Quote:
Originally Posted by ArthurHung  The person who wrote the Tao Te Ching would fit my description of enlightenment, though I feel that is something different from no fear/ unconditional love--which again, I think can be achieved by someone with a lower level of consciousness. To my knowledge he didn't have a relationship.
Isn't attachment to any form of feeling a step back from enlightenment? Therefore I would argue that if Buddha had a relationship, at that time, he wasn't enlightened. |
Well, according to Hawkins & well.. Gandhi. Hmm. How do I put this?
Yes Unconditional Love according to Hawkins is a progression from 500-599 where there is still association with Form (correct me if I'm wrong people!) whereas at 600 the beginning of Enlightenment form is transcended. If you read the workbook from Course in Miracles you will see very quickly the way of thinking at 600 is very different. I can barely digest half of it. The Tao te Ching which I've read is very similar & in the 600's if I'm correct. So you're right.. Love is achievable. Hawkins himself has said Unconditional Love is an achievable state by many people. Enlightenment is a little more up there.
It is possible to be unattached & not have to completely detach. In my opinion it is much easier to leave the world to transcend it than to remain in the world working your job, taking care of your kids... & still manage to transcend it by remain unattached to pleasure/pains of various things. Gandhi was married & had several children. Ascetism in its various forms (such as abstaining from sex) is helpful to break attachments at various points (I have not done this really. Look at my shoe collection.) but it is possible I think to be unattached. I was confused about this too as I studied buddhism years ago but none of it made much sense.
& btw, I'm married. No kids. But anyways, I have found that my love for my husband is different from my love for Source/God/Allah/whatever you call it. That is the love I am currently trying to apply to all people regardless. I don't find the love I have for my husband as conflicting but actually an expression of the bigger love. I hope this makes sense.
However, I've met a lot of people who think they are in love who are actually infatuated with their spouses. They feel unable to cope with life without them & there's actual panic attacks I've seen due to separations (I'm a military wife). Anyways! That is very different because its a high level of attachment to their spouse. To be honest, I think it is harder to remain loving in a relationship where one normally has a TON of expectations.
Heh. Having an enlightened relationship is like running a marathon
So difficult but worth it because everyday is an opportunity for spiritual growth.