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Post by silence on Jan 22, 2012 14:06:49 GMT -5
It might be helpful if you explain to us what you believe enlightenment to be.
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Post by silence on Jan 22, 2012 14:12:28 GMT -5
It might be helpful if you explain to us what you believe enlightenment to be.
How many times do I have to define enlightenment?
OK, it means to be lit up. ;D
Maybe even a halo...I'm all for joking around but it might be helpful to admit you're only interested in playing games. |
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Post by Beingist on Jan 22, 2012 15:11:43 GMT -5
Do you know who you are talking too? ;D I suspect that we're talking with Tathagata (a.k.a. Stephen whomever, A.K.A., ringpa, aka, the man with multiple forum identities). But in answer to the OP, I have to say that I have long wondered if 'enlightenment' itself doesn't necessitate some kind of 'atonement' for the world's collective karma. David R. Hawkins mentions this, and I equate it with dealing with what E. Tolle called the 'collective pain-body'. |
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Post by therealfake on Jan 22, 2012 15:43:05 GMT -5
What do you think about atonement?
Think it has any relationship with obtaining enlightenment? If you were the Almighty, I'm pretty sure you would already know what atonement is. But since your not, it's the realization of the initial error that you hold in your mind, about being separate from everything. And the atonement is the correction of that error, by replacing it with the new idea, that you are not separate from God, but you are in fact the son of God. And as such are whole, perfect and eternal. Bow down Mr Almighty ;D |
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Post by tathagata on Jan 22, 2012 18:05:33 GMT -5
Do you know who you are talking too? ;D I suspect that we're talking with Tathagata (a.k.a. Stephen whomever, A.K.A., ringpa, aka, the man with multiple forum identities). But in answer to the OP, I have to say that I have long wondered if 'enlightenment' itself doesn't necessitate some kind of 'atonement' for the world's collective karma. David R. Hawkins mentions this, and I equate it with dealing with what E. Tolle called the 'collective pain-body'. You guys are just plain silly with your imaginations sometimes |
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Post by nobody on Jan 22, 2012 19:52:15 GMT -5
This little guy just made my day! And, LOL at the name approximente. It's like a two for one special. |
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Post by Beingist on Jan 22, 2012 19:56:13 GMT -5
I suspect that we're talking with Tathagata (a.k.a. Stephen whomever, A.K.A., ringpa, aka, the man with multiple forum identities). But in answer to the OP, I have to say that I have long wondered if 'enlightenment' itself doesn't necessitate some kind of 'atonement' for the world's collective karma. David R. Hawkins mentions this, and I equate it with dealing with what E. Tolle called the 'collective pain-body'. You guys are just plain silly with your imaginations sometimes ... says the guy who changes usernames as often as one changes their underwear. |
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Post by mamza on Jan 22, 2012 21:43:32 GMT -5
I think atonement is a waste of time. You might as well spend your time wondering when the aliens are going to come and abduct you.
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Post by nobody on Jan 22, 2012 21:55:31 GMT -5
I don't think that's particularly helpful mamza. There are a lot of people out there trappend in their minds and suffering because of guilt.
On the other hand, there's nothing one can do to really help another with this. I don't know if it's fully possible to be free of guilt until one realizes that things couldn't have been any other way.
As far as I can tell, the best one can do is sit with the pain until the pain isn't so uncomfortable any more.
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Post by angela on Jan 22, 2012 22:04:04 GMT -5
i will say this much. i don't know a thing about atonement, really. but considering all the misguided things i've done in my life, it was awesome to spend some time saying i'm sorry to the folks i treated poorly.
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Post by nobody on Jan 22, 2012 22:10:12 GMT -5
I agree
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Post by mamza on Jan 22, 2012 23:27:53 GMT -5
What I said may not sound very helpful, but I don't really see the point in trying to make things right or better. There's no way to go back in time and change things, so putting all that time and energy into atoning just seems to be a way of dragging it out in my world. I say let it go.
It definitely feels good to apologize and be forgiven for whatever transgressions, but in the end the only difference is your mental outlook. And I don't know about you guys, but I'm a creature of habit so sooner or later I'll just end up feeling bad about it again (making all that apologizing and working things out just another game).
Should you never apologize? I don't know. If the situation calls for it, do it. But going about things specifically to atone for something is just blah.
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Post by nobody on Jan 23, 2012 0:18:37 GMT -5
I think I don't know is a good answer. There certainly isn't a right one.
That being said, most people don't understand non-regret. I think an apology can be a good way to put things to rest, and at the same time, embrace the human element. I've see a number of non-duality zombies posting on forums, and I think that zombiness is a result of misunderstanding and/or suppression of thought/emotion (aka trying to not exist).
This is of course an entirely personal opinion, and it is neither right or wrong.
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Post by mamza on Jan 23, 2012 1:07:10 GMT -5
Spirituality aside:
Situation 1:
I walk into another person at the bar. Response: "Sorry about that!"
Situation 2:
I'm watching the Ravens game on the couch. "HOW DID YOU MISS???"
From my perspective, atonement isn't there. If it's immediately necessary to apologize or right some sort of wrong, do so. If it isn't, why worry about it?
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Post by enigma on Jan 23, 2012 1:56:39 GMT -5
You guys are just plain silly with your imaginations sometimes ... says the guy who changes usernames as often as one changes their underwear. Oops! Am I sposed to be changing my underwear four times a day?  |
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