Poll: Are you enlightened?

[Eddi]

1) Are you an enlightened being?

I'm not but I'd like to be

But here's the question: 2) What does it mean to be enlightened????

Personally, I think it means to have a strong command of a certain religion or philosophy

To do this I am reading both scripture and books

3) Does anyone have a better definition?

 

[Orbit]

I prefer the Buddhist conception of "enlightened". Having given up attachments etc.

 

[The Hammer]

Other? I don't know, or think it's important to label myself as.

 

[The Sum of Awe]

I prefer the Buddhist conception of "enlightened". Having given up attachments etc.

Since this is in Religious Debates I'd like to debate this idea. The concept of giving up attachments. I want to make sure I understand what you mean by saying this, though. I also think it's a good thing to not be 'attached' but many take this too far and become too complacent in life, not striving for anything. What are your thoughts?

 

[Heyo]

3) Does anyone have a better definition?

 

[JustGeorge]

I put no, and I'm happy with it, but that doesn't really sum up my feelings on it.

No, I'm not, and its okay that I'm not right now, but I hope to be one day. I think just going through the normal trials of life will help me get there, and I'm not seeking out ways to expediate it at this time. It will happen when its meant to.

 

[The Sum of Awe]

I have an idea of what it means to be enlightened, but it's hard to put into words. But the guaranteed way to know if you're enlightened is if you know you'll be content with the life you've lived in the moment of death.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

No, that is why we have replication in science and why you always check the books for further insight.
To do what Kant suggest is to run wild in one's own thoughts. Always check your thinking against other people's thinking and understanding.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

I have an idea of what it means to be enlightened, but it's hard to put into words. But the guaranteed way to know if you're enlightened is if you know you'll be content with the life you've lived in the moment of death.

But being content is in some views not the same as enlightened.

 

[JDMS]

I put no, and I'm happy with it, but that doesn't really sum up my feelings on it.

No, I'm not, and its okay that I'm not right now, but I hope to be one day. I think just going through the normal trials of life will help me get there, and I'm not seeking out ways to expediate it at this time. It will happen when its meant to.

This is how I feel as well

 

[The Hammer]

But being content is in some views not the same as enlightened.

I disagree, it's exactly the same. Serenity with Life, and Death.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

I disagree, it's exactly the same. Serenity with Life, and Death.

Well, yes. I hold that view too. But to others it is to use only objective reason, logic and evidence.

 

[The Sum of Awe]

Well, yes. I hold that view too. But to others it is to use only objective reason, logic and evidence.

What good is objective reason, logic, and evidence if you die unhappy? There's so many ways to achieve happiness at death, logic and reason are helpful along this path but I wouldn't say they're the only things to live for, not for me at least.

 

[Orbit]

Since this is in Religious Debates I'd like to debate this idea. The concept of giving up attachments. I want to make sure I understand what you mean by saying this, though. I also think it's a good thing to not be 'attached' but many take this too far and become too complacent in life, not striving for anything. What are your thoughts?

Any idea taken to the extreme is counter-productive. It's meant to be taken in a "middle way" kind of sense I think.

 

[Twilight Hue]

1) Are you an enlightened being?

I'm not but I'd like to be

But here's the question: 2) What does it mean to be enlightened????

Personally, I think it means to have a strong command of a certain religion or philosophy

To do this I am reading both scripture and books

3) Does anyone have a better definition?

Why would anyone want to lug that old thing around?

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

What good is objective reason, logic, and evidence if you die unhappy? There's so many ways to achieve happiness at death, logic and reason are helpful along this path but I wouldn't say they're the only things to live for, not for me at least.

Yeah, we agree. But there is also the other version. Each to their own.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

Any idea taken to the extreme is counter-productive. It's meant to be taken in a "middle way" kind of sense I think.

That one can also be found in Greek philosophy.

 

[Heyo]

No, that is why we have replication in science and why you always check the books for further insight.
To do what Kant suggest is to run wild in one's own thoughts. Always check your thinking against other people's thinking and understanding.

Again trying to argue the definition with the one who (basically) invented it?
And you didn't get what Kant is saying here. He isn't arguing against checking your ideas against others peoples. He says you have to have an original idea first.

 

[Secret Chief]

Yes.
No.
Yes and no.
Neither yes or no.

That should just about cover it.

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

Again trying to argue the definition with the one who (basically) invented it?
And you didn't get what Kant is saying here. He isn't arguing against checking your ideas against others peoples. He says you have to have an original idea first.

Okay, but that is hard, because in effect only a few humans will be able to do that. But what is the point of that other than some had an original idea.