Is enlightenment just a state of mind?

Enlightenment is a mystical experience. Enlightenment can seem mysterious from the perspective of the mind. The mind cannot imagine enlightenment, simply because enlightenment is not a state of mind. However, mystical experiences, intuitions, peak experiences, and states of ecstasy by themselves are not enlightenment.

How long did the Enlightenment last?

European politics, philosophy, science and communications were radically reoriented during the course of the “long 18th century” (1685-1815) as part of a movement referred to by its participants as the Age of Reason, or simply the Enlightenment.

What is enlightened consciousness?

A popular western understanding sees “enlightenment” as “nondual consciousness”, “a primordial, natural awareness without subject or object”. It is used interchangeably with Neo-Advaita. This nondual consciousness is seen as a common stratum to different religions.

Is Vedanta a science of consciousness and enlightenment?

Assuming it’s properly taught, Vedanta provides a clear and logical definition of enlightenment and the means to attain it. Having studied just about every other teaching at some time or another, I can honestly conclude that Vedanta is the closest we have to an actual science of consciousness and enlightenment.

What is the meaning of Enlightenment?

The term ‘enlightenment’ isn’t all that helpful because, like the word ‘God’, it has too much baggage attached to it. It’s been misused terribly down the years. In Vedanta, the term for enlightenment is moksha, which means liberation. And that’s what enlightenment is — liberation from suffering.

Why is an informed discussion on Enlightenment impossible?

An informed discussion is impossible when just about everyone has a different idea of what enlightenment actually is. Lacking a coherent, logical definition, people are prone to erroneous notions that don’t hold up to scrutiny, not to mention magical thinking and all kinds of projections.

Why don’t more people get enlightened?

Lacking a coherent, logical definition, people are prone to erroneous notions that don’t hold up to scrutiny, not to mention magical thinking and all kinds of projections. It’s for this reason that hardly anyone ever seems to get enlightened.