Enlightenment is the emergence of the self

originally posted by: Asktheanimals
Enlightenment is an illusion.
It can be a goal but one never realized.

No one will ever become enlightened..... because the separate person is an illusion..... there is nothing separate. The end of the illusion of separateness is named enlightenment.

originally posted by: Itisnowagain
a reply to: musicismagic

It is possible for enlightenment to happen without even having heard of the word 'enlightenment'.

No

a reply to: musicismagic

Yes.

a reply to: musicismagic

Eckhart Tolle spent years trying to find out what had happened after his awakening.........he did not seek enlightenment.

a reply to: toysforadults

Something to read: (From www.theself.com)

MIND CONQUERED, WORLD CONQUERED
It is the mind that has made all this world, as pots from clay.

When the mind is conquered, everything is conquered.

Remember, that the mind is almost invincible... except through intelligent practise.

The very best intelligent means by which the mind can be subdued is complete freedom from desire, hope or expectation in regard to all objects at all times.

It is by this means that this powerful elephant (the mind) can be subdued. This means is both very easy and extremely difficult; it is very difficult for one who does not engage himself in serious practise, but very easy for one who is earnest in his effort.

Just as there is no harvest without sowing, the mind is not subdued without persistent practise. Hence, take up this practise of renunciation. Until one turns away from sense pleasures here, one will continue to roam in this world of sorrow.

Even a strong man will not reach his destination if he does not move towards it.

No one can reach this state of total dispassion without persistent practise.

Only by right self exertion can dispassion be attained; there is no other means.

People talk about divine grace or fate, but in this world we perceive the body, not a God.

When people speak of God they simply imply what is inevitable, what is beyond their control and the events of natural order. Even so, whatever brings about total equanimity and the cessation of joy and sorrow is also referred to as divine grace.

Divine grace, natural order and right self exertion all refer to the same truth; the distinction is due to wrong perception or illusion.

Whatever the mind conceives of through right self-exertion comes to be in its own fruition, and when the mind apprehends such fruition, there is experience of joy, etc.

The mind is the doer, and whatever it conceives of, the natural order (niyati) creates and manifests. The mind is also able to run counter to the natural order; hence it may even be said that the mind is the prompter of the natural order.

Even as wind moves in space, the jiva (the individual) functions in this world, doing what has to be done within the natural order though such actions appear to be selfish or egotistic.

Prompted by nature, he seems to move or stand still - both of which are mere expressions or false superimpositions, even as the movement of trees on a mountain top makes it look as if the peak is swaying.

Hence, as long as there is mind there is neither God nor a natural order; when the mind has ceased to be... let there be whatever is!

The Concise Yoga Vasistha - ISBN: 087395954X

Then a 39 min. video to top it off: (from ATS™ member Nothin)

www.youtube.com...

Stay Hydrated...

a reply to: toysforadults

Enlightenment is a mindset to be in the light. The earnest seeker of the light will always be rewarded by the light, because they have chosen the correct mindset.

The one who claims to be enlightened yet continues to seek to define himself and his enlightenment has not truly become enlightened. There are many mindsets that claim to be enlightened but there is only one mindset that is truly in the light.

There are those who have mistaken mortal knowledge and understanding of the material as enlightenment, as they see themselves as supperior to those who they believe are unenlightened.

Those who are truly enlightened have no need for the idea of superiority because only the light itself is supperior. As Buddhism suggest anyone can find the light and become enlightened, because the light is not about human intellect but godly intent.

originally posted by: Itisnowagain
a reply to: toysforadults

Who is thinking?
Is there really a thinker of thought?
Can you notice that thought simply appears and disappears in the ever present aware space that never comes or goes.

what about the observer of said thought?

a reply to: JimNasium

checking it out tonight thanks!

originally posted by: toysforadults
a reply to: Asktheanimals

You mean man cannot emerge from his own self imposed nonage?

His comment had potentially multiple meanings, and potentially different levels of depth.

Emerging from Kant's nonage: might more be a human adult, than an enlightened person.
That is rather rare, in RL, and of course here in virtual-land.

Enlightenment may be even further than that. Deeper.

No man, no person emerges from enlightenment.
It is the lifting of the veil, that destroys the illusion of there ever having been a 'self'.
Then all of the illusions of this whatever BS society/reality, melt-away.

Then what?

The now supposedly-enlightened individual is nobody, nothing, nowhere, non-attached, non-material, nothingness.

Then what?

Stupid bloody reality has no patience for one whom is now completely detached.

What about relationships, and previous responsibilities?
What about body pains?
What about all of the things/stuff, that persist from the pre-supposed-enlightenment?
What about the 'self'?

They have been both transcended, and are yet still somehow there.

Friendships may wane, but those whom rely on the now supposedly-enlightened individual must continue to be supported, somehow.

Body pains are present, but not felt by a person. There is just the presence of some pain, and possibly the taking of some medicine. Sounds odd, no?

Things and stuff? They're mostly useless now. But nutrition and shelter seems to be needed, or is it?

Self? No self. Just memories and reminders, from nowhere, and others whom still see, and believe that they recognize the old self.

(Don't 'know' these things. They are merely opinion/belief/temporary ideas/observations).

What is enlightenment?

Generally the word is used in regards to another Being. That Being has lots of names; god, Buddha, the Universe and so on.

If one becomes one with this other Being, is not enlightenment simply becoming aware of someone else?

originally posted by: toysforadults

originally posted by: Itisnowagain
a reply to: toysforadults

Who is thinking?
Is there really a thinker of thought?
Can you notice that thought simply appears and disappears in the ever present aware space that never comes or goes.

what about the observer of said thought?

The ever present aware space is the observer and the observered..... 'they' are one.

To let go of enlightenment is to accept it, but to acknowledge it is to lose it. Good luck.