1. I
read some posts by Jhanananda, Bodhimind, and Rougeleader recounting their
experiences with meditation today. Bodhimind explained how he experiences a
state of universal "I-hood" and an experience of powerful, persistent
bliss.
2. This
makes me think of what I have not experienced in meditation (compared to some
of the experienced meditators I've read): orbs, visions of spiritual teachers,
visuals of chakras opening, sense of universal "I," powerful bliss,
charismatic hearing, OOBEs.
3. I
must admit, reading these accounts are among the few things that can motivate
me to meditate - although I am still questioning it. I certainly had the goal
of "enlightenment" when I began this path: though I didn't sign up for
the "second job" of having to meditate 4-6 hours a day.
4. I
see why meditators in this sense must live lives of homelessness; as in ordinary
circumstances that extreme practice would be impossible. It also means ordinary
relationships, ambitions, and so on can't be pursued. This is a lifestyle even
more radical than my own - which is already fairly ascetical!
5. Here
I also question if it is worth it - or if there is some "ideology" in
what Jeff says. Is it just his eccentricity emphasizing meditation like this -
or is it necessary?
6. It
is basically just Jeff and the small circle I've seen around him that recount
all this. What about all the other people across the globe who are sincere
seekers, or those who have encountered just the OOBE alone?
7. So
here are two elements. The state of universal "I" or nondualism we
see in teachers like Ramana Maharshi (or more recently, Gary Weber) - is this enlightenment? In other places
we see the OOBE - is this enlightenment? How do these two go together?
8. It
is here where I have gotten irritated at Jeff in some ways. As I have asked him
questions over the years but he has not answered them. Or, he will give a
prescription to "meditate 6 hours a day" - rather than answer.
9. An
example of this was in regard to spiritual immortality. It seems Jeff's
conclusion on this is a definitive yes, but prying it out of him has been so
unclear and unfocused. If I had absolute certainty of this it would be my
greatest affirmation to others, but he has only ever alluded to it very
obliquely, unsatisfactorily.
10. A
question arises: what is necessary to pass to nirvana or samasamadhi at death?
Must one die in a "nondual" state? Must one just have the intention
to pass into it? Is it based on one's final thoughts, one's fetters, or overall
psychology? Is the OOBE required?
11. The
most important question arises: why does my Inner Director not tell me to spend
all this time meditating?
