Achieving Nirvana

30th July, 2011 - Posted by L. John Mason -

What is your purpose in life? Are you living your life with the intent of getting to heaven or reaching the highest form of consciousness labeled “Nirvana.” The Buddhists believe that working to achieve “enlightenment” is the goal of living and they believe that we live and are reborn to learn the lessons that will lead to enlightenment. The concept of rebirth and reincarnation is known as Samsara. In researching this concept I came across the following definition in Wikipedia:

“Samsara is uncontrollably recurring rebirth, filled with suffering and problems (according to Kalacakra tantra as explained by Dr. A. Berzin). In this sense, Samsara may be translated “Wheel of Suffering.” The Buddha taught that there are six realms that one can go to through this cycle of Samsara, though Buddhists differ as to whether the realms are actual places or figurative states of mind. Many believe that when one goes through the process of rebirth that they are the exact same person when they are reborn, but this however is not true according to the teachings of Buddha. Beings bear many similarities with their former selves but they are not the same person: this is why many Buddhists use the term rebirth instead of reincarnation. The term reincarnation implies that there is a transfer of one’s soul to the new life, but Buddhists believe this is not the case in Samsara, rebirth is generally considered to be a stream of evolving consciousness. A good example to better understand the transfer of consciousness is “Like a billiard ball hitting another billiard ball. While nothing physical transfers, the speed and direction of the second ball relate directly to the first.” This explains how the previous life has a direct impact on the next life.” Quote taken directly from Wikipedia on Samsara.

So, where are you in your evolution of higher consciousness? Are you living your life in preparation for achieving Nirvana? And, how do you do this, if this is your purpose in life? Not everyone will live as a disciple of Buddhism. Not everyone meditates daily. But, can we connect with a deeper spirit of consciousness? Can we trust our intuition and do “right” by others with the highest level of tolerance and without the fear death? Can we practice acceptance and offer unconditional love, with no strings attached, to other people struggling to learn the lessons of life? Can we volunteer and look for the good in other people rather than, through fear and hate, look for the things that may divide us? Finally, how prepared are you to accept the ultimate transition that we must all face of death (and then face the possible return to learn more lessons in a future life?)

My sister asked me to read a book, “The Instruction,” by Ainsley Macleod and I found that he offers an interesting perspective on living your purpose and developing higher consciousness. It is a basic guide with information and exercises that can assist you in the process of moving toward spiritual development without major religious dogma.

No matter how you choose to find and then live your purpose, I support your efforts. Along your way, I hope you reach out to assist others in their quest for consciousness, ’cause we may all want to reach the end point together. Bask in the light of unconditional love and acceptance. Hope to know you in Nirvana.