Enlightenment!
A mystical and extraordinary realm of the mind—that’s what enlightenment is often perceived to be. Indeed, enlightenment is undoubtedly a very special mental state. But what changes when one attains enlightenment? How should one live after achieving it? And what kind of world do enlightened individuals aim to teach others about? These questions intrigue many, and most people wish to experience enlightenment at least once in their lifetime.
However, such people can never attain enlightenment. In fact, they don’t need to. Why? Because their “Happy Zone” is vast and boundless. These are the people who humbly say, “How could I, someone like me, dare to achieve enlightenment meant for Buddha himself?” For these individuals, the world is expansive, full of joys and opportunities for happiness.
Who Can Attain Enlightenment?
Only those whose hearts cannot be satisfied by anything in this world. This was true for Buddha, Bodhidharma, and even Huineng, the humble woodcutter. The enlightenment they attained transcends anything this world can offer, and they referred to that realm as Nirvana or Paradise.
In reality, there is no such place as “Paradise” or “Heaven.” Yet, because we lack enlightenment, we imagine and pursue such worlds. Now, in the 21st century, even the concept of Paradise needs to be redefined to suit modern understanding. Anyone dissatisfied with this world can achieve enlightenment—if they truly desire to understand it.
What Changes with Enlightenment?
Enlightenment allows one to see reality as it truly is. The world before enlightenment can be thought of as a “self-centered world.” For example, many religious individuals believe that giving to others is the ultimate form of love, and they act accordingly. While helping those in need is indeed noble, a more enlightened approach is to teach them how to sustain themselves. Enlightenment enables a person to perceive reality clearly and act accordingly—not from a place of pity, but with wisdom.
Historically, religions have focused on how enlightened individuals should interact with the visible world. However, the future will emphasize understanding the invisible forces at play and learning how to move within them.
The Challenge of Letting Go of Desire
One significant reason enlightenment is challenging is the notion of letting go of desire. But what would happen if everyone abandoned their desires? Even if desire prevents entry into Paradise, not everyone will willingly give it up. Hence, the future should not advocate for the abandonment of desire but instead teach the fulfillment of desire. Statements like “If you work, you will have food” and “You work because you want food” might seem similar but manifest very differently in reality. The key lies in understanding how actions resonate with the universe and manifest in the physical world—whether they align with your desires or appear differently. This principle is known as the Universal Law.
The Power of Enlightenment
Enlightened individuals can access extraordinary abilities. In truth, everyone has this potential, but without enlightenment, such power is wasted on futile distractions. Enlightened individuals channel this energy purposefully, making their abilities seem extraordinary. This power is referred to as “Psy-Power”, the ability to create one’s desired reality in the physical world.
Enlightenment is akin to the state of mind before it arises—before thoughts and desires take shape. This state is often described as liberation or nirvana, as knowing this state frees one from being entangled in the actions that follow.
Enlightenment in the Modern Era
The coming era calls for those who are dissatisfied with this world to attain enlightenment and help others realize their desires in reality. At the same time, they must teach that earthly satisfaction is never eternal. By mastering the invisible forces of the universe, humanity can transcend greed and embrace abundance, creating a brilliant future that prioritizes fulfillment over mere desire.
This is the enlightenment demanded by our age.