Introduction to Enlightenment
Enlightenment is a state of consciousness characterized by profound understanding, awareness, and interconnectedness. It is not exclusive to any one individual, but rather a collective state of being that reflects the ultimate reality of life. This article explores the characteristics of an enlightened person and their ability to sense the presence of another enlightened being.
Understanding Enlightenment
The concept of individual enlightenment is fundamentally an illusion, created by the mind's tendency to separate consciousness into isolated units. As dream characters within a script, we perceive our reality as the only truth. However, true enlightenment transcends this separation, recognizing that all existence flows as one. An enlightened being understands that they are not merely life, but Life itself.
A true enlightened being exists in a state of constant flow, experiencing reality without judgment or resistance. They are a mere reflection of radiant love, lacking any special signs or symbols of recognition. Just as the sun, moon, and shadows reflect each other, an enlightened being reflects the oneness of all living things. Therefore, there is no individual enlightenment; only reflections of radiant love.
Characteristics of an Enlightened Person
The presence of an enlightened person can be felt, but not through any special signs or symbols. The cool, quiet nature of their being is a testament to their profound understanding. An enlightened individual's personality is characterized by the absence of a sense of self. They do not demand or seek anything, but rather exist in a state of non-action and acceptance.
This understanding of enlightenment is rooted in the practice of mindfulness and concentration. In contrast, Transcendental Meditation (TM) and its splinter groups focus on allowing the brain to rest, reducing the activity of the default mode network (DMN) that is associated with the sense-of-self. Unlike most meditation practices, TM, or the practice from Jyotirmath in the Himalayas, allows the DMN to remain active, facilitating a different state of enlightenment.
Different Traditions of Enlightenment
There are two distinct traditions of enlightenment: one where the sense-of-self is an illusion, and another where it is the ultimate reality. The first tradition, associated with mindfulness and concentration, is far more common because it is easier to distort the second tradition. The second tradition, derived from allowing the brain to rest, is much less common but offers a deeper understanding of reality.
Enlightened beings in the second tradition rest in a state of consciousness similar to that achieved during meditation. This state is characterized by a quietude and an absence of mental activity, a stark contrast to the active mind of ordinary individuals.
The Ability to Sense Another Enlightened Being
Traditionally, it is claimed that an enlightened person can sense the presence of another enlightened being. This sensation is not a detailed awareness of their thoughts or mind content, but rather a fluctuation in one's own mind indicating the presence of another. This same principle applies to the awareness of previous lives, as described in the Yoga Sutra.
From perception of impressions [samskaras] comes knowledge of previous births. From a mental impulse comes knowledge of another’s mind. But that knowledge does not include the cause [content/experience] of another’s thoughts because their object of attention [perception/memory] is not possible to know.
— Yoga Sutra III.18–20
This understanding is rooted in the idea that awareness of another’s mind or previous lives is limited to the detection of fluctuations (samskaras) rather than detailed information. Thus, while an enlightened person can sense the presence of another being, they cannot read their minds or recall the details of their previous experiences.
Conclusion
Enlightenment is a profound state that transcends the illusion of individuality. It is a recognition of the interconnectedness of all existence and an acceptance of life as it is. The ability to sense the presence of another enlightened being is not through special signs or symbols, but through the subtle fluctuations in one's own awareness. This state is a reflection of the ultimate reality, where all beings are expressions of the radiant love that flows through the universe.