(beingthere) Enlightenment 1
Chapter 1. Enlightenment
Enlightenment is a level of consciousness; level seven, the highest level known to humans. It is a level that is often referred to, but rarely seen or understood. Since a higher level of consciousness cannot be comprehended from a lower level of consciousness, any description will be misunderstood. We can only understand realities of which we have experience.
Enlightenment can be imagined. It can be assumed. It can be named. But to comprehend this level of consciousness, or any level, it must be realized.
The authors do not claim to be enlightened beings, and thus can only point to the experience of Enlightenment. Having realized level four consciousness, Intimacy, and having worked on many lessons of level five consciousness, Unity, and having encountered some of the lessons of level six consciousness, Union, the authors can only map the course and extrapolate where it leads. As the view becomes clearer, the descriptions will become more precise.
Consciousness skills are usually learned one at a time. As we confront our issues and practice basic skills, we arrive at new lessons, which then deliver greater skills. Issue by issue, lesson by lesson, we build consciousness. It is pleasant to think that Enlightenment can be acquired suddenly, easily, magically.
This is childish thinking, much like when a young child dreams of greatness. As with anything else in life, greatness is the sudden result of a lifetime of work.
Rather than focusing on what seems to be an ultimate goal, we must all start the process of learning the skills that will eventually take us there. No one can instantly play a virtuoso violin. Instead, we must let our desire to know the learning process guide us in our development. We learn how to learn, and thus we become students of the process.
Enlightenment is not a destination, nor an ending; any more than playing the violin is a destination. It is a high level of practice of all of the skills of consciousness, some of which can be understood and learned now, and many of which will be encountered as you progress. You simply cannot learn it all at once. What you can do is begin the process of learning. And with practice, devotion and diligence you will be encountering ever-greater challenges, a reflection of your achievement.
Next, we will introduce you to consciousness and then its many facets. Be sure to watch your mailbox.
Enlightenment is a level of consciousness; level seven, the highest level known to humans. It is a level that is often referred to, but rarely seen or understood. Since a higher level of consciousness cannot be comprehended from a lower level of consciousness, any description will be misunderstood. We can only understand realities of which we have experience.
Enlightenment can be imagined. It can be assumed. It can be named. But to comprehend this level of consciousness, or any level, it must be realized.
The authors do not claim to be enlightened beings, and thus can only point to the experience of Enlightenment. Having realized level four consciousness, Intimacy, and having worked on many lessons of level five consciousness, Unity, and having encountered some of the lessons of level six consciousness, Union, the authors can only map the course and extrapolate where it leads. As the view becomes clearer, the descriptions will become more precise.
Consciousness skills are usually learned one at a time. As we confront our issues and practice basic skills, we arrive at new lessons, which then deliver greater skills. Issue by issue, lesson by lesson, we build consciousness. It is pleasant to think that Enlightenment can be acquired suddenly, easily, magically.
This is childish thinking, much like when a young child dreams of greatness. As with anything else in life, greatness is the sudden result of a lifetime of work.
Rather than focusing on what seems to be an ultimate goal, we must all start the process of learning the skills that will eventually take us there. No one can instantly play a virtuoso violin. Instead, we must let our desire to know the learning process guide us in our development. We learn how to learn, and thus we become students of the process.
Enlightenment is not a destination, nor an ending; any more than playing the violin is a destination. It is a high level of practice of all of the skills of consciousness, some of which can be understood and learned now, and many of which will be encountered as you progress. You simply cannot learn it all at once. What you can do is begin the process of learning. And with practice, devotion and diligence you will be encountering ever-greater challenges, a reflection of your achievement.
Next, we will introduce you to consciousness and then its many facets. Be sure to watch your mailbox.
posted by Borrowed Wisdom at 3:58 AM
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