Spiritually speaking I have travelled far and wide trying to find myself. And I think I have arrived here at Buddha's door. I am afraid of offending because I am still learning in all of this. I know the premises of Buddhism from books and the FAQ's on here. I guess to the point I kind of feel alone after such a "journey." I was wondering if anyone could help me sooth my storming mind.
Well what is it you need. It is really great though that you have found yourself more spiritually but I must admit I am confused by your question.
lol. i am rather confused myself. i just feel that because i have read and tried to see if a particular faith is mine that when i move on i am lying and using (if that makes sense). after talking to my husband and counsler they both seem to think i have reached the end of my journey. are there others who have been confused like me?
No one actually reaches the end your spritual journey goes on till death. So you feel as if there isnt anything left?
I think I understand your question, I'm going through the exact same thing. I've come to a point where I'm not progressing spiritualy on my own. Just reading books and trying blindly to find the path can be really frustrating and confusing. I would love to learn under a spiritual teacher, maybe thats what you need?
I myself have been faced with the same confusion. I tend to question whether it is possible to progress spirtually. I think the spirit just 'is' and there is no system of advancement. I think the idea of learning and progressing is a desire and construct of the mind. And this is actually what holds us back. The process is one of letting go, rather than of gathering more.
But Philuk, learning and progressing spiritualy is not holding us back. It's naturally how we come to where we are. It is totally possible to advance spiritualy, but by advancing we need to first learn externally, how to re trace our steps and learn backwards, internally
Hey Laurel, I dont think we should ever feel like the journey is over. There is always more to learn, see, realize, experiment and ultimately grow. Im sure there's a lot more for you, even if you dont think there is, life might surprise you. I can see how confused you are, but I think we always find ourselves to be when relating to a "new" (for us) thing. Be receptive and amazing things will happen and they will change you forever.
I just do not understand what your trying to progress in. What exactly is there to learn? I do not believe in levels of spirituality. The process in my eyes is one of seeing through the crap which generally makes up our daily lives. The ultimate goal of spirituality is for me total beingness in the moment, desiring nothing and being content with everything. This desire to progress and learn and read book upon book reminds me of the famous zen quote, ---------------------------------------------- ”How long will it take to reach enlightenment if I try hard?” Answer. Ten years. ” If I work twice as hard?” Answer. Twenty years. ” If I work all out?” Answer. Never From: “Zen Flesh, Zen Bones”
Yes, but when you rely on the teachings of others, you are not in contact with yourself, you are in contact with other people's thoughts. There is nothing wrong or harmful in reading and learning more about other people's perception of spirituality, but the important thing is to reflect on yourself. You are talking about studying and relying upon books when you speak of advancement, and I am talking about inner self reflection. -
Don't think of it as progressing, try thinking of it as growing, or unfolding. Perhaps and unfolding process of growing If your on the path to liberation, then just keep going, but don't desire liberation; enjoy the journey I can't remember how exactly I thought of it this one time, but the basic idea is that your growing into "god", Just let yourself grow. Ahh, I can't explain it in the way I want! Ohwell, maybe later
The Blessed Buddha once said this:Bhikkhus, anyone who sees Suffering, sees also The Cause of Suffering, sees also The End of Suffering, sees also The Way to End all Suffering. Anyone who sees The Cause of Suffering, sees also Suffering, its Ending, and The Way to End all Suffering. And, anyone who sees The End, sees also Suffering, its Cause, and The Way to End Suffering. Consequently, anyone who sees The Way to End Suffering, sees also Suffering, sees also The Cause of Suffering, sees also The Ending of Suffering! HTML:
The Blessed Buddha once said this: Who understand not Suffering, and how Suffering comes to be, and how Suffering ceases utterly without remains, nor konw the Way that leads to Suffering's ending, such lack the heart's release, they lack release by insight. Helpless to make an end, to birth and death they go. But, understanding Suffering and how Suffering comes to be, and where Suffering ceases utterly without remains, knowing the Way that leads to Suffering's ending, blessed with the heart's release, blessed with release by insight, they, able to end all, go not to birth and death. Source: Pali Text Society, Part V, Kindred Sayings - Book XII, Chapter LVI - Kindred Sayings About the Truths, Section III - Kotigama, Paragraph i & ii - Knowledge HTML:
Re-trace your steps backwards to find out where you lost yourself. You cannot lose yourself neither can you find yourself. At least not the real you. All you can find is an "I" that isn't really consciousness, it is just the relentless running of thought. So, to "stop" thought from repeating itself endlessly, then when a thought comes up re-trace it back to its origin. It may go like this... you are walking down the street, you see a flower. You remember that cat from childhood. He ate your flowers. But your mother blamed you. Now whenever you see a flower what you really remember is your mother scolding you. And you feel guilty. You then think back to when you were again feeling guilty. It was something your husband said... and on and on it goes... Just watch your thoughts. When you see that your mind is running amok, start retracing your steps until you can get back to the originator. You already know where that train goes, you've experienced it a million times. Now that you know where it is going you can decide not to let it finish. Shift your attention back to the present. Forget about the past. Think only on a problem when it presents itself. Otherwise it is a waste of energy.
Look into the teachings of Buddha. That is ... after all ... what Buddhism is ... right? http://www.accesstoinsight.org HTML:
