by Shay P | Jun 2, 2021 | To what extent do "highs" lead us to truth?
“For the ‘average’ being, ‘highs’ represent a temporary refuge – an escape from the sometimes overwhelming ocean of suffering most of us swim in. We swim in suffering because of a fundamental ignorance about our reality – a mistaken separation between self and other. Stemming from this ignorance, we project our desires upon what we deem as ‘other’ (people, things, experiences), and become accustomed to a life centered around the ebbing and flowing of desires being created and fulfilled. Yet our contentment is much like that of scratching an itch – temporary relief, but not lasting. So for those of us existing this way, our ‘highs’ are moments in time when the itch has been scratched and there is temporarily no ‘desire’. They’re the driftwood that lets us rest in the turbulent seas. They’re all we have (at least all we think we have). So why not indulge?”
by CNSCSNS | Jun 2, 2021 | To what extent do "highs" lead us to truth?
The great irony is that our confused state of typical waking consciousness does not recognize ‘truth’ and thus mistakes itself for its ignorant understanding of truth. In reality, our ‘highs’ are truth – they are temporary moments of merging with the divine, free of the distraction of our everyday, conditioned consciousness. When we are drunk, high, in the zone on the sports field, with loved ones, deep in stimulating conversation, in nature, etc – all of these experiences are examples of moments of ‘unity’ – moments of truth. The only thing that’s separating us from this unity in all our waking moments is a conditioned mind of dualism and separation. So rather than our ‘highs’ leading us to truth, it’s everything-other-than-our-highs leading us away from truth.”
by Chan Lee | Jun 2, 2021 | To what extent do "highs" lead us to truth?
“These ‘high’ moments should not be disregarded in the game of truth, nor should they be sought after and mistaken for ‘truth’ itself. There is a middle ground here, which recognizes ‘highs’ as both expository, fun, and interesting, and ALSO transient, impermanent, and full of suffering. Whether we speak of ‘high’ in connection to a substance, or from our own volition is not the main issue. There is often truth embedded in these transitory ‘highs’ – whether that be the shining through of our potential, a moment of un-debilitated bliss, or an epiphany of some kind (or something else altogether). However, given the fleeting nature of these experiences, they are more ‘fingers pointing to the moon, than they are the moon itself’ – to steal a zen phrase. As long as we have the wisdom to enter these spaces recognizing this fact, we can gain tremendous benefit from them. However, like any delicious meal, without the wisdom to know when it has filled us successfully, we will keep consuming until we are sick.”
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