by NEB » Wed Dec 09, 2009 6:25 pm
Nice Topic.
As a younger man, throughout college and young adulthood I sought the answers to questions like these. I read a lot of books, investigated numerous practices and in general indulged my curiosity about spiritual matters. And, I think its important to say, that the search for these answers can be the most fulfilling and fascinating subject of one's lifetime. And, of course, the most elusive and at times frustrating.
I remember as a kid, lying in my bed at night, thinking about the stars, the far-away places, the beautiful mysteries that lay undiscovered and, seemingly, so far away. But now I can say that the answer(s) to the great mystery of enlightenment (or whatever you are looking for) is found in the same place as the question itself.
I won't espouse or endorse any particular path to that answer, like someone mentioned early on in this thread there tends to be varying and sometimes disparate viewpoints and I want to be respectful of all. That said, it seems that all of the world's greatest teachers on this subject pointed to one's self as the source of fulfillment.
An example would be J.C. pointing out that the kingdom of heaven is within you. I'm not a "religious" person, nor do I excel at chapter-and-verse, but I think this particular quote is quite telling. I'm sure there are similar quotes from other religious sources.
At this time in my life, I look inward to find the peace and tranquility that I have always craved. My mind is as far from enlightened as ever! But deep within is a place untouchable by the passage of time and the chaos of the mutable world. I say "thumbs up" to anyone seeking to find freedom from the world whilst still living in the world. Those sane and content individuals (god willing, including myself) can be a good influence to others, and perhaps help them to find what they are looking for as well.
Just my $.02 on a deep subject.
NB
"Well, let's get to the rat killing..."