“The project of enlightenment is simply a systematic attempt to discover the true nature of reality, (with the understanding) that the full knowledge of reality will be radically transforming.

We tend to think of enlightenment as a distant cognitive state … . We think selflessness is a state of martyrdom. Our operative psychologies teach that the habitual ego-centered self is the only one there is (which) demands comfort, stability, and consumption.

We become enlightened when we see through our blinding misperception.

Enlightenment is more than cognitive; it is emotional and moral, since the openness of wisdom brings happiness which automatically releases the most positive emotions and generates benevolent actions.

To open our minds at least to the possibility of enlightenment, we must dig out the presuppositions that make it hard for us to imagine such an evolutionary achievement. … A buddha is the butterfly that finally emerges from the cocoon of the human life-form.” Robert Thurman, Inner Revolution; pg. 59-62.

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The first and last sentences of this quotation are taken up before a long, silent meditation.

Happy Solstice, everyone!