Enlightenment

Enlightenment has been defined as a concept in spirituality, philosophy and psychology related to achieving clarity of perception, reason and knowledge.
Byron Katie, founder of “The Work,” and author of the books, Loving What Is and A Thousand Names for Joy, writes that, “The truth is that there’s no such thing as enlightenment. No one is permanently enlightened… There’s only enlightenment in the moment. Do you believe a stressful thought? Then you’re confused. Do you realize that the thought isn’t true? Then you’re enlightened to it. It’s as simple as that. And then the next thought comes, and maybe you’re enlightened to it as well, and maybe not.” Her definition obviously differs from others.

Eckhardt Tolle defines enlightenment as a non-ego state wherein one is intensely present and fully conscious to this very moment. Happy Science of North America, a Buddhist website, defines enlightenment as, “…to know our own true nature, the true nature of the world, and the purpose and meaning of life” and that attaining it “is the greatest possible happiness for a human being.” In Buddhism, enlightenment implies complete understanding of life and the universe, accompanied by a detachment to impermanent things, and a complete awareness of the moment as it is. A person thus becomes enlightened, or reaches nirvana, when they remain in the world yet become free of attachment to it.

Hinduism also uses the concept of nirvana, called moksha, considering it a representation of freedom from desire and other worldly passions. Spiritual enlightenment is also part of the conclusion to the Hindu cycle of reincarnation. In this belief, souls enter many different bodies through the course of their existence. In each of the lives they lead, they develop spiritually. The ultimate goal of this spiritual development is moksha, a liberation from the system of earthly suffering, which includes the idea of spiritual enlightenment.

Christians who have been considered as enlightened have historically been called mystics. Judaism and Islam have enlightened members as well, and both religions have sects which focus on the attainment of enlightenment as their primary goal. Judaism has Kabbalah, and Islam, the Sufis. Mindfulness and meditative practices have all increased within the Jewish tradition of recent years. We are becoming more mindful, and aware of becoming more mindful and aware.

Because enlightenment can be a part of many different religious systems, it is generally considered to be a mystical concept, the promise of a spiritual clarity lying beyond description by words, and beyond attainment by action, regardless of religion. While it is a potentially universal experience, each person comes to it through a very individual and unique path. Teachers may provide guidance along the way, but enlightenment cannot be conferred.

Stopping conscious thought allows the process of enlightenment to occur. Numerous techniques can potentially facilitate the enlightenment experience, such as meditation, yoga, contemplative prayer, dancing, quaking/shaking, sweat lodge ceremonies, Near Death Experiences, chanting, repeating mantras,trance work, etc., because in all of these methods, and others not mentioned as well, there is a point when the conscious mind is silenced and one enters an immersive experience of being one with the One.