Summary

Josh Rosales shares his personal journey and theory on the path to enlightenment, emphasizing two core principles derived from various meditation practices and ancient teachings.

Abstract

Josh Rosales recounts his early experiences with journaling and manifestation, which led to his life-long pursuit of becoming a "pure human." Through extensive study of meditation, enlightenment, and wisdom texts from figures like Eckhart Tolle and Laozi, Rosales distills his findings into two underlying principles essential for achieving enlightenment or a flow state: focusing attention on the present with genuine curiosity and losing the sense of self by accepting thoughts and feelings. He illustrates these principles with a personal anecdote from Disneyland and plans to elaborate on how they connect to various meditation methods and can be applied to everyday life for a more profound experience of reality.

Opinions

Rosales believes in the power of manifestation and personal goal-setting as evidenced by his childhood journal entry.
He values the teachings of both modern and ancient spiritual leaders, considering them confirmations of his own insights.
Rosales suggests that mainstream methods to enlightenment, while varied, share a common foundation that he has identified.
He posits that enlightenment is not just a mystical concept but a practical, achievable state that can be reached through specific, identifiable practices.
Rosales emphasizes the importance of pragmatism in spiritual practices, focusing on practical applications in daily life.
He equates the state of enlightenment with experiencing

Path to Enlightenment; My theory

Infinite interpretations. Religions, philosophies, & systems. Here is my pragmatic response to the matter. 2 underlying principles.

Let me start with a story. Of little me living in the hood. Experiencing nothing but sunshine and rainbows. Where I had already noticed the power of manifestation. Much to everyone’s shock. I would journal and be made fun of for keeping a ‘diary’.

Against all the disapproving looks, I sat down attempting to remember all my dreams from the other world and journaled all the principles that would reveal themselves to me.

One day, I wrote down in my journal when I was 12 years old, “My personal goal in life is to become a pure human.”

What does that mean? A pure human? Even now, I don’t fully remember what I was referring to when I wrote it down.

In any case, that was the start of a journey that has defined me since and will continue to define me for the rest of my life. The path to enlightenment.

Receiving instructions on how to meditate from my AP psychology teacher years later. I began to read everything there was to know about meditation, enlightenment, & truth.

Coming across the likes of Eckhart Tolle, Jiddu Krishnamurti, & Maharishi Yogi. Of course, as well as the bigger names such as Buddha, Laozi, & every ancient religious and wisdom text.

Each time confirming what I already knew. It excited me, as it was a signal I was on the right path. Always looking for the common denominator. I realized principles in each of these ancient master’s teachings.

One of which I will discuss here today.

The path to enlightenment, transcendence or flow state for my less mystically inclined. Has more or less been explained to be achievable through certain avenues.

“To a still mind, the whole universe surrenders “— Lao Tzu

The mainstream methods to enlightenment are:

Zen Meditation
Chakra Meditation
Kundalini Yoga
Transcendental Meditation
Vipassana Meditation
Mindfulness Meditation
Breathing exercises
Qigong / Tai Chi

All of which incorporate aspects of resting awareness, body scans, breathing, labeling and focus on a present matter(ex: flame, breathing, sound, & action).

But something I asked myself when presented these methods. What do they all have in common?

What was it that I did to experience my altered states of consciousness? I found 2 principles to be true in each of my experiences and these ‘best’ practices.

2 Underlying Principles

Attention on something present. Genuine & curious attention.
Loss of sense of self through accepting/awareness of thoughts and feelings.

Once, when I was at Disneyland Park. Riding the train that takes you around the park. I became aware of my attention. The sound of the family’s excitement, the dinosaur animatronics as we rode past them. The breeze and smell of the restaurants.

As well as my thoughts and feelings but instead of trying to understand them or change them in any way. I simply was aware of them, like falling snow melting in your hand.

After being intensely present for a short period. I broke a barrier. Where the noise ceased and my attention became whole. Where everything felt … just right. I was free.

I will be going over these 2 principles more and explain how they relate to all the other methods of meditation. How this is a fundamental teaching that underly the enhanced state of consciousness.

Always the pragmatist. More importantly how to learn from these teachings and apply them in your day to day life. To experience life as it should be. To become truly pure.

Bruce Lee’s teacher asks him his thoughts when facing an opponent. Bruce Lee responds that “there is no opponent.” When his teacher asks him why that is, Lee responds, “because the word “I” does not exist.” — Enter the Dragon.

Josh Rosales is a new writer and meditation coach. Writing about, “The set principles and fundamental laws that govern the nature of reality”, with story! If you are interested, please subscribe to my email list to make sure you never miss a publication. If you would like to have me write for you, please leave a comment with an email! Thank you for your time & indulgence!