Posted by Phil on October 28, 1998 at 08:17:12:
As East meets West, one of the most important issues is if they are both aiming for the same kind of experience.
This is not the same question as if they are making contact with God. Obviously, they are! But is it possible that there are different kinds of experiences of God, and that what the East calls enlightenment is different from what Christianity calls contemplation? Could it be that these differences are not merely semantical, but experiential and even ontological?
Let's explore this question (those who are willing).
I believe there is a difference, for I believe I've experienced both. For me, contemplation has a more inter-subjective, relational quality, while enlightenment is more impersonal and cosmic. Enlightenment also seems to be more "natural," which is to say, within the grasp of all who will practice detachment and attentiveness to a radical degree.
What do you think?