
Originally Posted by
geoseph
These are just my opinions on the Dharma:
Perhaps the Buddha one has had been looking for is actually one's self (or the absence of it). Not this nor that, therefore not the body.
I think that since enlightenment is a personal attainment, it is therefore somewhat a selfish goal.
I believe Siddharta Gautama was awakened (found enlightenment) not because he sought it per se, but rather, what he was truly concerned and constantly striving for was to release all from suffering. He gave up his life to find the answer to this question. This was the path he actually took. And by giving himself up completely in the process, he found release (Nirvana, nir + vana = not + world).
I don't think one can give one's self up by something like "Ok self, I quit." I think the way to give one's self up is to give it to everyone else (not foolishly, of course). Hence, the doctrines of compassion and the golden rule.
(Personally, I think the idea of 'mercy' is a more accurate translation than the idea of 'compassion' by the usage of these in English language, because mercy is more on empathy, while compassion is more on pity, and since empathy is more emotionally intelligent than pity.)
I think the path is to fully awaken mercy and empathy in ourselves. One makes it part of one's thoughs, feelings, and actions until it becomes naturally part of us. Of course, this means actively helping others in ways that is best for everyone. This way, one may be ripened for wisdom or the awakening, but only as a consequence, reward, or gift, and no more.
Regarding practice (or the path), helping others may just be as simple as giving a smile.