Any living enlightened Master?
-
If you haven't wept deeply, you haven't begun to meditate.
- Ajahn Chah
/\
-
During his lifetime, Sri Chinmoy wrote quite a few plays about the lives of many great Masters, amongst them, Lord Buddha. Welcome to the plays of Sri Chinmoy:
http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/books/0028
-
Very often, Sri Chinmoy would ask his students to perform many of his plays. Here are more plays:
http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/plays/
-
What makes Sri Chinmoy enlightened? What makes you regard him as so? What's your yardstick? Care to share?
-
What makes him enlightened?
His wisdom. His wisdom comes from his realization. This, no one can bluff. He writes extraordinarily. He used the simplest words to describe something very deep and profound. This I don't find in any other writing elsewhere. For example:
The Absolute
No mind, no form, I only exist;
Now ceased all will and thought;
The final end of Nature's dance,
I am it whom I have sought.A realm of Bliss bare, ultimate;
Beyond both knower and known;
A rest immense I enjoy at last;
I face the One alone.I have crossed the secret ways of life,
I have become the Goal.
The Truth immutable is revealed;
I am the way, the God-Soul.My spirit aware of all the heights,
I am mute in the core of the Sun.
I barter nothing with time and deeds;
My cosmic play is done.poem by Sri Chinmoy
http://www.srichinmoypoetry.com/library/my_flute/the_absolute/
Which other teacher has written about other Masters as if he knows them personally?
His meditation~ He can teach or transfer his meditation to someone without saying a single word, literally, without saying one single word.
Some would have read the phase somewhere: "One drop of water entering into the ocean." But have you personally experienced becoming a drop of water entering into an ocean of cosmic energy? I did.
Many of his students comes from other religions and he encouraged them to remain in their religions while learning meditation with him. He said that there can not be only one savior in this world. There are many Masters and they are all great in their own ways. This I believe and so do many here, but I have never encounter any other teacher who has said the same thing as if they know it is true not only by reasoning but by actual realization.
He has done many extraordinary things that are not humanly possible. Just because you have never encountered him yourself, it is difficult for me to write because it will only be my words.
-
So for you it is Bhakti, with devotion to "I' as Brahman.
-
Have faith in yourself that you too can realize what Sri Chinmoy wrote in his poem. It is not that difficult.
-
http://www.kirtimukha.com/surfings/Cogitation/great_faith.htm
Great Faith, Great Doubt
On the pull between faith and doubt that can spark awakening - by a Zen teacher
Most of the work in Zen practice takes place while sitting zazen
because, in reality,
there’s nothing anyone can give us.
There’s nothing that we lack;
each one of us is perfect and complete.That’s why it is said that
there are no Zen teachers and nothing to teach.But this truth must be realized by each one of us.
Great faith, great doubt, and great determination
are three essentials for that realization.
Great faith is the boundless faith in oneself and
in one's ability to realize oneself and make oneself free;
great doubt is the deep and penetrating doubt that asks:Who am I?
What is life?
What is truth?
What is God?
What is reality?Great faith and great doubt are in dynamic tension with each other;
they work to provide the real cutting edge of koan practice.When great faith and great doubt are also accompanied by great determination --
the determination of “seven times knocked down, eight times up” --
we have at our disposal the power necessary
to break through our delusive way of thinking
and realize the full potential of our lives. John Daido Loori
-
Originally posted by Urdhaytb:
What makes him enlightened?
His wisdom. His wisdom comes from his realization. This, no one can bluff. He writes extraordinarily. He used the simplest words to describe something very deep and profound. This I don't find in any other writing elsewhere. For example:
The Absolute
No mind, no form, I only exist;
Now ceased all will and thought;
The final end of Nature's dance,
I am it whom I have sought.A realm of Bliss bare, ultimate;
Beyond both knower and known;
A rest immense I enjoy at last;
I face the One alone.I have crossed the secret ways of life,
I have become the Goal.
The Truth immutable is revealed;
I am the way, the God-Soul.My spirit aware of all the heights,
I am mute in the core of the Sun.
I barter nothing with time and deeds;
My cosmic play is done.poem by Sri Chinmoy
http://www.srichinmoypoetry.com/library/my_flute/the_absolute/
Which other teacher has written about other Masters as if he knows them personally?
His meditation~ He can teach or transfer his meditation to someone without saying a single word, literally, without saying one single word.
Some would have read the phase somewhere: "One drop of water entering into the ocean." But have you personally experienced becoming a drop of water entering into an ocean of cosmic energy? I did.
Many of his students comes from other religions and he encouraged them to remain in their religions while learning meditation with him. He said that there can not be only one savior in this world. There are many Masters and they are all great in their own ways. This I believe and so do many here, but I have never encounter any other teacher who has said the same thing as if they know it is true not only by reasoning but by actual realization.
He has done many extraordinary things that are not humanly possible. Just because you have never encountered him yourself, it is difficult for me to write because it will only be my words.
I find it with California Zen Master Adyashanti, there is a video of Adyashanti
on this website, not saying anything, just 5 whole mins of looking at you.
But you will feel something from his pure gaze.
His written articles are lovely words. His videos is captivating.
There is a great space
in which this moment takes space
There is a great silence
that is listening to the thoughts ~~ Adyashanti
-
Enlightenment or realization does not come from book knowledge but actual cultivation though practice of meditation and other deep spiritual cultivation. Lord Buddha is a good example. Book knowledge cannot bring enlightenment or realization. It's like learning to swim by reading a book manual without entering into the water. It is impossible for anyone to know how to swim just from book knowledge alone. And even without a book, one can still learn how to swim.
ok...i'm thinking know how to swim also need a road map(sutra knowledge by Buddha), to find the "isle of Nirvana" per se. :) like without a direction, keep swimming in circle also no use. like during Buddha's time, there are many india meditators in the past, who can also "swim" (meditate) very well. but all they can realise is until formless realms.
also i learn in term of ch'an school's goal which is 大彻大悟, 明心�性, Realization of the True Mark, is equivalent to pureland school's �一心�亂, non-confusion based on noumenon aspect. Master Hui Neng reached 明心�性, Realization of the True Mark, hence His insight is no different from Buddha. Realize already also need to practice 悟�起修 so as to gain experience to add on to one's realisation.
and in term of theory school's goal which is 大开圆解, Great Complete Realisation, and Esoteric goal is base on 三密相应, The prefection of Body, speech and mind(?), are also equivalent to the above attainment.
all and all, one need Right meditation of the The Noble Eightfold Path:-
8. Right Meditation
Meditation means the gradual process of training the mind to focus on a single object and to remain fixed upon the object without wavering. The constant practice of meditation helps one to develop a clam and concentrated mind and help to prepare one for the attainment of Wisdom and Enlightenment ultimately.
http://web.singnet.com.sg/~alankhoo/Eight.htm
/\
-
Originally posted by An Eternal Now:
By the way, I hope you do understand that enlightenment is not reserved for superhumans or great beings. And I hope every single Buddhist should aim for enlightenment in this life - it is truly possible.
Ordinary people like you and me can and do get enlightened.
There are enlightened people even in this forum.
I heard you say this (we can all be enlightened) more than once... but I really do wonder about a person like myself with still so many defilements. I feel it might take a few lifetimes, unless I aim for Pureland. Don't know why I think like that, but I feel like a sinner.
It's heartening to hear that there are living enlightened beings, but just wondering if maybe they cultivated for many lifetimes, and that's why they achieved it this time round. I read bits and pieces about your realizations (your writing is lengthy, haha) and I cannot help but wonder maybe you practised well in previous incarnations, and that's why you can realize quickly now despite your young age.
-
" That’s why it is said that
there are no Zen teachers and nothing to teach.But this truth must be realized by each one of us."
My reply to the above.
Every time I read things like this, I can't have but feel puzzled. If there is no Zen Masters and nothing to teach,
then why did Buddha gain his enlightenment and came out to preach?
We need an instructor when we want to learn how to drive, or read or write, why is it that we don't need a
teacher if we want to realize the Truth? To realize the Truth is 10,000 times more different than the most
difficult subject on earth.
I am really sad when I read something like that, because it is very very misleading. It mislead people to think that
they can just be their own teacher and realise the truth themsleves. Unless we are like Prince Siddhatha who had
the great capacity to reach the Goal by himself, not having a teacher for Enlightenment is simply unthinkable.
Why did Buddha existed in the first placed? Why did Lord Jesus came? We all need a teacher, let's be realistic.
Realization is not as easy as we think. If it is, we would have a very peaceful earth by now. Yes, we all have the
capacity to reach the Goal. But we needed a guide in order to save time. Otherwise we will be going in circles
round and round making unforced error repeatively lifetime after lifetime.
-
Weychin asked: how do I regard Sri Chinmoy as an enlightened Master.
My answer:
As I pondered deep into the question, I realized that nobody who is not enlightened himself can claim another person to be enlightened. Simply because it takes one Master to know another Master.
In the case of Lord Buddha ; who, during Buddha's lifetime, claimed him to be an enlightened Master? Who, during Lord Jesus' time claimed Jesus to be one with God? It was they themselves who came to the fore and announced their true spiritual stature to their people.
In the case Sri Chinmoy, it was he who told the world that he realized God at the age of 12. Now was that true? Well, we can only examined his words against his actions to prove that.
A true Master will always be the one who walk the talk. Whatever he say is possible, he better show it, and for this, Sri Chinmoy passed with flying colors. Here is how it goes......(next post)
-
His words:
Sri Chinmoy: "I do not give up, I never give up. For there is nothing in this entire world that is irrevocably unchangeable."
His actions:
How he inspired his students:
YouTube - Never Give Up 3100 mile Race
His wisdom :
http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/books/0918/2/2
His music:
http://www.srichinmoysongs.com/
http://www.radiosrichinmoy.org/radio/330
His arts:
His visions on world harmony :
the list goes on....
-
Originally posted by Urdhaytb:
His words:
Sri Chinmoy: "I do not give up, I never give up. For there is nothing in this entire world that is irrevocably unchangeable."
His actions:
How he inspired his students:
YouTube - Never Give Up 3100 mile Race
His wisdom :
http://www.srichinmoylibrary.com/books/0918/2/2
His music:
http://www.srichinmoysongs.com/
http://www.radiosrichinmoy.org/radio/330
His arts:
His visions on world harmony :
the list goes on....
How about his sex scandal? Ever think about it? It doesn't bother u?
-
every age has their philosophies of enlightenments and shares with the posterity...
today, enlightenment is to en-lighten oneself from marriage
-
testing...
-
Originally posted by Urdhaytb:
" That’s why it is said that
there are no Zen teachers and nothing to teach.But this truth must be realized by each one of us."
My reply to the above.
Every time I read things like this, I can't have but feel puzzled. If there is no Zen Masters and nothing to teach,
then why did Buddha gain his enlightenment and came out to preach?
We need an instructor when we want to learn how to drive, or read or write, why is it that we don't need a
teacher if we want to realize the Truth? To realize the Truth is 10,000 times more different than the most
difficult subject on earth.
I am really sad when I read something like that, because it is very very misleading. It mislead people to think that
they can just be their own teacher and realise the truth themsleves. Unless we are like Prince Siddhatha who had
the great capacity to reach the Goal by himself, not having a teacher for Enlightenment is simply unthinkable.
Why did Buddha existed in the first placed? Why did Lord Jesus came? We all need a teacher, let's be realistic.
Realization is not as easy as we think. If it is, we would have a very peaceful earth by now. Yes, we all have the
capacity to reach the Goal. But we needed a guide in order to save time. Otherwise we will be going in circles
round and round making unforced error repeatively lifetime after lifetime.
I think you of all people needs a Zen master, or one of those "crazy wisdom" types to jolt your from you attachment to the form. You need to let go of your"right view", everybody needs that too. For, as we let go each of our notion, only then will we realize the the impermanence and the absurdity of our past notions. One way of putting it, bungeeing, you have heard of it, possibly imagined it , but for all your suppositions, you have never done it. Now, you seek the jumpmaster, the reason you see him is because he is in the business of bungee jumping. he can prep you, psych you and tell you you won't get a refund if you don't jump. The point is this, the jump master, no matter how many times he jumped, can only help you jump, and only when you jump, can you experience "jumping".He can't experience for you. Letting go is similiar, only less dramatic. Going through and letting go is part of realising. -
Anyway, prior to your posting, I've never heard of Sri Chimoy, here are some links:- http://www.rickross.com/groups/srichinmoy.html http://www.religiondispatches.org/books/1427/growing_up_cult:_a_memoir_of_life_with_sri_chinmoy http://www.cultnews.com/?cat=132 I am not passing any judgements, too soon, too little now.
-
Originally posted by Weychin:
Anyway, prior to your posting, I’ve never heard of Sri Chimoy, here are some links:- http://www.rickross.com/groups/srichinmoy.html
http://www.religiondispatches.org/books/1427/gr…
http://www.cultnews.com/?cat=132
I am not passing any judgements, too soon, too little now.
Similar behavorial patterns of a cult leader. Remind me of Lu Sheng Yen, the cult founder of True Buddha School. He is multi-billionare too but some of his former masters are living in old folk's homes or wheel-chair bound. Despite following a living Buddha, the disciples are left to die poor. -
YouTube - Sri Chinmoy at the Kamakura Buddha Part 1
Celebration of the Life of Sri Chinmoy — Sri Chinmoy Centre News
http://www.srichinmoy.org/sri-chinmoy-1931-2007/tributes-to-sri-chinmoy/
http://www.srichinmoy.org/kind_words/spiritual_tributes
Please use your heart's wisdom-light to discrete this Master. With these, I rest my case.
-
Originally posted by Weychin:
Anyway, prior to your posting, I’ve never heard of Sri Chimoy, here are some links:- http://www.rickross.com/groups/srichinmoy.html
http://www.religiondispatches.org/books/1427/gr…
http://www.cultnews.com/?cat=132
I am not passing any judgements, too soon, too little now.Wow... opened a can of worms!
There has been something that I wanted to say but withheld because I thought it would be quite hard for someone who has deep faith in a master to swallow or accept or believe.
But... Sri Chinmoy's insight is only at the I AM level (stage 1 and 2) of Thusness/PasserBy's Seven Stages of Enlightenment - it is not yet the realization of Anatta (Stage 5) and Shunyata (Stage 6).
At the I AM level, one sees oneself as a formless all-pervading presence. But further insights into the empty (note: not formless) nature of presence has not arisen. I have been through the I AM phase and progressed beyond it now, so I know and recognize it in someone else.
In Buddhism, only when you realized Anatta and Shunyata do you enter the maggas of Arhat (the four stages to Arhatship) or bhumis of Bodhisattva and become enlightened beings (aryas). The I AM realization phase is nevertheless important.
-
Originally posted by realization:
I heard you say this (we can all be enlightened) more than once... but I really do wonder about a person like myself with still so many defilements. I feel it might take a few lifetimes, unless I aim for Pureland. Don't know why I think like that, but I feel like a sinner.
It's heartening to hear that there are living enlightened beings, but just wondering if maybe they cultivated for many lifetimes, and that's why they achieved it this time round. I read bits and pieces about your realizations (your writing is lengthy, haha) and I cannot help but wonder maybe you practised well in previous incarnations, and that's why you can realize quickly now despite your young age.
Many defilements is natural and unavoidable before enlightenment
Prior to sotapanna stage, everybody has 10 defilements.
Prior to sakadagami stage, everyone has at least 7 defilements
Prior to anagami stage, everyone has at least 7 defilements but 2 are weakened after attaining sakadagami
Prior to Arhat stage, everyone has at least 5 defilements.
After arhat, no more defilements.
In the Bodhisattva bhumi stages, they also have a rather similar model where defilements are gradually removed.
If you don't have defilements to begin with, something is very wrong.
If think you don't have defilements, you just aren't seeing clearly.
If you don't have defilements, why bother to practice in the first place?
Have confidence that this life is enough to become enlightened whether or not you practiced before or not. And if you are reading this and have an interest in this, chances are you probably have certain karmic conditions there.
In the Mahasatipatthana sutta, the Buddha said that those who practices the four foundations of mindfulness attains Anagami or Arhatship in 7 days, much less 7 months or 7 years. In the commentaries, it further explains that those of low calibre attains that in 7 years, those of high calibre attains in 7 days.
I am very low calibre already, I have not attained insight in 7 days, and I have not even attained Anagami or Arhatship.
Insight shouldn't take more than 7 years if one has the proper teaching, view, technique, etc.
Basic point I want to point out: you don't remove afflictions (in fact: can't) in order to end ignorance, you end ignorance via realization in order to remove afflictions.
-
The old monk told the young scholar : the cup is already full, my dear friend, you can't pour anymore tea inside the cup. Since you think you already knew so much, what can I teach you?
-
One day an old elephant walked into the market place. Nearby, a pack of dogs saw the elephant coming, they started barking. The elephant continue his way into the market place ignoring the dogs. The dogs keeping barking, but they can't stop the elephant from going into the market. The elephant know how strong he is, so there is no need for him to fight back.
