The Path to Enlightenment: A Quest for Self-Discovery

How Does One Achieve Enlightenment? By Staying Alive and Kicking in Death and Especially During the Long Dark Nights of the Soul

Returning Back to Your True Nature

One may wonder, but enlightenment is not something to be achieved, as the term suggests. In reality, enlightenment is not a goal to be reached but rather a journey of self-discovery and understanding. The very question of 'how one can achieve enlightenment' speaks to a deeper issue of human nature and our constant longing for something more.

The Greed Behind the Question

When a person asks about achieving enlightenment, they often seek an escape from their current state, a way to overcome the struggles and challenges they face in life. However, this desire is often rooted in a fundamental lack of self-understanding. It is as if one is chasing after something they think they want without truly knowing who they are or what they truly desire. This quest for something more is a manifestation of our innate human desire to understand ourselves and the world around us more deeply.

The Importance of Self-Realization

Our path to enlightenment must begin with a profound understanding of ourselves. This journey is not about achieving something external, but rather recognizing the beauty and depth of our true nature. This journey is not about the accumulation of knowledge or the attainment of goals, but a deep and intimate understanding of our own selves. It is an introspective journey that requires dedication, contemplation, and a willingness to let go of the illusions that obscure our true essence.

The Role of Meditation and Contemplation

Meditation is a powerful tool that can assist in this journey of self-discovery. It is through meditation that one can begin to peel away the layers of illusion that surround us, revealing the eternal essence of our being. Meditation is the fire that can burn away the layers of our false reality, but it is also a controlled fire that must be treated with care. If the meditation is too intense, one may burn through their understanding too quickly, leaving nothing behind. But if the fire goes too slow, it might extinguish before one truly reaches the core of their being.

Once the fire has been lit, a teacher or guide can help ensure that the journey is guided in a safe and controlled manner. This is critical to avoid taking the wrong path or losing sight of the deeper purpose of the journey. The teacher can also help ensure that the journey stays on track, preventing one from getting lost in the details or getting distracted by the superficial.

Consider this quote from the Great Kabir, who once said, “Ive burned my own house down the torch is in my hand. Now I ill burn down the house of anyone who wants to follow me.” It is a powerful reminder to be cautious and not to rush the process, in order to avoid burning down everything that one holds dear.

A Simple Yet Challenging Journey

Many may think that the path to enlightenment is complex and requires a great deal of effort. However, it is surprisingly simple, yet deeply challenging. The path to enlightenment lies in accepting who we are and understanding the true essence of our being. The journey is not about achieving a goal, but rather a continuous self-discovery and understanding. It is this journey of self-discovery that leads one to enlightenment. Layers of illusion dissolve over time, and one may have a realization that transforms their understanding of themselves and the world.

As one delves deeply into this journey, they may begin to understand their true nature and reach a level of enlightenment. Enlightenment is not a state that can be willed into being through effort, but rather an inner path that guides us on a journey of self-discovery. It is here that one truly uncovers their true nature, usually through dedicated contemplation, meditation, and study of sacred texts.

The path to enlightenment is a profound and transformative journey. It is not about achieving something external, but rather about understanding and accepting the essence of our true selves. Through this journey, we can overcome the struggles and challenges of life and find peace and clarity.