The Joy of Finding Out for Yourself
There is a small misunderstanding amongst some of my dear readers.
It is one that I appreciate, but would like to set straight. Many think I am writing about enlightenment and spirituality. But I am not. I draw upon some very spiritual and high-sounding concepts, yes. But my goals with my writings have been far less lofty – I merely want to ease my own journey from suffering into joy, and share the little lessons I have learnt in the hope that they might help a few others.
I don’t know what enlightenment is; I have no experience. I would be a fraud if I wrote about it, and so I haven’t. An example - I’ve covered the ego before. The importance of the ego is profound – many Eastern religions state that losing this concept, this illusion, would lead us to the state of profound peace many call enlightenment. But my perspective was different – it was cross-referenced with psychology and my own life, and I just wanted to lessen the pain of clinging to a bundle of beliefs.
But still, this blog has somehow developed a spiritual reputation, and many seekers have found their way here. And so – another special treat. There is a blog I am a big fan of; a blog on non-duality and spirituality, Takuin.com. Takuin Minamoto, although he has never claimed enlightenment, has entered that state of profound peace many are searching for. This makes him qualified to write this article, providing his unique perspective on your search. His normal style is beautifully short and to the point – but this time he has put in extra time and effort to provide a longer, more detailed article, which I really appreciate. I’ll hand you over to Takuin now. Thank you Takuin, you rule!
The Joy of Finding Out for Yourself
If one asks questions about inner peace and enlightenment, what is the answer that is expected? We must feel that it is real in the first place, otherwise we wouldn’t have asked. But we always ask someone else, never believing that we already possess the wisdom of the answer. Why do we insist that we need someone else to tell us? Why do we feel that we do not already have it?
The beauty of this life is immense and unknowable. Unknowable in the sense that thought and knowledge cannot touch it. Eyes open and the world is seen as it is, without the prejudices and limitations of thought. To see in this way, without those superficial trappings, is not to see through any-thing or any-thought. There is no WAY or PATH toward anything. There is nowhere to go for any of us, as we are already there. The only “way” to do it, is without the interference of thought, and thus, without any way. You have to find out for yourself.
But how does one find out? If thought has little or no use, how is it done?
First, we must be careful of the language we use. Whenever you ask, “How?” you want it to be given to you. And this freedom - this quiet emptiness - can it be given to you by another? Can anyone give you the freedom you already have? If you want someone to give you the answer, you have lost your own beautiful, natural expression that comes from finding out for yourself.
The Limits of Thought
Thought has a very limited role in this kind of seeing. Obviously, the brain needs to function in order to observe, or see, or think, so thought is important. And it is not a matter of stopping thought. If you really want to stop thinking, then get your affairs in order and pick out your tombstone beforehand.
If I want to call my mother, I need to remember her phone number. If I want to get home, I need to know how to get there. In order to type these words, I need the proper memory, the proper thought patterns, to make it happen. This is the useful territory of thought. Our memories are stored, and thought is the reaction of memories. It is quite a simple and elegant design. But problems arise when thought spills over into areas where it doesn’t belong. When thought enters the active psyche to be used as a filter for the world, we become blind.
I can see how this action of thought is useful. If we are in the forest and see a bear, thought tells us there is danger. And that is useful to know. But that is where the benefits end. Anything beyond that is fear and illusion. It inhibits us from finding out and seeing things as they are.
What happens after we see the bear? Unless one is a bear handler, we would be frightened. But why? The bear is just sitting there. Why is there fear? “Because it could eat me.” And how do you know that? “Because I have heard about it,” or seen it, or whatever. But it is just sitting there. Why are you afraid? “Because, it could EAT ME!” But it isn’t. It is just sitting there. “But it COULD!” In order to be afraid of the bear, you have to imagine it is doing something other than what it is doing. It is just sitting there. You are afraid because of what you are not seeing. You see the bear eating you, but it isn’t
So is the problem with the bear that is in front of you, or is the problem with the bear that is in your mind?
I bring this up because these kind of thoughts are pervasive throughout our lives. We tend to see the world only through what we are thinking. But if we do that, are we really seeing anything other than our thoughts? If we try to see clearly, trying to find out, can it be done through our images of how reality should be? Or can it only be seen without the interference of thought? After all, if I see the world through my beliefs and ideals, then all I see are the conclusions of those beliefs and ideals. And that is NOT reality.
In this world within, if there is a way to enlightenment, or if there is a way to see what is real, how is one find out? Do we listen to the sages, take to their method of meditation, and model our movements and actions on those of the master? Do we then take the master’s word and presence to be the truth and the way? But what do we express when we internalize, then copy, then act as a mirror reflection? Is there anything of meaning, or have we just become robots, searching for the next can of oil that will really make us shine?
Many of us have copied and purged, but what is really there? What is to be gained from all of this?
The Self Searches
The way seems to be this:
I have heard of this master that is supposed to be enlightened. I will go and search him out and learn from him.
So I chant, meditate, read his books, and wait for the “experience” of enlightenment to come. But it doesn’t seem to satisfy, does it? And what happens next? I hear of another master, and go to see her. I chant, meditate, read, stand on my head, and wait for the enlightenment to come. But it still is not satisfying. So what is one to do?
We go from one person to another, one guru to another, one lover to another, system after system, always looking for the answer. Why does it never occur to us to look within?
Have you posed any of these questions to yourself?
We feel that what we need is outside of us. That we need someone more experienced to tell us what is right; to tell us how to see. But if we adopt their methods, putting on their glasses as it were, then we only see through what has been given. Someone might say, “I have several different belief systems - or glasses - to view the world with. I change them as I see fit, depending on the situation.” It may seem more advantageous to some of you, as it gives the illusion of versatility and flexibility. But no matter how many glasses you have, it still filters reality, and only gives you a glimpse of your beliefs and thoughts. You never see the bear; only your thoughts about it.
Beyond the Known
The only means of seeing things as they are is to observe beyond what is known. To see beyond our limited beliefs and ideals about reality. Otherwise, what are we seeing other than what we know? But it seems an impossibility for most. Can a Republican honestly see what the Democrats propose? Can a Palestinian understand an Israeli in the Gaza strip? Can seeing with a viewpoint bring peace? History has shown, time and time again, that it cannot.
To see beyond the known, is to see with no viewpoint and no conclusion. The moment the views of the self come in and a conclusion is reached, reality is shattered and nothing is seen. One must initially be brave enough to cast off all belief in order to find out.
There is no way, but I can give some suggestions that might help:
1. You must not care about when it comes.
The more you want it, the more your self is there, trying to control the situation. It believes that this moment, or enlightenment, or seeing, is something to be had and controlled. But do not fall for this. If it comes, it will come of its own accord, and nothing the self can do will bring it any faster.
2. You must not want it to continue.
If you are in the moment, seeing things for the first time, do not try to capture it as an experience. You cannot store it, or otherwise keep it. The moment you grab it, trying to hold onto it for the future, then it is dead. It becomes a mere memory.
3. Understand that you are not gaining anything.
Finding out is not about getting something to hold onto. It is not about acquisition, or having anything other than what you have. It is only about seeing things as they really are. Beyond interference. It is living in the beauty of this moment that is every moment.
These points are not a sure fire means of success or anything else. It is just something that has been noticed from time to time. It might help one to think of it as seeing without selfishness.
This world is absolutely beautiful, but only if you see it. Your thoughts and images of the world might seem beautiful to you, but it does not compare at all to seeing the sunset for the first time.
And when you see without selfishness, it is always the first time.
What’s next?
Albert here once again. Hope you enjoyed that article as much as I did. Next up – a return to our recent compassion series – with highlights from my conversation with a Christian blogger. And after that, the deepest series to your emotional mastery quest yet. Please subscribe to stay up to date!
UrbanMonk.Net provides an additional voice in your personal development journey - modern life, entwined with ancient spirituality.
For free updates, please subscribe using RSS or Email.(What does Subscribing / RSS mean?)
23 Comments, Comment or Ping
Lawrence Cheok | A Long Long Road
Beautiful piece Albert.
The key to inner peace is within ourselves, not someone else.
Suspend our thoughts, judgment, beliefs, mindsets, mental models… and see life as itself, in its entirety.
Don’t try to force the issue, don’t try to control, don’t try to pursue; there is nothing to be gain anyway. it’s just as it is.
A complete take of inner peace by being a detached observer, not mentally or emotionally involved.
Once we reach that stage, inner stage will come naturally.
Beautiful.
Nov 14th, 2007
Albert
Thank you Lawrence, I’ll pass the compliments on to Takuin. And I heard this great quote once - peace comes not from transcending our humanity, but by becoming more fully human. It took me a while before I understood it - simply by being ourselves, flaws and all, that is peace. You point towards the same statement, too, I believe.
Nov 14th, 2007
Takuin Minamoto
Thanks Lawrence. And thanks to you as well, Albert, for posting my writing.
I enjoy writing on this subject, even though I know it can be irritating for some. So many people want to know how, but there is no how, and there is no way. If someone asks, “What can I do to get there?” all I can say is, “Don’t do anything. You are there.”
How annoying it must be to hear that!
If someone really wants to know, they will take it to the end. They won’t have to ask.
There is nothing wrong with asking. In fact, if you must ask a question, make it this:
“Can this person give it to me?”
I don’t want to point in a particular direction, but can the answer to that question ever be “yes”? Of course, I am not talking about learning a skill, or acquiring knowledge of some kind.
Some might say, “But I need a guru to point to the door. Then I can walk through it.” Is that true? If we are sitting in a room together, and if there is a door there, do I even need to tell you? No. I don’t have to tell you because it is already there, and your eyes function just as well as anyone else. Just get up and go. Leave the guru behind.
Just be sure that you close the door behind you.
Takuin
Nov 14th, 2007
uzma
Hey Albert
About the site again.The introduction you have is great. Was thinking that the 2 panes on the left take up half your page, maybe the one on the far left can be made smaller. Also get in a little orange colour somewhere.Like right now, on the main page you have the two monks sitting in orange robes, that adds that dash of colour. See if you want to make some orange permanent.
Otherwise, absolutely love the new look. Very cool and slick .
God bless.
Nov 15th, 2007
Albert
Hiya Uzma,
Appreciate all the feedback you’re leaving. I can’t reduce the sidebar as I’m planning on selling some banner space there for advertisements (one of the reasons for the redesign). But I’ll definitely try to fit some more color in. I want to put the old Urban Monk pic (the guy in orange, with his back facing us) back in somewhere to maintain branding.
Cheers!
Nov 15th, 2007
Andrea Hess|Empowered Soul
Beautiful writing, Takuin! Especially the last three points you make hit home for me. I recently had an utterly profound spiritual experience of mind-blowing proportions - while I was doing the dishes. Talk about “not caring when it comes” - truly, these gifts arrive in unexpected moments, and clinging to them does indeed cause them to depart sooner.
Nov 16th, 2007
Jean Browman--Cheerful Monk
“Play your part well and let go of the results” was a Hindu phrase I learned when I was in high school. It struck me as the only sane way to go through life. Just trying to live it is a great spiritual practice, so this post resonated with me. Thanks.
Nov 16th, 2007
Tina Su - Think Simple. Be Decisive.
Great post Takuin.
I’m really glad you posted here, so now I’ve discovered another beautiful blog on the topics of spirituality and natural self expression. (Thanks Albert)
>>“But I need a guru to point to the door. Then I can walk through it.”
I attended several meditation intensives by an enlightened swami from India earlier this year, and the experience was phenomenal. He had certain energy within him that can transform the room. Like standing beside a fire, you can’t help but to feel the warmth coming from the fire.
At the end of each day for all talks he gives, there is a darshan. Where each person have the opportunity to go up to him, ask questions and receive the darshan. He places a thumb on your ajna (point between your eye brows) and gives you a burst of energy. In that few seconds, and if you are open.. you will experience no thought, no mind and utter bliss. The moment you starts to think “Cool! I have no thoughts”, the experience will break. One of the main reasons why Hindu masters hold Darshan is to give people the experience or taste of what it feels to be in bliss… with encourages their individual journeys towards enlightenment.
Otherwise, without the experience, it’ll be hard to convince oneself to seek enlightenment. This is why when one talks about enlightenment and dropping all desires, people often misunderstand and end up saying “I think it’s interesting, but I don’t understand why/how anyone would want to drop all desires, It’s not for me.”
It was a beautiful experience for me and a deeply moving one.
Thanks again for sharing your ideas and for helping us readers.
Love & Gratitude,
Tina
Think Simple. Be Decisive. ~ Productivity, Creativity & Happiness
P.S. The swamiji/master’s name is Nithyananda. You can find free video clips online: http://youtube.com/user/LifeBlissFoundation
Nov 16th, 2007
Albert
Andrea and Jean, good to have you both here for the kind comments. Takuin will probably check in soon, but just in case he doesn’t, I’ll leave my thanks here in his place
Nov 16th, 2007
Albert
Tina - fascinating story! Man, now I feel like having a blast of energy from him too. Thanks for taking the time to type up a long and detailed comment, and for sharing the links! I’ve seen the youtube videos of him, and he looks so young - mid 20s at most? I was expecting some old sage.
Nov 16th, 2007
Takuin Minamoto
Hi Andrea. Thanks for the high praise. I am glad you enjoyed it.
You are right when you say it arrives in “unexpected moments.” In fact, the “moment” can never be expected, which I think is clear to see. Expectation is the projection of what could happen, and in the worst case, what should happen. But none of these things exist.
Of course one might hazard a guess as to what is going to happen, and they may be right, but that is not what we are talking about here.
One problem is that people often see this as somehow different from their way of living. They might think, “I am violent, sad, greedy, and jealous, but I want to be enlightened,” as if they have to be free from what they are in order to have it. But that is not reality. They are greedy jealous, etc., and THAT is reality.
Seeing oneself as one really IS, will bring more peace than years of searching without.
Thanks again.
Takuin
Nov 16th, 2007
Takuin Minamoto
You are welcome, Jean, and thank you.
That quote is the best advice an artist of any kind might receive. I think Peter O’toole said this in relation to acting, the first time I heard it.
Takuin
Nov 16th, 2007
Takuin Minamoto
Hi Tina. Nice to see you again.
I don’t know much about a darshan, but I have heard of it, and other activities like it, before. Whatever they are called, for the most part, they seem to have the same results; it is a dis-service to those in attendance.
Let me say first, there is nothing wrong with going to these events. Nor is there anything wrong with experiencing “what it feels to be in bliss,” as you have put it.
Hopefully, most can take those experiences with them and live better lives. There is no problem there. I love to join those kind of activities myself, and a good time can be had by all in attendance.
The problem is with what happens next.
Let’s consider that one has never imagined, or been taught, anything about enlightenment. He goes and sits in front of the guru, and is given a wonderful experience. But moments later, he is left with only himself. The pain and suffering return, along with the greed, petty jealousy, anger, and selfishness. The “experience” has passed, and he is left with himself.
What happens now? How is he to react? He has been given a glimpse of something wonderful, but afterward, he returns to the past. He is back to his former habits. What does he do?
Your quote, “…encourages their individual journeys towards enlightenment,” is right on target. It encourages him to believe that there is something outside of himself that needs to be attained. That there is something other than “what is.” When this search begins, the reality of “what is” cannot be seen. Only the goal of that “different state” is seen, and that is also the birth of conflict. He thinks, “I am this way, but I shouldn’t be. I want to be like I was during the darshan. I have to have it, and I must pursue it.” The war of thought begins.
The reality of what he is cannot be seen, because it is suppressed in favor of what he thinks he should be.
Another great quote, “Otherwise, without the experience, it’ll be hard to convince oneself to seek enlightenment.” Exactly. The greed for that experience to continue sets up the pattern for the endless searching. The idea that something is better, keeps them blind to the beauty of what they really are. And from that place, natural expression becomes impossible.
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment. It has greatly stimulated my mind. Thanks Tina!
Takuin
Nov 16th, 2007
Andrea Hess|Empowered Soul
Hi Takuin,
I’m going to respectfully disagree with you here.
“Let’s consider that one has never imagined, or been taught, anything about enlightenment.”
I would submit to you that most people who go to these sorts of events know quite a bit about enlightenment. And the guru’s role is not only to give an energy transfer, but also to educate the attendants about that transfer, and about enlightenment. Tina does indeed mention that this event happens after the guru gives talks. So there’s more to this experience than a hit of bliss.
“It encourages him to believe that there is something outside of himself that needs to be attained.”
Let’s give people a little more credit! What if the experience leads to the understanding that, what is possible for the guru, is also possible for him- or herself? This sort of experience can lead people to turn inward, also. Again, a guru will support this understanding - that enlightenment comes from within, is already there within us all.
Rather than greed, I think this sort of experience can open us up to new possibilities for ourselves. We can remain unavailable to our fullest self-expression, if we do not even know that such a thing exists. Whatever we believe is true for us. The belief that enlightenment is available to us can be a powerful and beneficial force, and the serious spiritual seeker understands it’s not about a moment or two of bliss.
Blessings,
Andrea
Nov 17th, 2007
Takuin Minamoto
Hi, Andrea. Thanks so much for your comment!
It is obvious that those in attendance already know of conceptual enlightenment, and most are seekers. It is their search that brings them to such places. But the question is, will they get what they search for? Is freedom dependent upon searching and seeking? Those are the questions that are important.
When I brought up “one that knows nothing of enlightenment,” I was questioning if the search is necessary at all. If one lives on a remote island and knows nothing of enlightenment, as it is taught, does that mean that she can never be free?
As I said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with darshan, satsang, or dialogues. When people gather with the intention to share and move as one, as it were, it is a powerful and joyful experience. I give talks infrequently, but the energy there is a wonderful thing to behold for all of us. I usually end with the same (or similar) question/statement:
“Now that we’ve shared all of this, what will you do with it? Will you use it as a springboard for your search? Or can you see that the beginning and the end are the same thing, and therefore, there is no search?”
Thanks again Andrea.
Takuin
P.S. I really liked your article, ” Living A Divinely Guided Life.” That is a wonderful way of expressing the whole thing.
Nov 17th, 2007
Andrea Hess|Empowered Soul
Hi Takuin,
Thanks for such an interesting discussion! And I’m so glad my article resonated with you!
I agree there is no search - we are not looking for anything other than what we already are. And I’m sure we can find our fullest self-expression on a desert island as much as we can find it in working with teachers or gurus or meditation or any other method we care to embrace.
I do think that we are in the process of dispelling the illusion that we are NOT already enlightened, fully self-expressed beings. I like the idea of a process more than the notion of a search. Although one could argue that a process is no more necessary than a search, since we already are what we seek to become. But to me, the process is in unraveling the perception that we have to become anything at all.
Aaargh, the mind boggles. Which is probably why so much of this is “beyond the known” - words and thoughts cannot capture the experience.
Thank you again for such a thought-provoking post!
Blessings,
Andrea
Nov 19th, 2007
Alex Blackwell
Great post and explaination of your goals and process - please keep it up!
Nov 19th, 2007
Takuin Minamoto
Hey Andrea.
You are right. The word “process” seems to be more appropriate than “search.”
A search needs a searcher. But a process can happen on its own, without the influence of the self. The word can, of course, be used in the same dualistic manner as “searching,” especially if one says, “I am going through a process.”
If this organism is going through a process, the “I” has nothing to do with it. The process simply happens.
It can be difficult to talk about this, in any language. One has to be careful not to solidify the thing. Then it becomes an idea or belief, then we fall right back where we were.
Thanks again, Andrea.
Takuin
Your site is my latest bookmark.
Nov 19th, 2007
Takuin Minamoto
Thanks Alex. I appreciate the encouragement.
You have a very nice site, by the way.
Takuin
Nov 19th, 2007
John
A school friend of mine referred me to your blog.
I have to say you have lots of great things to write about.
Keep up the great work.
Nov 28th, 2007
Takuin Minamoto
Thanks for your compliments, John. I appreciate it. I’ll do my best to keep the words flowing.
Takuin
Nov 29th, 2007
Tany
I’m new to this site and I’ve enjoyed each word I’ve read so far! Keep up the wonderful writings, I will be reading further!
Your new fan,
Tany
May 17th, 2008
Reply to “The Joy of Finding Out for Yourself”