Meditation ~ Kriyas ~ Psychology ~ Philosphy ~ Religion ~ Mythology Eons of Practice
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Eons of Practice

A frequent discontent of ascetics is the length of time and the amount of practice one must do to make advancement. Some people read about the accomplishments of proficient teachers of the past and present. Then, expecting to make rapid advancement, they set out to follow a method described, but only to find that the result intended, does not happen in their case, as quickly and as deeply as that of some other yogi.

Some questions:

  • How long will it take for one to advance?
  • When will one get a significant experience?
  • Why does it take so long, more than a week or a few years, to get a fantastic vision?

In the book, Great Disciples of the Buddha, (page 56 in some editions), Buddha’s primary disciple, Sariputta, who practiced spiritual ascetism and righteous lifestyle for one hundred thousand eons was praised by Buddha, just after Sariputta passed away and entered what Buddha termed as parinirvana.

Imagine having to practice for an incalculable period of time of one hundred thousand eons before one could become a primary disciple of someone who is rated as a Buddha, and attain nirvana as it is defined in the Buddhist literature.

There are more details about Sariputta in their literature (canon), about how he was blessed some eons before by another Buddha just to fulfill his desire to be a primary teacher under a Buddha. Why the formality in a path which should eliminate the need for having to stoop to anyone for anything, especially for attainment of Buddhahood, one’s existential privilege as that sect defines?

Replies (2)

    • Mind blowing!!

      Is it his interest and desire to be primary disciple of Buddha caused him to take incalculable eons of austerities when he could have attained liberation with other Buddha as a nobody?

      In that way he could have cut short many eons of rebirth.

      • So it’s not about the objective, unless that is also the path itself.It is properly qualified as being about cultivating and deepening the practice/path. In faith-centered religions, there, the aim is the finality in the end objective, but of course there is (in mainstream “modern religions “) no concept of rebirth as such for the purpose of an evolving/purifying consciousness.

        Very poignant questions at the end of the original post!Can the dynamics of the relationships described be considered impersonal?

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