Is the word enlightenment overused in the subject of spirituality? What's the state of enlightenment?

Answer 1

oh yeah ... i think it shows severe disrespect .. those that use it should be punished accordingly ... and repeatedly ..

Answer 2

Yes, the word enlightenment is overused. Enlightenment pertains to inner awareness or experiencing and knowing ones true "Beingness". There is not a line one crosses that makes them suddenly enlightened. There are various states of enlightenment and even the most enlightened masters whom have ever walked this Earth where still in the process of becoming more enlightened. Its the eternal journey of the soul.

Answer 3

I'm more of a Renaissance man and tend to think of the term enlightenment to mean "freed of religious superstition." The Age of Enlightenment refers to the eighteenth century, prior to the French Revolution, and the term was frequently used by writers of that period, who were convinced they were emerging from centuries of darkness and ignorance into a new age enlightened by reason, science, and respect for humanity. Enlightened people were enormously impressed by Isaac Newton's discovery of Universal Gravitation. It proved that man could unlock the laws of the universe, God's own laws, and understand how the universe actually operated. That, to my mind, is what enlightened means -- to understand how reality actually operates, without the need for imaginary explanations.

Using the term to refer to superstitious spirituality is a gross distortion of historical fact, but is frequently done in modern times to add pseudo-creditability to otherwise meaningless gobbledygook.

Answer 4

Enlightenment means to come out of darkness into the light.
We are born innocent, sinless and pure.
(see the beautiful innocent infants)
Then the neighbors, family, teachers, priests tell us what is right and what is wrong.
We were not so bad until they reformed us.
Now we are in sheer darkness and ignorance.

And again when we get over over ignorance through some means or other -(ask ur heart) - we are enlightened.

Answer 5

~~~ Sara,,, Yes. ,,, It has various names, Christos, Krishna Conciousness, Buddha Conciousness, Bodhi, Aware(japanese, pronounced Ah-wah`-ray)etc,etc,, ,,, Very simply put, enlightenment is " While acquiring knowledge, One who has transcended The Ego(selfishness) and adopted The Virtues(self-lessness, altruism) thus becoming The Sage(wisdom) and thereby Enlightened. " ~ Namaste`

Answer 6

Enlightment is what huduimes(sp) bilieve. I do not believe in it at all, but it is when you finally reach the enlightment of you getting to the point after death, and being able to talk to our inner-self...and with that I will give you a web site to look up too with that
http://everystudent.com/features/connecting.html?gclid=COrJ3vKXuo4CFSCTWAodt090wg


hope it helps

Answer 7

I personally believe this to be an over statement
used by the cults more than real Christians.

Answer 8

you are enlightened when you reach the state of self-realization, and realize you have a personal relationship with god.

Answer 9

to seek and find truth.... which can never be done while obsessing and depending on old over used confusing, ideologies of the churches and religions of the past.....

Answer 10

Christ-liked energy

Answer 11

When you truly know yourself. When you accept yourself completely. When you understand that all you need is love.