Fruit of the Contemplative Life
Fruit of the contemplative life: => General Discussion => : Jhanon August 12, 2014, 05:17:27 AM
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What if Enlightenment became the new "homosexuality" issue? On the one hand, it would be excellent to HAVE enough enlightened beings for humans to notice, acknowledge, and take issue with. I mean that it would be very good for the earth if there were that many enlightened beings. On the other hand, we could see some kind of "witch hunt."
I can actually see this happening. It just came to me spontaneously. But how could that happen? What could they possibly bring against us? "You're blasphemous for unifying all religions with the actual teachings as they were meant to be interpreted. We're tired of your kindness and wisdom!" or would they instead take issue with the supramundane fruits? Jeeze, it would be kind of like the X-Men movies. Although in my experience, any being enlightened enough to have attained supramundane powers, also has the responsibility to be wise with them.
Just a hypothetical which I found worthy of considering.
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The trouble with this is that spiritual people are the exception to the rule. The rule is that people are supposed are to be born, age, have children, and die. If some break out of this, that is the anomaly. Spiritual people also work 100% contrary to what the world says. It explains why Jesus said, if you are hated by the world and other people, take comfort, because they hated me first.
There are also two things about our time:
First, it is a very pluralistic time, with free religion and many things to study. I would say that while this is good for us, it is bad for laymen, because it makes the world confusing.
Second, we are entering a skeptical time. People believe in this new cult of science. Empirical inquiry cannot answer metaphysical questions... but because of that everyone says the spiritual is nonsense. This and the above prevent many spiritual people from appearing.
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I have split part of this into The historical Jesus (http://fruitofthecontemplativelife.org/forum/index.php/topic,787.0.html)
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I agree, Alexander. But this is also a time in which the people are being increasingly oppressed. Doomed to live life's of quiet desperation. As the lower class and poverty begins to expand and expand, what are they going to do with their "free time" and apparent suffering? We can see already in America how marijuana is being legalized in states. Marijuana naturally causes philosophical thinking. I often refer to it as the "philosopher's stone." Philosophical thinking leads to independence of mind, which often leads to psychedelics or other avenues of mystical experience.
Also, all this technology we have created is causing many "mental disorders". You've noticed this, yes? And we've already discussed how mental disorders are confusion or aversion to the charisms.
I suppose I should ask this; Does practically everyone in your life exhibit characteristics of a samara or samarana (holy seeker)? Because, in my life, out of the 300 something people I know; there are less than 25 percent who are not. Admittedly, most aren't solely focused on it.
I often get calls from people, explaining strange phenomena they experience, or asking questions about meditative absorption. I've been getting these ever since 2012.
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Yes, I feel bad because I offer a harsh perspective. It is good to criticize me. However, I feel I have to put it out there. Samsara is the most powerful force in the world. I know many people with an interest in spirituality; but their interest is too passing for them to make progress. It is good to make clear how this life is a horror. It will always end in death. Still, human nature is lazy, people are not rigorous, and they do not want to prepare despite the facts. Drug use can also lead to the spiritual life, but it can also lead to self-indulgence. Many people become okay with the way bad things are, instead of using it as a doorway to spiritual practice.
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You make an excellent counter-argument, Alexander.
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This is exactly why I keep a low profile. Growing up in the 1950's was good practice for this. I remember telling someone I do yoga. His answer "Why would you want to do that"? Everything even slightly out of the ordinary in those days was subject to criticism. It was expected that you dressed, acted and whatever the "right way". There was a brand of normal, conformity, in vogue - in many ways similar to now. The USA appears to me to be even more polarized than during the Viet Nahm era, but many want it that way because it is super greed that drives everything in an era of corporate domination - follow the money. Samsara then samsara now. "And so it goes"... Stu
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This topic reminds me of the problems that I am currently having with sociopaths. It is my hypothesis that all of the mystics in the past who were marginalized were most probably marginalized by sociopaths. Further the religions of the world are what they are because they were hijacked by sociopaths. Still further, the herd follows the sociopaths much like the paranoid psychotic that I am currently dealing with.
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Jeffrey, If you do not mind my asking, are these sociopaths in addition to the biofuel sociopaths? Stu
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Thanks, Stu, you bring up a very good point. As many of you, and Stu, know my character has been assassinated all over the web over two primary topics for over a decade. First was jhana, then it became biofuels, now it is neighbors who think that they have the constitutional and god-given right to debouch themselves at the expense of the peace of their neighbors.
So, aside from me, what connects all of this violent behavior toward me? Some people want to blame me, and my methods. Well, I do not think it is that.
I believe it is more about humans depend upon their belief systems supporting their identity, so that if someone negates their belief system, then their identity is challenged, whether that belief system is religion, or biofuels, or social behavior, then they become extremely angry to the point of murder. I believe that is behavior is precisely what is behind the martyrdom of most, if not all, mystics.
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This is why I keep a low profile. I have written about this elsewhere. At my age I look like lots of other people. People I know swear that they saw me somewhere - I know I was not there. I also look enough like the actor Richard Harris to be asked if I am - I even had a woman on a Grayhound trip say "Are you sure you are not Richard Harris". So even if you know my full name and see me in Utube videos you will not know what I look like. Also I do not tell most people I am a contemplative mystic. Being agoraphobic helps - usually I only meet with people when I choose - there are unexpected encounters sometimes - I avoid people I know when I am not ready to be with them - if I can get away without offending them. I play tennis with friends who look like me - I play tennis in the zone,second jhana, most of the time. Stu
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I also intend to keep a low profile, although the Tao doesn't appear to think that is my path.
But I tread lightly, and intend to keep it that way. Making unusual comments that bring those who are ready to me. I do not outright challenge or make accusations. I just get people talking and thinking about things they may never have.
When the meditative absorption booklet is put up on Kindle, I suspect I will publish it anonymously. When full enlightenment comes, then we'll see what might change. But I've found it is in my nature to be soft and gentle most of the time. "Oh, you think LSD makes people crazy? How interesting." Or another recent example "Yeah, there are powerful transformative abilities at your fingertips at all times. You can learn about them in these popular books."
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How much do you think it would cost to make your booklet available in Kindle format?
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I honestly don't know, although I should. I think it's relatively inexpensive. Whatever the case, I intend to worry about that later. I'm pretty deep into a dark night, and need to focus on resolving some issues with critical thinking or samadhi.