Difference between revisions of "Gradual Enlightenment Is Better?"
| (One intermediate revision by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{DisplayImages|961|2471|2480}} | {{DisplayImages|961|2471|2480}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | |||
<poem> | <poem> | ||
By Herb Eko {{Wiki|Deer}} | By Herb Eko {{Wiki|Deer}} | ||
| Line 7: | Line 14: | ||
Of course this classic [[debate]] among [[Zen]] schools is [[intellectual]] and [[dualistic]]. | Of course this classic [[debate]] among [[Zen]] schools is [[intellectual]] and [[dualistic]]. | ||
| − | So what, it brings up important and practical questions about what it means to be [[enlightened]] and what it looks like in [[action]]. First of all, lets define [[enlightenment]] as being [[selfless]], [[compassionate]], [[wise]] and {{Wiki|present}}, and throw in for good [[measure]] the [[realization]] that everyone and everything is connected in [[oneness]]. This should mean, for example, that an [[enlightened]] [[person]] puts the care of others before satisfying [[selfish]] [[desires]], and is able to {{Wiki|communicate}} with [[honesty]] and integrity about any struggles with this. Which adds another quality to being [[enlightened]], which is struggling with issues and being able to {{Wiki|communicate}} about them with integrity. | + | |
| + | So what, it brings up important and {{Wiki|practical}} questions about what it means to be [[enlightened]] and what it looks like in [[action]]. First of all, lets define [[enlightenment]] as being [[selfless]], [[compassionate]], [[wise]] and {{Wiki|present}}, and throw in for good [[measure]] the [[realization]] that everyone and everything is connected in [[oneness]]. This should mean, for example, that an | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[enlightened]] [[person]] puts the [[care]] of others before satisfying [[selfish]] [[desires]], and is able to {{Wiki|communicate}} with [[honesty]] and [[integrity]] about any struggles with this. Which adds another [[quality]] to being [[enlightened]], which is struggling with issues and being able to {{Wiki|communicate}} about them with [[integrity]]. | ||
| + | |||
So [[sudden enlightenment]] is a [[spontaneous awakening]] to our [[oneness]] with all things and the [[perfection]] of our [[life]], such as the [[Buddha]] had when he saw the morning {{Wiki|star}} under the [[Bhodi tree]]. He said “Wonder of wonders, [[all living beings]] are truly [[enlightened]] and shine with [[wisdom]] and [[virtue]].” | So [[sudden enlightenment]] is a [[spontaneous awakening]] to our [[oneness]] with all things and the [[perfection]] of our [[life]], such as the [[Buddha]] had when he saw the morning {{Wiki|star}} under the [[Bhodi tree]]. He said “Wonder of wonders, [[all living beings]] are truly [[enlightened]] and shine with [[wisdom]] and [[virtue]].” | ||
| − | It can be as grand as an [[earth]] shattering [[experience]] or a simple ah-ha moment. | + | It can be as grand as an [[earth]] shattering [[experience]] or a simple ah-ha [[moment]]. |
| + | |||
This [[sudden awakening]] [[experience]] is described in every [[spiritual]] [[tradition]] in one way or another. In [[Zen]] it is emphasized especially in the [[Rinzai]] [[lineage]] as crucial to [[spiritual]] [[enlightenment]]. | This [[sudden awakening]] [[experience]] is described in every [[spiritual]] [[tradition]] in one way or another. In [[Zen]] it is emphasized especially in the [[Rinzai]] [[lineage]] as crucial to [[spiritual]] [[enlightenment]]. | ||
| Line 18: | Line 30: | ||
The [[idea]] is that when enough [[effort]] and [[energy]] is poured into our questioning we exhaust our [[dualistic]] [[mind]] and finally push beyond [[dualism]] into the [[realm]] of the [[absolute]], where [[oneness]] and [[emptiness]] are [[experienced]] spontaneously. | The [[idea]] is that when enough [[effort]] and [[energy]] is poured into our questioning we exhaust our [[dualistic]] [[mind]] and finally push beyond [[dualism]] into the [[realm]] of the [[absolute]], where [[oneness]] and [[emptiness]] are [[experienced]] spontaneously. | ||
| + | |||
[[Gradual enlightenment]], on the other hand, is the slow, {{Wiki|patient}} process of growing and maturing in our practice through consistent [[discipline]] and progress. The consistent and persistent practice of being [[mindful]] of our [[activities]] leads us to progressively refine our [[experience]] of [[emptiness]] and [[oneness]] in our daily [[life]]. The [[Soto Zen]] School tends to embrace this more. | [[Gradual enlightenment]], on the other hand, is the slow, {{Wiki|patient}} process of growing and maturing in our practice through consistent [[discipline]] and progress. The consistent and persistent practice of being [[mindful]] of our [[activities]] leads us to progressively refine our [[experience]] of [[emptiness]] and [[oneness]] in our daily [[life]]. The [[Soto Zen]] School tends to embrace this more. | ||
| Line 24: | Line 37: | ||
But the ‘sudden school’ says the [[kensho]] [[experience]] is what makes this possible in the first place. Whereas, for the ‘[[gradual]] school’ there’s no [[merit]] in [[kensho]] unless refined [[discipline]] and consistent practice [[manifest]] the [[enlightened]] [[life]]. | But the ‘sudden school’ says the [[kensho]] [[experience]] is what makes this possible in the first place. Whereas, for the ‘[[gradual]] school’ there’s no [[merit]] in [[kensho]] unless refined [[discipline]] and consistent practice [[manifest]] the [[enlightened]] [[life]]. | ||
| + | |||
Of course both sides have [[essential]] points and they are not exclusive. | Of course both sides have [[essential]] points and they are not exclusive. | ||
| − | But I say that the [[gradual process of awakening]] is more important to embrace in a [[spiritual path]] for several [[reasons]]. First of all, the sudden [[kensho]] [[experience]] is kind of like grace in that it cannot be guaranteed as a result of practice. Some [[people]] have a better chance at it if they do practice with more [[effort]] and [[determination]], but ultimately we could never judge the [[merit]] of anyone’s practice by using [[kensho]] as a [[measuring]] stick. | + | But I say that the [[gradual process of awakening]] is more important to embrace in a [[spiritual path]] for several [[reasons]]. First of all, the sudden [[kensho]] [[experience]] is kind of like grace in that it cannot be guaranteed as a result of practice. Some [[people]] have a better chance at it if they do practice with more [[effort]] and [[determination]], but ultimately we could never [[judge]] the [[merit]] of anyone’s practice by using [[kensho]] as a [[measuring]] stick. |
| − | Second of all, [[kensho]] isn’t meant to take care of long-term [[emotional]] and {{Wiki|behavioral}} patterns, and it doesn’t do this. This has been proven over again by ‘[[enlightened]]’ {{Wiki|charismatic}} [[Zen]] [[teachers]] exposed to be {{Wiki|abusive}} to their students in many ways. | + | |
| + | Second of all, [[kensho]] isn’t meant to take [[care]] of long-term [[emotional]] and {{Wiki|behavioral}} patterns, and it doesn’t do this. This has been proven over again by ‘[[enlightened]]’ {{Wiki|charismatic}} [[Zen]] [[teachers]] exposed to be {{Wiki|abusive}} to their students in many ways. | ||
Having a [[kensho]] [[experience]] may help us to see our [[karma]] more clearly, but it will not change our long-term patterns of [[emotion]] and {{Wiki|behavior}} and {{Wiki|addictions}}. | Having a [[kensho]] [[experience]] may help us to see our [[karma]] more clearly, but it will not change our long-term patterns of [[emotion]] and {{Wiki|behavior}} and {{Wiki|addictions}}. | ||
| − | Oprah made the term Ah-ha moment popular to describe [[spiritual]] awakenings that can be very {{Wiki|subtle}} or very powerful. | + | Oprah made the term Ah-ha [[moment]] popular to describe [[spiritual]] awakenings that can be very {{Wiki|subtle}} or very powerful. |
I encourage students to see all our little Ah-ha moments as [[enlightenment]] experiences.This is a simple yet powerful to embrace our [[inherent]] [[wisdom]] and [[compassion]] that is our [[true self]], and is available everyday in ordinary ways. | I encourage students to see all our little Ah-ha moments as [[enlightenment]] experiences.This is a simple yet powerful to embrace our [[inherent]] [[wisdom]] and [[compassion]] that is our [[true self]], and is available everyday in ordinary ways. | ||
| − | |||
| − | If we do happen to fall over in spasms of {{Wiki|ecstatic}} [[oneness]] while we are appreciating our ordinary [[lives]] then great, whoop dee fuckin do, but it has nothing to do with [[reality]], it’s more of an [[emotional]] and [[psychological]] breakthrough that only has value when it brings us back full circle to appreciating our [[pain]], sharing our issues, cleaning our messes and [[apologizing]] when we hurt the [[people]] we [[love]]. Because that’s part of being [[human]], [[enlightened]] or not. | + | To sit waiting for an earthshaking [[experience]] to tell us we are [[enlightened]] is not going to help us get there, it will only hold us back from appreciating our ordinary [[lives]] as [[extraordinary]]. Which they are. But we should still strive wholeheartedly with every ounce of [[effort]] to see that our little awakenings are our true selves being [[enlightened]]. |
| + | |||
| + | If we do happen to fall over in spasms of {{Wiki|ecstatic}} [[oneness]] while we are appreciating our ordinary [[lives]] then great, whoop dee fuckin do, but it has nothing to do with [[reality]], it’s more of an [[emotional]] and [[psychological]] [[breakthrough]] that only has value when it brings us back full circle to appreciating our [[pain]], sharing our issues, cleaning our messes and [[apologizing]] when we {{Wiki|hurt}} the [[people]] we [[love]]. Because that’s part of being [[human]], [[enlightened]] or not. | ||
| − | If a grand opening helps us to care more about others than ourselves and {{Wiki|communicate}} about our issues and struggles with integrity and [[compassion]] then it is a wonderful [[spiritual]] [[awakening]], but these things will happen with sincere long term practice whether we fall over laughing or not. | + | If a grand opening helps us to [[care]] more about others than ourselves and {{Wiki|communicate}} about our issues and struggles with [[integrity]] and [[compassion]] then it is a wonderful [[spiritual]] [[awakening]], but these things will happen with {{Wiki|sincere}} long term practice whether we fall over laughing or not. |
</poem> | </poem> | ||
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
[http://zencomprehensible.com/enlightenment/by-Herb-Eko-Deer zencomprehensible.com] | [http://zencomprehensible.com/enlightenment/by-Herb-Eko-Deer zencomprehensible.com] | ||
[[Category:Enlightenment ]] | [[Category:Enlightenment ]] | ||
Latest revision as of 20:37, 15 February 2024
By Herb Eko Deer
Gradual enlightenment is better!aha
Of course this classic debate among Zen schools is intellectual and dualistic.
So what, it brings up important and practical questions about what it means to be enlightened and what it looks like in action. First of all, lets define enlightenment as being selfless, compassionate, wise and present, and throw in for good measure the realization that everyone and everything is connected in oneness. This should mean, for example, that an
enlightened person puts the care of others before satisfying selfish desires, and is able to communicate with honesty and integrity about any struggles with this. Which adds another quality to being enlightened, which is struggling with issues and being able to communicate about them with integrity.
So sudden enlightenment is a spontaneous awakening to our oneness with all things and the perfection of our life, such as the Buddha had when he saw the morning star under the Bhodi tree. He said “Wonder of wonders, all living beings are truly enlightened and shine with wisdom and virtue.”
It can be as grand as an earth shattering experience or a simple ah-ha moment.
This sudden awakening experience is described in every spiritual tradition in one way or another. In Zen it is emphasized especially in the Rinzai lineage as crucial to spiritual enlightenment.
There are even specific practices used to facilitate this kind of awakening such as koans like “mu” or cultivating “doubt” using questions like “what is it” or “who am I”, or even shouts and hits to shake up our stuck intellects and snap us back to here-now.
The idea is that when enough effort and energy is poured into our questioning we exhaust our dualistic mind and finally push beyond dualism into the realm of the absolute, where oneness and emptiness are experienced spontaneously.
Gradual enlightenment, on the other hand, is the slow, patient process of growing and maturing in our practice through consistent discipline and progress. The consistent and persistent practice of being mindful of our activities leads us to progressively refine our experience of emptiness and oneness in our daily life. The Soto Zen School tends to embrace this more.
Maybe we can all agree that manifesting enlightenment in daily activities is the most profound expression?
But the ‘sudden school’ says the kensho experience is what makes this possible in the first place. Whereas, for the ‘gradual school’ there’s no merit in kensho unless refined discipline and consistent practice manifest the enlightened life.
Of course both sides have essential points and they are not exclusive.
But I say that the gradual process of awakening is more important to embrace in a spiritual path for several reasons. First of all, the sudden kensho experience is kind of like grace in that it cannot be guaranteed as a result of practice. Some people have a better chance at it if they do practice with more effort and determination, but ultimately we could never judge the merit of anyone’s practice by using kensho as a measuring stick.
Second of all, kensho isn’t meant to take care of long-term emotional and behavioral patterns, and it doesn’t do this. This has been proven over again by ‘enlightened’ charismatic Zen teachers exposed to be abusive to their students in many ways.
Having a kensho experience may help us to see our karma more clearly, but it will not change our long-term patterns of emotion and behavior and addictions.
Oprah made the term Ah-ha moment popular to describe spiritual awakenings that can be very subtle or very powerful.
I encourage students to see all our little Ah-ha moments as enlightenment experiences.This is a simple yet powerful to embrace our inherent wisdom and compassion that is our true self, and is available everyday in ordinary ways.
To sit waiting for an earthshaking experience to tell us we are enlightened is not going to help us get there, it will only hold us back from appreciating our ordinary lives as extraordinary. Which they are. But we should still strive wholeheartedly with every ounce of effort to see that our little awakenings are our true selves being enlightened.
If we do happen to fall over in spasms of ecstatic oneness while we are appreciating our ordinary lives then great, whoop dee fuckin do, but it has nothing to do with reality, it’s more of an emotional and psychological breakthrough that only has value when it brings us back full circle to appreciating our pain, sharing our issues, cleaning our messes and apologizing when we hurt the people we love. Because that’s part of being human, enlightened or not.
If a grand opening helps us to care more about others than ourselves and communicate about our issues and struggles with integrity and compassion then it is a wonderful spiritual awakening, but these things will happen with sincere long term practice whether we fall over laughing or not.
