Adversity

[Bozo Erectus]

My compliments to Dawg for his thought provoking ten questions. In fact he provoked this thread. Specifically with this question:

2.Spiritual enlightenment/wisdom can only be obtained through suffering.

I was expecting most people to say 'no', but its interesting that virtually nobody said 'yes'. Its not a perfect question, certainly its not the only way to achieve enlightenment or wisdom. Still, Im a little curious as to where people think wisdom and enlightenment come from, if not mostly through suffering. If it helps, replace the word 'suffering' with 'adversity'. Doesnt everything here on Earth improve through adversity? 'Suffering' has played a key role in the evolution of our bodies, from simpler, less interesting forms. Why shouldnt it also play a primary role in evolving the consciousness of individuals?

 

[Abaddon]

I think the idea is that you only appreciate something if you understand what its loss means- in a way thats spritually enlighteneing.


another thread jacked out of dawg's! - seriously should have been 10 seperate threads.

 

[Xenocrates]

If suffering isn't physical, but due to absense of wealth and status I think it's definitely true. Even if suffering is through pain or disease, it still demonstrates that people aren't able to best a microbe or a falling ladder.

Maybe enlightenment comes from humility and humility comes from the absence of wealth?

The rich are only rich because others believe them to be so, whereas a strong man is actually strong. The 'advance' of civilisation has enouraged us to focus on games instead of reality. If enlightenment is the realisation that we are characters in a game of our own making, I don't see a better way to realise that than watching others play from the sidelines. Poverty/suffering enables that to happen, whereas the rich and successful are seduced into actually believing in themselves and their 'knowledge'.

If that's not what enlightment is I'm not sure. What's enlightenment? Is it as my description, or the simple knowledge that one isn't enlightened now?

 

[El_Machinae]

Wisdom seems to come from the school of hard knocks. Either experiencing or witnessing or imagining consequences.

Enlightenment, however, comes from my shower-head. Because I get all my good ideas in the shower.

 

[Mise]

Enlightenment, however, comes from my shower-head. Because I get all my good ideas in the shower.

Mine come when I'm taking a wizz. Come drink from the fountain of enlightenment!