04 Dec 10
1 edit
really what i am trying to understand is how one would know the difference between all of these things, enlightenment, serenity, freedom from desire, all seem positive , whereas lack of motivation or having no goals or aspirations seem somehow, quite destructive.
04 Dec 10
Originally posted by robbie carrobieI hesitate to answer because I'm still learning about this stuff myself, but I'll try. You say you're free of desires, but from your post it seems that what you actually mean is that you're happy with what you have - you desire to maintain what you have, so really, you're not free from desires at all. Karoly responded very well just after my post regarding how to work towards defeating one's attachments. I daresay the esteemed Black Beetle could best clarify this issue, but I think I'm on the right track when I say it's about accepting and embracing change (although having written it that seems a trite and simplistic way of expressing the concept). As far as I can discern however, the attachment to a faith such as yours would present a rather fierce obstacle.
what does this mean Cat dude, to conquer ones attachments - serious question.
04 Dec 10
Originally posted by avalanchethecatyes its really does seem that there is nothing which is truly permanent in the system in which we find ourselves, but this is also a Biblical principle, 'the world is passing away and so is its desire', 1 John 2:17, so i cant say how being an adherent of my faith would prohibit an embrace of such a principle. It might simply be the logistics of the thing, how it is we actually go about, freeing ourselves from these, 'attachments'.
I hesitate to answer because I'm still learning about this stuff myself, but I'll try. You say you're free of desires, but from your post it seems that what you actually mean is that you're happy with what you have - you desire to maintain what you have, so really, you're not free from desires at all. Karoly responded very well just after my post r ...[text shortened]... however, the attachment to a faith such as yours would present a rather fierce obstacle.
04 Dec 10
Originally posted by robbie carrobieYou may be right, but I suspect rather that I am just unable to express these ideas with enough clarity to demonstrate the discordance. How can you conquer your attachment to your faith and yet retain your faith?
yes its really does seem that there is nothing which is truly permanent in the system in which we find ourselves, but this is also a Biblical principle, 'the world is passing away and so is its desire', 1 John 2:17, so i cant say how being an adherent of my faith would prohibit an embrace of such a principle. It might simply be the logistics of the thing, how it is we actually go about, freeing ourselves from these, 'attachments'.
04 Dec 10
Originally posted by robbie carrobieNot exactly, there is time for silence and time for speach🙂
ah the fool he said you do not know, silence like a cancer grows 🙂
In our zennist tradition, the direct understanding of the cosmic reality (nirvana/ nibbana) is a condition where there is nothing to be ceased. Nibbana is not the cessation of the negativity (desire, hate, delusion) and, then, the cultivation of a positive attitude (peacefulness, compassion, inner understanding): you see, the latter attitude is a prerequisite and the practitioner has to cultivate it in full before nibbana. Then, during nibbana, the practitioner knows that there is no discrimination between desire and ataraxia or between hatred and compassion because the dualist approach is abandoned
😵
05 Dec 10
1 edit
Originally posted by robbie carrobieAlas, I cant make a Monet either...
what i get taught at the Kingdom hall is to live simply and be content - i really think it may just be that, nothing more, i just found it strange that i do not really want for anything. I mean, its not like there are not enough opportunities, or beautiful places to visit, or monet to be made, i just cant buy into any of them.
05 Dec 10
Originally posted by divegeesterActually, its quite interesting, the ancient text states, (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13) . . .I have come to know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good during one’s life; and also that every man should eat and indeed drink and see good for all his hard work. It is the gift of God. 🙂
I'm pleased you are content with your lot in life, it is a 'gift from God' I seem to remember reading.
05 Dec 10
Originally posted by avalanchethecati think because my faith is a vehicle which has helped me transcend myself, in the sense that it is like a mirror into which one peers and sees traits and intentions of the heart and mind reflected against the backdrop of a superlative example. Thus we are able in a sense to gauge our shortcomings. Indeed without this tangible source i doubt very much that it could be done, for it is if not impossible, difficult to see ourselves truly objectively.
You may be right, but I suspect rather that I am just unable to express these ideas with enough clarity to demonstrate the discordance. How can you conquer your attachment to your faith and yet retain your faith?