The weirdest thing is that those who have experienced these moments for themselves, know what they are talking about and basically say the same, only in different words from different cultures.
The followers of the awakened ones don't know how quickly to turn the teachings of these people into a dogmatised, rigid belief system.
A while ago I saw an interview with the Dalai Lama, where they asked him if he was enlightened.
"Me ? No..."
At that moment I was somewhat surprised by my reaction, actually being disappointed with his honesty. Now I start to wonder, what the difinition of enlightenment is. I like "awakened" better.
I don't care if the Dalai Lama is awakened or not anymore. I know that he is living to be the best he is, and if this is it, what more can I expect from him.
He is an example for all, and that is an increadibly high standard to live by, especially when he really hasn't awakened.
More importantly, I was trying to make a religion out of the Dalai Lama, when I should have tried to follow his example and live by it.
Only those really deeply touched and awakened by the teachers see the real truth, the real beauty of their words, because they experienced that which the words are pointing at. They too can become teachers, unlike those who claim to have awakened, and try to teach from the incomplete being known as "self" or "ego". Unfortunately all belief systems are taken over by ego after a while, and the signs are easy to identify. A search for power, large sums of money being charged, sexually frustrated "teachers", rules, a firm belief in the "fact" that they are the only true religion, and many more examples can be found. We can only become awakened when we stop believing, and start experiencing, or as the Buddha said, " Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense. "
I take great comfort from the fact that no matter the rigid belief system these people were born in, the experience is the same for all people who awaken.
The Universal Truth is of a higher purpose than dogma, and will transcend it effortlessly, without struggle or effort.
All we have to do is know the nature of the Self. I am searching in the same direction Keith, and I feel blessed to be surrounded by people all over the world who look for the same.
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