Significance of Enlightenment
Enlightenment is a central goal in various spiritual traditions, particularly in Buddhism. It signifies a state of perfect wisdom and compassion, free from suffering and the cycle of samsara. In Buddhism, it represents the ultimate realization of one’s true nature and understanding of reality, often achieved through dedicated practice and insight into the nature of existence. This state of awakening leads to liberation and profound understanding, serving as the ultimate objective for practitioners across different Buddhist paths and philosophies.
Synonyms: Illumination, Awakening, Insight, Awareness, Understanding, Education, Knowledge, Wisdom
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Enlightenment'
Enlightenment in Buddhism is the ultimate spiritual goal characterized by awakening to the true nature of reality, leading to the cessation of suffering and liberation from the cycles of birth and death, often culminating in Buddhahood.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A state of realization regarding the true nature of reality, which can be achieved through various experiences.[1] (2) The state of understanding one's true nature, which is inherently bright, and free from the confusions caused by ignorance.[2] (3) The state of gaining profound insight and awakening to the ultimate truth, crucial in the context of Buddhist teachings.[3] (4) The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, where one attains insight into the nature of reality and liberation from the cycles of suffering.[4] (5) The ultimate state of understanding and realization that accompanies the destruction of defilements.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism, achieved through wisdom and the abandonment of desires.[6] (2) The state of awakening to the truth of reality, leading to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.[7] (3) The state of full awakening and realization of all truths, achieved through dedicated practice and understanding of the teachings.[8] (4) The culmination of Buddhist practice, leading to the realization of true nature and freedom from the cycle of birth and death.[9] (5) The state of awakening and realization of the true nature of reality, free from ignorance and suffering.[10]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal that is attainable through the development of bodhicitta and the practice of the Bodhisattva-caryavatara.[11] (2) The state of having completely realized buddha nature, free from suffering and ignorance.[12] (3) A state of realization and liberation from suffering; the ultimate goal in Buddhism.[13] (4) The ultimate purpose of generating bodhicitta and studying the Bodhisattva-caryavatara is to attain enlightenment, which signifies the complete realization of one's highest potential.[14]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice; represents a state of profound understanding and liberation from suffering.[15] (2) The ultimate realization and understanding sought in spiritual practice, leading to liberation.[16] (3) The state of gaining profound knowledge and understanding, achieved by the Buddha after seven days of meditation.[17] (4) The state of awakening achieved through the profound understanding of dharma, which the Exalted One embodies.[18]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the realization of one's true nature.[19] (2) The ultimate spiritual goal achieved by some of the Rakshasis as a result of their vows.[20] (3) The ultimate spiritual goal discussed in the chapter that Bodhisattva Mahasattva Avalokiteshvara seeks to guide beings toward.[21]
From: The 6th Patriarch Platform Sutra
(1) The state of being awakened to the reality of one's mind and the nature of existence.[22] (2) The realization and understanding of one's true nature and the nature of all phenomena.[23] (3) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, represented by the realization of the Essence of Mind.[24]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The realization of ultimate reality, characterized by the absence of duality, free from all discriminative constructions and mental agitations.[25] (2) The state of realizing ultimate truth and achieving profound understanding of existence.[26]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The profound realization achieved by the Buddha, recognized as one of the significant reasons for the trembling of the earth.[27]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the cessation of suffering and realization of true knowledge.[28]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism, where one achieves a profound understanding of reality and liberation from suffering.[29]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The state of supreme wisdom and liberation achieved through understanding the nature of reality.[30]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) The ultimate state of spiritual insight and understanding that practitioners aim to achieve through the Perfection of Wisdom.[31]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism that involves liberation from suffering and attainment of higher wisdom.[32]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A state that Garahadinna and Sirigutta eventually seek, characterized by wisdom and understanding of the Buddha's teachings.[33] (2) The state of achieving the Fourfold Insight Knowledge of the Path, which can occur with or without Omniscience.[34] (3) The state achieved by Mahapaduma, known as Buddhahood, where he became the Omniscient and Fully Self-Enlightened One.[35] (4) The ultimate understanding and realization of the truth about existence, which Brahmin Pokkharasati is led towards.[36] (5) The moment when Buddha Kondanna attained true understanding and realization of the nature of existence.[37]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The ultimate realization and understanding achieved by the Buddha, transcending the cycles of birth and death.[38] (2) The state of gaining insight and understanding, notably when the Buddha acquired the Abhidhamma after his own Enlightenment.[39] (3) The profound insight and realization attained by the Buddha, recognizing the nature of reality.[40]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) The realization of ultimate truth and liberation from the cycles of rebirth, represented as a precious jewel in the teachings of the sutta.[41] (2) The state of gaining full insight and understanding, particularly the realization of the true nature of existence.[42]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, which involves understanding the nature of suffering and transcending it.[43]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, characterized by the eradication of defilements and understanding of true reality.[44]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The ultimate state of awakening or realization, freeing an individual from the cycle of birth and suffering.[45]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The state of attaining profound understanding and insight, particularly in relation to the Four Noble Truths, exemplified by the Buddha.[46]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal in Buddhism, characterized by the realization of truth and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.[47]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The ultimate goal of spiritual practice in Buddhism, which grags pa seng ge aimed to achieve through his various teachings and practices.[48] (2) The ultimate goal in Buddhism, characterized by full understanding and liberation from suffering.[49]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The ultimate goal of the spiritual practices described, achievable through the creation and devotion to mandalas and sacred imagery.[50] (2) The ultimate spiritual goal, representing the attainment of deep knowledge and the realization of one's true nature.[51]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The ultimate state of realization and understanding in Buddhist practice, which sentient beings strive to attain while maintaining their happiness.[52] (2) The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice, representing a state of perfect wisdom and compassion where one is free from suffering and the cycle of samsara.[53] (3) The ultimate goal of spiritual practice, representing a state of wisdom and clarity that transcends ordinary experience.[54] (4) The state of full realization and liberation from the cycles of samsara, characterized by the absence of defilements and complete wisdom.[55]
Hindu concept of 'Enlightenment'
In Hinduism, Enlightenment signifies profound knowledge, self-awareness, and realization of non-duality with Brahman, achieved through devotion, spiritual teachings, and clarity, ultimately leading to liberation from ignorance and material illusions.
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The state of gaining profound knowledge, understanding, and awareness about the reality of existence and the divine.[56] (2) The state of awakening and realization of one's true nature, moving beyond the identification with the body and mind.[57] (3) The understanding of one's true self-interest and the ultimate aim of life through genuine devotion to Krishna.[58] (4) A state of perception and understanding achieved through devotion, symbolized by the experiences of the characters in relation to the Supreme Being.[59]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The state of being awakened to true wisdom and understanding, often resulting from spiritual guidance or realization of one's past actions.[60]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The attained knowledge leading to liberation, emphasized as achievable through the study and recitation of sacred texts.[61]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The state of having gained deep insight and knowledge, leading to spiritual liberation.[62]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The state of realization in which an individual perceives their true Self and attains freedom from ignorance.[63] (2) The state of gaining profound knowledge and clarity achieved through understanding spiritual teachings.[64]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A state of knowledge where the individual recognizes the Self's identity with Brahman, dissolving illusions of separation and the need for material rites.[65]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The state of realization where distinctions are understood to be non-different from Brahman, leading to the comprehension of the non-duality of existence.[66]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) A state of profound understanding and awareness that reveals the vastness of knowledge.[67] (2) The state of individual awakening, where one becomes aware of the truth, distinct from the ignorance of others.[68] (3) The state of having gained profound knowledge and understanding, often associated with liberation and self-realization.[69]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The state of having knowledge or understanding that brings clarity or wisdom, known as bodha.[70] (2) Bodha; a state of gaining deep knowledge or insight.[71]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Prabodha; a state of realization or clarity of understanding.[72]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The state of clarity and understanding achieved through the teachings of a great sage, necessary for resolving doubts and confusion.[73]
Jain concept of 'Enlightenment'
In Jainism, Enlightenment signifies the profound realization and understanding of life's truths, karma, and moral values, culminating in spiritual awakening and liberation from the cycle of birth and death, guided by spiritual teachers and true teachings.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The moment of realization Rama experiences when he understands the truth about his younger brother's condition.[74] (2) The state achieved by many characters who abandon false doctrines and embrace the true teachings.[75] (3) The state of attaining knowledge and liberation, often through guidance from a spiritual teacher.[76] (4) A spiritual state sought after by many characters, often associated with higher moral values and understanding.[77] (5) A state achieved by characters who comprehend deeper truths about life, karma, and spiritual progression.[78]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The ultimate goal of a monk, representing a state of spiritual awakening and liberation.[79] (2) A state of perfect knowledge and liberation from the cycle of birth and death, central to the teachings of Buddhism and Jainism.[80]
The concept of Enlightenment in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Enlightenment" encompasses profound understanding and spiritual awakening, achieved through various means such as meditation, contemplation, and guidance, representing a deeper realization of reality and existential truths beyond ordinary perception.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The mental clarity and understanding achieved by contemplating the Gayatri Mantra and the light it represents.[81] (2) The state of gaining deep spiritual insight and realization, often achieved through guidance from enlightened individuals.[82] (3) A state of gaining knowledge and wisdom that transcends mere accumulation of information or power.[83] (4) A state of higher understanding and spiritual awakening, often achieved through practices discussed in Buddhist texts.[84] (5) The understanding and realization achieved by Buddha, providing profound answers to the suffering and existential questions of humanity.[85]