How long will it be until I am enlightened? (translation, hell)

[Somkid]

I read a great quote awhile back and I saw this topic and wanted to share. It went something like this:

The problem with Westerners is that they are waiting to wittiness their own enlightenment...

[michaelm]

A westerner went to see Ajahn Chah and said that he had read somewhere that it was possible to be enlightened in just a few days. Ajahn Chah said that was correct, so the Westerner asked if the Ajahn would teach him, and Ajahn Chah agreed.
He took him to a hut and said, 'Sit here, close your eyes and just focus all your attention on your breath and in 5 days you will be enlightened.' The westerner was delighted.

Well, after just a few hours the westerner went to the Ajahn and complained that he couldnt keep his mind totally focussed on the breath.

The Ajahn explained THAT took a lot of practice over many years.

[Azakel]

Originally Posted by Somkid

I read a great quote awhile back and I saw this topic and wanted to share. It went something like this:

The problem with Westerners is that they are waiting to wittiness their own enlightenment...

As a Westerner I agree with that quote. A lot of us are, though I do believe some of us are taking the different approach to it. I lot more are looking toward the Eastern religions for it. I don't know if that's a good thing or not, I like don't learn much about them and just uses what ever. Though I do try to learn about it, it's quite interesting.

Originally Posted by michaelm

A westerner went to see Ajahn Chah and said that he had read somewhere that it was possible to be enlightened in just a few days. Ajahn Chah said that was correct, so the Westerner asked if the Ajahn would teach him, and Ajahn Chah agreed.
He took him to a hut and said, 'Sit here, close your eyes and just focus all your attention on your breath and in 5 days you will be enlightened.' The westerner was delighted.

Well, after just a few hours the westerner went to the Ajahn and complained that he couldnt keep his mind totally focussed on the breath.

The Ajahn explained THAT took a lot of practice over many years.

I like that, it show how inpatiant a lot of us are. I had trouble meditating at first because of this, but I'm getting better, I go a bit longer ever time. But I don't think I can go 5 days

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by Somkid

I read a great quote awhile back and I saw this topic and wanted to share. It went something like this:

The problem with Westerners is that they are waiting to wittiness their own enlightenment...

Good point.

[michaelm]

Originally Posted by Azakel

As a Westerner I agree with that quote. A lot of us are, though I do believe some of us are taking the different approach to it. I lot more are looking toward the Eastern religions for it. I don't know if that's a good thing or not, I like don't learn much about them and just uses what ever. Though I do try to learn about it, it's quite interesting.



I like that, it show how inpatiant a lot of us are. I had trouble meditating at first because of this, but I'm getting better, I go a bit longer ever time. But I don't think I can go 5 days

three things are required: discipline, determination and PATIENCE. Us westerners are ok with the first two, but oh boy, that last one! I want to be patient, the problem is I want to be patient NOW!

[Azakel]

Originally Posted by michaelm

three things are required: discipline, determination and PATIENCE. Us westerners are ok with the first two, but oh boy, that last one! I want to be patient, the problem is I want to be patient NOW!

Ya that's about how it is. But I think with discipline and determination we can become patient. It just takes longer.

[zenzero]

Friends,
Again you [westerners] seem to have the point.
Somkid was trying to get the message across about WESTERNERS wanting to witness their own enlightenment.
Enlightenment happens when one [self/ego] is not there and one merges and becomes a part of the whole that is enlightenment BUT one cannot remain an I and witness his own enlightenment the same reason most find to not get the point even after years of meditation.
Also like to clarify that when I say westerners like to state that people who use their LEFT Brain more which is the Logic side and not intution. The Right side of the brain stands for intution where no logic is required TRUST is important.
Love & rgds

[koan]

Although meditation is extremely important, most experiences of enlightenment don't happen whilst sitting on ones bum. In the records of the old masters, we read examples of when the masters become enlightened, usually, this is through some incident. We read of such incidents as, a peble striking an piece of bamboo and creating a sound, this then triggers an awakening.
Incidents are many and varied, but what is needed before an incident may trigger this awakening, is preparation. In the Lin Chi style of Zen, the best preparation is the koan system. Koans allow the mind to break through ignorant logic, to discover the true self. Practicing with a koan though, is still no guarantee that one will become awakened. Some practice the Koan method untill they die without a breakthrough and some breakthough within a relatively short period of time.

[Azakel]

Originally Posted by zenzero

Friends,
Again you [westerners] seem to have the point.
Somkid was trying to get the message across about WESTERNERS wanting to witness their own enlightenment.
Enlightenment happens when one [self/ego] is not there and one merges and becomes a part of the whole that is enlightenment BUT one cannot remain an I and witness his own enlightenment the same reason most find to not get the point even after years of meditation.
Also like to clarify that when I say westerners like to state that people who use their LEFT Brain more which is the Logic side and not intution. The Right side of the brain stands for intution where no logic is required TRUST is important.
Love & rgds

Okay I get it ^_^. I might be a "westerner" by where Ilive, but to tell the true I uset he right side of my brain(I'm more of a intuition type person, lol)

Originally Posted by koan

Although meditation is extremely important, most experiences of enlightenment don't happen whilst sitting on ones bum. In the records of the old masters, we read examples of when the masters become enlightened, usually, this is through some incident. We read of such incidents as, a peble striking an piece of bamboo and creating a sound, this then triggers an awakening.
Incidents are many and varied, but what is needed before an incident may trigger this awakening, is preparation. In the Lin Chi style of Zen, the best preparation is the koan system. Koans allow the mind to break through ignorant logic, to discover the true self. Practicing with a koan though, is still no guarantee that one will become awakened. Some practice the Koan method untill they die without a breakthrough and some breakthough within a relatively short period of time.

I might to look into that, I am curious.