Enlightenment: what qualities we can aspire to?

So often these days we hear about people striving to be their ‘authentic’ selves, trying to “live their best life” and wanting to be “the best version of themself”. It seems many are on a quest to be true to their own personality, values, and spirit. But what is it they are really searching for - is is enlightenment?

Sometimes we are lucky enough to encounter a person in our lives who we think of as being ‘enlightened’. They inspire us with their love, kindness and compassion and may even motivate us to follow their example. Whilst we are all at different points in our spiritual development and there are varying degrees of enlightenment, we can choose to cultivate some of following qualities in aspiring to become more enlightened.

1. Happiness

The enlightened person is happy and joyful. They have a cheerful disposition most of the time and are willing to share that joy with others. They are optimistic that all challenges have a resolution. Even though the resolution may not be the most desirable, they are confident of being able to be at peace with it.

2. Peace and Serenity

The enlightened person is peaceful and serene. They are free of fear and other unwholesome emotions. They recognise that the human condition reaches beyond physical existence, so no longer have a fear of the unknown. They are free from worry because they understand that freedom from suffering comes from within, and not from material possessions.

3. Love, Kindness, and Compassion

The enlightened person is loving, kind, and compassionate. They genuinely care about other people, regardless of whether others care about them. They recognise that other people provide us with the spiritual nourishment we need to grow and, therefore remain spiritually open to everyone.

4. Not Self-Centered

The enlightened person is not self-centred, having lost the sense of a separate self. They see the interconnected nature of our existence, realising that all physical manifestations (humans, animals, plants, etc.) depend on each other for their survival.? To them, this is a reality - not just a concept.

5. Emotionally Stable

The enlightened person is emotionally stable. They no longer have an ego that needs validation for its existence. They are not hurt or easily offended because there is no ego to hurt. They not experience anger but rather draw on their understanding and compassionate toward those who may not follow the spiritual path.

6. Patience and Understanding

The enlightened person is patient and understanding because they appreciate how ignorance creates our own suffering. They understand the challenge of becoming enlightened, so do not judge or condemn others for their faults.

7. Humble

The enlightened person is humble, knowing their place in the universe, without the need for validation from others. They do not seek to elevate themselves or prioritise their own needs above those of others. They have nothing to prove to anyone, including to themselves. Their humble nature allows them to be kind and gentle, and be open to everyone they encounter.

8. Insightful and Open-Minded

The enlightened person is insightful and open-minded. They are able to see the world with great clarity, without attachment to preconceived ideas about people, places, and things. This enables them to observe the world without assumption or jumping to conclusions. Belief and intuition are replaced with clarity of vision and understanding.

9. Inner Strength

The enlightened person has great inner strength. They have learned healthy ways of connecting with the sources of mindfulness energy — through healthy interactions with people, and within themselves. They have no need for the internal power struggles that some engage in and do not seek to influence or control the actions of others.

10. Leadership

The enlightened person is a leader. Having awakened to the point of understanding the nature of suffering, they desire to help others find freedom from suffering. They lead by example and others may follow because of what they stand for.

11. Mindful of Health

The enlightened person is mindful of their health — physical, mental, and emotional. They know that mind, body, and spirit must be in harmony in order to maintain healthy spiritual condition. They have developed an understanding of physical and mental health, and are mindful of the type of nutrients and substances they consume.

12. Committed to Spiritual Practice

The enlightened person is aware of the continuous effort it takes to achieve and maintain enlightenment. They are mindful of themselves and the world, being curious and willing to continue learning. To develop an understanding of the true nature of our existence takes time to observe and investigate. They know it takes a great deal of mindfulness energy to help others along their path, so need to replenish their own spiritual strength on a daily basis. Enlightened people live rich and fulfilling lives.? Those who achieve any measure of enlightenment do so through some form of daily meditation practice.

Om Shanti Om