The search

In another thread, I asked, "What are you searching for?"

In the context of religion or spirituality, if you use the word 'search', what does it mean to you? If it's any different than 'seek', then what's the difference?

When you hear or read 'search' used by someone else, what comes to mind?

I have the feeling that it's another of these words that is overused, not clearly defined, and hence might be the cause of confusion.
@Revoltingest ... I'm not talking about the search for antique machine parts of the best bacon money can buy.

Vinayaka said:

In another thread, I asked, "What are you searching for?"

In the context of religion or spirituality, if you use the word 'search', what does it mean to you? If it's any different than 'seek', then what's the difference?

When you hear or read 'search' used by someone else, what comes to mind?

I have the feeling that it's another of these words that is overused, not clearly defined, and hence might be the cause of confusion.
@Revoltingest ... I'm not talking about the search for antique machine parts of the best bacon money can buy.

Click to expand...

IMO:

"Search for" has more to do with the place. Seek has more to do with the object of your search

Some search for God outside themselves, others search within
Seek and thou shall find ... Seek God and search within

Well as regards pure semantics, "searching" is about the whereabouts of the object of one's desire versus "seeking" which has to do with the quest for the sought-after "object" itself.

So working from those definitions, I guess I'd probably view a spiritual "searcher" as someone - technically - who is more concerned with 'where' they would like to 'fit in' on the spectrum of religious experience (i.e. the best path for them), whereas a "seeker" is likely more interested in 'what' they hope to find out (in terms of personal apprehension of truth).

I much prefer the English word "seeker" to "searcher", incidentally.

Vinayaka said:

In another thread, I asked, "What are you searching for?"

In the context of religion or spirituality, if you use the word 'search', what does it mean to you? If it's any different than 'seek', then what's the difference?

When you hear or read 'search' used by someone else, what comes to mind?

I have the feeling that it's another of these words that is overused, not clearly defined, and hence might be the cause of confusion.
@Revoltingest ... I'm not talking about the search for antique machine parts of the best bacon money can buy.

Click to expand...

Search to me is looking at what experiences shape my beliefs. It's reflecting. So if I had X experience and Y belief seems to be true, if its not supported by already held experiences, it's a philosophy not my life.

Search, seeker, etc wouldn't be a good word. I don't see it benefitial to say "Im now comfortable with my belief. I will not change" that or say I can't be skeptical experiences. They cannot be challenged.

Skepticism is maybe part of the search. You can never stop being seeker. Doesn't mean to hop religions. Just means you're open to change.

Vinayaka said:

In another thread, I asked, "What are you searching for?"

In the context of religion or spirituality, if you use the word 'search', what does it mean to you? If it's any different than 'seek', then what's the difference?

Click to expand...

To me, seek and search mean essentially the same thing and people tend to use them interchangeably when it comes to matters of religion or spirituality. Essentially both mean to look for answers or a path to the answers to the nature and/or purpose of our existence.

Vinayaka said:

When you hear or read 'search' used by someone else, what comes to mind?

Click to expand...

When I hear it, I typically default to finding a path in which to achieve what I mentioned above.

Vinayaka said:

In another thread, I asked, "What are you searching for?"

In the context of religion or spirituality, if you use the word 'search', what does it mean to you? If it's any different than 'seek', then what's the difference?

When you hear or read 'search' used by someone else, what comes to mind?

I have the feeling that it's another of these words that is overused, not clearly defined, and hence might be the cause of confusion.
@Revoltingest ... I'm not talking about the search for antique machine parts of the best bacon money can buy.

Click to expand...

A long time ago, I read a Ramana book on his concept of "Who am I?" I was very intrigued and that was the beginning of a search - to find the answer to his question. But the question eventually morphed to "Is this a valid search at all?" and at one point I realized, there was nothing hidden to find.

Ramana's question does not need a long multi-year search or meditation or anything else. The answer to his question is here and now. Very grateful to UG Krishnamurti for clearing it up.

In Ramana's own words - "You are either there or you are not. There are no steps leading you to it".