When it comes to spirituality, one word that often comes up is enlightenment. In general, enlightenment means to gain a deeper understanding, and being able to spread the knowledge one has gained. Nearly all spiritual beliefs strive for some type of spiritual enlightenment and people often try to attain it through meditation, prayer, fasting and spiritual studies. But still, the concept of spiritual enlightenment can often be very misunderstood.
Common Misconceptions
There are many misconceptions associated with the concept of enlightenment. But one of the most common misconceptions people tend to have is that enlightenment is simply one single state of attainment. Then once it is attained, that's it and one remains forever in that state. In truth, enlightenment is a process. It's a series of self-discoveries and realizations that range in varying degrees of clarity and intensity. Enlightenment is not the end point of knowledge, but is a process of continual spiritual growth.
Another misconception about enlightenment is that one needs a Guru or spiritual guide in order to get enlightened. While someone may be able to give you spiritual guidance or help you understand a particular concept, the process of enlightenment is completely up to you. As mentioned earlier, it is a path of self-discovery and can not be given to you by anyone else.
Enlightenment is also not about being perfect or floating in a perpetual state of bliss. An enlightened person will still make mistakes, feel disappointments and even get angry at times. But when a person is becoming more fully enlightened, they realize they are not defined by these events and feelings. Instead they are able to observe these things as learning experiences and free themselves more and more from conditioned negative responses.
Unity Consciousness
So you may be wondering, what exactly is enlightenment? But the thing is, there is no way to pin down enlightenment with one, concrete answer. One way to describe enlightenment is the finding of one's true self through the realization that there is no self. In other words, it's seeing through the illusion of separateness, of observer and observed, and understanding that we are all connected. In this process, the sense of a separate self begins to dissolve and a deepening awareness unfolds. This unity consciousness helps us to nurture a deeper compassion and releases much of the suffering associated with the divisions our minds create.
So, if you find yourself beginning to think of enlightenment as something to gain, or as a goal to attain, relax and just be. Remember that enlightenment is not fixed or defined, nor is it an achievement to brag about. Rather it is a fluid expression of your personal truth, as you acknowledge the oneness and connection of all creation, and allow yourself to be open to all that is.
