Enlightenment: The Ego, what is it? How to transcend it.

[greybeard]

Aint that the Truth my friends (vulnerability)
Chris

[oddy]

here is a video i like sorry if this has been post before the thread is long

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CDcpZrBAOs

[another bob]

A big misunderstanding to which we often fall prey, especially as we are embarking on the path, is the notion that ego represents something about ourselves that is inherently "wrong", like a pathology, while a theoretical absence of ego is a desirable (and attainable) state. Consequently, we superimpose a conflict onto our being and go to war with ourselves, which in turn leads to a frustrating search for some applicable remedy for this self-imposed sense of internal opposition. That search inevitably results in a lot of head banging, because it is based on a purely imaginary dichotomy. This is also why so-called spiritual people can be some of the most imbalanced and indeed violent. Having identified with and fixated on one aspect of conciousness in opposition to another, we perpetuate an ongoing division of being that infects all our relations. As we awaken, by Grace, we come to realize that there is no remedy for this apparent conflict because there is in reality no true problem, except in our skewed interpretation on perception.

Here's a pretty good take from Alan Watts that speaks to the illusion of opposites:

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzv9XVM9Zg4

[greybeard]

I get a lot from your posts Another Bob.
Many times I thought I at least understood it intellectually. Ha ha.
Yet on re reading Nasargadatta I now see what I missed before all these years ago.
It was in plain sight but I did not get it intellectually.
There is nothing I can do ---literally.
I knew enlightenment was by the Grace of God but I did think I could do things to move towards it.
The dreamer can not awaken himself.
However he can make the illusion easier to dream in.
Nothing is wasted--- yet pointless.
That is a paradox.
The moment I think I have it im deeper in the dream.
Tony Parsons said to a friend "I hope you die soon"
He meant the death of the individual.
Christ said much the same thing.
Thanks
Chris

[another bob]

Posted by greybeard (here)
The moment I think I have it im deeper in the dream.

Yes Brother -- it's all quite humbling, ain't it, when we start to see how things really are!


“The power of humility, which bestows immortality, is the foremost among powers that are hard to attain.

Since the only benefit of learning and other similar virtues is the attainment of humility, humility alone is the real ornament of the sages.

It is the storehouse of all other virtues and is therefore extolled as the wealth of divine grace.

Although it is a charactereistic befitting wise people in general, it is especially indispensable for sadhus.

Since attaining greateness is impossible for anyone except by humility, all the disciplines of conduct such as yama and niyama, which are prescribed specifically for aspirants on the spiritual path, have as their aim only the attainment of humility.

Humility is indeed the hallmark of the destruction of the ego. Because of this humility is especially extolled by sadhus themselves as the code of conduct befitting them.

The Supreme Lord, who is the highest of the high, shines unrivaled and unsurpassed only because he remains the humblest of the humble.

When the divine virtue of humility is necessary even for the Supreme Lord, who is totally independent, is it necessary to emphasize that it is absolutely indispensable for sadhus who do not have such independence?

Therefore, just as in their inner life, in their outer life also sadhus should possess complete and perfect humility.

It is not that humility is necessary only for the devotees of the Lord; even for the Lord it is the characteristic virtue.”

Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi

[Fundy Gemini]

Sometimes what seems most obvious is the hardest to fully comprehend -
So many sage words and wonderful concepts here

[Paula]

New to PA back then, now I see that this doesn't fit this thread. You all had a lot of patience. Thank you.

[greybeard]

Posted by WhiteCrowBlackDeer (here)
Life Goal: Shed & Spread - shed beliefs, spread Light

Beliefs = opinions, answers, ideas, etc.
Light = Love, Peace, Joy, Oneness, Purity, etc.

All beliefs can be seen
as right or wrong
and anything in between
Anyone can debate from both sides
But, how many can stop the words
and hear only the silence?

Life Goal: Shed & Spread

Hi
Thanks for your post.
The thoughts are not the problem but seeing them as MY thoughts is.
The mind i have is virtually silent but thoughts can arise quietly in the background, I pay little heed to them.
I can instigate, use thought, in a helpful way but the thoughts do not now demand attention.
The monkey mind has subsided.
I stopped labeling and judging as best I can and the mind fell silent.
As Eckhart said " I dont take my thoughts too seriously"

Chris

[Paula]

Embarrassed by all the post I went on and on about. They don't even fit. Thank you for your patience.

[Paula]

Embarrassed by all the post I went on and on about. They don't even fit. Thank you for your patience.

[Paula]

Posted by Fundy Gemini (here)
Sometimes what seems most obvious is the hardest to fully comprehend -
So many sage words and wonderful concepts here

Short version:
A tipped can of slightly opened beans. They drop. Not much effort. Use words, don't let them use you. Just enough to move understanding forward. Too many words become the prison cell.


Blah, blah, blah version:
Toss out the words/thoughts. None of it matters. Life lived in harmony with yourself and all else. That, comes from that “State of Love” that you already are. No words. Too many words become the prison cell.

Only use the words to trigger that inner knowing that's itching to come out. Poof. Nothing to do, body does it all. Watch it, walk and play and eat. You are that Higher part that sees Fundy Gemini walk and play and eat.

WhiteCrowBlackDeer

[greybeard]

WhiteCrowBlackDeer

To the best of my ability I followed the suggestions of David Hawkins.
Every time I became aware that I was being critical, taking up a position, judging--- thoughts that I know more etc
I surrender the juice I get from being superior or whatever to God.
I accept that of myself I do not have the spiritual might/energy to do this/release this trait.
The moment I think I have done the work something else comes up.
Im just passing time-- in the moment with no expectation.
I know the grace of God is not earned--- there is nothing I can do to coerce, manipulate God to grant me freedom from ignorance.
However life has become a lot easier as a result of being open to spiritual teaching.
There is no rhyme or reason to spiritual progress.
A seeming individual with no spiritual interest can become enlightened in the twinkling of an eye---- others can persevere and not get "it"

So no one is further on than another.

Best wishes on your path.

Chris

[Paula]

Posted by another bob (here)

Posted by greybeard (here)
The moment I think I have it im deeper in the dream.

“Since the only benefit of learning and other similar virtues is the attainment of humility, humility alone is the real ornament of the sages.”

Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi

I like the words: "..humility alone is the real ornament of the sages.”

I've read about three books by Sri Ramana Maharshi. But I found myself spending more time in the glossary and definition pages. Looking back, I was just beginning and didn't have knowledge base. I should take a second look.

I resonate with Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj. Simple words. Profound meaning. The same passage speak to all different levels of students. So everyone comes away with just what they needed for that moment.

Thanks, another bob and graybeard.

[Paula]

Posted by greybeard (here)
WhiteCrowBlackDeer

To the best of my ability I followed the suggestions of David Hawkins.
Every time I became aware that I was being critical, taking up a position, judging--- thoughts that I know more etc
I surrender the juice I get from being superior or whatever to God.
I accept that of myself I do not have the spiritual might/energy to do this/release this trait.
The moment I think I have done the work something else comes up.
Im just passing time-- in the moment with no expectation.

Chris

That judgement thing is a biggy for me. I'm moving forward with the just saying the label "judgement" without the inner dialogue, "You, jerk, if you are soooo enlightened, why blah, blah..."

Judgement sneaks up when I'm not looking with awareness. These days, I'm more gentle with myself, understanding that it's part of the human experience. Transcend judgement and I'll sign up for a new zip code!

[Paula]

What I've come to know in this moment:

- There are times that it is best to sit within the essence of the message. Without the focus of a word(s) that may not fit to one's point of view, knowledge base, or descriptors.
- There are times went it is beneficial to succumb to the urge to lift words off the page, that destroys the original intent of the message.

[Paula]

Embarrassed by all the post I went on and on about. They don't even fit. Thank you for your patience.

[greybeard]

Everything is spiritual. There is no-thing else.

ch

[Paula]

Embarrassed by all the post I went on and on about. They don't even fit. Thank you for your patience.

[greybeard]

TranscendYourStory: Nassim Haramein on The Quantum Mechanics of Our Emotions and Memories.

Short interview
Everything is connected and there is a communication/feedback loop.

Chris

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-c4x5AVWWo

¤=[Post Update]=¤

Nassim Haramein: We are the Center of Creation

Chris

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twq8NY2kb-0

[greybeard]

Gregg Braden speaks on the changes we are going through.

Chris

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IogLuu_2pzM