SUNDAY SOLILOQUY:
The concept of spiritual enlightenment sits at the core of a number of religious and traditional spiritual practices, from Buddhism to Hinduism, Jainism to Zoroastrianism, and even (though not termed in the same way) to many other religions, including Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, among others. It is also a common concept in alternative spiritual practices throughout the world, both religious and secular. There is a great deal of debate and different schools of thought on exactly what enlightenment is, and how to achieve enlightenment – indeed, philosophies vary considerably in this regard.
Every religion or spiritual practice is somewhat different, and both religious and secular philosophies of enlightenment exist. While the general definition stands for all of these different concepts, the details; – Such as where the enlightenment knowledge or blessings are coming from – vary considerably – from a god or gods to a larger life force in the universe, to, in the case of more secular and new age traditions, coming from within oneself, unlocking the true potential and a true vision of the nature of yourself and your place in the world. Regardless of the specifics, the elements of spirituality and healing, health, well-being, and growth of the mind, body, and soul’s capabilities make enlightenment something to strive for, no matter what religious or spiritual beliefs you may have.
Definitions of exactly what spiritual enlightenment means varies from one belief system to another
belief system. In general, however, the goal of many practices is to achieve a state in which the limitations of the mind and body have been set aside, and a deeper knowledge has been granted. This may include clarity of thought, a sense of understanding the way the universe works, a great sense of compassion and humility, or reaching full individual potential. It can also be construed as self-realization, harmony with the wider universe, a clear sense of purpose, a connection to fellow-creatures, and, most importantly, spiritual liberation or freedom. Due to the varying definitions and concepts of each belief system or practice, it can, therefore, be said that enlightenment is a somewhat subjective experience, from person to person and belief to belief, but these general definitions should serve as a guide to try to describe an otherwise indescribable, transformative experience.
One of the most important things to understand is almost every belief system that believes in enlightenment, or spiritual awakenings espouse different means of attaining those goals. For some practices, it means a lifetime commitment to certain values and beliefs. In others, it may require asceticism or cast off of ego, material possessions, and pre-conceived notions of the world. Others may suggest spiritual journeys, guided or unguided, that may require suffering and sacrifice, or even psychoactive herbs or potions. In some ways, even though not couched in those terms, the concepts of heaven or a glorious, harmonious after-life that are endemic to many religions can be seen as a form of enlightenment, as most religions that believe in these concepts make clear that in these forms, all things have to be understood and should be in harmony.
Every religion or spiritual practice is somewhat different, and both religious and secular philosophies of enlightenment exist. While the general definition stands for all of these different concepts, the details. – Such as where the enlightenment knowledge or blessings are coming from – vary considerably – from a god or gods to a larger life force in the universe, to, in the case of more secular and new age traditions, coming from within oneself, unlocking the true potential and a true vision of the nature of yourself and your place in the world.
While withdrawing myself from the mad, mad world during my journey for the last few months trying to fathom what ‘Spiritual Enlightenment” means I discovered the four interrelated principles for happiness. Without happiness, there cannot be any Spiritual Enlightenment. Happiness is the core desire of all individuals. How one becomes happy is the moot question upon which we ought to delve. Many of us therefore should give enough thoughts upon living morally and righteously during every second we live to awaken the spirituality in us.
What I discovered was that there are four core principles that ultimately lead us to Spiritual Enlightenment within us. Remember it is very subjective and therefore we have to tread carefully and follow all the four principles of happiness, to attain Spiritual Enlightenment. The slightest trick to cheat ourselves would land us in trouble. Happiness can only be found when you balance all the four principles in harmony to that of the Universal Law where there is no room for moral deprivation. Universal Law does not differentiate between the rich and the poor, nor races, religions, cultures, castes and gender. Respecting the many Universal Laws that the Divine Source has put in place for us is the main ‘Eye of the Needle” through which we have to enter. In other words; living a life with moral principles and strictly adhering to it in toto. The Principles of Happiness are the four methods of freeing ourselves from worldly worries and distress, and at the same time treading a modern path to enlightenment that is accessible to each and every person. The Fourfold Path consists of four interrelated principles: The Principle of Love, The Principle of Wisdom, the Principle of Self-Reflection and the Principle of Progress.
The Principle of Love teaches people to love others. While this teaching of love is connected to the Christian idea of “love thy neighbour,” it is also equivalent to the philosophy of compassion that runs through the heart of Buddhism. The Principle of Love states that true love is “love that gives,” and that giving love without any expectations or conditions is the starting point of happiness. It is selfless love, unconditional, detached from personal desires. Real love is based on the understanding that we all have the same divine nature – we are, in essence, one.
The Principle of Wisdom focuses on the importance of studying the Truth – it is a teaching that provides us the opportunity to know the mind of God and the Universal Laws, and to grasp the true meaning of life. This principle emphasizes the importance of gaining intellectual knowledge, which (through practice and experience) turns into wisdom. Wisdom helps us to cut through our worries and life’s problems, to know right from wrong, and to guide others onto the right path.
The Principle of Self-Reflection emphasizes the importance of correcting improper thoughts and returning our minds to a clean state – a state in which we can discover our divine nature. Beginners, though, can approach self-reflection as a reflection on their morality. We all make mistakes, and we have been blessed with the freedom to do so. This is allowed because we have the ability to correct these mistakes. We can’t turn back the clocks of time and repair a broken vase, but things that occur within the mind can be undone. If you regret having done something wrong and reflect deeply upon the deed in your mind, then the sin will be wiped from your past. This is the spiritual discipline of removing the stains and tarnishes that obscure the mind and attuning it to the higher realms of Heaven. By practicing self-reflection, we can increase our awareness, polish our divine nature, and protect ourselves from negative spiritual influences or possessions.
The Principle of Progress focuses on success or happiness through positive action and development. Progress is the attitude needed to develop not only prosperity but also happiness that spread to others. It means to make continuous efforts, use the given time wisely, and discover something new each day. Ultimately, it means to strive to become a better person and create the utopia – an ideal family, an ideal community and an ideal society, in general, the world at large – on earth.
Having a spiritual view of life is based on the teaching that despite the spirit world or the other world being invisible to our physical eyes, it still exists. Our true nature is the spirit and soul living an eternal life, sharing the same source of Light as the Divine Source. Regardless of the specifics, the elements of spirituality and healing, health, well-being, and growth of the mind, body, and soul’s capabilities make enlightenment something to strive for, no matter what religious or spiritual beliefs you may have with the core Four Principles of Happiness." ~
Anthony Sunny Kunneth
Sending love, lights, positive energies, warm hugs and kisses.
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