Enlightened Living

To "enlighten" is to provide spiritual insight into the true nature of life, to illuminate the divine in the midst of the mundane, and to expand human consciousness into the blissful freedom of complete enlightenment. To enter the enlightened consciousness is to leave behind all ignorant and erroneous perceptions that result in separation, greed, and hatred. In the enlightened state of awareness, there is only unity, love, compassion, and cooperation.

Enlightenment is a goal that may be attained through many means. It begins with shifts in consciousness that release the mind, emotions, and body from conditioned concepts and cherished beliefs. True enlightenment brings illumination into every level of being: at first revealing shadows and errors, and ultimately fusing the pure essence of divine being into every cell and molecule of the body-mind. Liberation is another word for enlightenment, implying that the divine spirit within has become fully empowered as the sole authority in one’s life. An enlightened being is free from the limitations and structures that mass consciousness blindly believes and follows as truth.

An enlightened being is mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically liberated. Such beings have lived on the earth since the beginning of time, though their numbers have been small. Most of them have lived in remote mountains and rural areas, far from the crowded cities that house the masses. Some of them have also served as teachers, helping those who sought them in their retreats to attain the enlightened state. However, one renowned enlightened teacher taught that we must live the enlightened life "in the world," not solely in seclusion. This imperative is an essential component of the western enlightenment traditions.

Bringing the enlightened body-mind and its superior ways of living into the midst of daily life remains the unique challenge and calling for people in the western world today. The first step is one’s own enlightenment, followed by the application of the insights gained into everyday life. Over time, the enlightened way of life will expand outward, bringing transformation to families, society, cultural institutions, nations, and the world.

The changes brought about by enlightened living are not merely adjustments to the status quo. They are innovative creations and ideas that completely eliminate the structures and concepts formed by separative consciousness. Some of them are already in existence. Others will be developed in the future. The final outcome is unified and loving people living together in joy and harmony on earth.