Question

From a contemplative perspective, a human’s normal state of being is equated to being “asleep.” If one is highly distressed, one is described as being in a “nightmare;” if one is highly enlightened, one is described as having experienced an “awakening.” Explain this metaphor about the state of human beings from a contemplative perspective. Apply this line of reasoning to the treatment of substance abuse.

Answer 1

the concept of sleep and enlighrnemnt is often misinterpretted. evern though an enlightened [person seems to be sleeping he is fully aware of what is happeing around him. in his deep sleep he is carrying out his inner journey. a greater self awreness is created by enlightend person when he closes hios eyes.

A person in deep sleep is giving rest to his mind and body. he is not ghaving any inner journey during this time

The enlightenment is more an inner journey of self and a transformation in charcter. the is manifested in the body in different ways like feeling chilness, feeling high etc. the crux of enlightenment lies in inner engineering or transformation

In substance abuse mere change in body will only happen . here the apsect of inner engineering is least adressed.

Enlightened person continues to experience pecae and tranquilty whereas a person under substance abuse may experinece it till the ime the subastance create an impact in hos physical being