Buddhism Quote by Chogyam Trungpa
“In the process of burning out these confusions, we discover enlightenment. If the process were otherwise, the awakened state of mind would be a product dependent upon cause and effect and therefore liable to dissolution. Anything which is created must, sooner or later, die. If enlightenment were created in such a way, there would always be a possibility of ego reasserting itself, causing a return to the confused state. Enlightenment is permanent because we have not produced it; we have merely discovered it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism, Chogyam Trungpa, 1973
Enlightenment is not a created state but a discovered reality, thus it is permanent and beyond ego’s reach.
In simple terms: Enlightenment is found, not made.
Key Takeaway
Seek truth beyond personal constructs.
Themes
spirituality
ego
permanence
Mood
calm
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- meditation
- psychotherapy
- spiritual retreat
- daily mindfulness practice
Key Concepts
nondualism
mindfulness
impermanence
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions about self limit your insight?
- How can you recognize discovery versus creation?
A Different Perspective
If one treats enlightenment as a goal, ego may still dominate.
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