It is useful to think of an enlightened person having three bodies although it is really only one body seen in three different ways. (see Box 1)
An enlightened person is no longer a ‘person’ as ordinarily understood. When an individual mind rises above its conditioning and habitual illusions it returns like a raindrop to the ocean which is the one mind. This is the peace that passes all understanding. This is the bliss body from which we came and to which we will return. (see Box 2)
Box 2 – everlasting blissWe speak of coming and returning but, given the Oneness, these are illusory notions. Particular and social bodies are different ways of viewing the bliss body – there is only the oneness which is everything and always. Clouds may hide the sun but it is still there. Illusions may prevent people from knowing their bliss body but it is still there. When there are no clouds the sun can be seen. When there are no illusions the bliss body is apparent. |
Box 1 – three bodiesBody 1 – Bliss body. Having turned the mind around there is only the Oneness. No more particular things; nor feelings of love, hate or indifference. There is the peace that passes all understanding, but also compassion for those still living in the messy world. Compassion leads the mind back to earth. Body 2 – Particular body. This is the body – seen from its own point of view - as if it existed in the ordinary sense. As the vehicle which carries us through the ordinary world we must attend to its physical and psychological needs. Body 3 – Social body. “To see ourselves as others see us”. Those who are skilful in helping others to ‘see the light’ present themselves differently to different people. “Different strokes for different folks”. |
The one-mind of the bliss-body is compassionate. It also lives happily with the paradoxes created by language (see Box 3). Although it appreciates that there is only one thing which is everything it also appreciates that the one thing gave rise to the many things and that there is much suffering amongst the many things.
People suffer because of how they think. Think different and end suffering. Albert Einstein reckoned that, “It is in the minds of men that war is created and it is in the minds of men that peace must be won.”
Box 3 – enlightenment is like jazzPeople have been in the world for more than six million years but language has been around for only about 25,000 years. Language is useful for dealing with the practicalities of day to day living but it has not yet evolved to deal with the insights of shamans, mystics and other existential champions. Enlightenment is like Jazz – you’ll know it when you find it. Talking about it is a waste of time. Be cool. Be still, and know! |
