When I awaken then … - Discussion
Hmmm, that's a good question... The overall feel of the thread was hinting at what enlightenment isn't, in a manner that is both true, but also tongue in cheek (we are in the Humor category, after all). 
I suppose I was trying to inspire examples out of folks on here, that also highlight what is genuinely "special" about enlightenment or "special" about being on the path.
It's often stated that awakening/enlightenment is completely ordinary, but at the same time, it is still mystical in a sense (or else there wouldn't be anything to talk about and this forum would be unnecessary). It's worth working hard in order to gain your salvation (Buddha's last words), yet there is nowhere to go, nothing to achieve. It's basic sanity, yet it's more than just acknowledging that your nose may be itching.
On one hand, it is extremely skillful to be realistic about the lofty expectations or projections that people may have regarding enlightenment, but at the same time, it loses some of the juiciness and inspiration when we say that there isn't anything "special" to be found.
No, awakening may not make anyone a rockstar, but there seems to be something special about it beyond just making coffee, getting haircuts, and itchy noses... Yes, maybe we are just blind individuals attempting to describe an elephant, and although it's just an elephant, isn't the elephant still special in a way?
I suppose I was trying to inspire examples out of folks on here, that also highlight what is genuinely "special" about enlightenment or "special" about being on the path.
It's often stated that awakening/enlightenment is completely ordinary, but at the same time, it is still mystical in a sense (or else there wouldn't be anything to talk about and this forum would be unnecessary). It's worth working hard in order to gain your salvation (Buddha's last words), yet there is nowhere to go, nothing to achieve. It's basic sanity, yet it's more than just acknowledging that your nose may be itching.
On one hand, it is extremely skillful to be realistic about the lofty expectations or projections that people may have regarding enlightenment, but at the same time, it loses some of the juiciness and inspiration when we say that there isn't anything "special" to be found.
No, awakening may not make anyone a rockstar, but there seems to be something special about it beyond just making coffee, getting haircuts, and itchy noses... Yes, maybe we are just blind individuals attempting to describe an elephant, and although it's just an elephant, isn't the elephant still special in a way?
Thank you Chris - I will bow out of this thread now, since, upon reflection after my initial post, I also feel my contribution wasn't quite aligned with the overall intent of the topic. That said, I don't feel as motivated to start a new topic, so maybe it's best to let sleeping dogs lie... unless someone else wants to start such a topic
Apologies for the diversion!
Apologies for the diversion!
Yo sharlgrol 
where is thy book me lad??? I mean you keep being awakened and we keep on waiting for the bleedn' book! 
C'mon!
where is thy book me lad??? I mean you keep being awakened and we keep on waiting for the bleedn' book! C'mon!