Self Actualisation or Enlightenment?

lobster

As a daka, alchemist and part time heretic, I am well aware of the power of magical thinking. However I am also on the path to the answer to the ultimate question of life the universe and everything greater than forty two. I take science and technology very seriously. So for example, I don't try and communicate with you via telepathy. Technology has more appropriate tools.
For mind tools I find hypnosis very good for relaxation. Is hypnosis scientific . . . partly . . . it works. For some strange reason visualising tantric deities, saying their mantras and allowing them to occupy what I laughingly refer to as 'my mind' also has a verifiable effect. You too can try it and find out. Science knows that visualisation can heal in a very useful manner . . .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guided_imagery

Is Buddhism more likely to get me to enlightenment or should I be following Bodhisattva Abraham Maslow?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-actualization

:scratch:

ThailandTom

I dunno what to say apart from...

Gui

Daiju visited the master Baso in China.
Baso asked: "What do you seek?"
"Enlightenment," replied Daiju.
"You have your own treasure house. Why do you search outside?" Baso asked.
Daiju inquired: "Where is my treasure house?"
Baso answered: "What you are asking is your treasure house."
Daiju was delighted! Ever after he urged his friends: "Open your own treasure house and use those
treasures."
Source: Zen Flesh, Zen Bones

mettanando

How would "self actualisation" sit with anatta and shunyatta ?

Florian

What is 'self-actualisation'? Is it the attempt to actualise something that does not exist? Seems a rather futile project.

David

Florian said:

What is 'self-actualisation'? Is it the attempt to actualise something that does not exist? Seems a rather futile project.

I'd say it is to see the actual self in between the subjective and objective illusions of self and nothingness.

Dakini

Self-actualization is Enlightenment, if we take "Self" to mean the "True Self", or Buddhahood/Buddha Nature. The Dharma is the path toward Self actualization.

I don't see what telepathy vs. science has to do with your OP question, though, lobster.

lobster

I have heard truly amazing claims for teachers, always from students. The best teachers do not imply or omit their ordinariness, their need to use technology rather than spooky powers to communicate. Self actualisation to me requires an inner technology, Buddhism will do that.
That there are extraordinary methods as well, is to be welcome, if they work. That we can study the claims and attainments is increasingly possible using science rather than, 'Thus did I hear 2500 years ago in another language from vested interests . . .'
As far as I am concerned we can apply the scientific method to Buddhism and it continues to offer insight . . . Augury, astrology, biological street light control and other infantile behaviour is not helpful . . .
So telepathy and other aspects of Buddhism, may at present just be red herrings . . .

Florian

ourself said:

Florian said:

What is 'self-actualisation'? Is it the attempt to actualise something that does not exist? Seems a rather futile project.

I'd say it is to see the actual self in between the subjective and objective illusions of self and nothingness.

I would still question the appropriateness of the word 'actualisation'. But no matter.