sdiaz/Proposed Support Group/ Introduction

[Guest guest]

> Hi Tim!...Does this mean that from the Zen point of view

> "enlightenment" achieved through Kundalini Yoga is

> a form of "illusion", similar to a shamanic or mystic

> experience? Nice but not "IT"?

>From the Zen point of view, enlightenment cannot be achieved through

Kundalini - Kundalini is a side-effect of the clearing away of ignorance,

as euphoria may be a side-effect from taking a narcotic painkiller (whereas

the purpose of taking it is to kill pain, not feel euphoric). But it isn't

even called Kundalini in Zen.

>Does enlightenment

>within the Zen context refer to a more down to earth

>"real" experience of just "Being" in the world?

 

Enlightenment in Zen is a sudden, often explosive experience, not a gradual

one. The accounts I've read sound like it is an explosion into One-ness

accompanied by immense joy, laughter and tears (and a LASTING, radical

shift in consciousness), although occasionally it can happen without being

noticed (there is usually a master who "sanctions" the enlightenment as

being real or unreal). One makes the mind as pure and clear as the sky

through doing zazen, the practice of solving koans (Rinzei sect), or

shikantaza meditation (Soto sect). At that point, enlightenment may happen

at any prodding. One example - a student who was close to enlightenment

observed that it was dark outside, and needed light to get home, so he lit

a candle. He asked his guru if the single candle would be enough to find

his way home. In response, the master blew out the candle, and the student

was enlightened in that instant. Such descriptions are typical.

 

Zen usually encourages those who are enlightened to continue zazen for the

rest of their lives, the theory being that there can be a "shallow

enlightenment" or a "deep enlightenment," and continued spiritual practice

deepens realization.

> I ask because many years ago I did have quite a shocking

> "mystical" sort of awakening by accident that actually turned

> me completely off religion for many years. I have no desire

> to repeat this experience. That is the reason I am now doing

> serious research BEFORE I get myself into trouble. -smile-

 

If it didn't last and was just a "spiritual experience," it was just that

and no more. Many people catch a glimpse of the infinite from time to time

(I've had several such experiences, maybe more that I didn't recognize as

such), but few dwell there. Many people cling to these experiences and try

to repeat them, thus destroying their sadhana (practice) as long as the

attachment to the experience continues.

 

Shanti,

 

Tim