What is Enlightenment?

Perhaps it is because of my recent fight with my new web page software that I ask this week's question, what is enlightenment? According to a definition search the following are some examples of what many think of when the term "Enlightenment" is brought to mind.

~ Education that results in understanding and the spread of knowledge
~ Nirvana: (Hinduism and Buddhism) the beatitude that transcends the cycle of reincarnation; characterized by the extinction of desire and suffering and individual consciousness
~ A movement in the 18th century that advocated the use of reason in the reappraisal of accepted ideas and social institutions

I think in my case I am leaning toward the first definition. Though I did not have someone to teach me, I had to pound through all this junk the hard way. Though it was hard I understand it easily now. Such is life; everything is easy once it is known how it is done.

In the spiritual realm this is just as true, this is why there are spiritual guides, gurus, Swamis, pastors, rabbis and a host of others who have important titles we look to bring us the spiritual goods. When we feel that our answers have been adequately answered we often say that we have enlightenment. If we have a good feeling or a new paradigm shift that brings a clearer picture as to what our life is all about we too will say that we had enlightenment.

For many in Eastern religions "Enlightenment" is often the attainment of Nirvana (both words can be interchanged), which is a nothingness of complete conscience or rather "Buddhahood". The Dalai Lama said that to be a real Buddhist one must aspire for Nirvana or Enlightenment. This path to Nirvana happens by steps of awakenings through awareness.

When speaking in Jesus terms, enlightenment happens when we become aware of Jesus and what He has done for us. Enlightenment really occurs when the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus to us. For some this comes easily for others it is difficult to understand and the mind and heart are unable to receive. However, we are promised that if we seek we will find.

In the quest for truth and spiritual awakening there is much common ground for anyone on a spiritual journey. The person must be willing to change, seek, and learn and by no means is there a short cut. All paths are made to we walked one step at a time. Yet where many walk a lifetime to get to an awakening a follower of Jesus starts with awakening and walks to change into a more spiritual person. Sadly most followers of Jesus do not understand this and become somewhat awakened, but never walk the path to full enlightenment of what Jesus wants them to become.

Come and let's discus how to become Enlightened.