I feel enlightened

reply to post by stevedel0


Bless you in your enlightenment. I am amazed that someone so young has found enlightenment.

I wish more people could find this, especially the young.

I am starring and flagging your post, and I wish you well.

Indeed these are exciting times. We would probably be amazed if we could see 10 years in the future. It seems that advancement is exponentially growing if you look at history.

Regarding my enlightenment I will talk a little more. I cannot say exactly what enlightenment is, only that I know I have achieved it. I no longer suffer, only exceptions are when I choose to suffer. I also do not feel blind bliss, again I can feel this if I choose. I am still at the mercy of the material the universe is made from. I cannot do impossible things with matter. However I can choose my perception, which is all there is in our existence if you think about it.

My enlightenment came about through suffering. I went through a difficult time regarding my emotional state, somehow I transcended this and found enlightenment. Indeed I am surprised I have found enlightenment at so young an age. I was however, never the average teenager. Being born with Aspergers, one of the several autistic spectrum disorders I did not have the necessary tools to socialize. I was alone most of the time having plenty of time to think about the universe. I have also done meditation, and dream experimentation. I am sure this helped also. I know my place in this universe now, because of enlightenment.

One of my favorite quotes is

There is only the self
There is no self

Cookie for anybody who knows who said that.

Hi stevedel0,

Must admit to really enjoying reading your words. So thank you for posting them for us all to share in them as well.

Just thought I'd throw in some other thoughts into the mix:

Just my opinion - and again I certainly claim no 'supreme authority' regarding the concept of 'enlightenment' - but I also see enlightenment as in some ways being a path of sorts...a journey from darkness if you will...and also in some ways synonimous with the whole onion analogy.
The variation however is that with this *onion* as each layer is peeled back to the next layer the onion doesn't grow progressively smaller in size - quite the reverse, it grows progressively larger.

A quick side-track for a moment:
My own culture has a 'creation story'...which is similar to a few other cultures and also in some ways hold similarity to the Biblical creation story...but more around the creation of difference, of the universe and I guess all things.
As the Biblical story goes, from an all-consuming nothingness, an all enveloping darkness came the first spark of difference - light. "Let there be light"

My culture terms that void, that nothingness if you will Po-Whawha (pronounced Poor-far-far). Po = Night. Whawha = endless, infinite, everything.
So in some ways 'Po-Whawha' essentially means being within a night, a darkness, that is all that exists to the depth there is nothing...not even the dark, for there is no 'other', no 'difference or reference for comparison' to even comprehend *dark* in relation to anything else.

...the next step in the creation story for my culture is Rima (pronounced Reh-mah). Ri/ma = speck, minute, miniscule, tiny. Ma = to grab, to be able to grasp.
So...Rima is a speck. It is the most miniscule speck of dust, of something...in this usage the most minute miniscule speck of light. But perhaps most importantly it was a 'speck' that was able to be *grasped* - to be realised.

Within Po-Whawha appeared this Rima - the very first realisation of difference. The very first reference point of comparison...a *something* that wasn't there before. A *something* that denoted some form of separation within that Po-Whawha.

...there are another five steps after that.
Well, actually a few more (depending on if you follow/are taught the esoteric or the exoteric knowledges of our culture) ...but anyway...the first point of difference, of light, was this step/stage of 'Rima'.

Much like the onion.

As each step/stage happened...as each step was enlivened...Rima increased, light came, emergence from darkness into perhaps *enlightenment* resulted.

...I really love this bit you posted in a previous reply:

I am just in the state of mind that I was before I was born. I am still the same person and yet I am not.

...awesome. Really really loved it.



Which leads into this next bit I'd really like to throw out there also:
The journey...the path...from Po-Whawha, through to Rima, through to the next steps and stages.

I personally believe that the steps do in some ways 'take us back'...back to - if you will - a level of purity of essence.
However its like the onion, layer upon layer.
Its also not about losing...but learning...and from that addition...as much as that may seem a contradiction on the surface - the stripping away to actually become both *less* and *more* simultaneously.

That said - I also don't believe there is *wastefulness* in life, the universe, all things, whatever and however you define it to be.
I don't believe anything is superfluous.
Everything - I believe - has reason and role. We may not understand what the reason and role is at the time, or ever...but I do believe everything and all has it.

...so...I guess...again regarding *enlightenment* being process, being journey rather than destination...IF any of us reaches *enlightenment*...is it the end product? The completion? If it is...why do we still exist within the physicality of these flesh containers we call bodies? Perhaps we remain so as our next steps require it. Who knows. I'm more just thinking aloud.
Or maybe its just the next layer of the onion.


Either way...thank you again stevedel0 for creating this thread and sharing your thoughts. Very much appreciated.



Peace.

Perhaps the term "lifting of the veil" would ruffle less feathers.

And yes OP, based on your description it does sound like you have seen the veil lift. The few that do see it all describe it the same way. Universal love but also great detachment, both extremes.

Originally posted by alien
...if it only helps you, is it still really enlightenment?

Yeah, it is. That is the whole point. For once you realize everything is divine perfection and your ego does NOT need to run around fixing everything, or judging everything. You finally see, for even a brief time, that this all resides in the mind of god and it is all just fine.


[edit on 27-5-2009 by Sonya610]

I agree. You may have an awakening, but good luck sharing it with the masses.
Most people are so comfortable with what they believe to be real, they will fight tooth and nail to preserve it.

Originally posted by reticledc
I agree. You may have an awakening, but good luck sharing it with the masses.
Most people are so comfortable with what they believe to be real, they will fight tooth and nail to preserve it.

Yes but many would say if you see the TRUTH then you realize you don't have to worry about "sharing" it or convincing others. The others are just fine. If you share it, you do it for the pleasure of discussing it.

As long as anyone thinks they need to "save" the others, to fix them and show them, they are still ego based.

You sound lovely and kind and only 18. Just keep it simple. I think enlightenment is all about keeping it plain, simple and pure in truth.

Stay as you are I say. Lovely and kind.

reply to post by Sonya610


Very good point.
I agree and actually feel a little beside myself.
Who is anyone to convince anyone else of anything.
To quote a song, by Depeche Mode
"people are people so why should it be, that you and I should get along so awfully?
There is however no denying that there is something seriously wrong with some.
It would be foolhardy at best to "share" with those type of people.
I guess it would stand to reason, that the more people do share things with other people who enjoy listening, the more that the potential exists for other to share as well.
I replied to another thread about the meaning of life, and suggested that perhaps the purpose of life is simply to live.

So on this I stand utterly humbled and further enlightened.
Sincerely,
Thank you.

That was not hard at all.
This is how I choose to share.
Thank you for reading.

Lovely

With the "Who are you" question, you answered:

Originally posted by stevedel0
I'm a human being. I live the US. I'm 18 years old. I have Aspergers syndrome.

But, later you said this, which answers it better, I think:

Originally posted by stevedel0
It is very strange to think that people you can talk to, are you.

That tells you who you are with far more detail . I as well think you know yourself.

I've enjoyed reading all other comments as well. Especially liked:

Originally posted by Cyberbian
We can never know the totality of the infinite without giving up our "selves" in the process.

Well, you'll reach whatever goal you've set for yourself Steve.

[edit on 30-5-2009 by SassyCat]

In order to become enlightened, you must not only learn to be content with who you are, but must also have the capability to be content being absolutely anybody else.

I clicked this thread being a bit cynical but after reading it, I believe it is genuine... I don't know if you have reached supreme enlightenment but I can tell you are close..
I say you are close because even if the most important part has been achieved by awakening from the dream, being a now spectator, connecting with your higher-self, God, or whatever.. I don't think you are done learning.. Alot of people claiming to be enlighten feel that they have the "answers" but then again, many of them don't have the same answers... Maybe those answers aren't really important, but maybe they are...

I have a few questions for you..


-What is God to you?


-You say, "The human condition is really a rather sad one. but it is of no matter, just an observation."
I kinda disagree with that, let me know what you think... I think enlightenment is not only about letting go, becoming a spectator, having no more questions, etc.. and sitting on your illusionary ass feeling content.. but it's also about letting God work thru you, guide you.. and this will include doing good, being devoted in helping others, etc.. Thats how I think you really connect with the divine self, God, or whatever you want to call it... Suffering helps indeed the individual grow but I think it also serves the purpose of bringing the best out of people.. Without misery, evil, injustices, etc.. how could there be compassion, goodness, courage, etc..? I don't think the sad state of affair we live in, the suffering should only be observed, I think it should be acted upon...


-"The enlightened learned to accept everything that comes their way. I have done that."

Now I certainly agree with that and my question would be, are you free from all fears? In other words, have you deprogrammed yourself completely? Would giving a speech in front of 30,000 people provoke in you any anxiety or stress that isnt yet under control? If no, would you do it naked? hehe

-I'd also like to know your opinion on meditation... What's the best way to do it? Did you ever got answers from it? What's with the astral realm, or other dimensions some people meditating seems to end up in? Just another layer of the dream?

Thanks



[edit on 7-6-2009 by dunipop]

[edit on 7-6-2009 by dunipop]

reply to post by stevedel0


Oh please..come live in an apartment full of stomping and noise with never a moments peace, try struggling in impossible situations, to make money and still not make enough...try moving out of your moms cozy crib first. Enlightened. You people make me laugh.

reply to post by awdbawl


You have alot to learn about problems. You think I dont have them? I do, and I could have a billion more and still know the truth about my infinity. I also know that we make our own problems, not the problems themselves, but the perception that we need to change everything for our benefit. When I say I am enlightened I am not joking, I also however do not expect someone so attached to their problems to understand. Who thinks he needs more or better.

If I was in your shoes I would feel the same as I do now. If I was in prison I would feel the same, and if I was a king I would feel the same. There is a place in the soul that exists everywhere. That sees everything from the bigger picture, at all times. A larger consciousness beyond our individual lives. So what are problems when you see like that? They are NOTHING, they are just part of the larger cycle that benefits the whole, not the individual. and because you know that, you accept everything regardless whether it benefits your individual life or not. The same goes for good things in life, you take them in with the same feeling as you receive problems.

and that feeling is like a hug, but as a hug you must let go. That is how you must receive everything in life. I "hug" my blessing of course as everyone does, but I also let go when the time has come. I also "hug" my problems regardless of what it means to me and let them go easily, of course as everyone does.

reply to post by stevedel0


I'm sorry if this offends you, but is it anyway possible that this sense of "enlightenment" is caused by your Aspergers, I've worked with many people who have this and can not help to think this pseudo sense of self and disorder go hand and hand with each other.


Are you truly "enlightened" or do you have a lack of a better word?

There's a good thread on here somewhere about this topic and the discussion of what the world truly means.

Now don't take offense to this, this is my opinion and only my opinion.
I feel that this word has become a way to stroke ones ego, a way to try to separate and specialize one's self.
This is a new trend among people my age and younger you'll also see some elder ones doing it as well, as for some I suppose it's human nature or their nature to have a bigger ego then some, you'll see this going from indigo's to those "star seeds" or whatever they are.

In my years, often these people who claim to be "special" or "enlightened" tend to be the ones that are the furthest from it, and with my "expertise" in being a therapist I can't help to smell the traits of narcissistic values amongst these people.

Enlightenment is a word the has truly lost it's meaning, and in my opinion is something that most wouldn't even notice they them selves have achieved it to any degree, I feel that it's something that others notice about you then yourself, something they can see in your heart and mind, it's about being humble and simply comes down to living life and living life in the many different emotional growth phases that we go through.
I do not think anyone can even achieve full enlightenment as that's like a person saying "I know everything about life" it just isn't possible and once you think you've reached your peak you have no where else to go you stunt your mental/emotional growth.

Also, it's a very hard thing to be able to see everything with "pure" sight and as it truly is, we all have our own skewed perspectives that go through many changes as we grow old and live life from the time we are born till the day we die.

-What is God to you?


To me God is the most basic and neutral energy. It does not judge, it does not love, at least not like humans love. It does not hate. God is everywhere and everything. So God can be one thing, but also its opposite. I can say this though, God in most religions is kinda BS. He is not watching down on us to judge us one day. He is not out there creating miracles. However, because God is everything, you can say he is. I dont feel I made a good explanation to what God means to me, so please put this sentence above everything I have said. Anything that you can possibly attribute to anything is God in all instances.



"-You say, "The human condition is really a rather sad one. but it is of no matter, just an observation."
I kinda disagree with that, let me know what you think... I think enlightenment is not only about letting go, becoming a spectator, having no more questions, etc.. and sitting on your illusionary ass feeling content.. but it's also about letting God work thru you, guide you.. and this will include doing good, being devoted in helping others, etc.. Thats how I think you really connect with the divine self, God, or whatever you want to call it... Suffering helps indeed the individual grow but I think it also serves the purpose of bringing the best out of people.. Without misery, evil, injustices, etc.. how could there be compassion, goodness, courage, etc..? I don't think the sad state of affair we live in, the suffering should only be observed, I think it should be acted upon... "


I think we can act upon the injustices of this world, if we wish. We do as we choose. It is up to the individual and his perception as to what bothers him the most, and a different man will have a completely different perception of the world he lives in and he will choose differently. Even the term enlightenment means different things for those who have achieved it. I think the world is about differences. Not just the seemingly black and white; good and bad. Nobody can change the fact that there are differences in this world. and these differences is what makes the beauty of the universe. However, that is too big right there, better to tone it down sometimes. Yes, I agree. Good is good, and to do what people consider to be good things is a good thing. Which includes fighting for a better world for all.



As for your question about my fears. Ever since enlightenment I find that many foolish fears, and some not so foolish have left me. Before enlightenment I thought I was loosing my mind, I was having panic attacks too. My mind was creating enormous amounts of stress. I learned to conquer all of this. My body still feels natural defensive responses of course, like adrenaline under proper occasions. As to whether I could speak in front of 30,000 people naked. Im not sure what to say, Im sure I could do it, but I do find it a little hard trying to imagine a situation in which I would even consider it.

-I'd also like to know your opinion on meditation... What's the best way to do it? Did you ever got answers from it? What's with the astral realm, or other dimensions some people meditating seems to end up in? Just another layer of the dream?

Meditation does not have to be complicated. Just sitting there blocking out all thoughts is meditation. There are many different kinds, for different purposes. I think the net can explain better than I, I think. I think meditation helps you find answers to your questions, but not directly. It mostly just clears your head enabling you more brain focus. I think lack of questions is more like it. As for the astral realm, I have been there and it is really awesome. Imagine you as you are now, except all of your senses are like 3 times sharper. I am not the astral expert, and have not mastered it, and actually have kind of stopped the practice. There really does seem to be many different kinds of realms. and yes its real, and not just a dream. It is interdimensional access.

reply to post by pop_science



I had to laugh a little at your post. but yes I know exactly what Im talking about. I also know what you mean about having to make up excuses like enlightenment just to make myself feel special. I can assure you I have no need like that. Its almost funny to think what you said was true about me, because I know enlightenment was not easy to reach.

I knew I had Aspergers way before I became enlightened, they are totally different things in my mind.

I am not using the word enlightenment lightly. If you would have told me 6 months ago that I would be calling myself enlightened I would have doubted it. However, it happened. and frankly it would have surprised the hell out of me. Because I always searched for spiritual meaning, and with the loss of my catholic faith I did not think there was anything like that outside the false religion. Yet, I found something equal to that, yet more real, because it came from me, and not from an institution that feeds something to you to make money.

After my enlightenment, I knew exactly what had happened. Yet accepting, toward the good fortune that I found it. I looked on the net for those claiming the same thing, and found that I knew exactly what they were talking about. Im pretty sure I read some of the same stuff before my enlightenment to some confusion, but this time I knew exactly what they were talking about. My enlightenment came with Kundalini awakening, that was harsh. I assure you, I am using the word enlightenment correctly. This is the real deal. This is the stuff that the Bhudda talked about, this is what Gopi Krishna talked about.

reply to post by stevedel0


Why dont you just ascend to heaven then if you know all? You know Buddah was a genius, he knew all different languages, mathematics, meaning he really did have an understanding of ALL. You probably can't pass your senior year with straight As. Nothing you said was anything new or revealing to me.

My biggest problem is not having true love, if being "Enlightened" makes love not matter I never wanna be "Enlightened."

I agree, with the next poster, you have aspergers syndrome, obviously you need to see a counselor and a psychiatrist and get some medication. Because if you were "Enlightened" however that term is abused these days, you wouldnt need to post it up here.

If you got bit by a poisonous snake...would you die? I'm betting you would. That means you're not enlightened cuz shamans and enlightened people know how not to let physical poisons (As well as their problems) affect them. Remember a calm sea never made a skilled sailor. So don't tell me just cuz you don't let your non existant problems affect you that your enlightened. Buddah said as he was dying.. that it wasnt the poison that killed him, but that he chose to die. So unless you can cure your own self of all things and have an understanding of the actual science of things, please quit making a fool of yourself.

reply to post by awdbawl


Ridiculous

If I was enlightened I wouldn't need to post it up here? It wasn't a need, it was a choice. As in my life did not depend on me posting it here, or a self centered ego. Rather I posted to interact with you all, and to have a conversation.

Your betting I would die from the poison of a snake? How are you so sure? If I get bit an infinite amount of times, at LEAST one of those times I will not die. That is a fact. So how do you know I will die if I get bit, you don't know. Your betting. Which means you are guessing. A monkey can guess.

How does knowing math and art = knowing ALL. The Buddha knew all these things because he was rich in money, so he had to opportunity to study the human progress at the time. He did not know all because he knew of the trivial human progress. He knew all because he was enlightened.

I do not need your medications. Obviously I am very sane, I am not depressed or suicidal.

It was not the poison that killed the Buddha? However, he just happened to choose to die as poison entered his body? What a coincidence! I think your taking Buddhas interpretation incorrectly. When you have seen past this life, it is hard to for other people to understand what they mean.


My non existent problems? Asperger was not an nonexistent problem. It was bad enough that it gave me PTSD. I have probably suffered more than you have in the first 18 years of life. That was before now however.

I will end this post now as I have a commitment to go to.

reply to post by stevedel0


I'm not going to tell you my life but Im sure what I've endured was by far harder than your life. Buddah was naturally a genius and surpassed his teachers it was not because he had money.

I wasn't talking about being bit an infinite amount of times...you don't make any sense.
I knew a Shaman from the Amazon who was capable of surving deadly poison. I am certain Buddah is as powerful as him.

Whats more is his symptoms have been researched and they are not in correlation with poisoning but of mesenteric infarction, a symptom of old age. How can someone voluntarily die of old age? At the exact time of the "poisoning"? Soo now you are so enlightened you doubt the authenticity of Buddah?

Fact is wheter or not you even believe that. Buddah KNOWINGLY chose to eat a different food than his companions he chose to die, because he knew he couldn't stay on the earth forever he had to let people find the path on their own.

This is the last Im contributing to your nonsense. For you to simply assume you had a harder first 18 years than me is so typical of the average person, obviously you aren't enlightened because you can't see the truth of me, and I unlike you will not spell out my journey nor can I but it has been exceedingly difficult and riddled with pain.

Only someone with your condition would come on a site like this and become dellusional. One-sided verbosity is one of those symptoms and narrow mindedness is another. I feel sorry for you. What you really need to do is get help. I hope one day you do the unglamorous thing and try to get it. If you go around thinking you're enlightened and you've had the hardest life around you will only push people away and you will find yourself very alone. But you're "enlightened" so this doesn't bother you, Not even Jesus or Buddah didn't have friends to travel with them, good luck finding sheeple who think you have something of knowledge to share cuz you haven't said anything new to me, just cliche.
y

In my opinion..

Enlightenment?

Maybe.

Feeling wiser as you get a little bit older?

Probably right.

Each time I grow older, I feel a little more enlightened about things.

I had a paradigm shift when I hit 20 and another at 23 (which I am now). I felt an overwhelming sense of knowledge and maturity during those times.