[freitzkriesler2]

> This pretty much lines up with what meditation has done for me. However, the pursuit of "states" can be a trap in of itself.

Interesting, after a certain point you get diminishing returns and once you've eliminated or solved the things conflicting you, then staying in a meditative state becomes an illusory trap to avoid life and living.

I knew a guy who did just that. Would spend hours meditating to the point where he avoided living. It seemed to be more like avoidance rather than being able to enjoy the gift of living without the troubles that come with it which meditation solves.

[beardedmoose]

Interesting take. With this line of thinking would Buddhist monks just be practicing excessive escapism much like those who turn to drugs and alcohol?

Just some random thoughts but there seems to be a reoccurring theme in life in which too much of a good thing is indeed too much. Life is about balance, all that meditating and no action does what exactly? What good is all that enlightenment if you aren't experiencing life or helping others?

[ReactiveJelly]

Usually drug and alcohol addiction ends up hurting other people and being a drain on social safety nets, right?

I guess if the monks can live cheaply and not bother anyone, it's fine. It's not for me, though.

[freitzkriesler2]

Maybe but not always. Some of those Buddhist monks still enjoy a few earthly pleasures albeit at levels that appear quite modest to us.