It's always been a struggle with me to figure out this conundrum of a problem...
Much of philosophy and religion deals with this idea of being enlightened. Philosophy takes on a mental approach, whereas religion usually deals with a spiritual method. While the idea of enlightenment may seem Eastern in thought, even the Western monotheistic religions have such a concept with their idea of submitting to a god. Despite the connotations you may get from the word "enlightenment", I mean simply this by it: To overcome natural human tendencies (whether you label this good, bad, or neutral is up to you) and raise the individual above basic human instincts, and the like. Not necessarily being engulfed in an aura of light whilst meditating. Although, that would be a pretty cool perk (would make for a neat trick at night clubs!).
And here lies the problem. For if we accomplish this, we rise above humanity. We become something greater and bigger. By doing this do we sever our understanding and sympathy with normal people? By rising above, we naturally put others below, and create a hierarchal dichotomy of the illumed and those who reside in darkness. Though some would argue becoming enlightened would turn you more sympathetic toward humanity at large. I do agree with that possibility, but if one was enlightened then there whole world is changed, ridding themselves of their former selves, and their humanity. It would be like a robot who's only programmed for good, trying to relate to the suffering of humans. Furthermore, who wants to live the life of a robot?. Perfectly wise and content. While it might sound nice at first glance, we humans thrive off of drama and the ups and downs of life.
Much of philosophy and religion deals with this idea of being enlightened. Philosophy takes on a mental approach, whereas religion usually deals with a spiritual method. While the idea of enlightenment may seem Eastern in thought, even the Western monotheistic religions have such a concept with their idea of submitting to a god. Despite the connotations you may get from the word "enlightenment", I mean simply this by it: To overcome natural human tendencies (whether you label this good, bad, or neutral is up to you) and raise the individual above basic human instincts, and the like. Not necessarily being engulfed in an aura of light whilst meditating. Although, that would be a pretty cool perk (would make for a neat trick at night clubs!).
And here lies the problem. For if we accomplish this, we rise above humanity. We become something greater and bigger. By doing this do we sever our understanding and sympathy with normal people? By rising above, we naturally put others below, and create a hierarchal dichotomy of the illumed and those who reside in darkness. Though some would argue becoming enlightened would turn you more sympathetic toward humanity at large. I do agree with that possibility, but if one was enlightened then there whole world is changed, ridding themselves of their former selves, and their humanity. It would be like a robot who's only programmed for good, trying to relate to the suffering of humans. Furthermore, who wants to live the life of a robot?. Perfectly wise and content. While it might sound nice at first glance, we humans thrive off of drama and the ups and downs of life.
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| Robo Buddha |
Is this fair to do? Can any such person be enlightened, to the point where they raise themselves above another human being? Humility has its uses in social context, but even the most humble enlightened person may still view his path (or at least a path such as his) as something distinct and separate from those normal, ordinary people who choose to live a layman's life.
Does enlightenment (spiritual or philosophical) effectively estrange a person from humanity? Is it not better to live life as a human, and accept our position in the cosmos, instead of reaching for this higher state?
Does enlightenment (spiritual or philosophical) effectively estrange a person from humanity? Is it not better to live life as a human, and accept our position in the cosmos, instead of reaching for this higher state?
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