We all know the Buddha claimed to be enlightened. And most claim in that same regard, Jesus was too. Buddha described it as an end to suffering, Jesus saw it as salvation.
I know it's an apples to oranges comparison, but many who claim to be enlightened say that everyone is capable of this. Along with the process comes compassion, forgiveness, lasting happiness, gratitude for all life, and really every positive emotion without any of the negatives.
So how do you guys feel about the concept?
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[–] middle_path [S] 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
What about Buddhism. It's inherently atheistic and sees what the Buddha taught as practical life advice for happiness.
Nothing is being sold there.
[–] Reddiggoat ago
I think there is a major difference in trying to change ones self for the better and trying to emulate changes you've perceived others to make. I also think there is a big difference in bettering ones self and trying to reach a plateau or marker of bestness (or enlightenment). Maybe buddhism doesn't sell their version, but many other religions make a ton of profit off this idea.
I also believe negative emotions can be very beneficial to helping build life the way you want it. Kind of like a "without evil there can be no good" kind of thing, "bad" emotions will contrast the "good" and you're able to make personal decisions of likes and dislikes of the actions of others around you. It keeps you from being taken advantage of and helps you to succeed. In real life, people without these "bad" emotions are called sociopaths.
Will meditation and self-betterment lead to one being a sociopath? I doubt it, but ultimately that's what will happen if you actually end up eliminating all negative emotions.
TL/DR - I think "enlightenment" is a sham, but I don't think moving that directions for your own personal reasons is bad.
[–] middle_path [S] 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
I see where you are coming from. I'm very anti-religion myself, but I think each one contains a kernel of truth.
Negative emotions, I don't think, are ever beneficial. Anxiety can be replaced with foresight, depression replaced with insight, and stress replaced with awareness. I understand the concept, but fear and anxiety are useless. Anything they prevent can be replaced by simply imagining the worst outcome and being prepared for it. If you worry, you only add more suffering.
I think that's the idea of enlightenment. It's not an abandonment of emotions, just moving beyond them.
For what it's worth, I think you're throwing the baby out with the bathwater on a few subjects.