For the purpose of understanding this story, we must first agree upon what enlightenment actually is. If you lived 2,000 years ago, enlightenment might simply be freedom from anxiety and ignorance. One could say that in any period, a person in this state of mind would likely be very happy. This is a form of enlightenment, is it not?
There are corrupt teachers in this world who would have you believe that enlightenment is something much greater and harder to achieve. Perhaps they have commercial motivations for portraying themselves through their disciples as being enlightened to a higher degree than what the common man can figure out. We will never know what’s going on inside such a teacher's head. We could judge by their actions if they’re good people, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re enlightened. To some, enlightenment might mean memorizing all the great ancient scriptures. To others, it might mean having a telepathic ability or being able to transport oneself through meditation to any part of the cosmos. Perhaps an enlightened person might depict themselves as someone who can levitate during meditation. Don't be gullible and naive.
Enlightenment is a simple word and can be experienced at 2 PM and lost by 2:15 PM. We might run dry of the feelings of enlightenment for months due to circumstances and then find it again while sleeping on the beach.
We can agree that the essence of enlightenment is realizing that compassion is the right way to treat things during our short time on earth. Enlightenment is breathing in positivity and allowing negativity to dissipate when we exhale. The mind is designed to seek out negative aspects of our environment and solve problems, but we can become trapped in that. Combining childhood circumstances, emotions, poor understanding of reality and purpose, disconnection from nature, personality, and egocentric self-centeredness leads to the opposite of enlightenment. But even that person can return to enlightenment in an instant if they work at it.
Just as we take showers to wash off dirt and smell, we must find a way to cleanse the mind of negativity. Enlightenment is not awareness of a specific set of spiritual tasks or knowledge. Enlightened people can be found in Bolivia's jungles or meditating in the Himalayas. If these two groups met, they would laugh, embrace, share food and water, and celebrate. They might teach each other their customs for achieving ecstatic states, which extend beyond enlightenment.
I think it’s a mistake for a person not to set daily goals like cleaning their room, taking a shower, doing good deeds, being present, providing for family, and avoiding harmful behaviors. Without purpose, the mind creates its own. The higher consciousness sets a purpose and a to-do list for the day, and the ordinary self carries out these orders. This way of living leads to awakenings and enlightenment. Enlightenment means being made light; it doesn’t mean shooting laser beams out of your eyes. It is not exclusive to the elderly or scholars.
When we become enlightened, we see no other path but compassion. We avoid harming others and disengage from cultural drama. Enlightened people prepare for crises, deliberate on solutions, and maintain peace. Enlightenment is clarity and the opposite of suffering in the mind. Each morning, ask yourself if you are enlightened or anxious and suffering. Many people wake up with anxiety and miss the joy of life. Enlightenment can be found in everyday moments, from buying a new car to celebrating small joys.
Even detrimental behaviors can give a sense of enlightenment, but they lead to negative outcomes. Sustainable enlightenment comes from deep breathing and frequent meditation. Each person's enlightenment feels different. For some, it might be working on an old sailboat; for others, it might be a delicious meal and freedom from violence.
Enlightenment is never selfish. A tyrant may feel joyous but lacks the compassion of true enlightenment. It’s about taking a moment to dance, be present, and have a positive impact. Don’t overcomplicate it or worship those who are enlightened. Approach with humility, ask questions, and continue on your path. Enlightened teachers might laugh at the question of how they became enlightened.
Even those who meditate for decades must continue their practice because they are still vulnerable to distractions. Catastrophes, invasions, and personal suffering can divert us from enlightenment. Therefore, we must meditate, practice returning to the breath, and stay faithful to compassion.