything anymore.

    1. Do you find the universe to be 'broken' or do you find it to be wonderful?

    I don't find it, but if pressed for a conventional answer I would say. "Can't you see how amazing this is?" Once you realise the there is no point to anything, the mystery of how it came about regardless is just incredible to behold!

    1. Do you intend to do anything at all to alleviate the suffering of everyone else?

    Once the ego dissolves there is just life expressing itself. I no longer see any suffering, or indeed see anyone else. However, the is the willingness to do anything that may be required by others, when prompted.

    1. How would you rate your ability to help others?

    On a scale of what to what?

    1. Did you feel like you were abandoning everyone while attaining abiding nibbana?

    While attaining? I don't understand. The realisation was that there was nothing to attain. However since that, there has been more compassion towards and more time given to others than there was before.

    1. I assume any sort of physical pain, no matter how strong, would not bother you much?

    It would bother the human, today there is a stomach ache and it is grumpy as a result, but I am not affected by that.

    [–]ovideata 1ポイント2ポイント  (5子コメント)

    I may have edited the post too late. One unanswered questions was also what would be your thoughts if the person you held dearest would be in great peril or experience great suffering and tearfully ask for your help? I do truly wish that you have reached nibbana, but since you claim that you haven't abandoned anyone, I doubt it.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (4子コメント)

    It looks like you edited it a while after I replied so yes it may have been edited too late.

    I have not claimed anything, least of all that I have abandoned anyone.

    The only response to that particular question was the rebuttal of the idea of attainment.

    You are another person with fixed ideas of what enlightenment is. Where did these ideas come from. Are they experienced or just a thought?

    I am still what I am regardless of whether I answer your questions the way you would like me to or not.

    [–]ovideata 0ポイント1ポイント  (3子コメント)

    The whole purpose of the Mahayana is to not abandon anyone in samsara, but work for their welfare.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (2子コメント)

    The "whole purpose of the Mahayana" has nothing to do with what I am.

    It is merely an idea, yet so strong that it keeps people suffering their whole lives.

    Drop your beliefs and come home, please.

    Can you not see that I am doing nothing but working for your welfare, without any need to be a Mayahana welfare-worker specifically? (and despite having a stomach ache)

    [–]ovideata 0ポイント1ポイント  (1子コメント)

    I don't think it is possible to stop the suffering of people without the Mahayana. Without people who have reached enlightenment, I don't think suffering will come to an end either. A buddha has a far greater capacity to lead others to nibbana than an arhat. As such, it is even in everyone's enlightened self interest to reach non-abiding nibbana as it increases everyone's chances to escape samsara.

    I also don't believe attaining buddhahood is more difficult than attaining arhatship. In fact, I think it's easier for a bodhisattva to reach non-abiding nibbana than for a Theravada practitioner to reach abiding nibbana since bodhicitta and the strength of the cause can accelerate your attainments.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

    What you think is irrelevant to this discussion. Like I said, drop your beliefs and come home to what you really are, please?

    "I am awake, AMA" - maybe a good first question would have been "Do you have any advice for a seeker?"

    Life is just life doing it's thing. There is no suffering until the arrival of the delusion that there is control and things could be different. There is no control, things could be no different. THIS IS ALL THERE IS. THIS IS IT! How does that make you feel?

    At the moment you just seem to be another arrogant individual who thinks they know more about my experience than I do, because they read some things in some books which ignited their fancy, and those ideas are carrying more weight than real experience despite the core of Buddhism being to question everything for yourself with logic.

    "Decay is inherent in all compound things, work out your own salvation with diligence." - Da Buddha Himself

    "I realised my true nature in 7 days, and you can too!" Do you think that's a good title for my book .....

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

    I have to say that by taking the time to reply to all the questions and criticisms of the declaration made above, the experience just keeps on getting deeper and more karma is being purified with every reply that is made. Bring on the questions, make them as nasty and as tough as you can. All it is doing is speeding up the purification as I consider the merits of each one and respond in turn.

    Very soon I will be EXACTLY what it is you are all claiming I am not.

    [–]paul306 -1ポイント0ポイント  (6子コメント)

    Welcome home. Some people awaken and stay awake, and some people awaken and drift back to sleep. I hope you'll stay vigilant.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 1ポイント2ポイント  (4子コメント)

    This time it seems for real, but you're right to advise vigilance. Have been oscillating for a little while now but recently awareness recognised itself and since then things have been pretty darn stable.

    [–]paul306 -1ポイント0ポイント  (3子コメント)

    That's good. From what I can see, you have a good head on your shoulders.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (2子コメント)

    Yeh all this discussion doesn't detract one bit from the nature of my unshaken relationship to this ongoing sense of being present, although there are a few here who seem to be suggesting otherwise.

    at the moment i swing between engaging with life in a way I've never been able to manage before, and just sitting still ignoring all of it. it's weird, but at the same time completely normal.

    A whole evening spent commenting on one reddit thread would have been very unlikely as previous anxiety etc would not have allowed that level of focus. today it seems like the most natural thing in the world to be doing.

    in fact, there is no way i could spend 5 straight hours responding to everyone with a mixture of sincerity snd humour if this was just an attention seeking exercise by a troubled mind. it would have either bitten the bait or got bored by now.

    [–]paul306 -2ポイント-1ポイント  (1子コメント)

    You've discovered a new way of being. I was just admiring how skilfully you responded to some of the "doubting Thomases" here.

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

    And I am admiring how you got down voted twice for saying that.

    :D

    [–]spektrolyteflip-flop queen[S] 0ポイント1ポイント  (0子コメント)

    Cheers :)