dhawalbanker

 Let's explore the concepts of Enlightenment, Liberation, and Moksha in the context of our previous discussion about consciousness and dis-identification. These terms, while sometimes used interchangeably, carry nuanced meanings that reflect a profound shift in one's understanding of reality. They all point toward a state of freedom from suffering and a deep realization of one's true nature. 1. Enlightenment (Bodhi): Meaning: "Enlightenment" often refers to a sudden or gradual awakening to the true nature of reality. It's the realization that one is not the limited self (ego, mind, body), but rather the infinite, unchanging consciousness. It's a moment of clarity where the illusions that have clouded perception dissolve, revealing the underlying unity of all things. In Buddhist traditions, it's often associated with the "Bodhi" or awakening of the Buddha. Connection to our discussion: Enlightenment is the direct experience of the sh...

The apparent conflict between absolute freedom and ethical conduct. The Ashtavakra Gita and the desire to live a clean, ethical life seem, at first glance, to be at odds. Here's a breakdown to help reconcile these concepts: Understanding the Ashtavakra Gita's Freedom: Focus on the Self: The Ashtavakra Gita primarily emphasizes the nature of the Self (Atman) as pure consciousness, beyond the limitations of the body, mind, and ego. The "freedom" it speaks of is liberation from the illusion of these limitations. It's a freedom from the sense of being a separate, limited individual bound by desires and fears. Transcending Duality: It aims to transcend the dualities of right and wrong, good and evil, by realizing the oneness of all existence. This doesn't necessarily mean abandoning ethical behavior, but rather understanding that those constructs are within the realm of the mind. The nature of "doing": The Gita points out that the true self...

The goal isn't to completely indulge or eliminate desires or emotions. They're part of the human experience. The goal is to free yourself from the identification with them, to recognize that you are the consciousness that's aware of them. Explanation: This is crucial for a balanced understanding. We're not trying to become emotionless robots. Emotions and desires are part of what makes us human. However, when we identify with them, we become slaves to them . We're constantly chasing after desires and trying to avoid unpleasant emotions. By dis-identifying, we gain freedom . We can experience emotions and desires without being controlled by them. We can choose how to respond to them, rather than reacting automatically. It is like a person that knows how to swim, and a person that does not. both people are in the water. The person that knows how to swim, can enjoy the water, and go where they want. The person that does not know how to swim, is at the mercy of t...