I just had an awakening last week while reading Robert Saltzman’s book ‘The Ten Thousand Things’! ALL my judgments and beliefs fell away! I laughed and laughed! It’s weird not having them but I feel 10,000 lbs lighter! SO free! 🥰
Discovering reality, or awakening, is a major commitment, not really something you sign up for. It's very individual and you must do this on your own. Some people think that this is just another way to believe, like religion or philosophy. Religions tend to compete, each saying that they are the best, offering comforting words. Awakening means breaking through all the constraints that religions and philosophies create, all the beliefs that hold us back from realizing who we really are. It's not pleasant overall; though, it does have its moments.
I suspected as much. It seemed important for me to clarify. My teacher did that, and these little explanations became jewels in my mind, something that helped me through the difficult aspects of Spiritual Practice. My next newsletter is inspired by what you have asked me previously. Blessings
ok excellent. I'm glad my question gets to inspire a newsletter. The main thing though, is... awakening - what is it? Because I started in the Zen tradition years and years ago, then got a Hindu Guru, and then non-duality., then plant medicines, etc. I admit, I have been shopping through the buffet line of spiritual paths like an ADD kid on Monster drinks. Eventually, I gave up on the idea of awakening. It seems like it's touted as this carrot on a stick, always just another retreat.. or a few more lifetimes of sadhana away. I have no idea what awakening and enlightenment is so how can I set as a goal something so ... abstract. Now I just sit, every day, shunyata style, following the breath and my mantra. I don't do it to get anywhere, but really because it is a joy for me to have that quiet, intimate time with myself each day.
So, in a nutshell... what is enlightenment/awakening anyway and is it beneficial to hold that as a goal to acheive? Thanks Robert
Perfect response 💖🙏 . . . Enlightenment is that condition that is beyond all obstacles. My Root Guru said that, and it is one of the jewels that appears when one asks that question. That said, you can awaken any time that you choose. It does not depend upon someone else. I'll do my best to help you; however, it will be up to you.
There definately is a period when awakening glimpses are not strong enough to make us finally have our anchor "there", but as strong as to expose our mundane ideals, concepts, hobbies, passions, to a point where no joy is extracted from them. It is a tough "bridge-crossing" moment, and everyday I am closer to the final anchoring in awakening, but the world, although greatly faded, is still there...
Thank You Lama Robert well said and in complete agreement!🙏💖
I just had an awakening last week while reading Robert Saltzman’s book ‘The Ten Thousand Things’! ALL my judgments and beliefs fell away! I laughed and laughed! It’s weird not having them but I feel 10,000 lbs lighter! SO free! 🥰
man, that sounds good. Sign me up
Discovering reality, or awakening, is a major commitment, not really something you sign up for. It's very individual and you must do this on your own. Some people think that this is just another way to believe, like religion or philosophy. Religions tend to compete, each saying that they are the best, offering comforting words. Awakening means breaking through all the constraints that religions and philosophies create, all the beliefs that hold us back from realizing who we really are. It's not pleasant overall; though, it does have its moments.
I get it. It's just that your post got me fired up about awakening.
I suspected as much. It seemed important for me to clarify. My teacher did that, and these little explanations became jewels in my mind, something that helped me through the difficult aspects of Spiritual Practice. My next newsletter is inspired by what you have asked me previously. Blessings
ok excellent. I'm glad my question gets to inspire a newsletter. The main thing though, is... awakening - what is it? Because I started in the Zen tradition years and years ago, then got a Hindu Guru, and then non-duality., then plant medicines, etc. I admit, I have been shopping through the buffet line of spiritual paths like an ADD kid on Monster drinks. Eventually, I gave up on the idea of awakening. It seems like it's touted as this carrot on a stick, always just another retreat.. or a few more lifetimes of sadhana away. I have no idea what awakening and enlightenment is so how can I set as a goal something so ... abstract. Now I just sit, every day, shunyata style, following the breath and my mantra. I don't do it to get anywhere, but really because it is a joy for me to have that quiet, intimate time with myself each day.
So, in a nutshell... what is enlightenment/awakening anyway and is it beneficial to hold that as a goal to acheive? Thanks Robert
Perfect response 💖🙏 . . . Enlightenment is that condition that is beyond all obstacles. My Root Guru said that, and it is one of the jewels that appears when one asks that question. That said, you can awaken any time that you choose. It does not depend upon someone else. I'll do my best to help you; however, it will be up to you.
Yes when awakening to our genuine nature out of seeing how caught up in getting that….can be depressing until we finally get out of the trap we made.
Thank you, Robert.
There definately is a period when awakening glimpses are not strong enough to make us finally have our anchor "there", but as strong as to expose our mundane ideals, concepts, hobbies, passions, to a point where no joy is extracted from them. It is a tough "bridge-crossing" moment, and everyday I am closer to the final anchoring in awakening, but the world, although greatly faded, is still there...