Wait a second!
More handpicked essays just for you.
More handpicked essays just for you.
Spirituality and psychology essay
An essay on psychology and spirituality
Spirituality and psychology essay
Don’t take our word for it - see why 10 million students trust us with their essay needs.
Recommended: Spirituality and psychology essay
Spiritual enlightenment is the concept of having a complete understanding of life and the universe; it presents an unparalleled level of wisdom, acceptance and knowledge. Enlightenment exceeds mind, senses and thought. But how does one achieve spiritual enlightenment? The truth is that there is not one specific set path, but rather simply finding the right direction for you. Consistent through almost every method however, are five key principles.
The first step to spiritual enlightenment is learning to accept that there is absolutely no escaping yourself. Not matter the amount of drugs, alcohol, sex or other things you consume; there will never be a way out of being who you are. Once you have fully accept this, you will slip into the next step: finding your true identity. Ask yourself, who am I? By ignoring all societal conditions and judgments, you may find yourself completely misrepresented (Arenson). These two steps are the first keys to unlocking the door to enlightenment.
After you have learned to accept yourself, you will move to consciously letting go of all attachments to material items. It is important to understand that physical objects will not lead you to happiness. When you start to recognize that holding on to material comforts will only hold you from reaching your full potential, it will be easier to leave behind many desires and
…show more content…
All forms of yoga; though, can be traced back to Hindu principles. The main focus of any kind of yoga is targeted to bring your mind and actions into focus by using your body; this is done by moving your body into specific positions and breathing smoothly (Webb). The final most common way to spiritual enlightenment is the use of psychedelics. While common belief is that psychedelic drugs are dangerous, there is really no solid science to back those claims up (McGreal). Some psychedelics can be eaten, smoked or taken in a pill
Enlightenment is defined as, “a final blessed state marked by the absence of suffering and desire,”; although, to be completely without desire would require experience with the indulgences of the physical world. This is relevant in the lives of Siddhartha from Siddhartha, by Hermann Hesse, and Phil from the movie, Groundhog Day. Phil and Siddhartha’s characters are developed through a series of confusion, loneliness and reckless behavior that ultimately results in a state of depression that opens their eyes and allows them to reach enlightenment. The paths of Phil and Siddhartha begin in a confused state, and the poor choices made during this time leads to gluttony, greed and overindulgences. This ravenous state results in depression, and further,
By learning from the Dharma, understanding The Four Noble Truths, three jewels, living by the five precepts, and following the eightfold path will assist to the completed path of enlightenment. Nirvana, which means to extinguish or unbind, is when a Buddhist has reached a state in which he has gained knowledge and freedom from what ever has bound him from reaching nirvana. Whether it be passion, desire, jealousy, egotism, or ignorance. When nirvana has been reached then there will be complete release from the samsara and karmic cycles.
"It is this what you mean, isn't it: that the river is everywhere at once?” Siddhartha took many journeys in his life all of which were necessary for him to reach enlightenment. There are multiple factors that lead to Siddhartha's enlightenment such as his journey through the city and meeting Kamala and Kamaswami. The plays a massive role in his journey to enlightenment. Without any of these he wouldn't have reached enlightenment
Each of us has innate desire to understand the purpose of our existence. As Hermann Hesse illustrates in his novel Siddhartha, the journey to wisdom may be difficult. Organized religion helps many to find meaning in life but it does not substitute careful introspection. An important message of Siddhartha is that to achieve enlightenment one must unite the experiences of mind, body, and spirit.
This enlightenment actually came when he described, to Govina on page 143, what he thought life actually was. It was not Samsara or Nirvana, but it was the realization that life is only illusion, a person just does what he can. Siddartha, on page 34, did not believe that a person could gain “salvation through teachings,” but that a person needed to find his salvation through himself and no words could ever describe one’s enlightenment when he found it.
Samanas believe that enlightenment can be reached only through asceticism, rejection of the body and physical desire. While traveling ...
While the idea of attaining enlightenment can be taught, the method or path of attaining that enlightenment cannot be taught or passed along. For most of his life, Siddhartha tries to achieve enlightenment through the rejection of his desires, thus becoming a Samana. Soon enough, however, Siddhartha realizes that the path of the Samana is not the right one for him, and soon after he starts to study the doctrine of the Buddha. Yet Siddhartha soon starts to see flaws within the Buddha’s doctrine:
During the Enlightenment, it was a time when educated intellectuals came together to discuss political, religious, economic, and social questions. From these discussions some people questioned the types of monarchies and which would be better for the society. These people were revolutionary thinkers that became known as philosophes, or philosophers, who brought new ideas on how to better understand and improve their society. They were all modern thinkers who had the best interest in society. Although each philosopher had their own individual ideas, they all focused on one common theme, which was equality and human rights.
Mini-Q Essay A time period known as The Age of Reason or The Enlightenment was when philosophy, politics, science and social communications changed drastically. It helped shape the ideas of capitalism and democracy, which is the world we live in today. People joined together to discuss areas of high intellect and creative thoughts. The Enlightenment was a time period in which people discussed new ideas, and educated people, known as philosophers, all had a central idea of freedom of choice and the natural right of individuals. These philosophers include John Locke, Voltaire, Adam Smith, and Mary Wollstonecraft.
Niles, Patricia. “The Enlightenment.” Novaonline. Niles and C.T. Evans, 7 May 2011. Web. 13 Feb. 2012. .
“Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.” (“Quotes by Buddha”) The Buddha went through many trials and tribulations to reach enlightenment. But, he persevered and once he reached this state, he shared his spiritual knowledge with countless others (Editors of Biography.com).
Clearing one’s mind can result into every moment being an experience of enlightenment. The readings of The Tao Te Ching, Buddhists scriptures and Siddhartha all deal with different aspects of Buddhists and Taoist belief, but they also have certain points the connects one another. The goal of Buddhists and Taoists is to see things as they are and to reach Nirvana or be one with the Tao. In order to be able to accept things as they are means understanding that the world we live in are full of illusions therefore we should detach ourselves to the things in this world. Finally, one should realize that the path the enlightenment cannot be taught by others but can be found in the inner self of an individual.
Spiritual formation is a process that morphs as we grow and change. There is no one singular correct path this type of journey takes because each journey is as individual as the person who is experiencing it. Most obvious, the journey will be different from those who identify as religious and those who do not and will diversify with in each category. For example, the spiritual journey a Buddhist takes will be different from that of a believer in Judaism or Christianity. In fact, the journey will continue to diversify between Christians, male and female, age groups, even by demographic location. Consequently, the spiritual formation process is as diverse as it is intricate and we may never be able to discover all the journey options. Although individuals may not actively recognize they are experiencing spiritual formation it is a process that affects all. Because it is in human nature to question, learn, grow, and act, everyone to a certain extent is exposed to a unique spiritual formation journey.
As Kant would put it, “Enlightenment is man’s emergence from his self-imposed immaturity” (Kant 1784, p. 1). However, what does this truly mean? Kant says that this said immaturity is not due to man’s lack of understanding, but rather man’s lack of courage and confidence to use his understanding willingly and without the direction of others. In other words, Enlightenment to Kant is to resist authority and traditions, allowing us to think for ourselves. “’Have courage to use your own understanding!’—that is the motto of enlightenment” (Kant 1784, p. 1). Furthermore, enlightenment cannot be achieved overnight. It would be foolish to say otherwise. As a person grows slowly yet surely out of this self-imposed condition of immaturity is when one
Of most importance in recognizing true Spirituality is identifying the fruit of the Spirit consistently produced through a person’s life. Peter says of the false believer, “These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness.” 2 Peter 2:17 (NLT). Over time the truly spiritual will continually exhibit fruit of the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:22-23). Of most importance those who are truly spiritual will do so when it personally costs them, or when they suffer (Philippians 3:10, 1 Peter 2:20, Matthew