What is the essence of Enlightenment?

Question

Seeking to hear the many differences in answer for this question...

Answer 1

The absence of ego

Answer 2

Inner peace. Wisdom that surpasses all understanding. Becoming one with the Universe. These are part of the essence of enlightenment as well as the result of enlightenment. I am still on the journey to enlightenment as every once in awhile, I can slip back into a dark place. It's only human. To always be in the state of enlightenment, one would have to be in constant meditation.

Source:) Myself -- not a Buddhist, just a spirit who want to continue to grow into the light.

Answer 3

The true, complete, unsurpassable enlightenment of a buddha does not only include liberation from cyclic existence and from the afflictions and their result, but also includes elimination of the obstructions to omniscience, which are the stains of the afflictions left in the mental continuum, or fundamental consciousness (if you prefer to assert the existence of the fundamental consciousness, or alaya). I just heard this.

Answer 4

Enlightenment, " Express yourself completely, then become quiet. Open yourself to heaven and earth, and be like the forces of nature: When the wind blows, there is only the wind; when it rains,there is only rain;when the clouds pass, the sun promises to shine. If you open yourself to insight, you are at one with insight and you can use it completely. Open yourself to heaven and earth, then trust your natural responses; and everything will fall into place. - Lao Tsu

Answer 5

God's Holy Spirit

Answer 6

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Answer 7

Enlightenment (aka kaivalya jnana in Hinduism) is the absolute and final crux of life. Enlightenment is the goal of every spiritual seeker... the end of spirituality! Enlightenment can only be obtained in the form of a human being. All lower forms of life after passing through 7.3 million manifestations reach the stage of human beings.

Enlightenment is reaching the 8.4 millionth manifestation... the last leg in the cosmic life cycle. Reaching the stage of enlightenment means our soul atman within our heart that has manifested the body shall finally liberate forever from the cycle of birth and death and gain salvation (aka moksha in Hinduism).

After gaining enlightenment and salvation... every liberated soul atman reaches the kingdom of God (aka Baikuntha in Hinduism). This is a point of no return. Right from the stage of an amoeba (single cell formation) (the first manifestation in the cosmic life cycle) and until the 8.4 millionth manifestation, every soul atman passes through the stages of multi-cell formation, insect life, plant life, animal life and finally the form of a human being.

Enlightenment is for spiritual seekers... it has no concern whatsoever with religion. Those who travel the path of spirituality alone can gain enlightenment and finally salvation.

Enlightenment is gained by controlling the five senses and the mind. This is possible by practicing absolute truthfulness in every single act of ours. No exceptions of any kind are permitted. Simultaneously one needs to practice absolute celibacy for a minimum period of 12 years. Coupled with Neti (not this, not this) as practiced and advocated by Maharishi Ramana in the Shavasana pose of yoga... one ultimately reaches the stage of Nirvikalpa Samadhi.

This is the stage when one comes face to face with God on one-to-one basis. Experiencing absolute bliss... one can remain in communion with God for days together. Reaching the stage of Nirvikalpa Samadhi is the end of journey for every spiritual seeker. One finally reaches the 8.4 millionth manifestation!

Easier said than done... seeking enlightenment is not the goal of many. God Almighty destined gaining enlightenment in a total span of 8.4 million manifestations (an earthly journey of 96.4 million years)... a long journey indeed! More on enlightenment - http://www.godrealized.com/enlightenment.html

Answer 8

I think it is to open one's mind to the possibility of something new, being able to interpret it without feeling like you could lose your own faith.

Maybe to think on a higher level and determining which is the right spiritual path for you.

Answer 9

This can not be taught, one must know for themselves, with themselves. "It is transmitted outside words and letters. It is a transmission of mind with mind". I can tell you straight out what it is, you are it, but as the saying gos "a picture of a rice cake does not satisfy hunger".

Answer 10

There is still ego - but you are not identified with it. Finally you are detached from any sense of personality and individual doership. You realize there is nothing you can do, and there is no you there to do it.