reply to post by americandingbat
Wonderful piece. Thanks for sharing that. I wish I could reply this to everyone in the thread since everyone has contributed wonderfully to the
discussion. But I'd like to use this tidbit as the point to tip off from.
I think this illustrates what may be characterized as the 'westernization' of enlightenment and the techniques used to pursue it. Simply put, it
becomes a goal. Which was the intent behind my initial post that oneness is not a goal at all. Because as Cadbury pointed out, and with which I
agree, it is the state we live in. Both in unity and individuality. A simultaneous existence of which we only experience one aspect. Because of
that hindrance of perspective I would disagree in one respect and say that all is also black or white.
To choose or not to choose I think may be the real question.
I think what's sometimes forgotten, or perhaps lost in translation, is that enlightenment is not a state of being, but a state of awareness. An
awareness of our simultaneous existence. Years of yoga, meditation, prana channeling, shedding ego attachments, etc don't lead to enlightenment per
say, but they can lead to an experience. A taste of the infinite on a finite palate. A delicious thing. But one that still leaves the individual
hungry. And so the question remains, what now?
That isn't to say that I don't see yoga and meditation, or any other spiritual practice as useful or valid, but I think the context needs to be
maintained. That these are ways to connect us with something that feels at least divine, to maintain a balance in this life of ego so that we are
neither too selfish or selfless. To make the trip more pleasant as we traverse this plane full of ego-beings and to help us enjoy the ride a bit
more.
