What is Enlightenment

The question asked during the discourse was - What is true enlightenment? Aren't all truly enlightened supposed to have the same perspective in life?

The issue is that seekers search for the absolute in everything. But the reality is that there isn't just one ocean, and somewhere all the oceans connect. There is no way of truly proving if one is enlightened or not because one can only judge if one has experienced it.

In the video, Om Swami narrates a beautiful example of what The Buddha would ask when asked abstract questions: If one was shot with a poisonous arrow, would they run behind the person who shot it or pull the arrow out first? Likewise, in life when we have so many less than ideal qualities (representing the poisonous arrow) such as ego, guilt, and resentment to deal with - it is important we focus on working on those qualities and purifying ourselves first. Worrying about if there is god, and other similar questions are beyond comprehension, beyond discussion and reflection.

The term enlightenment has caused a lot of confusion as it has been given a lot of undue importance and value in the past 150 years. Seekers are confused as they think enlightenment is all about a "before" enlightenment and "after" enlightenment moment. But in reality, it is about the preparation that led to the moment and if one can continue to always live in the bliss that they experienced in that profound moment.

To put it simply, qualities such as selflessness and compassion show if one is realized. Ultimately, only from one's conduct can it be gauged if they are truly enlightened.

Pearls of Wisdom from this talk:
1. It is better for one to focus on self-purification rather than enlightenment
2. Enlightenment is not about a single moment - it's about qualities such as compassion and selflessness that one embodies

Intro and outro animation: Sushree Svadha Om
Piano music: Adi Sharma

If you enjoyed this video and would like to explore the topic further, here's a blog post by Om Swami:
"Enlightenment too is an ongoing affair. No doubt, there can be a transformational moment that changes something in you forever. Living that change, however, is a matter of mindfulness and more. True enlightenment, that." - https://os.me/enlightenment/

BREATHE / SMILE / LET GO
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