The Happiness Podcast 59 - Does It Matter That You Should Be Enlightened?
Aug 19, 2020
Questions the urgency of chasing awakening and why making it a goal creates resistance. Highlights simple awareness as immediate happiness compared with constant reactivity. Explores how awareness reduces automatic reactions over time. Shares a disciple’s story that points to understanding beyond striving. Offers practice: notice your present condition and allow change to arise.
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Start With Present Awareness Not Pushing
- Do stop pushing yourself toward awakening and instead begin by simply being aware of your present condition.
- Anthony de Mello says awareness itself is happiness and resisting self-directed pressure reduces reactive behavior and fosters action.
Awareness Gradually Replaces Reaction With Action
- Awareness reduces automatic reactivity so you react less and act more as it grows.
- De Mello notes you will still sometimes react even while aware, showing awareness gradually shifts behavior rather than eliminating reaction instantly.
Disciple's Reports That End With What Does It Matter
- A disciple sent periodic progress notes claiming stages of enlightenment, all of which the guru tore up.
- Years later the disciple replied, What does it matter, and the guru knew he had attained it.