But no one really knows how to measure enlightenment in the brain, or where exactly to look in the nervous system yet. They are getting closer to having the equipment and understanding to do this. Having a change in the nervous system if one shifts in to enlightenment does not change anything about the value of enlightenment, or even its metaphysical status. Mental states appear to be due to the way the brain functions, or they cause changes in the way the brain functions. If enlightenment has nothing to do with any sort of mental state, I still would bet that something in the brain is different in the enlightened. Either way, it seems pretty likely that the nervous system registers the difference due to enlightenment or causes it or allows it to happen.
And having a bad back while being enlightened (as was the Buddha) would not mean that the brain is not functioning differently due to the enlightenment. I realize that all the folks who are enlightened say exactly what you have said. I just don't see why you can't be enlightened and have a change in brain functioning as a result. But hey, I could be wrong. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "richardatrwilliamsdotus" <richard@...> wrote: > > > > Bhairitu: > > It is a conditioning of the nervous system. > > > Enlightenment doesn't have anything to do with the > human nervous system. If it did, we could see it > and measure it and replicate it. > > The enlightened state is a state of mind; a state > where we percieve reality as it really is. > > Enlightenment is a mental state - there is no > change in the physical body. Enlightenment is a > metaphysical state. > > The historical buddha is said to have attained > enlightenment, but he had a bad back until the day > he passed away. > > Enlightenment "...is the state of residing in such > great understanding and depth, that no matter what > life throws your way, you are at peace with it, you > are able to say, That's OK, no problem." > - Zen Buddhist Master Charlotte Joko Beck >
