Enlightenment: The Final Delusion?

[Spider Jerusalem]

It seems to me that there is a pattern in the seeking process (not saying that this is the only pattern). Just thought I'd make some notes on it based on my experience. I've done some extrapolation starting at point 7 below, otherwise 1-6 matches my own experience. I understand that even the apparent sequence of "events" is illusory, but still...

1. Initial state is no seeking at all. Existing in some sort of benighted state. Generally, this benighted state is assumed to be responsible for general human SNAFUs.
2. By chance, you encounter the concept of enlightenment (friend, book, documentary etc.)
3. You either ignore the concept, and remain benighted, or else become an avid seeker of the "truth"
4. Read hundreds of books, attend courses & retreats, join forums, and learn all the terminology and processes involved in the seeking process. You may even have the most excellent experiences which you'll try to repeat without much success.
5. At some point, get fed up because you realize that your intellect and blissful experiences will only get you so far. You hit some hard limits. Apparently, some kind of leap is required that's not quite logical. You're not sure how to proceed.
6. If you persist, after enough practice, most illusions are abandoned, and the clouds start to disappear. De-conditioning proceeds at a steady pace and may even accelerate rapidly taking you to the brink.
7. Finally, only the enlightenment delusion remains. i.e. You still think that you are some kind of solid entity that can become enlightened. As long as you think this, you're till trapped, and still a million miles away from whatever it is you think is going to be attained. Even if you understand this intellectually, it's no use.  A leap is still required. In general, the mind won't let go of the enlightenment delusion, since the mind is addicted to the thinking process and cannot stop.
8. Finally, if it does indeed occur, even the enlightenment concept is finally dropped. You realize the futility, relax, and everything is as it should be. In a sense, you've come full circle, but something is different nevertheless. Perhaps, this is the mother of all realizations.
9. But wait...the process is never "done." De-conditioning continues to occur, and if not attentive, you start getting conditioned again. But this time, you'll be alert enough to keep the de-conditioning going. The game of life continues.

 

Edited February 12, 2016 by Spider Jerusalem

[Ayla]

This is only one path that goes to the top of the mountain... along and intersecting many others  

[goodguy]

35 minutes ago, Pinocchio said:

The context of one individual's spiritual journey does not start at the bottom of the mountain or end at the top. There's an even bigger picture still. What really brought you to the bottom of that mountain. How did you get to where you are now. Where is it really going. What would it all be in aid of.

Haven't you ever noticed that there's a time and place for everything and everyone... Haven't you ever noticed how it all fits together so seamlessly.

Everything you do, every place you visit, everyone you meet, every lesson you learn, every thought you have... Every breath you take, every move you make, every vow you break, every step you take, every word you say, every game you play, and of course... every night you stay... Something is watching you...

Every little thing builds on another thing. Every little thing leads to another thing. Where you have been, where you are now, and where you will be, you were always already going before you ever had a chance to think about it. You were always already on this journey before you ever decided on making one. Funny how it's not really YOUR journey at all, and you never really had a say in it.

Every move you make, you are basically tricked into. Oh infinity is a sneaky little imp indeed...

I thought the exact same thing today lol.. everything happens for a reason even if we dont realise it at that moment.. life is something..

[Guest]

What's the name? Maya?

[Leo Gura]

Zen has modeled the stages towards full enlightenment as so:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Bulls

You have a LONG way's to go, grasshopper, so make yourself comfy

[Spider Jerusalem]

22 minutes ago, Leo Gura said:

Zen has modeled the stages towards full enlightenment as so:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Bulls

You have a LONG way's to go, grasshopper, so make yourself comfy

Ah...I'd never heard of the Bulls. But yes, it will be many aeons