Enlightenment (Jesus Christ, testimonies, Kingdom, tradition, Buddhism)

[YmirGF]

Having been a meditator for over thirty years, I agree with Engyo (and Snalespace) here. The object of meditation is to touch the source of your Self. You start this process with meditations that begin when thought gets turned off. Only by standing back from the incessant chatterbox, does the view become clear. Engyo is spot on on this, as I would expect. Eventually one perceives reality in a very different, unalterable way.

I have never considered "contemplation" to be "meditation". Not the same thing at all, and never will be. The simple fact is that thinking of these things only takes one so far. The proof of the pudding, is in the eating. There is no lost or hidden technique that allows the adept to "think" their way to enlightenment.

Originally Posted by God is love

1. Concentration defined as undivided attention
2. Tranquility
3. Equanimity defined as steadiness of mind, composure, calmness
4. Investigation
5. Mindfulness defined as awareness
6. Energy
7. Rapture

If meditaion releases stress and that produces tranquility then
tranquility produces equanimity, calmness.

How can I put this without coming off like a space case? Knowing those words and understanding what compels one to use those descriptions are two radically different things. If you are serious in uncovering the mystery, I have a bit of advice. My advice is that you suspend your ideas about enlightenment. Having preconceived notions about what it is like will simply hold you back. Enlightenment will never be what you "think" it is. The conscious mind has no idea, but it is a prize that is worth the effort.

Have faith in your own inner nature and let the "Real Dream" come on its own. You cannot do anything to hasten the process. It is a matter of perception, NOT what one "thinks". Meditation is more like focusing a lens, than abstracted thinking.

Originally Posted by God is love

It's good to ponder after you pray because sometimes enlightenment may receive a busy signal if you are busy, distracted doing things or thinking of other things. It's like a phone call. Enlightenment is calling but you are not receiving because you aren't meditating.

Maybe it is just me, but I do not feel a need for prayer. I already think quite enough, so sitting in reverie is what I reserve for my artistic nature and I let my imagination take me where it pleases. Rewarding, yes, very much so, but it is not authentic meditation.

It may sound like I am splitting hairs, but to me, there is an important difference. I am willing to concede I could be wrong, although I very much doubt it.

[ChrisP]

Originally Posted by YmirGF

Having been a meditator for over thirty years, I agree with Engyo (and Snalespace) here. The object of meditation is to touch the source of your Self. You start this process with meditations that begin when thought gets turned off. Only by standing back from the incessant chatterbox, does the view become clear. Engyo is spot on on this, as I would expect. Eventually one perceives reality in a very different, unalterable way.

This is the key to any revelation. Turn off your self (please note seperation of the words) .

I have never considered "contemplation" to be "meditation". Not the same thing at all, and never will be. The simple fact is that thinking of these things only takes one so far. The proof of the pudding, is in the eating. There is no lost or hidden technique that allows the adept to "think" their way to enlightenment.

Again, spot on. Thinking is the path away from enlightenment. Reasoning is the perception of reality. Perceiving is relative and therefore completely subjective to the individual.

How can I put this without coming off like a space case?

It's impossible. I've tried many times. I don't bother hiding it anymore and just include the adjective in my name

Have faith in your own inner nature and let the "Real Dream" come on its own. You cannot do anything to hasten the process. It is a matter of perception, NOT what one "thinks". Meditation is more like focusing a lens, than abstracted thinking.

Maybe it is just me, but I do not feel a need for prayer. I already think quite enough, so sitting in reverie is what I reserve for my artistic nature and I let my imagination take me where it pleases. Rewarding, yes, very much so, but it is not authentic meditation.

It is important to resolve imagination with intuition, but I feel all around, you are very correct.