Ed,
Yes, and this is what no one can do.
(who/where is your quote is taken from?)
Effort placed toward practicing a Method is the proper application of effort.
No effort is placed toward something called "enlightenment". Only on the
method, instead.
Of course, when the effort and dedication toward the method yield good and
natural results, practice changes (practice ALWAYS changes...). Eventually,
all is ripe, and samadhi bursts or tears down the middle, perfectly
effortlessly, and one is then at once awake, for once.
The claim of "no effort" by some writers is what prevents many people from
practicing, or practicing well, I think. When a claim like that is not put
side-by-side by the writer with an emphasis upon the importance of a Method
(and maybe also of a master), it is dangerous talk, and can leave people idling
in the waiting-room of Samsara, where there's nothing but trouble for oneself
and others. Why, fights even break out while waiting for a train, or looking
at the Moon.
Even if folks without a practice once step outside Samsara, they are quickly
recidivists.
A weakling can lift a Volkswagen off a kid who's been struck; but, not
regularly; not everyday! Such fellow must pump iron: that is a method.
The virtue of being "led away" is so that you can come back and be awake and
know the place for the first time.
Damn the impractical know-nothing theoretical writers! Phooey. I spit when I
run across them.
Preaching to the choir, I am, again, probably, Ed. I hope so! ;-)
--Joe
> "ED" <seacrofter001@...> wrote:
>
> "...Effort leads you away from
> what you already are. You do not need to work slowly for life times
> improving yourself. You already are enlightened, you just have to remove
> the cobwebs and realize the truth."
------------------------------------
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