The Tao of Dark Sages - Chapter 11, Part 4

The Tao of Dark Sages
by Scott Bradley

There is a teacher who differentiates between complete enlightenment and what he calls human adulthood. Could this be a different way of saying what you mean?

Yes, I think so. Remember when we last met in Nepal? We were discussing transcendence of self through awareness as the next step beyond becoming more fully our innate selves? This, I think, is that distinction. Becoming our innate nature is the growing process — becoming an adult human, if you like. Transcending even this self in non-dual awareness is enlightenment. The first, we can grow into, though not by way of achievement. The second, is realized in satori and we can only be open to it arising.

And realizing ‘adulthood’ is the best way to be open to the second.

Makes sense.

But isn’t it a bit silly to be discussing various ‘schools’ of thought, Sue-tzu? As if our beliefs one way or the other made any difference? The next thing you know, we’ll have established our own school and will start bashing the others.

Yes, I think you’re right. But I don’t regret having gone there — we just have to be careful not to dwell there. So, we’ve diverged quite a bit. Does anyone have anything to add to...what was our topic?

Why we are here. But can I go back to what you said about affirming the self in its totality? It’s just that I find so much in myself that I don’t like; it’s hard to envision affirming those things and saying it’s alright.

You know, Buz, I like your question and think maybe we should make it the object of our next assignment. Why don’t we all consider this problem of discontent with ourselves and how it might relate to self-affirmation and talk about it tomorrow morning. ‘Til then, enjoy.

If you're interested in reading more from this series by Scott Bradley, go here.