Worrying About Enlightenment? – Modern Koans

Estimated reading time: 4 minute(s)

Worrying About Enlightenment?

What’s up with enlightenment? What is it? Is it or is it not the goal of Buddhism? There’s  never ending talk about it.  There are gradual paths  and sudden paths. Apparently there are at least 84,000  doors to it. It seems like there’s plenty to do in Buddhism that seems to get at enlightenment.  But is any of it contributing to your enlightenment? Is it worth it? Is it worth worrying about? Here’s how I worked in out in my flow chart mind.

Enlightenment is the ultimate enigma. Our teachers won’t define it. Everyone is wondering what it is. After all, if we’re going to invest time an energy into something, any rational person will want to know what their return on investment will be.

I’m trying out a little thought experiment using this flow chart. In it I sidestep the problems that come up when you try to define enlightenment.  Using the Buddha’s teaching on the causes of suffering, you can evaluate two things

Whether it’s just another potential cause of suffering
Do we need to pursue it

All arrows point to don’t worry about it!

I guess Bobby McFerrin has it right.  Don’t Worry, Be happy.

So what’s all this Buddhism stuff about? Meditating, chanting, offerings, prostrations, statues, mantras, temples, priests, monks, lamas, malas, and on and on and on.   Does any of it really help in the matter of enlightenment?

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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