Anyone read "Spiritual Enlightenment, The Damnedest Thing"?

[crispini]

by Jed McKenna?

I just finished it, it's quite the bucket of cold water. I'm actually quite bowled over by it... not entirely sure what to think at this point (and thus, a trip to DU, haha!)

Anyway, I don't think I've ever come by here before (although I've been meaning to). :hi: ya'll!

[NMDemDist2]

1. hi and welcome

:hi:

never heard of it? what's the main thrust?

[crispini]

2. Well, I've always been very interested in

attaining enlightenment. Anyway, McKenna says he's attained enlightenment, and he totally distinguishes between enlightenment and peak spiritual experiences like feeling one with the universe and all that. And he basically debunks all spiritual paths as a way of attaining enlightenment.

I'm still feeling like I've been slapped upside the head, spiritually speaking.

I may have to go read it again. :D

[NMDemDist2]

3. and what is "enlightenment" like for McKenna? n/t

[crispini]

4. Here's a quote:

"Enlightenment isn't when you go there, it's when there comes here. It's not a place you visit and then remember wistfully and try to return to. It's not a visit to the truth, it's the awakeninig of truth within you. It's not a fleeting state of consciousness, it's permanent truth-realization; abiding non-dual awareness." (p.4)

[Michael Sharp]

5. well I'd

agree with that. esp. the abiding non-dual awareness part.

Is it hard to achieve according to this fellow?

ms

[NMDemDist2]

6. i was hoping you'd check in on this one MS

Merry Christmas, Soulful Solstice, Peace and Blessings :hi:

[crispini]

7. Well, on the one hand he says that he did it in about two years,

and has a student of his, every year or so, do the same.

On the other hand-- here's a quote, he's talking about his technique; he says, "Just write down what you know is true, or what you think is true, and keep writing until you come up with something that IS true... start examining the foundation upon which the statement is built and just keep following it down until you've reached bedrock... It's actually a painful and vicious process, somewhat akin to self-mutilation. It creates wounds that will never heal and burns bridges that can never be rebuilt and the only real reason to do it is because you can no longer stand not to."

There's another good quote, but I can't find it right this moment.... more later...

[Michael Sharp]

8. i think this guy

did it the wrong way.

enlightenment is a process of healing all wounds and mending all bridges. It is the process of returning to the awareness of unity and the bliss of consciousness where we recognize the foolishness of duality and the illusions of seperation. Although many people find it arduous it does not have to be. There are some difficult road bumps (e.g., confronting fears) but, when you get right down to it, the process is really one of REMEMBERING WHO YOU ARE.

you may want to check out the ascension threads. does anybody have those original links? I've lost them

ms

[NMDemDist2]

9. here is a link to thread 10 and it links to the rest

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=245&topic_id=479&mesg_id=479

[Matariki]

10. ah, everyone wants to denounce the other guy

why is that?

[Gin]

11. Enlightenment is a process of self understanding....once we understand

ourselves.... we can understand others. Once we have learned to love ourselves...then....we can truly love others...the words "do no harm" become a way of life with enlightnement.

We are such fascinating beings. Once we start looking inward...nothing is as exciting and interesting after we start to discover how we have been masters of (self)deception and academy award winning actors and actresses. Who needs movies and plays? We are living and acting in our own! :)

Enlightenment is our pathway to "returning to our prototype." (IMHO)

Happy Holidays!

[NMDemDist2]

12. well put

Happy Holidays to all!