Enlightenment: 1 definition
Introduction:
Enlightenment means something in Buddhism, Pali, Jainism, Prakrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
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In Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Enlightenment (in Tibetan: byang chub; Sanskrit: bodhi) — More properly “awakening,” this is the goal of the Buddhist path, achieved by Śākyamuni Buddha under the bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, and attainable by all sentient beings. In Hinayana, it is the nirvana attained by an arhat; in Mahayana, it is buddhahood, entailing omniscience, infinite compassion, and the power to manifest in countless ways to assist sentient beings
Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Enlightenment (in Sanskrit: bodhi) refers to one of the “(twelve) reflections” (bhāvanā), according to Śubhacandra’s Jñānārṇava.—Where is the escape from the bottom of the pit of hell for the living soul who is continually oppressed by infinite evil? If he emerges from that, the sentient being is born among the immobile beings or by some action reaches the state of mobile beings. [...] Some people destroy themselves, others are destroyed by those who have destroyed themselves and still others are diverted from the path to liberation by the teachings of fierce heretics. Neglecting the ruby of discrimination that fulfils all desires, a stupid person is occupied with ideas that are unconsidered and pleasing. Further, the unconsidered and pleasing teachings, which are vile, of those who are bad are practised by people who are under the control of their senses. The jewel of enlightenment is not easily obtained again for men in the ocean of life like a precious jewel that has fallen from the hand into a great ocean. In this world a whole multitude of objects, the supremacy that is desired by the chiefs of snakes, men and gods as well as family, power, prosperity, and wanton women, etc. are easily obtained. Conversely, the jewel of enlightenment alone is difficult to obtain.
Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text (+4763): Bodhi, Bodhicitta, Bodhisattva, Sambodhi, Bojjhanga, Ben jue, Miao jue, Dun wu, Er jue, Dao chang, Bian jue, Bodhimanda, Samyaksambodhi, Deng jue, Buddha, San miao san pu ti, Aloka, Xiang shi jue, Sati Sambojjhanga, Sambodhyanga.
Relevant text
Search found 399 books and stories containing Enlightenment; (plurals include: Enlightenments). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English) (by Hsuan Hua)
The position of equal enlightenment < [Chapter 2 - The Bodhisattva Stages]
The general explanation of the title < [Chapter 1 - The Ten Doors of Discrimination]
An explanation of the six fulfillments < [Chapter 3 - The Testimony of Faith]
The Great Chariot (by Longchenpa)
Part 10b.4) The six perfections: Exertion < [B. the extensive explanation of arousing bodhicitta]
Part 10b.1) The six perfections: Generosity < [B. the extensive explanation of arousing bodhicitta]
The Religious Enlightenment and the English Jesus-Centered Deists < [Volume 16, Issue 2 (2025)]
A Far Cry from Pluralistic Individualism: Enlightenment Toleration Revisited < [Volume 16, Issue 2 (2025)]
The Common Orientation of Community Psychology and Wonhyo’s Thought < [Volume 15, Issue 7 (2024)]
The Buddhist Path to Enlightenment (study) (by Dr Kala Acharya)
1.3.4. Dhammānupassanā–Contemplation Of The Dhamma < [Chapter 2 - Five Groups of Factor]
1(a). The Meaning of Bojjhaṅga (factors of enlightenment) < [Chapter 3 - Seven Factors of Enlightenment and Noble Eightfold Path]
2. Bodhipakkhiya-dhammā (practices leading to enlightenment) < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]
Quantitative Attribution of Runoff Attenuation to Climate Change and Human... < [Volume 12, Issue 24 (2020)]
Distribution Dynamics, Regional Differences, and Convergence of Elderly... < [Volume 12, Issue 6 (2020)]
Accessibility and Economic Connections between Cities of the New Western... < [Volume 14, Issue 8 (2022)]
Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra (by Charles Luk)