There are many ways to describe a person who has reached a certain level of maturity. As a person develops there are many ways in which we can mature. What is the ultimate way? When a student passes their degree, they become a graduate. When a yogi reaches a certain level of meditative harmony, he is said to reach Samadi. A Buddhist reaches Nirvana or enlightenment. A company executive reaches director level or becomes the CEO. What is interesting is that if we want to grow as human beings we need to define our objectives. What is it to grow? How do we do it? As we have discussed in many different ways, but there has to be a word to describe reaching a level of perfect harmony in body and mind that is free of the doctrine of a particular school of thought. This is because as people outside a particular discipline we are not isolated from the possibility of reaching these evolved states.
How Does a Truly Enlightened Human Being name that liberation?
The point is that with so many people now pursuing so much personal development, so called enlightenment is more available to the wider population than ever before in the history of the world. This is very exciting and we need a word to describe what it is to reach a certain level of personal balance. As an Alexander Teacher my perception of what this means has to include the psycho-physical. Having said that I have also experienced Buddhism and yoga and various meditations and all of these acknowledge the need for a psycho-physical experience towards an improved state. Even many schools of contemporary psychology now practise a certain physiological approach to their patients well being and it is even noted by some therapists that with the mental improvements there are also enhanced postural effects.
With human development we cannot get away from mind and body. So what can we call the new 21st century aspiration to enlightenment? The word enlightenment is so last century and inextricably linked to very defined cultural parameters.
Why should we define this concept? It is necessary because so many people want to improve themselves. So many people are so good and their struggle is a moral one. Everybody worries about everyone else. Should I have said that? Done that? Am I too materialistic? Am I too spiritual? Lazy? Stupid? The list goes on. We need a single word to sum up where we are going. What it is we should be aiming for in life. If you look at the content on any face book page it will trace back to this eternal question. How should we behave?
The problem is we are not Christians, Buddhists, Yogis, Atheists, Jews, etc. We cannot be labelled with these outdated pre 21st century titles that limit our perspective on the world. We are human beings with the best opportunity to grow the world has ever seen. It is so exciting there cannot be a single person who is missing this wonderful trick. So how do we define it.? Who can find this perfect expression of this wonderful human potential? Who can leave their own doctrine behind and say clearly what it is we achieve when mind and body are truly free?
I think the Yogis are winning so far with the word liberation. To achieve liberation. But it still implies too much mind. We are very much body as well. Please join me in my search and lets keep posting suggestions. If we think about such things more people become aware of the concept and join the process. And that really is exciting!