Can Someone Seek Enlightenment Without Actually Wanting to Be Enlightened?

In this exploration, we will delve into the concept of enlightenment, questioning whether one can truly seek it without a genuine desire to be enlightened. We will also uncover how desire and effort play crucial roles in the quest for enlightenment.

The Nature of Desire

Desire is a natural state of being - it is the engine that drives us. However, when desire becomes a perversion of itself, it transforms into greed, a state that can inhibit our growth and true realization. Wanting something inhibits becoming it, a paradox as profound as wanting to be oneself - something one already is.

Enlightenment and Effort

The path to enlightenment is not a mere wish, but a journey that requires genuine effort and commitment. The ancient Sanskrit shloka, udyamena hi sidhyanti karmani na manoratha, encapsulates this idea beautifully. Translated to mean: 'Work is accomplished through effort, not by wishful thinking.' This shloka, often directed at those complaining about destiny, emphasizes that true success comes through action and discipline.

The Mind's Pursuit of Enlightenment

Enlightenment, a state often conceptualized as a void of mind or complete attunement, is still a goal the mind seeks. The paradox lies in the fact that even in the pursuit of this unthought, the mind persistently wants to reach it. This creates a complete oxymoron, a situation where the very tools of desire and the mind that seek enlightenment resist it.

Realizing Enlightenment

The truth is, you are already enlightened; you just don’t realize it yet. Enlightenment is a realization of the truth, the moment you 'click' that switch and are awakened to your current state. This realization, however, is not a one-time event but a continuous process.

Research suggests that while a small insight might be gained in previous lifetimes, full and permanent self-realization can only be achieved through ongoing effort, discipline, and self-honesty. This journey is significant, demanding emotional courage and a deep commitment to one's spiritual practice.

Further Insights

For those intrigued by the journey of enlightenment, delving into the writings of Alan Watts can offer profound insights. Watts, a renowned philosopher and writer from the 1950s to the 1970s, provided an accessible and eloquent exploration of enlightenment. His unique perspective can help clarify the path and understand the nature of this profound realization.

Conclusion

Enlightenment is not just a commodity to be bought or a wish to be fulfilled. It is a journey that demands effort, discipline, and the continuous quest for truth. While desiring enlightenment may seem paradoxical, the journey itself is the realization. Commitment is key, and so is the willingness to explore within oneself, guided by the wisdom of those who have walked this path before.