Sensual Pleasures & Enlightenment

Master Buddha is MB.
I'm TM.

 TM: I'd like to talk about one area that seems to be rejected by Christianity and Buddhism (maybe for different reasons) and yet Hinduism embraces it in part.  And that is pleasures of the flesh. Two questions come to mind.  When you say give up the pleasures of the flesh, or give up the sensory pleasures, what do you mean?  Why do we have to forego pleasure in order to appreciate and live a spiritual life in the flesh? 

MB: Those questions allow me to clarify some misunderstandings that have arisen from my original teachings and Master Jesus' teachings too.  Let me emphasize too that those teachings were provided for an earlier time in which the conditions of the time were different than they are now and so adjustment is required.

First of all for context, the questions posed that aroused the teachings had to do with achieving enlightenment or salvation.  They were intended for disciples who had dedicated their lives to tread the path. Those who recorded the essence of the sermons and discussions were biased by their own personal beliefs toward the ideas presented.  This doesn't mean they are completely inaccurate, it just means that one must make allowances for the bias.

Secondly, we were in our own time biased by our own lives while incarnated.  While it is true that Master Jesus and I achieved states of enlightenment beyond the norm we could not escape the effects of being human.  This is often forgotten or is dismissed because we are elevated above our actual experience in the flesh by devotees and followers.

Now let me address your questions.  Sensuality is a natural part of being human.  It is so natural in fact that it can be mistaken as the primary aspect of one's being.  It is in reality a reflection of higher consciousness.  For those treading the path I ask, do you wish to play in your reflection in the pond or do you wish to know the one casting the reflection?

This was not and is not to be interpreted as an admonishment to those beings who are playing in their reflections.  It is saying to the one upon the path, this is the way.

TG: So you are saying that one can't find their way to enlightenment by exploring the pleasures of the flesh?

MB: It is knowing the distinction between the true self and the one who pretends to be the self.  One will not find the true self by only exploring the reflection.  Likewise one cannot deny or ignore the reflection and truly know oneself.  I think what you want to know is can one experience and appreciate the pleasures of the flesh and pursue enlightenment.  The answer is in each one's heart or center of one's intent.  The non-self is a trickster beyond belief.  To answer yes means that it is possible and to answer no is to exclude that which is possible.  It will be different for everyone.

TM: So it is possible but it depends on the individual?

MB: Yes.

TM: How do I know if it is possible for me?  How do I know what is the center of my intent?

MB: You will know when the power of your heart and your true desire for enlightenment out weighs all other considerations.  All that isn't from that place melts away and leaves the purity of true self.  In other words until that point you won't know.  You will try this and that, and mostly you will try to strike bargains and negotiations with the true self to bring with you all the things that are important to the non-self.  Until that day when you realize what you have been doing and it all falls away and leaves who you are.  Then you'll know.

TM: It sounds like what you're saying is that the pleasures of the flesh are the parts that the non-self is bargaining to keep and that they will be the parts that melt away.  Is that what you mean?

MB: I believe you were one of the ones who recorded these teachings many centuries ago.  Why don't you just find out for yourself?

TM: Well, of course I will.  But I'm asking you as a teacher for a lesson that will guide me along the way.

MB: And I am a teacher along the way who is offering a lesson to a student who wants me to provide shortcuts that obviate his own need for experience, which in reality cannot happen.  What more can I say except that you will have to find the way to the center of your heart to know your true self and in time know that which is not the true self.  The pleasures of the flesh represent the reflection, but are not the true self.  Is that clear?

TM: Humbly, yes.  Although, I must say you are being forceful and adamant about this in a way I haven't before experienced in your teaching.

MB: Sometimes that is what is needed.  I am adamant that you experience life for yourself.  A teacher shall point a way, but shall be cautious about dictating precise directions.  It is through discovery that you truly learn the lesson, not through intellectual comprehension.  The motivating force that propels you into discovery is from within yourself.  There is no harm in vigorous stimulation of the mind on spiritual matters.  But ultimately it is living experience that counts.

Copyright © 2005 TM

Comments

[timeline of Jesus life]

What does Paul want to make known to these believers?  Simply . the Gospel. I used to think that the Gospel was this one time event…it saved me around 5th grade, and I no longer need it, that it belonged on the timeline of events in my life, alone with basketball games and girlfriends.  That I need to get into deeper, heavier things.  While in a way – yes, that is true .  However, we cannot forget or move from the Gospel, the central message of the Bible.  Paul clearly wants to teach the Gospel.  And he illustrates the necessity for the presence of the Gospel, they heard it (I preached to you), they got saved (you received), they are Christians (stand), their eternal destiny is secure (saved).   He shows how dependent our lives are on the Gospel.

[john ruzinsky]

i'm having problems with my spirituallity! i have different beliefs than most people! i would like to talk to someone in more depth, is that possible?

[Jack]

Regarding Amy's comment, it is easy to throw out an accusation like that, but she has not stated exactly why this site contradicts the Bible, nor has she explained why the Bible that we have today should be considered absolutely inerrant. Many people believe that the Bible we have today is unchanged from the original texts, that no errors have been introduced, and that the original writers simply transcribed what God told them to write and never added their own thoughts, opinions, or cultural biases. There is simply no basis for any of those beliefs, despite the fact that many churches teach exactly those things.

That's not to say that we don't need to use caution; the Bible even says that we should test the spirits. But I think the problem that Amy is having is not so much that what's being said here contradicts the Bible, but that it goes against what she's been taught by her church. I think the idea that a lay person might actually be able to talk directly to Jesus and get answers would upset many preachers, since they want to be the facilitator of all communication between man and God. But the real problem from their point of view is when Jesus points out that our present understanding is incorrect or incomplete - throughout history this has always been something that the religious leaders could not abide, and therefore they try to "immunize" the flock against such revelation by instilling the idea that communication from God can only come by way of the church leaders, and that should someone get a direct revelation, the church leaders must be allowed to dissect it and reinterpret it according to their own beliefs.

[Amy]

Your website completely contradicts the Bible and if you are to believe any part of Jesus...you must believe the whole. His Word is absolute and He is a jealous God and He clearly wants no other Gods before Him. I believe that you are being decieved by spirits that are not of God. I am so glad that you were healed and sometimes it is hard to understand how things that produce good results could not be of God, but I really think you should pray earnestly and ask the one true God to reveal himself to you. I pray that your spiritual path be blessed and that you further seek the truth.

[J Groot]

Oh my gosh. Am I supposed to believe that you have the honor of talking with Jesus and Buddha (and whomever else) above and beyond the rest of the world (I know, I know, we all can, right). Anyway, I would check out who is behind the masks of the spirits you commune with.

[PecK]

You must not, however, lose touch with your heart.

[Stephanie Leigh]

How often and how much time do you spend in meditation? Do you hear and see these meditations? Or is it more of a feeling?

Answer from T. Michael:
I meditate every day several times per day. The conversations occur in a normal awake state, not neccessarily in a meditative state, although it can sometimes feel that way.

[Konchog]

Hi, I'm an American monk practicing in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

The Buddha teaches that it is never the thing itself that presents an obstacle to enlightenment, but our misunderstanding of its nature and subsequent attachment.

[fortheliving]

All roads lead to Rome...

It does not matter which road you are on or even which direction you are going. Some may explain this as "you are already there." And others may say "the journey is the destination." The point is that along the way you have experiences. Sensuality and sexuality are part of being alive. Eat until you are full.