What is enlightenment?

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Nils
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What is enlightenment?

Post by Nils »

I am dealing with the subject of enlightenment. How would you describe it? How can one understand it?
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PadmaVonSamba
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Re: What is enlightenment?

Post by PadmaVonSamba »

To “Enlighten” means to bring light to where previously there was darkness. It is a metaphor for bringing knowledge and awareness of truth to where there was previously ignorance.

The Buddha taught about freedom from suffering and the causes of suffering, which is ignorance. So, the complete realization and thus attainment of that can he called “enlightenment” .
But the word “enlightenment” doesn’t come from the Buddhist teachings. It’s a western concept.
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An inward outlook produces outward insight.
Kai lord
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Re: What is enlightenment?

Post by Kai lord »

Nils wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 10:49 am I am dealing with the subject of enlightenment. How would you describe it? How can one understand it?
The polishing of a dirty mirror until its clear and shiny again.
Life is like a game, either you win or lose!
Life is like a fight, either you live or die!
Life is like a show, either you laugh or cry!
Life is like a dream, either you know or not!!!
madhusudan
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Re: What is enlightenment?

Post by madhusudan »

As previously mentioned, enlightenment is a Western term not found in original sources. Perhaps look into the etymology of terms actually used in Buddhism. Here is a link to get you started:
https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Enlightenment
Nils
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Re: What is enlightenment?

Post by Nils »

From my point of view, enlightenment means inner peace, happiness, comprehensive love and unity consciousness. One rises above the dualistic view of the world. One thinks egofree. One is one with everything. :buddha1:
Miorita
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Re: What is enlightenment?

Post by Miorita »

Nils wrote: Sat May 21, 2022 9:53 am From my point of view, enlightenment means inner peace, happiness, comprehensive love and unity consciousness. One rises above the dualistic view of the world. One thinks egofree. One is one with everything. :buddha1:
You mean the old definition, that of a lotus flower raising above the mud.
Archie2009
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Re: What is enlightenment?

Post by Archie2009 »

Why do my posts have to be approved by a moderator all of a sudden? WTF? Just delete my account then.
Last edited by Archie2009 on Sat May 21, 2022 10:06 pm, edited 5 times in total.
narhwal90
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Re: What is enlightenment?

Post by narhwal90 »

All posts in "Discovering Mahayana Buddhism" are moderated, by forum policy.
Archie2009
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Re: What is enlightenment?

Post by Archie2009 »

I'm sorry. I was getting a bit paranoid there. :oops:
Nils
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Re: What is enlightenment?

Post by Nils »

Miorita wrote: Sat May 21, 2022 7:51 pm
Nils wrote: Sat May 21, 2022 9:53 am From my point of view, enlightenment means inner peace, happiness, comprehensive love and unity consciousness. One rises above the dualistic view of the world. One thinks egofree. One is one with everything. :buddha1:
You mean the old definition, that of a lotus flower raising above the mud.
Yes. I want to be a lotus flower raising above the mud. That must be a happy life. What is the way? :twothumbsup: :twothumbsup: :twothumbsup: :twothumbsup:
Miorita
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Re: What is enlightenment?

Post by Miorita »

Nils wrote: Sun May 22, 2022 12:37 pm
Miorita wrote: Sat May 21, 2022 7:51 pm
Nils wrote: Sat May 21, 2022 9:53 am From my point of view, enlightenment means inner peace, happiness, comprehensive love and unity consciousness. One rises above the dualistic view of the world. One thinks egofree. One is one with everything. :buddha1:
You mean the old definition, that of a lotus flower raising above the mud.
Yes. I want to be a lotus flower raising above the mud. That must be a happy life. What is the way? :twothumbsup: :twothumbsup: :twothumbsup: :twothumbsup:
You have received answer.
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Ayu
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Re: What is enlightenment?

Post by Ayu »

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