The original meaning of "reaching enlightenment"
This article explains the original meaning of "reaching enlightenment" from a scientific perspective.
What Does "Reaching Enlightenment" Mean?
The term "reaching enlightenment" originates from the Sanskrit word "bodhi" (awakening) and does not inherently imply becoming a divine being or any supernatural occurrences.
In essence, reaching enlightenment refers to attaining a specific mental state through meditation.
What Happens When You Reach Enlightenment?
By consistently practicing our meditation technique, you may experience the following, sometimes within an hour:
- A moment may arrive during meditation when your mental state undergoes a profound transformation.
- Everything seems to pass by like scenery outside a train window (impermanence), and you become an impartial observer, simply watching without attachment (non-self).
- You can observe the changes in your own mind with complete neutrality, as if gazing at a distant landscape.
- By becoming a neutral observer, you free yourself from all negative emotions, achieving complete inner peace (Nirvana).
- You can maximize the benefits of meditation.
This is reaching enlightenment.
However, instead of trying to understand it through words, it's best to experience it yourself through meditation.
How to Reach Enlightenment Through Meditation
The article "How to meditate" explains a meditation technique that can lead to enlightenment.
You may notice significant improvements in your mental state, sometimes within an hour.
Since this is a transformation that cannot be experienced without meditation, you will naturally realize when you have reached enlightenment.
Related Buddhist Terms
- "Buddha" means a person who has reached enlightenment.
- "Nirvana" means the mental state of enlightenment.
- "Impermanence and non-self" describe the experience of enlightenment.