--- In [email protected], new_morning_blank_slate <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> The sutras are not, or at least are more than a descriptions of > "alternative states". Certainly some sutras are about experiences > (views based on experiences -- not dry conceptualizations). And in > some cases they are "axioms" such as "one has control over action > alone, not over its fruit". Some sutras are views that facilitate > understanding. Such as the point you made recently (made a number of > times previously by others) that experiences and interpretation of > experiences are two distinct things. I think you did some nice work, and I have respect for it.Intellectual concepts around 'enlightenment' are just that: concepts. But they have use. It needs a thorn to put out another thorn. Some concepts help to root out other concepts, in which one may got stuck. We had a discussion here recently about the value of Satsang: It is just this: reiteration of the Truths according to Advaita. There are three means of Jnanan Yoga: Hearing the Truth (SHRAVANA), Internalizing it through reflexion (MANANA), and finally absorbing the Truth (NIDIDHYASANA). That means that the reflexion on the Advaitic concepts is regarded as essential in the Advaita path. This goes back to the Upanishads, which say: "The self itself, indeed should be seen, should be heard about and should be thought upon, should be reflected upon; O Maitreyi; he by whom this self is seen, heard, thought about, and known, - by him this whole world isknown" Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 2.4.5 + 4.5.6 IMO the reflection on the truth either in Satsang or in discussions like this is valueable to root out wrong concepts. When we use other concepts to do so, they are true in themselves, but they destroy the other, and are like fingers pointing to the moon. ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Join modern day disciples reach the disfigured and poor with hope and healing http://us.click.yahoo.com/lMct6A/Vp3LAA/i1hLAA/UlWolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!' Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
