Some months ago I heard a talk in which the monk briefly discussed the
notion of "clear light".  I've also seen mention of this term in several
books on buddhism.  Yet it still remains a vague notion to me.  I mean,
I might have already experienced it at one time or another.  In fact,
the monk stated that everyone experiences it briefly on a number (seven,
IIRC) of occasions: when sneezing, in certain dream "states", during
orgasm and meditation, and other events I'm not remembering now.

The many metaphors I've read describing it (e.g., 'like the sky on a
clear day') haven't helped me get a handle on this experience.  I'm
hoping that some discussion of it here might at least bring me (and
others too) a little closer to an understanding of this experience... or
to the experience itself.

Anyone have a particularly good explanation of it...?  or a story of how
they or someone else experienced it?


Thanks++,
ken

--
"To make an apple pie from scratch,
first create the universe."
         -- Carl Sagan

Good morning, Ken,

I have had a few momentary what I'll call "Aha! moments" when reading various
suttas or commentaries but, in all honesty, they were extremely fleeting in
duration. I'm not sure if this relates to "clear light" moments. Each time it
was like, "Damn, this really makes sense!" and then it was gone. I can only say
that it was like watching a flash of lightening—it was that quick and then
gone. You "see" the shapes that are illuminated in that instant; they don't
totally register but you know what you saw. I explained this once on the phone
when I was placing an order for some meditation aids at a monastery. According
to the person on the other end, he had similar experiences and knew exactly of
what I was referring. The feeling was of total peace and clarity but of a short
duration. Maybe, one day it'll last for a longer time. I'm not sure this fits
the bill of "a particularly good explanation," though.

You may wish to read the Dalai Lama's explanation at
http://hhdl.dharmakara.net/hhdlquotes22.html and
http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/mind.html#2a which also includes an
explanation by Ajahn Chah.

I hope this is of some help.

May all be at peace.

John

  The root of all phenomena is your mind.
If unexamined, it rushes after experiences, ingenious in the games of deception.
If you look right into it, it is free of any ground or origin,
In essence free of any coming, staying or going.

~JAMYANG KHYENTSE CHÖKYI LODRÖ


----- Original Message ----
ken <gebser@...> wrote in part

Some months ago I heard a talk in which the monk briefly discussed the
notion of "clear light".  I've also seen mention of this term in several
books on buddhism.  Yet it still remains a vague notion to me....
The many metaphors I've read describing it (e.g., 'like the sky on a
clear day') haven't helped me get a handle on this experience.  I'm
hoping that some discussion of it here might at least bring me (and
others too) a little closer to an understanding of this experience... or
to the experience itself.

Anyone have a particularly good explanation of it...?  or a story of how
they or someone else experienced it?

John,

Thanks for your explanation and for the really good links.  Looking at
all of that info together, the notion of "clear light" takes on quite a
broad scope in meaning:  On the one hand it seems like a sublime
epiphany, or the dropping of a veil, something of a cognitive character;
on the other (in the Dalai Lama's first answer) it appears as a
cosmological background from which the entirety of the universe emerges
perceptually.  Many terms, and not only in buddhism, seem broad in some
respect, but can come to be more specific after further considerations.
  I'm not there yet, so more reading needs to follow.  So if, in the
indeterminate future, anyone discovers a particularly salient discussion
of "clear light", I'd appreciate a mention of it here on this list.  I'm
staying with it of course, will bring any findings back here.

Thanks once more for the good tips.


Best to all,
ken


On 02/03/2009 07:41 AM John Pellecchia wrote:
>
>
> Good morning, Ken,
>
> I have had a few momentary what I'll call "Aha! moments" when reading
> various suttas or commentaries but, in all honesty, they were extremely
> fleeting in duration. I'm not sure if this relates to "clear light"
> moments. Each time it was like, "Damn, this really makes sense!" and
> then it was gone. I can only say that it was like watching a flash of
> lightening—it was that quick and then gone. You "see" the shapes that
> are illuminated in that instant; they don't totally register but you
> know what you saw. I explained this once on the phone when I was placing
> an order for some meditation aids at a monastery. According to the
> person on the other end, he had similar experiences and knew exactly of
> what I was referring. The feeling was of total peace and clarity but of
> a short duration. Maybe, one day it'll last for a longer time. I'm not
> sure this fits the bill of "a particularly good explanation," though.
>
> You may wish to read the Dalai Lama's explanation at
> http://hhdl.dharmakara.net/hhdlquotes22.html
> <http://hhdl.dharmakara.net/hhdlquotes22.html> and
> http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/mind.html#2a
> <http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/mind.html#2a> which also includes an
> explanation by Ajahn Chah.
>
> I hope this is of some help.
>
> May all be at peace.
>
> John
>
> The root of all phenomena is your mind.
> If unexamined, it rushes after experiences, ingenious in the games of
> deception.
> If you look right into it, it is free of any ground or origin,
> In essence free of any coming, staying or going.
>
> ~JAMYANG KHYENTSE CHÖKYI LODRÖ
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> ken <gebser@... <mailto:gebser%40mousecar.com>> wrote in part
>
> Some months ago I heard a talk in which the monk briefly discussed the
> notion of "clear light". I've also seen mention of this term in several
> books on buddhism. Yet it still remains a vague notion to me....
> The many metaphors I've read describing it (e.g., 'like the sky on a
> clear day') haven't helped me get a handle on this experience. I'm
> hoping that some discussion of it here might at least bring me (and
> others too) a little closer to an understanding of this experience... or
> to the experience itself.
>
> Anyone have a particularly good explanation of it...? or a story of how
> they or someone else experienced it?
>
>

Greetings Everybody,

Thank you for the forum.
Here I would like to suggest a good Buddhist website: www.nanavira.org.

There is written description:

The aim of this web site is to make more widely available the writings
of the late Ven. Ñānavīra Thera which, though of extraordinary quality
and depth, do not -- for different reasons -- attract any of the
established Budddhist publishers. It is presented as a dhammadāna
(gift of Dhamma) and with a deep sense of gratitude by individuals
whose lives were significantly affected by an encounter with these
writings, in the hope that others, too, might appreciate the
right-view guidance which is offered therein. It cannot be expected
that this material, which poses a clear challenge to the mainstream
version of Buddhism, will gain any great popularity among the majority
of Buddhists -- Eastern or Western -- but at least it can suggest an
alternative approach to the Buddha's original Teaching, and perhaps
serve as a useful eye-opener for those seeking an understanding of its
more fundamental principles. It can also communicate the attitude of
earnestness towards Dhamma practice, which is regarded not merely as a
matter of choice but rather an existential necessity. For without this
basic attitude, the practice of Buddhist meditation will remain in the
worldly sphere and will never be able to bear the fruits of noble
insight leading to liberation from the 'world'.

You might like to visit it.

Take care,

Path3

Hi All,

I too appreciate the time and effort that Jade puts into sending these
quotes. I do not always understand them, but I always appreciate them.

Peace,

Jenny

--- In Buddhism_101@yahoogroups.com, Oneirophile@... wrote:
>
> Dear Ste,
>
> Jade is not talking to herself.  Many of us read,  appreciate, and
learn from
> the quotes she posts.
>
> I for one hope that Jade continues to post these quotes.... in  fact,
> receiving such bits of wisdom, however concise, is one of  the
reasons I subscribe to
> this list.
>
> You have already made it quite clear to us that you do not  like the
quotes
> which Jade posts.  If they  irritate you that much, you have the
option of
> blocking  or deleting them.  That is your prerogative.... just as it
is my
> prerogative (and the prerogative of many other Buddhism_101
listmembers) to  enjoy
> them.
>
> Respectfully,
> Jill
>
> + + + + + + +  + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
> VOCATUS ATQUE NON VOCATUS DEUS  ADERIT
> ("Bidden or not bidden, God is present")
> + + + + + + + + + + + + +  + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
>
>
>
>
> In a message dated 2/6/2009 2:52:17 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
> bolox123@... writes:
>
>
>
>
> You really must stop talking to youself.
> xx
>
> --- On Fri, 6/2/09, SJ Garette  <collies85@...> wrote:
>
>
> From: SJ  Garette <collies85@...>
> Subject: [Buddhism_101]  The Mind
> To: Buddhism_101@To: BuddhismTo:
> Date:  Friday, 6 February, 2009, 2:52 PM
>
>
>
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> The mind cannot exist within the body, as the body, or  somewhere in
between;
> nor can the mind exist wholly  independent of the body.  Such a mind
is not
> to be found;  the mind is therefore devoid of intrinsic existence.
  And when
> beings recognize this nature of their mind, liberation  can take place.
>
> (The Dalai Lama in Practicing Wisdom)
>
> Greetings,
>
> Jade
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> **************Who's never won?  Biggest Grammy Award surprises of
all time on
> AOL Music.
>
(http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?ncid=emlcntusmusi00000\
003)
>

Hello Jill,

Yes, may the force Be With You.

JODY