Posted by RH on August 28, 2004, at 20:07:33
In reply to Re: the description of the board, posted by Jai Narayan on August 28, 2004, at 9:10:22
Jai:
Yes, enlightenment is a difficult thing to pin down. I'm not sure it is even possible, because one always has perspectives, which are predjudices. Then even if one was to try to be perspectiveless, that would also be a perspective. And what would be the point of being human, if one did not have perspectives. Without perspectives we would be beasts or machines.
That explains my dilemma. That is why I can't be an atheist or agnostic, because both of those are perpectives, and I don't see them as being objective. So although I do not have a faith, that does not mean I don't want one.
I have noticed that many atheists are pre-occupied with believers - I can only understand that in psychological terms, namely that they are not at ease with their atheism, which indicates a self doubt of sorts.
You seem to study and search believing that there is an enlightenment, while I do the same while still questioning enlightenment in general.
In the proceess, we both become more understanding, and thus hopefully, less confused, and that has to be a good thing.
In the end, despite all I may learn, I don't feel I will be all that much better off than someone who lives happily with blind faith.
Yet I study on. One benefit of study: First, one becomes aware that one is confused, then one gradually becomes less confused, and the reduction in confusion leads to a more stable contented mood, and happiness seems more within one's grasp.
RH
poster:RH
thread:380947
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20040729/msgs/383456.html