Enlightenment
Enlightenment is a common word in the English vernacular that immediately connotes spirituality and the goal of achieving greater heights of awareness and wisdom. It is frequently considered a place of extreme habitation as well. The term brings with it references of far eastern gurus, monasticism, or individuals who are claimed to have heightened levels of spiritual understanding. While the term has evolved since its inception to this current configuration, a general impression of its definition is still what’s noted above.
The problem with enlightenment is that the extreme state it represents leaves the presumed experience out of the realm of the typical individual seeking to know more about non-terrestrial wisdom and truth. The word denotes an untouchable state belonging only to the elite teachers lauded in society. If enlightenment is represented by excessive positions of abstinence and a call for following complicated protocols then it’s obvious why only a few select individuals are branded as enlightened in society. In addition, the majority of these people that are so highly regarded are of a questionable sort, repeatedly being exposed as charlatans and frauds.
The chief issue with enlightenment is the inability for people to achieve the state it represents. In actuality, they never will. Why? Because the term itself is loaded and constantly moving out of reach of those attempting to attain it. Enlightenment is packaged with certain illusionary requirements. It is largely something to aspire to but never to achieve; always remaining out of reach for those seeking to accomplish it. The term is only valid for those outside of ourselves. No one says “I am enlightened”, and if they do, the type of character they are should be met with considerable caution.
The point is this: Enlightenment, by definition, cannot be achieved. It is only aspired to, and the closer you get the more it moves out of your grasp. The current word’s definition cannot exist if it were a state to achieve that is commonly attained by society. It is reserved for books, gurus, psychopathic cult leaders, teachers in a position of adoration, fictional characters, historical figures, and Jesus.
Illumination:
The beauty of Illumination lies in the knowledge of our own human frailty. We are compromised beings, constantly vacillating between right and wrong, good and bad, just and unjust, etc. We live in world of opposites that help define our trajectory. Illumination meets you where you are at and gives light to the obfuscated places as we pursue wisdom and a greater spiritual understanding. Illumination doesn’t place demands that keep it far from achievement and it is a knowable state to inhabit. It takes into account the routines of life and can be experienced no matter your occupation or depth of intellect. Illumination is what enlightenment should have been all along, but it is the nature of man to bastardize precious things and place them in a hierarchy for the sake of stature and personal gain.
Illumination is defined in SoulJourner Presents as an event. It is the experience of inhabiting the separation between Soul and flesh/Operator and machine. This ushers in the arresting understanding of liberation, universal ethics, and an awareness of eternal joy.
To take this further, Illumination, when understood, gives an individual a means for living an enriched life of strong morals, justice, and contributory actions within the confines of doing the things that they love. It doesn’t call for remote locations or strict forms of abstinence. It doesn’t demand titles or a change of occupational lifestyle. Illumination exists right where you are at, inhabiting your daily routine as a mail clerk, mother, student, retiree, artist, or any other respected field you’ve chosen as an extension of your authenticity. In other words, Illumination is an achievable state that is constantly honed and expanded through further spiritual knowledge, wisdom, and a progressive state of being as you move through the world.
Illumination is much more preferable to enlightenment because it is real and attainable. It is not the sole property of esteemed teachers or spiritual guides. It is an experience for the masses that not only changes your life, but enriches your experience here because you are seeing with the eyes of truth instead of being blinded by the illusions of man. Illumination expands your consciousness as you go through life, providing the wisdom to see life for what it is and not what the cyclical manipulations of man have tried to make you believe. Being Illuminated takes the blinders off and makes you the embodiment of real truth, devoid of ideological rule and demanding religious protocols. You will further your own authenticity and shine bright in society, attracting untold Souls to your presence.
A final note is that if, as a species, we can distance ourselves from the untouchable nature of enlightenment and all its false representations, more of us will see that spiritual empowerment and maturity is quite accessible. We will realize that the real spiritual paragons are littered throughout society in all vocations and demographics. We are novelists, homebuilders, yoga instructors, and accountants. We live as normal humans but with amazing authenticity and wisdom while fully aware of our frailties. We make mistakes, cuss, enjoy simple pleasures and have families. We are the true Illuminated; far removed from the chimera that is enlightenment.
In knowing the difference between these two words, you can distance yourself from any unnecessary demands that cannot be achieved and learn to experience what can actually be attained. Illumination is real and powerful and the most magnificent means for living authentically with a depth of wisdom and love within this complicated world. It is better than the illusion of enlightenment because it contains real power, real spiritual magic, real truth; not some façade of perfection that only harms society by the illusion it presents.
Lastly, if you want to know more about how to live in a state of constant joy, removing the veil of manipulation, and experiencing Illumination, click below to read the book.
