Utopia, is there such a thing? (Jesus, ritual, evolve, spiritual)

[Green Gaia]

I would say it is possible and would depend on the way you react to life. Am I anywhere near it? Nope, not even close... lol.

[deahca2]

I hear that. LOL. But, here's the point WHAT IS THE PRICE of personal utopia? Sounds like a lobotomy might give you utopia. no highs no lows, no worries. ever. Quality of life in that? nil.

[Engyo]

Utopia within is another name for what a Buddhist would call enlightenment. It is possible, with much work. It doesn't require insanity (or maybe, according to our material culture, it does!).

[deahca2]

re: Enlightenment.
I really don't know much about that. In our spiritual journey through life, I would hope that we all gain a degree of enlightenment, if we search for it. I think of the monks in Tibet,turning their backs on the world, on their fellow man. Cloistering themselves to isolation and their goal of enlightenment. Personally, I seek enlightenment through others and through life experience.
I suppose if you insullate yourself enough, and ignore the world you would have inner peace. After all, what is there to bother you? Not the daily roller coaster of life that will give you instant awareness and experience.
Everbody to their own path to spirituallity I suppose.
Deah

[Engyo]

Deah -

Please understand that the Tibetans are only one tradition in Buddhism, not the whole of Buddhism. Similar to the way that Eastern Orthodox Christians are not the whole of Christianity.

The Mahayana tradition, and the too-numerous-to-count schools within that broad classification, do not isolate themselves from the world. This tradition is focused on working within society and within individual's daily lives in order to effect change in the world.

A Mahayana Buddhist's ethos might be described as: "I can't be completely happy if somewhere people are suffering."

Perfect Enlightenment, or Annuttara-Samyak'-Sambodai, has been described as being awakened to the total interconnectedness of all life. The Tibetans focus on perfecting themselves first, before addressing the problems of others. The Mahayanaists basically take all of it on at once, so to speak. Have I totally confused the issue yet?

[Lightkeeper]

I agree that Utopia is an inner state.