Hello Alessa,

It isn’t that there is nothing new in James posts or threads. After all, it is what it is. But, I feel his words lacks the feel of the real truth. Yes, he thinks I judge and criticize and compare. I do. I think everyone does to some degree. But, I am also on a spiritual journey of my own. I have met real teachers who present the most profound insights and teachings that it has to come from an inner source. James believes that no one can help me. Well if that is true then please let it be the last message he sends me. His rhetoric, although there isn’t anything that is not true, doesn’t seem to come from a completed realized truth. I don’t know. Maybe he is the next prophet but not for me. I get the terrible feelings that he has experienced something but has not completed enough training to be preaching. Yeah, that is my prejudice.

Someone said to me that I needed to control my physical desires and my emotional feelings and my thoughts as a prelude to becoming enlightened. I could only respond by saying that enlightenment is not for me if those are the requirements. Cause I have no physical control. When I am hungry, I eat. When I am tired, I sleep. Cause I have no control over my emotions. When I see my wife, I feel love there and a sense of peace. When I see someone getting hurt, my empathy or compassion comes out. My thoughts runs rampart and I have no way to control its intentions. So, yeah, there is no “one” who can help me.

I don’t preach. I am not like James. I have no wise words to pass on. Only what I have seen and think to be true. If that has ruffled a few feathers then I apologize for being the wind in the sandstorm. Sorry for all the misery I have caused.

Hello Roberta,

Thanks for the post. That is quite an introduction. Am pleased to meet you.

Long ago red hair and outburst of fiery temper? I wish I met you long ago. Now old and grey? I wish to meet you now.
Long ago I had hair and now I am bald (mostly and shave the rest).

Quick, judge me and tell me what you think. Am I a silly fart with no sense. Do I make trouble wherever I go? Do I judge others too harshly? Does my ego prevent me from learning from others? Okay, never mind I don’t want to know. You can be so mean … lol.

Can I be your friend who helps you see different perspectives? Maybe?

Yes, peace on earth and good will to all men. A lovely saying.

Hey Alesa,

What is complete realised truth? Good question.
Having a realization or a Kensho experience doesn’t make one enlightened.
It is more like what some call “stream entry”. It is a glimpse of what is possible.
So a person can go thru all the lessons and have such an experience.
It doesn’t mean the transition is complete.
It is only a beginning. It takes much more practice to learn the whole truth.
Much like shining a flashlight into a very dark hole.
One sees spots and conditions which are available to one at the moment.
But, it isn’t the complete picture.

In some Buddhist traditions, it may take a few lifetimes to gain enlightenment.
In Zen, one is already enlightened. It only takes one to realize this truth.
So enlightenment is possible in this lifetime.
If you have a good teacher then the teacher would know how to point out what in your practice is right.
Point you closer and closer to reaching the enlightened mind. To realize emptiness, stillness.
One sees the truth that all things are empty. Form is empty. The practice deepens and brings insight with it.
One sees the reality as it is and not deluded by our mind and thoughts.
The only measure of realizing the truth of our nature is the awakened mind.

I don’t worry about reaching for something I have no need for. It holds no value for me.
I can not share it. I can not trade it. If asked then I can not even show it.
So the truth is,…
Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.
After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water.

Oh, I am sorry if I sound like a broken record.
I also do not want to sound like I am preaching.
I have no wise words to spread.
It use to be “Yes, But”. Now, it is “Don’t know”

Thanks for the greeting. Doubting Thomas, … struck a chord. You sound like you have a life well lived, living. Skeletons? Didn’t Jesus say who has not sinned can throw the first stone? Never knew why Jesus didn’t throw the first stone? Was he a sinner too? Sorry, off topic. My mind tends to drift. So, living a good life. Everyday enough to eat. Family and friends to talk to.

Family, that is great. It is one of the things in life that I truly appreciate. Oh, how relationships change with time? First care taker then teacher and guardian. Later distant relative. Then dependent on those once taken care of. Lucky for me, I can still take care of myself for now.

I try not to think about killing germs or bacteria. As I do prefer to eat rather than be eaten. That is why Cancer scares me. It has taken a relative and an old friend. Hmmm, back to something less morbid please. Do you garden? My wife loves it. Food for the summer months. Friends who also garden. Sharing seeds. Ideas. In the summer mornings she stands at the window and looks out at her garden. There is a sense of peace there in her.

Well, it has been nice talking with you.