Enlightenment is the western translation of the abstract noun bodhi, which refers to a Buddha's understanding, wisdom, or awakened intellect. Budh- is a verbal root that means “to awaken,” and its literal meaning is “waking.” Although the term buddhi is most commonly associated with Buddhism, it is also employed in other Indian philosophies and traditions. Max Müller's 19th century translations popularized the term “enlightenment” in the Western world. It connotes a sudden realization of a transcendental truth or reality in Western culture.
Before You Continue...
Do you know what is your soul number? Take this quick quiz to find out! Get a personalized numerology report, and discover how you can unlock your fullest spiritual potential. Start the quiz now!
The term is also being used to translate a number of other Buddhist terms and concepts, including insight (prajna, kensho, and satori); knowledge (vidhya); the “blowing out” (Nirvana) of disturbing emotions and desires and the resulting freedom or release (vimutti); and the attainment of Buddhahood, as exemplified by Gautama Buddha.
It's unclear what triggered the Buddha's awakening. It was most likely based on the concept that freedom was achieved via the application of mindfulness and dhyna to the awareness of the arising and ceasing of craving. The relationship between dhyana and insight is a central issue in Buddhist research and one of the foundations of Buddhist practice.
There is an underlying unhappiness with the way things are in people's minds. Many people wish for things to be different from how they are. There is a desire to become something one is not, as well as a resistance to things as they are. Everyone is working for a same goal, a distant destination. The prospect of getting at that location appears to provide some comfort, and when those goals and desires are jeopardized, we tend to suffer. This smoldering unease and dissatisfaction can be compared to a smoldering fire. Enlightenment is the means of putting out this fire. Nirvana is the Sanskrit term for extinction.
The concept of spiritual enlightenment has become synonymous with self-realization and the true self and false self in the Western world, being considered as a solid essence being covered up by social conditioning.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Let Go of Your Ego
If you consider about ego rationally, you'll see it's nothing more than a result of our thinking. Ego can sometimes ruin relationships and make you resentful about life. Allow yourself to let go of the unpleasant emotion and embrace positivity and humility instead. You must realize that such emotions can permanently harm you and your relationships.
What does spiritual enlightenment feel like?
As Kaiser argues, this is the start of your spiritual journey, as you begin to doubt everything you previously believed. You begin to purge certain aspects of your life (habits, relationships, and outdated belief systems) in order to make room for new, more meaningful experiences. You may sense that something is lacking, but you aren't sure what it is. It's common to feel disoriented, confused, and down during this time.
How do I awaken my spirit?
Be aware of and deliberate about what you believe. Recognize the energy you're putting out into not simply your world, but the globe at large. Also, be truthful. Are your beliefs assisting you in your spiritual development? A spiritual awakening frequently necessitates the renunciation of long-held beliefs. But here's the thing about waking up: you have to realize you've been asleep first.
What happens when you become enlightened?
The enlightened individual is perceptive and open-minded. He has a unique ability to observe the world with tremendous clarity, free of preconceived notions about people, places, and things. He is able to view the world without leaping to conclusions as a result of this.
How do you recognize a spiritual person?
The first evidence of a spiritual person is their lack of fear. When you have a fear or a chronic worry, that fear takes over your life and you are unable to be in the present moment. Fear of public speaking, fear of heights, and fear of bugs are the three most common fears among Americans. Many people, however, are terrified of death, rejection, loneliness, failure, illness, or making poor judgments. Spiritual people understand how to yield to forces beyond their control. In this way, they are similar to children in that they know how to ignore their minds and live fearlessly.