The ego-self can't do it on its own. Non-ego forces of the 'Pleroma' or collective unconscious or whatever have to assist us at some point in the process. In the case of the Buddha, the non-ego was symbolized by, or projected onto, the Morning Star.

THE WORM'S WAKING

'This is how a human being can change:

there’s a worm addicted to eating
grape leaves.

Suddenly he wakes up,
call it grace, whatever, something
wakes him, and he’s no longer
a worm.

He’s the entire vineyard,
and the orchard too, the fruit, the trunks,
a growing wisdom and joy
that doesn’t need
to devour.'

-Rumi

After many years of study and discussions from several llamas, nuns and monks, it is possible to achieve enlightenment. But the one question still echos, as it takes many years of work and dedication, what does one do after achieving enlightenment?

Great thread! When I was in my twenties I really got into meditation. I picked up a bunch of books on the Shao Lin methods of attaining enlightenment.

I practiced 2-3 times a day. While I was practicing meditation, my entire life felt calmer. Things that would feel overwhelming started to become easy. The books talked about while meditating one could catch 'cosmic glimpses', a way of getting a taste of full enlightenment.

I believe that I was able to attain a couple of these glimpses. I can not fully explain the sensation but it is like feeling at peace more than one can feel without meditation. The world 'feels' different. Very hard to put into words.

Over the years my life got busy and I neglected my meditation. As a result my life has been very hectic, I really need to start meditating again.

Even if one does not attain enlightenment they can still benefit tremendously from meditation.

Thanks again for the post! You have inspired me to pick up where I left off. S & F!

How did Gautama Buddha reach Enlightenment (Nirvana)?

He pretended he did; and everyone believed him. It's that easy.

the way i understand it,he was a boy who had a hissy fit,
ran away from his rich king dad
reached starvation under a tree
eat some funky mushrooms
had a tripped out,revelation full happy time

BINGO ENLIGHTENED



summin like that