Understanding the Experience of Enlightenment

Watching a movie is a removed experience. Enlightenment, on the other hand, is not just a passive observation from a third-person perspective; it's more akin to lucid dreaming or engaging in an immersive VR game. When an enlightened person experiences life, there isn't a clear separation between the observer and the observed.

In traditional experiences, the observer and the observed exist as two distinct entities. This division is known as duality. An ordinary person, for instance, sees life as something happening outside of themselves, leading to a reaction and action taken based on that observation. This state is often referred to as the 'ego' or 'self', representing the mind and the core of what one identifies as 'me'.

The Nature of Ego and Self in Ordinary Life

Humans, in general, perceive themselves as entities separate from their experiences. This separation allows for a range of actions and reactions, from trying to control and influence events to accepting and adapting to them. The divide between 'me' and 'life' is central to this ordinary experience.

Consciousness and Enlightenment: The Union of Seer and Seen

(Light and love, with respect.)

Enlightened beings, however, transcend this duality. They do not view themselves as separate from life. Instead, they are life itself. There is no 'seer' and 'seen' in their consciousness; it is a seamless union. In certain spiritual practices, particularly those involving the 'Witness' concept, this dualistic view is explored, but enlightenment transcends even this practice.

The key realizations of enlightenment include recognizing that the seer (the observer) and the seen (the observed) are one. The concepts of Atman (the individual soul) and Brahman (the universal soul) converge, revealing a non-duality. This profound awareness is not a hindrance to engaging with life in the same ways others do; rather, it deepens and enriches the experience.

The Awakening Process and the Movie Analogy

The movie analogy often used to describe enlightenment is apt because it highlights the stark contrast between the ordinary and the enlightened state. When one awakens to their true nature, the experience of life feels surreal, much like watching a movie in the theater. The sudden shift from the darkness of the cinema to the bright daylight outside can be disorienting, similar to the dissonance one feels during the initial stages of enlightenment.

However, the enlightened state itself is not different from how one operates in their everyday life. For instance, a gamer immersed in a game feels as if they are part of that virtual reality. They know it's a game, yet they fully engage as if its reality is real. Similarly, an enlightened person understands the artificial nature of their 'self', but still engages with life in a meaningful and sincere manner.

Priority and the Value of Spirituality

The enlightened person prioritizes spirituality and often does not allocate time to conventional entertainments. This focus on spiritual growth is a core aspect of their life, emphasizing the importance of understanding and evolving one's consciousness rather than mere entertainment or distractions.

Enlightenment is not about escaping from life but about deepening one's connection with it. It is a journey of self-discovery and realization, leading to a more authentic and profound engagement with the world around us.