It Happens.You want to fight?
frank
Without “I†there can be no logical distinctions, especially since (as tharpa pointed out with truth/totality) “I†is inferred -- as with memory, time (past, present, future), consciousness, unconsciousness, femininity, masculinity, etc.L: How do you distinguish between illusion, delusion and reality?
S: The self, being a delusion, must not be experienced in order for there to be enlightenment.
How do you know that? Logic is greater than the self, and the self isn't needed for clear thinking. This should be apparent by anyone who uses logical reasoning...it's very not-human! They have to forget everything they assume in order to properly do it.Without “I†there can be no logical distinctions
No. The ego is a delusion, and objects are always experienced as they are. When the ego is gone, there is pure seeing.If a Buddha -- as you say -- can appear yet still remain a Buddha, Buddha is the appearance of a Buddha and self/I of Buddha (and “you†as “not Buddhaâ€) is inferred. If it were not, “Guatama Buddha,†or whatever label you might ascribe to such an appearance, is as deluded a notion as “I.â€
Says who?The Buddha, of course, experiences the only reality -- as do we all -- but (by inference alone) is not deluded.
This isn't a problem. A Buddha is an enlightened person. I am an unenlightened person. Enlightenment is when a person has no delusion in their mind.Given this, I understand how you would conclude that “every one/I†is unenlightened. But it seems the problem you face, logically, is precisely the consideration that a Buddha appears and he appears in the same way as the deluded, yet “somehow remains enlightened.â€
Understanding the absolute truth, a Buddha is just as empty as a tennis ball. Yet, my mind is still deluded so that I don't experience the absolute truth. I am swept up in this world, and tossed around within it. I think that false things exist.If “I†does not exist and is delusion, then so it is with the Buddha; and any of those other things (mental objects) I mentioned above.
Buddha appears and disappears, showing himself to be part of maya. Therefore, to say "The Buddha is absolute truth" is wrong, because the absolute truth doesn't appear and disappear. Therefore, there's no reason to "believe" in a Buddha, or worship one. The Buddha just points to yourself.So, the question becomes, on what logical basis is the appearance of Buddha any less deluded than the appearance of “I.â€
A Buddha doesn't have any delusion or ignorance. However, you can't see this.What is there to point to with a Buddha that does not have an equal counterpart in “you†or “me�
Why not?Scott: You want to fight?
Logic presupposes self, without self there is no thought. All reason is human.Leyla: Without “I†there can be no logical distinctions
Scott:How do you know that? Logic is greater than the self, and the self isn't needed for clear thinking. This should be apparent by anyone who uses logical reasoning...it's very not-human! They have to forget everything they assume in order to properly do it.
The ego is never gone. Least of all where self appears to be beyond conception.Leyla: If a Buddha -- as you say -- can appear yet still remain a Buddha, Buddha is the appearance of a Buddha and self/I of Buddha (and “you†as “not Buddhaâ€) is inferred. If it were not, “Guatama Buddha,†or whatever label you might ascribe to such an appearance, is as deluded a notion as “I.â€
Scott: No. The ego is a delusion, and objects are always experienced as they are. When the ego is gone, there is pure seeing.
To equate ego with delusion of self is deluded.Leyla:
The Buddha, of course, experiences the only reality -- as do we all -- but (by inference alone) is not deluded.
Scott: Says who?
The fact remains, as long as there is an ego, there is delusion. If this supposed "Buddha" has to think in order to know the truth, that one hasn't attained enlightenment. Enlightenment is effortless wisdom, meaning the enlightened doesn't have to go, "Well all compounded things are ephemeral, therefore I am enlightened." No...there's no need for reflection, because delusion is gone. Who could possibly reflect? The truth alone is experienced, and all delusion is gone...therefore, what room is there for inference?
How do you know, as an unenlightened person? For instance, what if enlightenment lay in the conscious movement through delusion, and nothing more?Leyla:
Given this, I understand how you would conclude that “every one/I†is unenlightened. But it seems the problem you face, logically, is precisely the consideration that a Buddha appears and he appears in the same way as the deluded, yet “somehow remains enlightened.â€
Scott: This isn't a problem. A Buddha is an enlightened person. I am an unenlightened person. Enlightenment is when a person has no delusion in their mind.
Leyla:
If “I†does not exist and is delusion, then so it is with the Buddha; and any of those other things (mental objects) I mentioned above.
Scott:Understanding the absolute truth, a Buddha is just as empty as a tennis ball. Yet, my mind is still deluded so that I don't experience the absolute truth. I am swept up in this world, and tossed around within it. I think that false things exist.
Where does 'buddha' disappear to? Nothing is illusion, and delusion is only ever of self, not self.Leyla:
So, the question becomes, on what logical basis is the appearance of Buddha any less deluded than the appearance of “I.â€
Scott: Buddha appears and disappears, showing himself to be part of maya. Therefore, to say "The Buddha is absolute truth" is wrong, because the absolute truth doesn't appear and disappear. Therefore, there's no reason to "believe" in a Buddha, or worship one. The Buddha just points to yourself.
The self seems to be there because the mind says, "I am thinking." However, the self is a delusion. It isn't of the same nature as a Buddha, though, because the self never appears or disappears. The mind just continues to be unenlightened, creating the self process.
So are you enlightened then after all? If no-one can see this but a buddha, why do you bother?Leyla:
What is there to point to with a Buddha that does not have an equal counterpart in “you†or “me�
Scott: A Buddha doesn't have any delusion or ignorance. However, you can't see this.
Why not?
Wrong.Logic presupposes self, without self there is no thought. All reason is human.
What does this mean? The ego is gone when you sleep.The ego is never gone. Least of all where self appears to be beyond conception.
Wrong.To equate ego with delusion of self is deluded.
Properly define enlightenment. Understand what it is exactly. An unenlightened person can do this by seeing what makes them unenlightened. Of course, they won't know what it's like to be enlightened until they become that.How do you know, as an unenlightened person? For instance, what if enlightenment lay in the conscious movement through delusion, and nothing more?
Of course the Buddha doesn't disppear, but it seems like he does when he goes away and you stop thinking about him. Like peekaboo.Where does 'buddha' disappear to? Nothing is illusion, and delusion is only ever of self, not self.
No, I'm not enlightened. I meant no one can see the Buddha's lack of delusion...just as you can't see what I'm thinking when you look at me. Pretty simple.So are you enlightened then after all? If no-one can see this but a buddha, why do you bother?
You're onto something here of course. I don't like saying it that way, though. I prefer to say that only a person who isn't deluded is a Buddha, because otherwise people will confuse what being a Buddha is.maybe we are all buddhas masquerading as deluded beings.
Fightin' words!
suergaz:
Why not?
Scott: Well, because I'm too lazy to fight.
suergaz:
Logic presupposes self, without self there is no thought. All reason is human.
Scott: Wrong.
What, and is the self too gone when you sleep? It, like the ego, is only resting, seeking in dreams.suergaz:
The ego is never gone. Least of all where self appears to be beyond conception.
Scott; What does this mean? The ego is gone when you sleep.
It could only be wrong were self-conception inherently delusion, which it is not.suergaz:
To equate ego with delusion of self is deluded.
Scott: Wrong.
Well then they haven't understood it 'exactly' then, have they.suergaz:
How do you know, as an unenlightened person? For instance, what if enlightenment lay in the conscious movement through delusion, and nothing more?
Scott: Properly define enlightenment. Understand what it is exactly. An unenlightened person can do this by seeing what makes them unenlightened. Of course, they won't know what it's like to be enlightened until they become that.
The grin of the cheshire cat shines on, as glow from sun set below the horizon. Buddha lies broad and flat as such, but his peekaboos are our own touch.suergaz:
Where does 'buddha' disappear to? Nothing is illusion, and delusion is only ever of self, not self.
Scott: Of course the Buddha doesn't disppear, but it seems like he does when he goes away and you stop thinking about him. Like peekaboo.
People fall for illusions, but not illusion, as it is nothing. Illusions are misunderstandings, whether inborn or induced.Saying "nothing is illusion" is pretty dumb, since people fall for illusions all the time. I think you should try to convey your thoughts in a more clear way, Suergaz. Using one small phrase is pretty dramatic, but if the reader doesn't get it the drama is wasted.
And I say still--then why do you bother?suergaz:
So are you enlightened then after all? If no-one can see this but a buddha, why do you bother?
Scott; No, I'm not enlightened. I meant no one can see the Buddha's lack of delusion...just as you can't see what I'm thinking when you look at me. Pretty simple.
And yet melodrama shows us it is both.It's either a Comedy or Tragedy.
Would you not say that clear thinking is the result of logic? If so, for anything logical to be apparent to any one who uses logical reasoning, that one is necessary for same to be apparent to: and it is very human. I know of no animal yet who speaks the word “I.†It is how we have distinguished ourselves.How do you know that? Logic is greater than the self, and the self isn't needed for clear thinking. This should be apparent by anyone who uses logical reasoning...it's very not-human!
They have to forget everything they assume in order to properly do it.
By being void of expectation or anticipation.How do you distinguish between illusion, delusion and reality?
This is the question of all questions that (when answered) shakes off the last bit of sleepiness.However, there is something gnawing at me regarding the idea of "piercing through itself." The enlightened mind pierces through delusion. Just "who" this enlightened mind may or may not belong to is another question altogether.
For exploratory purposes, I am going to tie this in with your idea that the Buddha is effortless wisdom and thereby conclude that -- as such an effortless manifestation of wisdom -- your assumption is that a Buddha does not need to think. I hope to address one thing that follows from this: omniscience -- the possession of all knowledge.
Since these things of inference are not ingested -- becoming a part of self -- in the same way food is ingested and becomes energy to the body, the faculty of logic is employed to gain insight into self-nature and, thus, the appearance of self. Once an individual has such an insight, yet remains interacting with the world, it is that insight that propels his wisdom -- attained through employment of logic and reason.
This is how you an tell the difference between the hucksters and the real thing. A true teacher will ALWAYS point to your own heart and mind.Buddha appears and disappears, showing himself to be part of maya. Therefore, to say "The Buddha is absolute truth" is wrong, because the absolute truth doesn't appear and disappear. Therefore, there's no reason to "believe" in a Buddha, or worship one. The Buddha just points to yourself.
It's not like I'm doing this in the middle of the street or anything. I'm at a forum that's dedicated to enlightenment. The logic isn't flawed. It's clear that the definition of enlightenment is an absence of delusion. It should be clear by the word itself. I'm telling people that probably think they're enlightened or special, that they aren't because they haven't seen through the filtering factor of "me".You've got this flawed logic going scott.
You say you are unenlightened.
You say you know what enlightenment isn't which implies that you know what enlightenment is.
Then you run about telling people they are unenlightened.
Why would I use it as a way to feel better than other people...if I'm saying that I'm not enlightened either? Wouldn't it be easier if I just said I was enlightened, and then tell them how they're wrong? No, I don't do that because I don't have some weird hidden agenda, such as making others feel insufficient, so I tell the truth and say I'm unenlightened as well.You've pulled this stunt several times on different people.
It's kinda like a Weapon you use...it's a one-trick pony kinda thing...you punish Others with it: 'You are not enlightened'....and then you try to cover your arse from a kickback by saying: 'Neither am I'...
Of course I'm hooked up in a language loop. That's what happens when you try to communicate things. My language loop is about properly defining things, such as enlightenment. It's also about seeing the implications of those definitions in your life.You've got yourself 'hooked up' in a Language Loop...it's a miniscript event that is based on I'm not OK...so...You're not OK...
You think it's a 'powerful' thing to do...
I don't see why you'd get money for this. Of course, people fall for stupid things all the time.I usually get 'good bucks' sorting out people's Language Loops so what's your Credit Card details please...
It's not that funny that you are taking people's money for doing this. Of course, it may be to you...until someone gets pissed off when they realize that what you do isn't that special and decides to take their money back by force.It's Hilarious.
It's good to know what other people have said about these topics that we discuss here. It gives more clarity for us. Seeing it from a number of different "language loops", so that we get a full picture of whatever we're discussing....you've got the tharpa script of rushing off to libraries, pulling Script Language from Buddha Books and reifying it on Bulletin Boards....what would that be...Journalist.
Not really...reading and studying gets pretty boring actually.It's Hilarious.
A warpath commanche...wow. That must be pretty funny if you see it that way....you've got Leyla, stampeding like a Warpath Commanche...attacking...the lack of clarity of thought...which basically amounts to attacking a person where the 'clarity of thought' gets lost somewhere.
It's Hilarious.
Good. Laughing seems better than crying.The precious antics of Ego.
My Script is 'it's Hilarious'...
It's either a Comedy or Tragedy.
for me it's Comedy.
Why do I bother telling people here that they're unenlightened? Because I would like to have been told this everytime I said "I must be enlightened".And I say still--then why do you bother?
It can be. It needs insight as well, though...satoris. A person can think and think, but the understanding has to come in order for the person to go "Aha!".Would you not say that clear thinking is the result of logic?
Do you know of any animals who speak at all? Watch animals for a while and tell me if they don't see the world through a self. Perhaps amoebas or something don't have a self, but I'm sure they don't experience much, either.If so, for anything logical to be apparent to any one who uses logical reasoning, that one is necessary for same to be apparent to: and it is very human. I know of no animal yet who speaks the word “I.†It is how we have distinguished ourselves.
That seems to be the case...but I don't know since I'm unenlightened.For exploratory purposes, I am going to tie this in with your idea that the Buddha is effortless wisdom and thereby conclude that -- as such an effortless manifestation of wisdom -- your assumption is that a Buddha does not need to think.
I don't understand this. Food?I hope to address one thing that follows from this: omniscience -- the possession of all knowledge.
Since these things of inference are not ingested -- becoming a part of self -- in the same way food is ingested and becomes energy to the body, the faculty of logic is employed to gain insight into self-nature and, thus, the appearance of self. Once an individual has such an insight, yet remains interacting with the world, it is that insight that propels his wisdom -- attained through employment of logic and reason.
There is a difference between the two, but I don't know about your definitions.Knowledge, of course, is not the same as wisdom. It is indeed knowledge that requires assumptions, whilst wisdom works through them.
Exactly...that's what enlightenment is.Such a manifestation -- effortless wisdom -- would indeed be that of no delusion.
We have to find out for ourselves what it's like to be enlightened.It seems to promise a sort of omniscience, without the monotheistic God fantasy. Still, the manifestation of “effortless wisdom†is on the order of frank’s script ethos, with one difference: it is always revelatory (rather than "hilarious") in nature. How, though, do we come about with the effortless aspect if not to identify and encapsulate such revelations as consistently emanating from a single, individual and separate source to oneself?
Enlightenment isn't experiencing the world through the things you've learned...that's just knowledge. Like you said, wisdom and knowledge are different.Otherwise, your Buddha -- your effortless wisdom -- would simply be the sum or continuity of wisdom you have gleaned/are gleaning without any identifiable source.
A Buddha is a piece of the puzzle that realizes the puzzle. That realization doesn't take away the fact that the Buddha is a piece of the puzzle. Lets say that all of existence is God, and when one person realizes God, it's as if God is realizing himself. It's not as if the world implodes then, destroying this person who is realizing God. Rather, the world continues and learns about reality from the realizer.In that sense only can I understand the manner in which you deny that “Buddha†is on the same order of inference as “Iâ€; yet he still appears even here at least as the non-deluded division of self against the deluded.
Yes, I'm not saying thinking is impossible for a Buddha. It seems that enlightened beings do think, since they still function in the world. I don't know for sure, though.Just as wisdom would be effortless for the Buddha, thinking would be just as effortless.
How would you know..if you're unenlightened.I'm telling people that probably think they're enlightened or special, that they aren't because they haven't seen through the filtering factor of "me".
You're right that you're either enlightened or not. You may be right that my logic is flawed. If it is, show me where. If a person isn't enlightened, can they talk about what enlightenment is and be correct? Yes, why not?You're either enlightened or not...your Logic is flawed...if you're not enlightened then your comments about it are unenlightened.
I can tell how people are by the way they live. By the way they post things on this forum. You can do it, too. I'm sure it's easy to see that I'm unenlightened. Of course this is just judging someone, but it can be pretty accurate if you know what to look for.How would you know..if you're unenlightened.
Why would I want to do that?You just want to tell people that they are conmen or something.
Point out something illogical. Tell me where I don't know what I'm talking about.You comment away in an illogical structure of Language about things you don't know about.
I guess until the point is clear.Think about it.
How long will you spend doing this kind of thing?
I actually spoke very little, and failed to make sense only once, where I let you have a bit of buddha. I can't help but suspect sickness where ego is not found healthy. Telling people they're anything is rather stupid when one is appreciative of what is possible in play and encouragement, let alone leaving the question of enlightenment open. It seems like you want freedom from danger! It's not like you, or at least not how I remember 'Voce Io'.Suergaz spoke a lot and only made sense once,
Quote:
And I say still--then why do you bother?
Why do I bother telling people here that they're unenlightened? Because I would like to have been told this everytime I said "I must be enlightened".
Why do I continue on with this enlightenment stuff? Because it's the one thing that gets me going. It's obviously all that I care about.
Nope, I thought that was the point I was making.Do you know of any animals who speak at all?
Watch animals for a while and tell me if they don't see the world through a self.
If self is delusion, does that make an amoeba enlightened?Perhaps amoebas or something don't have a self, but I'm sure they don't experience much, either.