What is Enlightenment and Does it Matter?

For today, let’s really consider the idea of enlightenment, and does it matter? Enlightenment is a common term used by a variety of yogis, philosophers, and religions. The term “enlightenment” used by Emmanuel Kant isn’t the same as Buddhist enlightenment, but they share many similarities. Enlightenment is having an accurate view of the world and how it works. In real life, it’s much more common for people to largely view the world through a distorted lense. We’ll call that the “common view”, and when we look out into the world with this, it’s the same as peering through a pair of smudged-up sunglasses. You can see but it’s duller and less clearly vibrant than intended. Those who choose to venture a path to enlightenment, strive to travel towards the ultimate state. It is a process with the intention to try one’s best in each moment. 

Common View Vs Enlightenment

Our prejudices, biases, hurts from the past, and misconceptions taint our perception. We’re driven by habit and polluted by our past experiences. We’ll need to strip all of that away and perceive the world accurately. The way that the idea of enlightenment works for most of us IRL, is on a spectrum. It happens in steps. Understand, it can take a lifetime, or many, to reach a high level of enlightenment. It’s not necessary to live alone in a cave or become a Buddhist monk. We do have to start somewhere. First, decide if you want to give it a try? Now, All that’s really required is to pay attention and observe your thoughts. Next, we have to get honest with ourselves. The common view brought us this far, and let’s face it, we’ll need time to transition. The journey to enlightenment happens in phases, stages, and layers that each takes time to integrate.

“Enlightenment is the experience -the feeling- of Oneness of All Life, more than the putting on of wisdom.”

– Mark Nepo

 

Advantages of Enlightenment

Again, to look at the advantages of enlightenment, we must accept that in this context, enlightenment is a path. We’re not dealing with the word in the sense of representing the ultimate outcome. Enlightenment is having an accurate view of the world and how it works. We’re working toward that to see glimpses of this accurate view, and to experience moments of deep connection. Maybe one day, we’ll reach that lasting state, but for now, we take the journey minute by minute and allow the world to unwrap the lessons that we need to learn. In the state of enlightenment:

  1. It’s impossible to feel jealous, offended, or have other negative emotions if you’re enlightened.

    • Today, walking that path, we are noticing our reactions in response to the world.  Thus, we are working to decondition ourselves from these negative emotions as each situation arises.

  2. You no longer feel the need to impress anyone else.

    •  For now, we are consciously choosing to tend to our inner callings versus responding to uniform achievement and possession-driven behaviors. We are taking daily steps to pursue our lives from a space of intuitive connection.

  3. Simple things become much more enjoyable.

    • In each moment, we allow the act of eating an orange or going for a walk to be as satisfying as driving a Ferrari. But that’s not to say that the Ferrari is off the possibility list. In reality, what this means is that each act and experience is treated with the same about of awe and appreciation. Our humanness still tries to cling to preference so we navigate that mindfully.  Take heart, this is a process of deconditioning.

 

Does That Matter?

Well, the only person that can answer that question is you. Personally, I believe it matters and I try to live each moment in line with that. Every day, it’s a process.  The main thing that I want you to know here is that Enlightenment isn’t just for spiritual, off-the-grid folks. In fact, much of the world and most religions follow a similar values framework to some degree. Enlightenment is a worthy goal for any human being. It is a lifestyle of action. In truth, enlightenment can be hard work, but the benefits are considerable. Eventually, you can arrive at a point where emotions and the opinions of others no longer control you. You’re authentic self and experience gradually come into view.  Now, if you’re considering enlightenment and does it matter enough to take the next step, check out strategies on your journey to enlightenment.

Embrace the journey.

Stay Connected. 

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