Do you think there is really such a thing as "enlightenment," in the spiritual sense?

Question

Do you think it's a state of altered consciousness? Something supernatural? A complete fabrication? A form of psychosis? Something else entirely?

Answer 1

Complete self-realization of your God-self. Absorbing the mind/ego into your spirit.

Answer 2

The word enlightenment carries meaning and because of this, it is important to put the meaning into context for true Understanding. This is why the Dalai Lama's answer to the question "Are you Enlightened" caused him to laugh and answer "No"... His Holiness has a very clear Understanding and was showing His compassion.

It takes an analysis of "enlightenment" for its understanding to become clear..you can't say that you're enlightened or not outright like that you see.

The Lord Buddha's words are clear, "The fourth Noble Truth is The way to cessation of suffering is the Eightfold Noble Path"..

We see the words and we read the words but we don't Understand those marvellously sweet, compassionate words. There is no "becoming" enlightened, to try and become something we struggle to do it do you see..? Struggle Struggle.... becoming something is not the words the Lord Buddha said, his words are very clear we just don't want to Understand them.... He said we must follow the eightfold Noble Path as this is the way to cease suffering, that's the instruction, this means that we must follow the Path, it says nothing about 'becoming' anything, as we follow the Path then our awareness expands, but it is not like a road where we follow a road and get somewhere, the Buddha's message is so sublime and powerful there is no end to the journey, it is not a journey where we reach a destination, His Holiness is so wise to laugh at the question of course He isn't "enlightened" he is still travelling along the Path as we all do, there is no "enlightenment" there is a cessation of suffering along the way. The Lord Buddha 's 4 Noble Truths do not say enlightenment yet we interpret those sweet words in our ignorance..

Read the words and Understand them, with Practise of the Priciples of the Eightfold Noble Path we enable freedom for our real consciousness, with this freedom our awareness expands and we become free from self serving desires and cravings and then comes the realisation that "We are not I", a journey which is ever endless.

Can we reach "enlightenment"...? It is not a place we go but a journey worth taking.

From the words of the late Venerable Ananda Mangala Mahanayakathera who was asked if He was "enlightened" He replied....

" No Sir, I am not enlightened, but I am highly eliminated!!"

A great Teacher and human Being...what a sense of humor He had....

Peace from a Theravada Buddhist..in the season of joy...

Answer 3

Enlightenment is something that one must work toward for a very long time. There is most definately "such a thing" as enlightenment! I strive every day to attain as such. Enlightenment is not necessarily "altered" conciousness, because, once it is attained, it never leaves. NOT supernatural, in fact it is the definition of natural because enlightenment means that one has accepted the true nature and reality of all things. if you'd like to know more, feel free to email me at [e-mail]
With Metta,
Alanna

Answer 4

Yes, I think there is enlightenment in the spiritual sense, if your mind can let go of preconcieved notions.

Answer 5

Barbara Walters asked the Dalia Lama if he was enlightened. His holiness just laughed and said no.

Answer 6

No its not phycotic, it is spirtual. BUT, you need to do it according to the Bible and not the demonic forces, Its called being born again or born from above, its about reciveing Gods Holy spirit into your life. Go read John 3.3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.[a]"

4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You[c] must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

9"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.

10"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[d] 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
On the other hand you can occupied by the demon spirits. avoid at all cost!

Answer 7

Yea,,something.

Answer 8

I used to think it was complete bunk... until I was enlightened. But it's just knowledge that changes your perspective. No powers, or peace, or humility, or whatever.

Answer 9

The TRUTH is what makes your spirit brighter, God is the father of us all and we all will go to Heaven, with different luminosities of course.

Answer 10

As sunman says... it is true
for when thy brain is activated all will be revealed as nothing can remain hidden or uncovered!