Ken Wilber on Seeking Enlightenment

[@raycooper1943]

Thank you for posting this. Every once in a while, I need to listen to Wilber to reorient my self.

[@ffmatheus]

"Let your own presence be something that convinces the world", this sum it all up! thanks Ken.

[@ParanoidMystic]

If you listen to Wilber with understanding, the wisdom is deep indeed. So long as the activist is working with a sense of deep division between herself and her target, the result will be divisive tactics. The greatest act an activist can make is to increase her own consciousness, THEN go out in the field and practice. Yelling slogans is nothing compared to self inquiry. Convincing others is worthless before you have known your SELF.

[@peterhaider]

I love to read his books and follow his thougts And since some time I am touched by listening to Ken Wilber here in youtube

[@jodesai]

Thanks! Thanks, for this very In Light talk...you are right and very clear! fabulous elaboration..and perfect expression!

[@smallpotatoes989]

if there is one self that means that we are in our essence the same

[@DancingSpiderman]

From my practical study of Brain Types aka Briggs-Myers Type Indicators, there are two diametric classifications which describe how we react to our occasional need for abstract philosophical cognition: 1) Those who seek and learn Truth knowledge in order to KNOW Reality, and 2) those who merely desire to be spoon-fed a Faith "knowledge" in order to be able to manage to exist with the Status Quo.

[@smallpotatoes989]

we need more people like Ken. we realy do. he is smarth and he is not sold out!

[@mchlclark]

I say both ideas presented in the arguements here are valid and real. Why am I not allowed to unburden myself of thought and emotion? And why does somebody have to feel like they should let go of their thought and emotion? This is our own path, our own life. Do what you will! And judge no other for their will!

[@redlionwang5138]

it is so exciting to see this video, it was very enjoyable, thank you great master!!!🥰💖💖

[@phaila]

"Let you own presence be what convinces the world". Yes! Let's be the change we seek in the world! We are the leaders of today. It's time to emulate what we honour in others and also to face what we fear in them. Because there is no other. It is all ME. Only in seeing this, or to the extent that we do, we can love another.

[@mastertheillusion]

Wilber states very clearly that you have to be your own hero, be your own true self and explore your experiences via meditation or comtemplation. Cults with this do not work, they fall apart instantly. Ken Wilber is the genuine article of the type of person most people hope to become, in their own way following good examples. He is very successful, and regardless of the assault of age, he is in great condtion. People will naturally follow a successful pattern.

[@DancingSpiderman]

And also, I remember Ken Wilber was in one of the Beavis-n-Butthead episodes, sitting cross-legged on a stage, leading a meditation, and B-n-B were making fun of him. from the back of the room. Ken Wilber rules !

[@blakeinkzoo]

Man this guy is TWACKED! Tweek tweek sniff tweek tweek

[@777hathor]

I am enlightened always was ...my intuition is my inner guide...my god is good to me.

[@gregzencoach]

Enlightenment refers to a conscious, direct experience of the Truth (truth in the absolute sense, i.e. that which actually exists apart from how we sense, perceive, think, feel, describe, or learn about it).

[@faithrada]

And yet the Supreme "I" is never in oppostion to its own SELF, whether that be its small 'i ' or the Enlightened "I ". Truth Absolute, for better or worse cannot be grasped on the intellectual level only. The intellect can lead us to the door, it IS helpful, BUT something else is needed.... Recognition of SELF. Without this awakening of SELF we can ONLY see things as oppostional to each other. But ULTIMATELY there is no "OTHER" at all. : )

[@taboosun]

Hes Enlightened, We just need to maintain Enlightenment, and when we forget to bring ourselves back... To the stillness.

[@taboosun]

Ken is doing his thing. Hes simply attempting to reach out to the masses. In no way is he trying to lessen anyone's value or worth as an individual, rather hes helping people realize there own eternal awareness that is divine and sacred.You will know when you have found yourself starring at yourself. "The crucial item as always is a paradox, and that's fundamentally realizing that there are no others to save and therefore you vow to everything you can to save them" - Ken Wilber

[@Valerian1]

If you do not go with LOVE, you get "messed" up very quickly, at those levels of consciousness. Be humble, simple, intellectual if you must, but be a lover. Be a lover.

[@ikehelly]

let your own presence that convinces the world.

[@colloredbrothers]

enlightenment is looking at the world without ego, without the thinking mind. so one solution is to quiten the mind and this can be done by "extreme" meditation or it can be done simply be realization. what helps me realize the state of non ego is this scenario: imagine dieng, imagine getting a stroke and dieng, then imagine yourself dead, then listen to what there is. and what you will find is that there is "being". and when I get into that state automaticly the mind is silent and one simply is

[@barbrob]

of course you're right that pushing things down requires effort and energy, and when we're doing that we don't evolve. Still this is so common a behavior that it's almost automatic in most cases-and we don't notice how that process steels big part our life energy. judging and labeling others means to not see their or our own humanity in that moment. To try to see differently IS an effort. Not one where you use a lot of muscles and violence,no. It's the gentle effort to stay present with life.

[@torment3d]

The shadow is the equal and opposite aspect of ourselves, parts of our Self that we deny. Meditative practise does not deal with this. Anything that we disassociate within ourselves, becomes apart of our Shadow, an aspect of our subconscious that controls us. By dealing with our Shadow, that's the only way we remove our problems. This is why it's possible to be enlightened but have deep-seeded issues - they are separate, and yet both equally important.

[@deanpitt]

No, he doesn't have a coke problem, he has a disease. And, if you listen to his words and look at his body language, he seems very genuine. His message, here at least, is not overly rationalized - it is simple - as Gandhi says "be the change you want to see in the world". Good Karma and Peace to all!

[@FR33L0RD]

Ken Wilber is true genius but an ordinary human probably with temporary personal problems. Along with Alan Watts and many others,they are philosophers pioneers of what we called Modern age. They help people to "Awakened" their mind. They help us to grow but like all of us, they are human beings. :) peace & love.

[@otorishingen8600]

Thank you

[@Superconscious1]

Enlightenment is not something you seek. It is something you accept and allow for. Superconsciousmedia blog

[@TheInditribe]

Anyone who truly wants elightenment can only get it becuase it's the only road that you can truly walk down. Be equal and have a willingness to see where our true equality lies and you will find both me and you as one Spirit. I believe all of you can and will find yourself. I'm asking you to join me in this belief which will take us into the Knowledge that is has always been true, is true now, and will always be true. I believe in you.

[@Chunda8]

Thanks Raja.

[@heartdisciple]

His words about the book written by Adi Da Samraj, "The Dawn Horse Testament" KEN WILBER: This is not merely my personal opinion; this is a perfectly obvious fact, available to anyone of intelligence, sensitivity, and integrity: The Dawn Horse Testament is the most ecstatic, most profound, most complete, most radical, and most comprehensive single spiritual text ever to be penned and confessed by the Human Transcendental Spirit.

[@TheInditribe]

Spiritual pride is the last to go.

[@BohemianKitsch]

i've been looking all over the internet for this video, Spirituality in the Modern World, but i can't seem to find it. i'd be willing to pay you for a copy of this entire video.

[@pyrrho314]

that's good to hear, anyone can make a mistake...

[@RawRebuild]

genius, in respect of your comment here, I absolutely agree.

[@headroom007]

aman1968 ken delves into this matter in his article about religion. translation and transformation, very in depth article about the structure of religion and it's fundamental basis. meditation is also a form of"seeking"

[@PositiveMindHypnosis]

XXX Thought is Precious XXX Thinking in it’s most part is Behavioral Activity. Behavioral Activity can be programmed. Using language as a mind software we permanently are repeating our desired goals through spoken words, just like a mantra. This way we are establishing a specific pattern of information and literally downloading as well as programming the subconscious mind, which in response will trigger the programmed action. Our subconscious mind works like a computer. It turns commands..

[@torment3d]

I think you're focusing on a part of a point I was making rather than the substance itself. Your original question about who was enlightened that had problems - and my answer that there has been several. I think even in one of Wilber's videos he points out that some enlightened beings have had some serious issues. Also I think there's more to practise than -just- meditation (in fact your point about this actually strengthens my argument). Buddhism completely ignored the Shadow (and still does).

[@olliephelan]

Well , About 14 years ago , I meditated almost constantly , every spare minute , it became very efficient (for wont of a better word) After about 6 months of this, things suddenly changed like lightning; A completely new reality (or way of seeing ) I stopped meditating ( i didnt feel any need to ) and things slowly went back to normal EXCEPT for the fact that Im no longer able to " judge" But I know from that experience that concepts etc arent necessary Thats whats meant by "no buddha"

[@Remon066]

Actually, some things he said really helped me on my spiritual pad.

[@derelict844]

Sure, but I can't claim to enlighten. A quick list of Wilber's ideas that have helped me include: 1) the idea of the eternal spirit, as echoed through many of the world's religions and the work of Huxley and Joe Campbell, 2) Spiral Dynamics, which merges well with many theories of moral development (such as Kohlberg) and Gardner's multiple intelligences, and 3) and the AQAL model, which helps reconcile the subjectivity and objectivity of the individual and collective. Hope this helps. Peace.

[@dancingwithcalvin]

Too many people think enlightenment is a thing you can gain with a few classes and a month at a retreat. Enlightenment is the real deal. Your brain slows down and you can actually die/slip into bliss. Only a handful of people have pulled it off. All religions are based off the words of the enlightened.

[@torment3d]

You need dialog - it helps you to relate your experiences and help understand it. Quite often we'll have a spiritual experience and think (woah... what was THAT), being both powerful and profound but utterly confusing. These kinds of conversations help us to understand those experiences. Yes, Ken talks a lot but noone would watch a video where everyone is meditating (which he also does in his workshops).

[@gefftom]

i believe you can do it anytime all it takes is a minute or 2

[@feignNU]

But it should also be understood that Buddhism is not a dogmatic religion in the least. Anyone who says that Buddhism forbids singing and dancing either doesn't know what they are talking about, or is talking about something which one would be hard pressed to call Buddhism. Buddhism is the "middle way", which right away renders any hard-and-fast rule to abstain from something impossible.

[@antigeekess]

Well, actually what I think he's saying is that we are only unenlightened regarding our already extant state of enlightenment. :) We know, but we do not know that we know. For example, yoga is often referred to as a "dualistic" system because it seeks to "yoke" the individual with Spirit. However, we're already there. It's only illusion that makes us believe there is a barrier at all. Regarding Spirit: "We are IN it." -- Plotinus

[@tsjasmine28]

I don't understand what he is saying "there are no others to save, so you must do what you can to save them" is he saying that by saving others we are saving our own or part of our own self? or is it some kind of matrix "there is no spoon" thing?

[@neoanderson367]

It’s the paradox of reality. Ultimately all is one and Self is perfectly complete and whole as it is. When you become enlightened the entire world becomes enlightened. But you never forget the state of separation humanity dwells in and must do everything you can to help the rest of the Self to awaken.

[@PrimaryQuanta]

brit, my boy! you can't hate on wilber. he does not have a cult.. if you still feel this way we really should talk man. he is one of the most brilliant minds of our times and i can prove to you why.

[@smallpotatoes989]

he has a point, activism of any sort can be a big trobule, becouse you may start to force your idea of the world to the world, what Ron Hubbard did for examaple, or Hitler too, and ideologies are the thing that fuck up the world, they are the ego of the societies. great point Ken, nothing needs to be done, and therefore you have to work realy hard.

[@livingthepoem]

The only thing that has created the world in which we live is our thoughts. So, if we were to all completely forget about the past, we’d be left with nothing but divine emptiness, or, in other words, heaven.

[@smallpotatoes989]

wilbur is amazing.

[@torment3d]

@Heartfullofsoul100 because enlightenment and truth are two different things. The reason why I say this is because many historical enlightened figures had problems (drinking, physical abuse of partners.etc.). Enlightenment itself changes, it's also evolutionary.

[@Guard385]

I could say a lot of things, but for the sake of maturity and scarcity of time I will only say one thing in reference to this quote: ""My favorite is that missing plutonium. The amount of plutonium it takes to kill all life forms ON THE PLANET, i'm talking right down to viruses, is about the size of a baseball"" I asked my chemistry teacher, who has been teaching for OVER 20 YEARS whether or not this was true, his response "It's B.S, it would take about the size of this entire room"

[@DancingSpiderman]

The great concept to take away from Ken's philosophy is that he recognizes that the understanding of our world is NOT made up of disparate philosophies; but that REAL understanding is wholistic, where understanding something must have seemless interaction with various Points Of View. That's why I don't bother reading the philosophical treatises of The Greats anymore...Ken's philosophy is comprehensive. And THAT concept is what all the skeptics cannot allow themselves to want to understand.

[@Valerian1]

wow. thank you.

[@johnteddyJoe]

I´m sorry, I was trying to be ironic and (embarrassingly) a bit funny. I have read some people saying something like that, they said masters were getting sick and therefore not being truly enlightened. Personally, I think enlightenment has only something to do with an individuals perception of the world and itself. It does not bring immortality or an invincible immune system, so I agree with you.

[@fishybishbash]

@ThatRabble - surely he just means 'its more than possible, its likely'?

[@duncality]

Does anyone get this guy?

[@rosiebrownejackson]

so be that!

[@maryfranklin9881]

This is a bit over my head, too, however, Jyotish Novak said that our minds are hungry to be fed just as our stomachs are. Just because you don't understand everything Ken Wilbur is saying is no excuse to discredit those who have developed their intellect. It's the philosophers, not the manual laborers, through history who lead nations and govern and make the greatest contributions toward advancement of cultures.

[@colloredbrothers]

@ingvarandersen to me it isn't thinking, its a being. And when thought comes in I can spot it and go back to the being. that is important to know when the mind is active and when its not. My litle exercise for me is not at all thinking its being. the exercise helps me find the state of being. I pretend to die and then look what is beond it and the only thing i see at that point is silence or being, no thought at all.

[@johnteddyJoe]

agree on that statement

[@gizzad]

i completely admire all of the idiotic comments that i see on this video. I love people who let their insecurities speak, instead of thier true selves. you'll catch up someday. love.

[@diskman66]

fundamentally fundamental.

[@red4032]

There's a difference between possible and likely.

[@faithrada]

Yes, meditation IS the solution. Still, it is The Grace of the inner/outer Master ( our own HIgher SELF) which awakens and allows true meditation on the Supreme SELF to take place. Grace and self effort are the two wings of the bird but FIRST comes Grace Awakening, THAT which takes us BEYOND the wall of the mind. The intellect alone can NEVER bring one there, though the impure ego will continually work to convince the mind that it can.

[@netelsg]

Buddhism is a teaching by the Buddha to seek this Kingdom of GOD within you through meditation.

[@marcusphotina]

I think this man really knows what he is talking about. He has another video here in which he deomstrates different kinds of states on a brainwave machine. So he is not just talking, he has the real experience. If you are interested in altered states , meditation etc, I know something you will find extremely interesting, look at this video: watch?v=03mhcE2hRso

[@derelict844]

If you paid attention to this video or spent any time studying Wilber, you'd know that he's saying exactly what you are saying.

[@RoseWhite777]

@Heartfullofsoul100 Knowing comes from direct experience. Knowing is just knowing. This book begins that journey to knowing the truth. Read it for yourself.

[@S2Cents]

Is it? I wouldn't know since I don't know about everything.

[@smallpotatoes989]

@Clear3490 ok thanx for the info will do that if I get the book.

[@leloodallasmultipass]

You might be right about the repackaging issue. Also, if someone really knew the answer to your questions, you wouldn't believe them because there ARE people who know but if you are still asking, you didn't believe those people. Maybe the only way to know, is to experience it yourself. A few authors you might try are: Eckharte Tolle, Dan Millman, that Seth entity that the commenter below mentioned, even James Redfield... Tony Stubbs, there are a lot. A new question: "What is god?".

[@Fendefadst]

That is DAMN HOT, man! From a an Wilberian point it is a perspective and not a truth, but I guess you are aware of that. I couldnt find Dan Siegels Book, I would have to let it get imported(old continent), which costs a little, but could you lead me to some sorces and /or tell me your own thoughts about it? Thank you, that just came like a blow, super-inspiration!

[@feignNU]

I think that when he says it's an "insult" to call oneself unenlightened, he is speaking from something like the Madhyamika position of sunyata. Samsara and Nirvana can't be different, because if Nirvana is actually unconditioned, Absolute reality, there can be nothing other than it, or it would in fact be conditioned.

[@torment3d]

I agree with you however that we shouldn't get caught up in the intellectual aspects of spiritual practise. We need to get down and dirty ;)

[@bjornwad]

"the ultimate insult to spirit which is you're assuming it doesn't exist!" this is like what Jesus said about the only unforgivable sin is to blaspheme the holy spirit (Mark 3:29, Luke 12:10). (which in my opinion means to say "there is no holy spirit"

[@ericjungleboy]

Isn't he the lead singer of REM?

[@giftofnothing]

"To say that a sentence which has the form of information has a use, is not yet to say anything about the kind of use it has." Ludwig Wittgenstein Dear lewis may your past be filled with love and beauty and of course misery....Love Brandon

[@jsunrise2515]

Wilber reminds me of Hawkins,lots of word and concepts. check out these two if you are not into rapid fire word producers. Mooji and Rupert Spira.

[@sunvoltage]

Very inciteful commentary ballz--They say this guy is the guru of our age--I had never heard of him--Watch the video. It looks like the "guru" just did some lines.

[@olliephelan]

Its a LOT more than being completely aware of each moment . I dont go for these expressions "samsara / nirvana , wheel etc Ye dont need them With enlightenement / transcendence; all opposites ,prejudices + bias drops away A "problem" is no longer a problem Ideas of good ,evil , right ,wrong ,should ,shouldnt become meaningless The mind becomes STILL Theres no need for aggression or alcohol because theres nothing to defend (no fear) No longer any tendency toward destructiveness

[@fireflyus10]

"Don' t step on my head with your dirty boots." Rissa 1220

[@sicklesickle]

I agree. Read "Sex, Ecology, Spirituality" by Wilbur and then come to a conclusion. The most comprehensive and inclusive philosophy is probably the most true, and Ken leaves nothing out (or Everything out, because the paradox is ever present). Watch the EEG vid and you know that even if you don't like him, he DOES know what he's talking about. These commenters don't like him because they are insecure. Lizbethbrown calling someone 'fundamentally lame' suggests an age of about 14.

[@JayJMarc]

Great and so true.

[@baronmorris]

check out his book "A Brief History of Everything" good stuff. remarkable integration of... well, everything. ;-) peace

[@keroine9]

cool story, bro

[@DancingSpiderman]

While half the 16 Brain Types are of the first classification, the population is definitely NOT equally split, in terms of numbers, between these two groups. 1) brings relative Peace Of Mind; 2) relative Insecurity due to Fear. The Fear & Greed antagonistic lifestyle that we experience worldwide in this particular point in History has been brought about PRIMARILY by the actions of that Faith 2) contingent. As a result, 2) currently has the political clout and is unfortunately in vogue.

[@aman1968]

let your own presence convince to the world-------to me an intelligent is the one who has the courage to go beyond mind. from Sri arbindo to ken wilber, who think that one day they will able to understand what is Enlightenment? nobody ever understood or nobody ever will understand. why there are thousands of spritual teachers and still the same SEEKING Enlightenment????????? Meditation is the Only Solution!!

[@DJO1O1]

sniff, sniff, sniff heehee

[@hansludwig4732]

It’s a sign he got IT. I know a German who does the same, OM V Parkin

[@olliephelan]

VERY true .....(i missed that last comment) Wilbur sounds like a very intelligent , compassionate person , but simply talks too much for what wed call full enlightenment At the same time , buddhist tradition has its "boddhisatvas" (one of the terms I DO remember) in which a person puts off enlightenment to spread the word Howard Zinn is FAR more effective He simply gets people to try meditation and self awareness on the spot rather than talk about it

[@Gaubizi]

:D Just thought the same! But somehow one expects such thinkers to have quirky habits...

[@Erime]

He has the symptoms of depression which have been given the collective diagnosis of being a disease. Interesting he seemed to acquire this while he suffered trauma in his life. Psychosomatic illnesses cna be very powerful; a hypnotist can put a coin on your arm and tell you it is burning you, and your skin will form a blister ;) Mental trauma is easier to ignore and not deal with when projected into a physical disease, and even better if that disease is pronounced hereditary ;)

[@djyasume1]

@Heartfullofsoul100 then i grant you with a question. The truth of what?

[@netelsg]

Hi everyone, do you know that what a christian must first do ? Pls see verse :- Matthew 6:33 states,"But seek ye first the kingdom of God,and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Have you christians found your Kingdom of GOD ? And where is your Kingdom of GOD ?

[@swingtrade2]

the no one that sits there does not know if its puffed or stuffed.

[@feignNU]

no, you aren't the only one, I have been in your position before. If this is something that actually interests you, and you'd like to find out if there's more than just "semantic masturbation" in these ideas, you should read the philosophy of Nagarjuna and Candrakirti, or if you have any background in Western philosophy (particularly Kant), I recommend reading Hegel's Encyclopedia Logic. Either of these will show you how to think dialectically.

[@MrCuntyballs2U]

How about seeking true understanding first? it is of the heart ........this is of the head.....a naked one at that

[@torment3d]

I disagree with you. You may experience some things that arise and think "why is that there, that's not me". That's why you have things like the 3-2-1 process which helps you deal with things that bother you (which is always an aspect of ourselves that we've denied). Always. Meditative practise in both Zen or Hindu buddhism does not deal with the factors that cause these reactions. If you think I'm wrong, direct me to the correct resource where I can learn :)

[@olliephelan]

maybe Its difficult with these forums If they had what they call "problems" then I really dont think they were enlightened I suppose it depends on what ye call "problems" The other point I was making , I HAVE to make again , You said "Buddhism ignored the shadow " Ive no idea what you mean Its these label and concepts that a person drops as they practice It sounds like your describing an exciting religion rather than a practice toward enlightenment