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] ago
Really beautifully said. Well done, I couldn't have said it better myself. If you've never studied stoicism, I would be very surprised.
[–] Kromulent 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Yep, I've read a little about it, and liked most of what I saw. Being chronically ill kind of sets you up to appreciate things like that, I don't think it would have made as much sense to me in my younger days.
That's an interesting thought, too; I feel very confident that if I met my younger self, that I could not possibly explain to him what I know now. It makes me wonder what my ever-older self could not explain to me today.
[–] middle_path [S] ago (edited ago)
Bingo! And that's where my arrogance disappeared.