Resolving The Paradox Between Enlightenment And Life-purpose

[eye_wanderer]

Your videos are split by a clear dichotomy: many of them describe tactics people can use to achieve concrete goals, while others say we need to live in the moment. Which is it? Should we be focused on building our futures or focused on the present? Specifically, you're enlightenment videos and life-purpose videos are fundamentally at odds, and I think you recognize this fact. For instance, in a life-purpose oriented video you may claim that we need to experience a lot of pain to succeed and be happy, but in an enlightenment-focused video you will claim that this suffering is our very problem. In one video you will say that everyone should be on their unique "hero's journey" and in another you will say that the only legitimate journey is towards becoming a yogi. 

Of course, this question can be resolved.  You have been asked about this paradox and you have skirted around it; I think it would do a lot of people a lot of good if they understood how/where specifically enlightenment and self-actualization intersect.Making this video would uphold your contents' integrity by connecting your older work (more life-purpose centered) with your more recent work (more spiritually centered).

I have no idea how to fully resolve the paradox, but a possible solution (coherent mental model) based off of your statements could be the following: the desire to self-actualize by following a life-purpose would be the natural result of achieving - or approaching - enlightenment. Therefore, enlightenment work (dissolving what you call the 'ego') is not only fulfilling but aligns people with their true purposes as well. One could simply strive to achieve a life purpose without practicing any spirituality, but doing so would be like swimming a race without goggles... you don't know where you're going and it can be painful. 

Thanks. 

 

 

 

[Gavalanche]

Ironically, the dichotomy between life purpose and the concept of no-self is probably the biggest cause of stress in my life at the moment. A life purpose is not to be undertaken lightly it seems, but I feel like my motivation to fully commit to pursuing my life purpose is constantly undermined any time I'm reminded that the self is an illusion; it seems like a life of pain and struggle and striving. It seems like it is the best strategy for life, for those who have no inclination towards enlightenment and may be something that gives you a lot of satisfaction and fulfillment along your path to enlightenment, but I can't help but get the feeling that if you ever do achieve enlightenment, your life purpose is rendered meaningless by default, in your own eyes.

My main issue is one of authenticity. I constantly battle with which of my interests, passions and characteristics are "authentically me". As close as I get to nailing these down, I believe I'll never truly know my authentic inclinations until I realise the truth of enlightenment.

My quasi-solution in the mean time, is attempting to gain traction on my life purpose of helping people to understand existence, so that maybe my own research and pursuits into the nature of human existence might be of benefit to some others too, at some stage. I don't see how you can learn about and resonate with the idea of enlightenment and then focus all of your time on building up some other arbitrary skill, possibly a business and embarking on some lofty crusade that would require your blood, sweat, tears, heart, soul and the majority of your time and energy.

In short, I second your appeal for some more guidance in this area!

[charlie2dogs]

enlightenment and self-actualization are separate things, end of paradox

[eye_wanderer]

@Gavalanche I had a similar problem, but @Leo Gura talked about this issue in his recent vid "The 3 levels of self development work." IMO he did a great job of bridging together the different realms of personal development. You should definitely check out it out. Thanks Leo

To summarize, he connected the pursuit of enlightenment vs. Life-purpose by implying that success  goals (which I interpret as traditional life purpose work) are at a more intermediate (newbie?) level, whereas enlightnment is more advanced. And you need to go through the stages somewhat sequentially. (Or maybe you don't necessarily need to but that's the most common progression.) His solution to the motivation problem you mentioned was to keep enlightenment at the back of your mind and know that one day you'll reach that level if you take enough action. He also made the important point that enlightenment work and different areas of self development aren't mutually exclusive. All in all, great vid, great content. 

Cheers

[universe]

As Leo said in his "Lifestyle Minimalism" video, these are the things everyone should focus on:

Meditation

Enlightment

Life Purpose

Learning

Slow deliberate mindful action

Contemplation

Being

 

So it seems like he would suggest to focus on both at the same time. The way I see it is, that the day has 24 hours. So when you can then meditate or just be. You will find, that you cant do that for straight 24 hours. So thats when you start to focus on your life purpose and the other things. As long as you dont distract yourself I think your good. If by any chance you really become enlightened, good. You will know what to do then.