Comments for Life Beyond the Image

Comment on What is Enlightenment? by takuin

takuin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:17:41 +0000

Thank you very much, Mits. What do I think? Well, first I need to ask what you mean with the word you in the following sentence:

I think enligtenment is the realization that you were never born or will ever die and that you are eternity it-self.

Comment on What is Enlightenment? by Mits

Mits — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:55:27 +0000

I think enligtenment is the realization that you were never born or will ever die and that you are eternity it-self. But hey, takes a few lifetimes for people to achive this from what I’ve read. What do you think?

Comment on What is Enlightenment? by takuin

takuin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:03:28 +0000

Those are great, Kaushik.

Here is one from George Carlin. It is not entirely on the same subject, but if you replace a few of the words, it fits nicely:

I think that being a student doesn’t give you any more enlightenment than working at Blockbuster. In fact, if your parents are footing the bill to put your pansy ass through 4-7 years of college, you haven’t begun to be enlightened.

Comment on Can a Fragmented Mind Know Compassion? by takuin

takuin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:56:52 +0000

Thank you very much, Ziggy. Although what you've described as fragmentation is not what I had intended with the article, I think it is marvelous that you have the insight to see the various movements of that particular disorder, if I can use that word. By fragmentation I meant the apparent separation of the I, or the self, from everything and everyone else. Not necessarily a mind that is split with multiple individuals. I never really thought of it in the way you've described, and you've added a wonderful element to the whole thing.

Comment on What is Enlightenment? by Kaushik

Kaushik — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:17:41 +0000

Wonderful definition, if there has to be one.

From Ramesh Balsekar:”Enlightenment is total emptiness of mind. There is nothing you can do to get it. Any effort you make can only be an obstruction to it.”

From Ramana: “Mind is consciousness which has put on limitations. You are originally unlimited and perfect. Later you take on limitations and become the mind.”

The Buddha said it is the end of suffering.

While we think we are limited, is it possible to realize we are unlimited without having some sort of mental construct?

Comment on Can a Fragmented Mind Know Compassion? by ziggy

ziggy — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:27:53 +0000

In the first paragraph where it reads “thus learning to shut off feelings in order to prevent experiencing less pain” should read ……prevent experiencing more pain.

Comment on Can a Fragmented Mind Know Compassion? by ziggy

ziggy — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:25:31 +0000

Well, speaking as a person with a fragmented mind (due to abuse and trauma) I would say – yes people who have a fragmented mind are quite compassionate. We understand pain of others because we’ve have been through it. One fragment or personality may be more compassionate than another personality because that personality was perhaps still more resilient than the other. A personality developed during early years has also not experienced as much trauma during their shorter life span than a personality who has was fragmented at a later age. A secondary personality may be less compassionate because they were created (fragmented) under duress, in an uncaring environment, as a way to protect themselves from being further traumatized – thus learning to shut off feelings in order to prevent experiencing less pain. This process of shutting down feelings also turns off feelings of compassion – not likely intended for the purpose of lacking compassion towards others/causes/events, simply to protect oneself from further psychological/physical pain.
I suppose if a personality that experienced little or no compassion took over the body’s life completely, that person likely could not show compassion from that point on.
Someone once described their fragmentation/personalities as doing what other people (without fragmentation) do, but doing it as many people in one body. e.g. During my younger years I enjoyed crafts, writing poetry, walking, riding bike, singing, etc. Some of these activities became hidden to me as my mind became fragmented with new stresses and traumas. As I went through therapy the different personalities came with the interests that they were fragmented with. I am no longer able to plan interests as a whole personality – but we decide among us who will do what part while the person born whole has to be in charge. This person is no longer able to take on all the activities as an individual. If I try to do it alone as a single, I become very overwhelmed and break down further. Hence, it is better to work as a group and work together to make life as normal as possible. (Normal is a setting on a dryer)
My father, who was also severely abused from an early age, most often could not find it in himself to show compassion. It didn’t mean he didn’t feel it. He didn’t know how to show it. He had shut himself off to others so much he was not able to show it. Many times his compassion seemed superficial or “head knowledge.” There were times when he showed compassion but usually towards people who weren’t close to him – possibly for reputation sake. I Thinking it was because he couldn’t allow himself to be close to the people closest to him.

Anyways that my 2 cents worth…. ziggy

Comment on What is Enlightenment? by takuin

takuin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:26:15 +0000

Thank you very much, Tom.

I wondered if the words I’d used would travel well…it is good to know they have survived their trip so far.

Comment on What is Enlightenment? by Tom Stine

Tom Stine — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:20:44 +0000

BRAVO!!

Takuin, you may have just earned your place in history. If one needs a definition of enlightenment, well, you’ve give a perfect one.

Namaste.

Comment on What is Enlightenment? by takuin

takuin — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:19:42 +0000

And please, feel free to replace any ‘offensive words’ with those of your liking. Good luck to you!