[Buddha-l] Enlightened golems

[jkirk]

Thinking of people who were so greatly admired and loved by their disciples,
I think of Ajahn Cha, and Buddhadasa. Same for some of the older (in time)
forest monks one can read about in Tiyanavich's book.  (There were quite a
few Zen monks, too, but I don't know enough about them to make any
"claims.") 
Neither one of those lovely people, Ajahn Cha or Buddhadasa, claimed to be
enlightened, but their followers thought they were, or close to it. People
who hung around with them as monks, or went to their teaching sessions over
the years, I think would have attested to the benefits they achieved from
their practice--also their increasing insights. 
The phenomenon of followers over decades maintaining such a view speaks to
the real-life accomplishments and character of their mentors, no? 
I never met either of them, alas.
Joanna
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Awakening for all - if that leads to desirable behavior, e.g., a large
measure of peace on earth - would be good no matter how it came about,
wouldn't it?

But it remains unclear just what effect awakening has on the person, if any.


What do you think? I don't know, having never met anyone either claiming
enlightenment nor following a religion that included such concepts.


Michael


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