Yeah, but what the Zen people say is in itself a mystery, so why take it literal?Originally Posted by Nnonnth
One book that is very interesting if you want more accounts like that of the magician you mentioned is "The Holographic Universe" by Michael Talbot. The anecdotes and stories he relates as examples suggest that a lot of things are possible we don't even think about. Especially when concerned to religious mystics, even in modern times. What makes this account intriguing is the quality of his cited witnesses. Each is either a well-known figure (but maybe the story is not) or one or several witnesses of a story have an academic grade, and quite a lot are doctors of their disciplines. It's really a worthy read.
One thing that seems to be very unclear about Buddhism is the goal beyond "breaking the cycle of reincarnation". So there is a point beyond enlightenment there. Taoists are somewhat clearer about that, as their practises try to conceive and mature "a spiritual embryo" as a host in which the spirit can reside eternally - non-physical immortality.
There seem to be similarities and overlappings of (at least before now) secret teachings relating to such concepts, as the books describing such training were handed down by the Buddhists (Bone Marrow/Brain Cleansing and Muscle/Tendon Changing by the monk Da Mo), but the techniques used therein easily translate to Taoist techniques as well.
The final goal beyond enlightenment in this context as I saw it defined was the re-merge with the Tao, but it is hard to keep track which tradition has what aim and whether the end results obtained by some small circle secret teachings are really the ones longed for by a sect or group as a whole.
I agree, the term "enlightenment" is a tricky one.
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