SOUL

Enlightenment is simple but a challenge to attain, it's nothing more than being present to the moment in being aware of one's own aware being. Many of the ideas and concepts surrounding that pursuit can become complicated and often quite extravagant with it's claims of universal "truth". If you are genuinely seeking to transform you inner life start with the simple things and invest your time and energy in what works effectively for you. Spend less time dissecting exotic concepts that often serve to distract from the already difficult but simple task of staying attentive to the moment. When one has manifested being present in the moment as a typical way of being those other deeper concepts will reveal themselves as needed. Attempting to understand the deeper concepts as a way to attain being present can be more of a distraction than a guide.

@Barna I guess that illustrates the "mastery" of being what people call a "master". Initially we can barely stay aware of being aware for a minute or few without getting distracted by our theater of mind. Growing to a point where we are not just quieting the mind so we can focus but we can focus even with the mind offering distractions. Then on to being able to be aware with distractions in the mind and also around us, like with a radio going or typical life noise from the world like barking dogs or playing kids off in the distance. Another step is to get moving and doing simple tasks while being present or maybe having a cup of coffee/tea with a friend staying attentive to being. It's something that can be developed even if it's not easy to do it. Being in groups of people or an especially active and boisterous environment while staying in the moment would be worthy goals to seek. Obviously some of the most difficult scenarios would be to staying aware of our awareness during intense mental tasks or under duress and times like that. I found that being vigilant when those moments that the mind would wander to instead bring the focus back so eventually it becomes unconsciously habitual to gravitate back to conscious of being on it's own. Essentially a master is a multi-tasker who can be both in the illuminated mind and able to live life typically. Sure, many "master" types live simpler lives as opposed to complicated and demanding ones but if it's what you genuinely seek to accomplish you can find a way to learn to be more present more often. Very few can achieve being present all of the time in all circumstances and I myself hasn't fulfilled that either although I'm still working towards that goal.

It's simple but people tend to complicate it and even seasoned seekers may not really understand the simplicity of it. If we are mindful of the moment we can be fulfilled in being yet if we are distracted by the theater of the mind there can no real satisfaction. Most people would be enriched by that lucid approach but most people wind up an addicted soul chasing a sugar high ego buzz of attention. Very few will choose to work with their consciousness to the degree and intensity that the more dedicated seekers do. People's imagination can be intricate and complicated so the ideas and concepts ornate but also convoluted and sabotaging by overthinking it, too.

@Revolutionary Think I didn't see your reply to me and the question, my apologies. I experienced significant abuse as a child and became abusive youth myself as a result. To heal and change I've put in a considerable amount of work on myself and then continued on in more deeper enlightenment seeking.

@Wyatt Being virtuous could be a stumbling block, too. Just seek to discover the motivations behind the revelations and find out if they are helpful to your goals or will distract from them.

It's not age that is the main contributor to this, it's how most people are regardless of age. Go to a 10, 20 or 30 year HS reunion and people are still stuck in a "stuff"measuring contest. Use it as an opportunity to transcend your own stuff, especially the stuff that comes up in you because of the people you have to deal with. In the long run it will prove to be a vital skill that will never lack a reason to exercise it.

Examine the motivation behind the idea by what it's ultimately leading to. Is it to justify identity? Or construct a belief system? Is it creating separation in perception of the now or away from being aware? Is it leading to liberation from mental constructs or limiting beliefs systems? It's it calling attention to being aware? These are just examples of the many ways but essentially it's about discerning if the revelation has value for your seeking enlightenment, not just a clever idea that is a badge of identity.

@Barna Be interested in the experience of being aware

@Shin Something did happen in my body.... but I let it out..... and blamed the dog.

It seems you prefer to be distracted from being, enjoy it.

I listening doing something? I guess it is as much as observing is doing.

@Barna In the same way we are now, when else could we be? Be attentive to being here now. Not distracted so as to forget it.

@Barna Here's my step by step guide to infinite enlightenment. Step 1 : Be here now Step 2 : See step 1 Step 3 : See step 2 Step 4 : See step 3 Step 5 : See step 4 Step 6 : See step 5 Step 7 : See step 6 Step 8 : See step 7 Step 9 : See step 8 Step 10 : See step 9 keep going on to an infinite number of steps needed to achieve enlightenment.

This peace is not the opposite of war, it's contentment and fulfillment. I don't cultivate them, just being here now cultivates it in me.

Will you give up telling other people what they should do and what you believe they are?

You don't seek to be at peace? Hmmm interesting. With just being here now this creates and cultivates peace, joy, love and faith in me.

Yes, faith is an innate force Belief is a mind trust construct.

@Prabhaker Be at peace with what you will.

Very many times, yes I do surrender. It's an amazing experience since it is an emulation of infinite consciousness first moment of being.

I have experienced facing this. One thing to keep in mind, the infinite void is the absence of all things and is eternally devoid... it's the infinite void.

@Prabhaker Trading one belief for another and relabeling it doesn't change what it is.

Well, that's awesome to hear I personally don't let belief be a stumbling block to me in that I don't view them as preventing me from being at peace.

"be·lief/bəˈlēf/ noun an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists. trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something." -------------------------------------------------------------------- "trust/trəst/ noun firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something." It seems the difference you believe is immense is not that at all. Your reply is filled with ideas and concepts you believe in including but not limited to what is a "real man" to you and insulting people who believe. Sometimes limiting beliefs can be about belief itself.

This thread is in need of a group hug

Just be