Enlightenment. What is it?
Enlightenment is one of those concepts that is so nebulous that it means many different things to different people.
Often the concept of enlightenment involves images of an old man sitting crossed legged in a cave half way up a mountain. The old man has spent a lifetime meditating, and at this advanced age he sits motionless with a smile on his face because he has realised the secrets of the Universe.
If this is enlightenment what use is it? Is the point of following a spiritual path to become pleasantly comatose whilst the world disintegrates a round you? Or do we need to bring our understanding into the world. One of the things that Jesus said is relevant here. 'If you bring forth what is within, it will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within it will destroy you.' Enlightenment is to be bought forth, not hidden behind a knowing smile.
The path I follow dictates that as I understand things I bring them into the world. My little bit added to all the little bits contributed by many others just might make a difference. So enlightenment is to be savoured, enjoyed and used. But what is it?
Enlightenment is not a thing, or a state or anything lasting. It is a fleeting moment. Have you ever had a problem or puzzle that has no answer? Then the light goes with a flick of the switch. Not only do you have answer, it is the only answer that could have been. It is an answer that you don't have to remember because it becomes one of the things that are simply known and cannot be unknown. You assimilate it into your being.
That is true enlightenment. No big event. No bands of trumpet blowing angels welcoming a new master into heaven. Just a little fleeting moment that changes you in an unperceivable way. It is a flick of a switch that shines just a little more light on life.
With each little moment of enlightenment life changes in an almost unperceivable way. The world has changed fractionally. Enlightenment is not to be kept for oneself. It cannot be because a true moment of enlightenment changes a person forever, and that change shows.
There is probably not going to be any massive event of total understanding on the spiritual path. Instead it will be a massive change over time that goes almost unnoticed because it is sum of many little moments of enlightenment that come and went.
David Young.