Tek-Gnostics Archives
Universe as
Cosmic Joke
Beneath this entire universe
is the cosmic joke... and tapping into that level of the game is
almost like going beyond enlightenment. You’re tapping into the
very bliss of God, applauding His grand dance, appreciating Her
intricate set-ups, and of course, rolling in the aisles at the
magnificent punch line...
The punch line of this cosmic
joke has many faces...
You can see the punch line in how big this universe is... in those
amazing photos of countless stars, nebulae, and galaxies that
exist millions of light years away and are a whole lot bigger
than anything you’ve ever called “big.”
You can see the punch line in how small it all is... in a drop of
swamp water seen through the lens of a high-powered microscope
that is filled to the brim with invisible legions of life.
You can see the punch line in how temporary it all is... as those
who spend decades ruthlessly pursuing wealth and power end up
dying just like everyone else... with their hands empty.
Why do you think they call it realization?
The state of enlightenment is also called self-realization or
God-realization. It’s called “realization” because the great,
enlightened beings have “realized” one fact... a fact that has
implications on every element of life as we know it.
They’ve realized the omnipresence of divinity. They’ve realized
that everything is one, and that knowledge and the knowing of
that knowledge are inseparable. They realize that what you see
is what you get, what you get is what you see, and what you see
is who you are. In other words... it takes one to know one. We are
the world, indeed.
Realization is not just about reading some words and being able
to discuss or debate them; but rather to realize the essence
behind spiritual insights such as: “In the beginning was the
word, and the word was God,”
“Everything is one,” “The kingdom
of Heaven lies within,” or “Thou art That.”
Once you realize the essence of spiritual teachings and make
them an integral part of your reality, these teachings
filter
through and transform your entire world. Your sense of limited
individuality fades like a mirage that had been blocking the
bright sunlight of supreme truth. As this supreme light blasts
through you, unimpeded by mortal illusions of limitation and
separation, you become enlightened. You emanate not only your
own personal human light, but also a higher, more universal
light.
Before becoming forever established in the highest realization,
you may touch that enlightened space for a while and then return
back to limited thinking. Even when you’re feeling limited,
remembering the higher spaces you’ve touched helps to keep you
moving forward toward your divine birthright of knowing who you
are in the highest sense at all times.
And life goes on . . .
One day the master announced
that a young monk had reached an advanced state of
enlightenment. The news caused some stir. Some of the monks went
to see the young monk. “We heard you are enlightened... Is that
true?” they asked.
“It is,” he replied.
“And how do you feel?”
“As miserable as ever,” said the monk.
Here’s the thing: Even after enlightenment, you’re still you!
For example, if a mopey, sullen person were to somehow become
enlightened, he wouldn’t necessarily start running around
smiling and laughing all the time. In fact, he may not change so
much outwardly, although those with eyes to see the light of
spirit would see it shining through his eyes, words, and
actions.
With enlightenment, you may continue playing your role, but with
the awareness that you’re the one who’s playing your role!
- Excerpts from "Spirituality
for Dummies" - by
Sharon Janis
A monk
asked
Zhaozho, “Does the dog have Buddha Nature?”
Zhaozho replied, “Yes.”
The monk then asked, “Since it has, why is it then in
this skin bag?” Zhaozho replied, “Although he knows
better he deliberately transgresses.”
Soon another monk came along: “Does the dog have Buddha
Nature?” “No” Zhaozho said.
The perplexed monk asks, “All beings have Buddha Nature,
why not this dog?” “Because he still has a mind.”
Zhaozho answers.
When the great Zen Buddhist,
Daisetsu Teitaro Suzuki was asked what was it like to experience
Satori, he said...
“Well, it's like
ordinary, everyday experience... except about two inches off the
ground!”
Editor's Note: At the end of the day... each of us...
as sentient beings... get to choose our response to this grand
cosmic joke we call Universe. Possessing free will, we have the
choice to either laugh or cry at the absurd, horrific antics
grotesquely reflected in the circus hall of mirrors... at the
tragically comic dramas that continually play out
here at the carnival madhouse we call Earth. The act of
choosing... to either laugh or cry at situations as they arise
along our path... is a true reflection of our progress, along
the path... by virtue of the manner in which we respond.
So step right up!
Ladies... Gentlemen... Children of all ages! Don't be shy! After all... you
bought your ticket, you paid the price... enjoy the
ride! But remember... please remain
seated until the ride comes to a complete stop!
The curious are welcome to
explore the carnival's Midway, at the links below, should you so
dare! If you do not find this amusement park so amusing...
maybe the best thing to do is go
home.
