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He is talking about the difference between seeing the Ox and taming the Ox. But even aside from all of that, there is still another dimension: development. Full enlightenment does not guarantee development.

Here is my sincere best advice, which comes from my own experience. It is an exercise from a video of Leo's (I'm sorry I don't remember which one) I will sketch it as best I can, and if someone knows the video, please link it. I think it works much better when someone like Leo instructs you directly Here is how I remember the exercise: Sit down, close your eyes and visualize the most amazing loving memory of this person you are or were in love with. Now, change the object of that love to be the one who is sitting and thinks it has all sorts of problems (the one you feel is you). The one who is lonely. The one who is irresponsible. The one who is afraid. The one who is angry. The one who is jealous. The one who is sad. The one who is guilty. The one who blames. And so on for various negative habits and emotions --------- This was one of the most life transforming exercises I have ever done, and I have done hundreds. I encourage you to try it. It took me out of codependent relationships to interdependent ones and even full enlightenment, in synergy with other good habits. It works since conscious will can redirect love anywhere. Superb powerful stuff

Nope. Actually, every time you have sex - your full Enlightenment is postponed for another year. truth be told .. sorry fellas...

Thank you. Maybe I´m deluded by the ego and trying to simulate a full Enlightenment in the mind. I really appreciate all of the feedback. I´m really commited to accepting truth, as it is happening.

I see that on this forum a lot of people use input from different religions interchangeably. This is understandable as a lot of concepts used in Hinduism are also used in Buddhism. For example, non-duality is a part of Hinduism as well as Buddhism, however how this non-duality is seen from both religions is quite different. Non-duality is used in a lot of religions or streams as one can see on wikipedia, most of these are based on Hinduism or Buddhism. There are some fundamental differences between Hinduism and Buddhism and if someone doesn´t know these, he will probably get confused if he uses input from different religions to achieve´enlightenment.´ Enlightenment in Buddhism is different from enlightenment in Hinduism and if one doen´t know the differences they will be misguided. Therefore I will name some important similarities and differences. I am familiar with Buddhism, however, I am not that familiar with Hinduism, so if someone can complement or correct me, that would be nice. Similarities Both religions see the self (Atman) as cause of suffering. Therefore, in both religions, seeing through the self is part of the way to enlightenment. Before you attain insight in the self, this self consists out of your body, your psych (thoughts, etc) and possibly your soul (depending on your worldview). Differences In Hinduism they hold that there is a soul or self in every being. Atman is often refered to as a soul of an individual and is within Brahman. Other religions or streams refer to Brahman as infinite consciousness, absolute infinity, or god and is the cause of everything and everything is in it. Brahman is the cause of Atman. So in Hinduism part of the self stays, namely the soul, and there are two absolutes, namely Brahman and Atman. Buddhists see that everything of Atman (thus including the soul) has a cause and that this cause lies in ignorance, or not knowing. This ignorance or not knowing refers to the cause of the self and the nature of reality as a whole. If you gain insight into the cause of the self, which is the nature of reality, one removes the first cause and the whole of Atman is dissolved. For a buddhist, any attachment to something absolute is caused by ignorance or not-knowing and is an illusion and a cause of suffering. They see that the nature of reality is of dependent origin and everything is relative. Everything is dependent upon something and something is dependent upon everything else. A flower is only a flower because there is a universe, time, matter, gravity, a planet, a soil, water, sun, etc. So, buddhists see that without a reality there is no consciousness and without consciousness there is no perceived reality. However, reality, without us perceiving it, exists, so existence is not dependent upon consciousness, only our reality. Space is dependent upon time, matter is dependent upon gravity, life is dependent upon its surrounding, etc. There is no absolute in buddhism. So, for buddhists, holding on to Brahman or Atman is a piece of the self that remains, as it is the belief, out of ignorance or not-knowing, in the soul and an absolute consciousness. So for a buddhist, people who believe in a soul or absolute consciousness are people who have not attained full enlightenment yet and still suffer. How do they suffer? Well, if you believe in a soul or absolute consciousness, this comes from your interpretation of what you experience, which comes from your desire for meaning. This desire for meaning is the cause of your suffering, because when you have a desire you are unsatisfied. So, you hold on to this soul or absolute consciousness, they are who you are. So, you are still something, although this something is formless. This desire is also the cause of negative emotions, like agitation or doubt, which can be triggered if you are confronted with information which conficts with your belief, like this text. There is something you don't know.. This will eat at you.

@Tony 845 Expand your understanding to take this seriously. At the precise moment you reach a full enlightenment, ie a non-dual state, you'll realize you created every "neuron" in your brain using infinite intelligence to keep the illusion, and that there is no difference or distinction between your brain and your meditation cushion. You see, your physical neurons rewiring doesn't cause the perception changes. Your consciousness elevates and you'll rewire your neurons whenever a neuroscientist brain scans you, just to fit the bill. Did your neurons actually rewire unless you directly perceived it? Think of how radical that is. Our bodies are direct projections of our consciousness. Not the other way around...

If you thinking that every realization you gain in the cultivation path as an enlightenment then you are more or less correct. But an full enlightenment example to a Tataghata level are two ways to gain. Exmple Buddha Shakyamuni used 6 years to reach full enlightenment to tataghata. But if the enlightenment is Arahant it can less time. And it also depend on your frutaition of inner wisdom. Samadhi is only one stage of enlightenment.

You can measure your spiritual enlightenment by how quiet your mind naturally is, and how open your heart feels. The heart is meant to always feel warm like a expanding bubble of bliss. When I did SDS or do nothing it didn’t awaken this, my consciousness stayed predominantly in my head where the ego identification is. Then I gave this up after a year of meditating and practiced Matt Kahn’s techniques to stay heart centered and love whatever arises. This lead to experiences of having no body, and feeling the heart blossom basically. Yet I knew there was more, and then I found other teachers that lead me to feeling the movement of air in my chest cavity which is where I’m at. All practices will ultimately lead back to the heart. It’s the only way to reach full enlightenment. Nearly all spiritual teachers have not reached this place, and still have an ego (one that talks and walks in a spiritual way). So I recommend you give up SDS, it isn’t direct. SDS has greatly increased your concentration levels so if you change your meditation to the rising and falling of the chest for 2 hours you would make massive progress. Let go of your emotions, and thoughts right now. Simply feel the breathing chest. The reason people find this challenging is because a doubt will arise about the technique or a fear; don’t listen to it, keep focusing on the breathe even if it says SDS is more effective. This is the most effective technique. It is the gateway to becoming one with your true self which always experiences a steady stream of bliss and love. Enlightenment and seeking begins and ends here. Don’t limit yourself, always stay in the breathing chest. It will reveal its magnificence very quickly. https://channelhigherself.com/blog/types-of-higher-self-meditation-practices/

Also depends how you define "anxiety" and "depression." Let me define them very carefully here: Anxiety and Depression as in DSM-IV (i.e. actual full blown disorders)? Not in full enlightenment where shadows and projections have been withdrawn and there's no repression of negative emotion. Normal negative emotions of sadness, fear, anger that arise and depart? Yes. Anxiety and Depression disorders only exist because of repressed content.

Hey Leo, you’ve talked in the past about third eye openings while on 5-MeO and it’s also seems to me paranormal abilities and powers like siddhis really become possible once the third eye opens (though, that doesn’t seem to be an across the board result for people). Have you found at least in any of your research and findings that 5-MeO can activate those sorts of things? If so, do you think those kinds of powers are more accessible than if one just pursued and mastered yoga? Keep in mind: I’m more interested in enlightenment than powers. I’m just curious because hey, if it’s possible, why not get “full enlightenment” and access the highest possibilities a human being can have?

That's kind of what I figured, although I had heard of attempts from people like Tom Campbell to use consciousness and virtual reality to do so. Or at least say that these laws and strange behaviors point away from materialism and into something bigger, I wasn't sure your take on it. One last question if you wouldn't mind answering something more personal. If there was one defining moment or day in your life that contributed the most to you eventually becoming enlightened, what was it, and what lesson could I Iearn from it as someone seeking full enlightenment?

I see. It's a very abstract thing isn't it. So, you consider full enlightenment is the complete embodiment of the Truth and allowing that to impact every aspect of your life, resulting in you not only 'knowing' the Truth, but being it.

Kundalini dissolving into reality gives full enlightenment. If you have active kundalini, i sincerely recommend you seek out a qualified master.

If Leo becomes fully enlightened he will see that he was just preaching his own interpretations. He then has some explaining to do if wants to help others go further. A big chance he will lose a lot of followers, who cant follow the u-turn. However, because Leo is so convinced of himself I dont see him reaching full enlightenment real soon. I dont know if he is even searching or trying anymore. He achieved a lot up until now though, made a lot of helpful videos, courses, etc. Created a strong community. Now there's the danger of becoming a self-convinced guru. Happened so often in the past with others. After enlightenment there is just as much to do as before enlightenment.

That you dont know this means that you are only enlightened in the western sense of the word enlightened, with which I mean; the realization of non-self. There are several people on this forum who also reached this state from my interpretation. This state is however only half of the insight, or half of the path to full enlightenment, as thought by the buddha. But congrats, enjoy and may you be well.

It's really interesting and really funny you say that because that's always been something that I found crazy about your work and I'm actually astonished at how you manage both. I mean, most people go through the whole enlightenment truth endeavor then start the organization, the ashram, the business, the teaching, etc. and with you it's backwards and I'm personally astonished at how you manage both. I actually question now how much of my framework of how I want my life purpose to play out is a limiting belief because the center piece of my life purpose is "full" enlightenment because hey, that's how it's always been done. Buddha, Osho, Sadhguru, Krishnamurti, Alan Watts, Zen masters, etc. and that whole way of seeing it really frustrates me because it feels like I have to wait years before I hammer my foot on the gas pedal and floor it in pursuit of Truth even though this is the thing I want to do now and make an impact on the world with and spend my time mastering.

rasa works on the premise that you have already been burning for enlightenment for some time and have given yourself permission to attain it. people who find success with rasa are typically the type who have already done a lot of work i say get it and see what happens. it ain't that much money. worst case scenario is u just aren't ready to awaken so u don't and like i said earlier, i disagree with ramaji and others who claim 1k is full enlightenment. myself i take this passage from the Dhammapada literally: "He who knows his former births, who sees heaven and hell, who has reached the end of births and attained to the perfection of insight, the sage who has reached the summit of spiritual excellence — him do I call a holy man." in other words, unless you're truly omniscient, u ain't a Buddha

@Moody after i hit 1000 i actually kept up practice and now i'm convinced that 1000 is not full enlightenment. RASA does work for getting u out of the normal band of consciousness tho

From Leo's latest video.. Does coming to compete self realization / full enlightenment (like mooji/osho/sadhguru/Buddah etc ) end your infinite movie watching/living cycle??? End In a sense that , "they" will always be watching experience as the witness (even if there is more reincarnation after the death of their physical body) And Will A natural death at the end of your life, without realizing the Truth, keep you in the loop of reincarnation? Is enlightenment the complete way out, permanently? Or it's just something which one needs to do in each reincarnation I guess it's paradoxical question I'm asking as there is only ONE But the ONE living as Mooji right now, has that particular ONE freed itself from the loop to now merge with God n enjoy the movie eternally?

Okay. So I'm living at home at 23 right now and trying to figure out a way to first get out of here. I really don't want to keep working in low end retail jobs where I'm only being paid $13 p/hour here in San Francisco where it's impossible to get hours. I feel like the longer I've been doing this the more I've gotten comfortable doing this. I know @Leo Gura has suggested before that it might be worth picking up a valuable skill like programming and working in that domain for a bit because my metta plan is to eventually renounce and pursue full enlightenment and God and surrender everything and then come back (I don't want to go into the full details of that since that's a whole long forum thread in itself but if you want to know my rough plan - read the monk memoir in the booklist in the enlightenment section). I'm on Lynda.com right now and looking at all these courses and I know it's a good resource but the reality is - despite the fact that I'm committed to renunciation and doing this down the road and God is what I really want (to be my real offering and service to the world when I come back to serve my real hero's journey) - I'm not turned on by any of this stuff. I'm moving into Stage Green now where I've been craving to be more artistic and free from this left brained approach to work. Right now I really want to get more life experience, travel, invest in my own self-education since I didn't have that in college (particularly since I dropped out after Freshman year), etc. Could really use some outside opinions on this. I also don't want to have a business right now to start because I think that'd be too much on my plate emotionally more than anything. Also because I don't want to invest in just some bullshit business that I'm not clear on or don't give a shit about. I feel like I'm being idealistic but the authentic motive and intuition is there. I just don't want to plug myself into this pragmatic system doing hyper left brained work.

Read the monk memoir on the booklist in the consciousness and enlightenment section. I think this is a good idea for you but also understand that this action needs to be fueled by a positive motivation. That doesn’t mean there won’t be fear but you “yearn for God” and are willing to surrender everything. @ajasatya said it best about the ego relenting at the end of his post. Don’t do this for escapism and also build momentum into this. Also, being a monk doesn’t necessarily mean go live in a monastery. It may mean that but you can be in Zen for example where you can actually leave the monastery eventually to do your own thing. Or you live in a cave and take the vows of say a Tantrik yogi/monk who may or may not have a guru and pursue hardcore full enlightenment until you have been permeated by God in your psyche, actions, and body and then return to the world and start say a healthy spiritual community like that I’d say Sat Yoga in Costa Rica run by Shunyamurti that has a wisdom school, an ashram, runs retreats, etc. which demands enlightened leadership (which does take money) or you may decide to not return to the material world and live in a hut like Zen Master and famous poet Ryōkan. Or you may have a tiny ashram somewhere.

First then full Enlightenment? The only ones that I've read that jumped right to Enlightenment are Echart, saduru & some French women? That speaks only French. Also why do we need kundalini prior to Enlightenment & some people go right to the whole shabang? & why isnt this talked about all that much???? @Leo Gura

From the video: I'm curious to see the 3 wishes you guys would ask if you could. You can only ask one thing per wish, so you can't ask for "full" enlightenment (you have to choose between mind, heart and gut). Also sort them in order of importance ? Mines would be: Permanent awakening of the heart Being 100% sure and on track of my life purpose Finding my Twin Flame

I’m honestly so depressed I can’t even think or vision about what I really want as a life purpose at this point. I sit around at home all day miserable and depressed and just in tears because I don’t know what I want anymore at all. I try doing these life purpose exercises more and more and I haven’t been getting anywhere. I can’t give a concrete answer to anything. All my passions have fallen away and I just don’t know what to do. On the one hand I intuit what pursuing enlightenment and all that can really do for my life but I also know what enlightenment won’t do for my life. For example: what would actually change if I got a full enlightenment right now? Nothing in terms of circumstances, money, skills, a living situation that suits me, etc. I’d still be the 23 year old loser living at home with family members who look down on him and no friends. I even feel ashamed to meditate. I feel so useless and depressed that I don’t have enough emotional reserves to start a business. I’m not saying I don’t think I can’t ever. I’m saying right now. I literally wake up with no reason to get up in the morning at all. I NEVER thought I wouldn’t hit this point. I’ve been an athlete all my life and once the passion and “my why” really ran dry, that was it. I just didn’t understand why I’d keep doing this. This mental predicament right now is this: I don’t know what I want. I keep asking myself, introspecting, and I just don’t know. I feel worse at then end and just cry because my life feels dry because I feel like this is something I can’t turn around now because now I have to go off and earn something and work at something stupid, waste all this emotional energy doing something I hate, working for someone I hate, for a bullshit cause. I feel like if I accept this, slap the handcuffs on, I’m going to end up getting swept into this current. I don’t want to get swept up in that but I also don’t know what I want. I feel like I’m stuck in this catch 22 and I really don’t know what to do. I know the lifestyle I want to live right now which would resemble a lot of stage green and really spend time truly soul searching and gaining more life experience, driving across the country in a camper van, go to other countries, camping, spending time in true isolation in the woods, living really really simply in a tent. Advice?

@NoSelfSelf You don't necessarily want full enlightenment. When your fully enlightened there won't be a you to enjoy it. So you just want to be very close. You want to be able to taste sugar not be sugar because sugar can't taste itself.