Posted by Janine on November 20, 1998 at 19:38:38:
In Reply to: Re: Enlightenment and Contemplation posted by Phil on November 20, 1998 at 14:14:54:
: See what I mean?
: Phil
I believe I do see what you mean. You have experienced two types of meditation; contemplation and enlightenment. One you feel leads to direct experience of God; the other, to an "impersonal, cosmic, yet natural". For me, as a mother who has experienced "natural" as in childbirth twice, I found God in that experience!... oh, yeah, I was practicing detachment (to the pain) and attentiveness to my breathing! ;-)!
Who says that the natural process of enlightenment is impersonal? Does not lead to God? Semantics?
Basically (yes, very basically), I think that primary to Spirituality is culture, tradition, and personal experience... in no necessary order.
We may need faith and intention first to experience God, but I don't think so... I think that we experience God in just ordinary daily activities... in the faces of those around us, as well as, in the mirror... but maybe that's because I am looking for Her there!..enculturaltion.
Thank you for your response. It helps me to clarify some of my own "ponderings"... Please feel free to help out this ole thought processer with any other comments... I rarely talk about this to anyone!
Your Friend & Sis in Christ,
Janine