Questions about spiritual systems in general...

[Ayurveda60 (George Liappidis)]

I was searching the internet for articles about meditation and i came across this site http://www.andrewcharalambous.co.uk/. Check it it has brilliant articles.

[Zanyan (Laura)]

Another (perhaps clearer) way of saying that is that nothing arises; anything apparently arising is just the externalization of a shift in one’s attention.

pinggggg Thanks, Jim.

[Will_Power]

When he was asked about his goal, Lahiri Mahasaya answered: Eternal tranquility.

[parvati9]

@no.thing

It’s also worth noting that some other well-respected and well-known sages never accepted the role of guru, even if they didn’t go so far as to say that enlightenment did not exist, like Ramana Maharshi for instance. Ramana Maharshi also did not seem to think highly of most specific practices that are supposed to bring enlightenment.
…
It seems to me that even if you do accept that enlightenment exists, then you have to ask whether those practices can lead to enlightenment.
I have little doubt that many of these practices are powerful and can lead people to a greater sense of peace and well-being. But there’s always the matter of the final goal. Of course we can say that “attainment” of the goal consists of giving up all attempts to attain it, etc. etc., but if that’s the case, then why do any practices at all?
Keep in mind that I say this as someone who continues to do practices and finds them valuable. It may well be that answering these questions is not possible or desirable. But to be fully honest, I feel like these questions need to be asked.
Any thoughts?

Hi No.thing
Very good questions. Each must pursue their own path. In my opinion, enlightenment exists. Assuming that it does exist, is it worth striving for? And what exactly IS it? One definition of enlightenment would be: freedom from [unnecessary] suffering. If we accept that definition of enlightenment, then what is unnecessary suffering? And on and on it goes … the questions are seemingly endless. Another way to view enlightenment is - an experiencial knowingness in which all such questions are finally dropped.
IF enlightenment actually exists, and IF it brings an end to suffering or even significantly diminishes suffering, then it is a worthy goal? Undoubtedly many spiritual seekers would answer that question in the affirmative.
Your issue is perhaps more with the value of practices than with a definition of enlightenment. However, it is suggested that one define the goal one is pursuing, in terms that are personally meaningful. Then, one can evaluate which practices are suitable in the pursuit of that goal, as one has defined it.
Many of those on a so-called spiritual path choose to pursue practice(s) in order to progress towards enlightenment. Whether or not those practices are helpful would depend upon how the individual views enlightenment … i.e., what they imagine enlightenment to be. The crux of the issue is that the ostensibly enlightened masters often tell us that enlightenment is beyond the mind and beyond imagination. Whatever we may imagine enlightenment to be - it is not that.
I believe Ramana felt that self-inquiry is for only the ripest spiritual seekers, and that it is the fast track to enlightenment. That said, how do we become ripe for self-inquiry? Is there a catalyst, some method of becoming more ripe? I believe even Ramana consented to the necessity of practices for those not directly ready for self-inquiry.
In my imagination, my spiritual path has been as a practitioner of self-inquiry for several lifetimes. In those, as well as for some time in this life, Ramana Maharshi has been regarded as my guru. While still regarding Ramana as a dear friend and precious teacher, I am no longer consciously engaging in self-inquiry. Self-inquiry has become more or less habitual and whether or not it is occurring without my conscious intention, is a matter of speculation.
My path has lead to a very close walk with Jesus. I am finding more than I ever thought possible in my relationship with Him … as well as in embracing The Presence Process as taught by Michael Brown. Only speaking for myself here, practices often result in a case of spiritual bypass. Intense emotional reactions in my daily life have become such an issue for me, that it absolutely must be met and dealt with. As opposed to bypassed. TPP has proven, for me, to be the fast track to peace, and perhaps enlightemnent as well. However that remains to be seen.
Just my 2 cents.
love
parvati

[omyoga]

I liked all inputs are improved my knowledge. This is best I read here:
“Realizing/experiencing that everything is made out of one substance (formless consciousness), and that external reality has no existence apart from its formative substance (formless consciousness). I would say describe this perhaps as unity or oneness”
Thanks for all…
-Om