This essay is not a definitive writing on this subject
of enlightenment. The following is just an expression of my own experiences and findings.
There seems to be a notion that enlightenment
is just one final state. Many also believe that when one has
certain transcendental or mystical experience, that experience
is final and complete. This assumption is perhaps popularised by the classic stories of enlightenment that are widely known. Also there is much granduer associated with this notion of Enlightenment which, in my opinion, is totally overhyped and uncalled for. |
My opinion is that
enlightenment is not just one 'standard' final state but is a gradual and progressive
establishing of states of consciousness. The process is a
succesive unfoldment and transformation, leading to increasingly clear understanding
of the dynamics of consciousness. So perhaps, enlightenment
as described by various persons and traditions can be referring to different
states of consciousness.
I, myself have not reach the end of the road. But from years
on a spiritual path, I can confidently say that enlightenment
happens in a series or stages of self-realisations and self-discoveries.
There are, in fact, more than one type of transcendental or
mystical experience.
Almost all stages of enlightenment can be said to be associated
with states of Presence. However, the Presence comes in various
degrees of clarity and intensity. The degree of intensity
is directly dependent on the level and depth of one's clarity
as well as one's realisations/discoveries.
Usually there is a difference between an initial
awakening and a later stabilisation of that stage.
Also, as one progresses along, the relationship or connections
of oneself to the universe and existence in general also becomes
clearer.
Below is an attempt to illustrate the stage-based characteristic
of enlightenment:
When one first begin meditating, one may have an initial experience
of all-pervading Presence. This Presence, is most often experienced
when thoughts are momentarily suspended. This Presence which
exists in the timeless Present Moment is our true characteristic
or nature.
However such an experience can only be classified as an initial awakening
to the true nature.. which ironically have no sense of being
an individual self. This is because, after the meditation,
the Presence seems to have disappeared. One cannot understand
and find the connection of Presence to our everyday life.
Because of that, one will have difficulties re-acquiring the Presence.
And it takes many stages and series of realisation to understand
the relationship of Presence to our phenomenal world. It can
be said that the prolonged sustaining of Presence is dependent
upon the stages and depth of realisation.
Also, during the earlier stages we may mistaken another state
to be the pure pristine presence. For example, we may mistaken 'I AM'
or the Eternal Witness for pure presence. This is because
the thinking mind has created a seemingly constant image of
Pure Presence. This image is the I AM or Eternal Witness, as it is commonly described. Basically, at this stage, the true characteristic of Presence is not being clearly understood.
Usually, in order to pass through the so-called 'I AM' stage,
the person must move towards even deeper understandings of
consciousness. These understandings may include realising
that one's sense of self or personality
is not the doer or controller of action. This realisation
allows one to loosen the 'sense of self's compulsive grip
and in the process, a state of NOWness can be experienced.
By NOWness, I am referring to a peaceful state where the mind
is not chasing after thoughts but rather is abiding in the
Present Moment.
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This
stage may persist for sometime before the person realises
the illusion of subject-object
division. This stage involves discovering and recognising
the hypnotic impression of there being an observer (which
is oneself) and the being observed. Typically, this is where
one begins to see through the illusionary nature of our phenomenal
world. This entire band of realisation stage is often known as non-dual experience or non-duality.
After the intial experiences of non-duality, the person may reach a even more profound realisation. This is the realisation that everything that is being experienced is truely spontaneously manifesting. This realisation is more subtle than the previous realisation and represents a major leap in understanding.
Also, in the further stages of the enlightenment
process, there are experiences of increasing brightness to
one's consciousness. This brightness is the result of mind's
deconstruction which allows for intense penetration into consciousness.
While there may well be other stages not
described here, nevertheless, one can still see from the above
description that enlightenment is not so straight-forward
after all.
One more thing to add. Realisations and karmic
pattern clearing go hand in hand on the spiritual path.
For your necessary discernment. Thank you for reading.
If you are interested you may also wish to
read about the series of realisations that I had on my path
of enlightenment as well as other essays related to this subject
of enlightenment. Click
here for the articles.
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