It's a disservice to all who aspire toward “spiritual” self improvement, that the idea of enlightenment has been distorted into an all encompassing finale. A stable condition, where the quest is complete, and every mystery of the universe - and beyond - is comfortably held in the palm of one hand.
I can see how that could be an appealing fantasy. Essentially, to become God, while still inhabiting a human form. Appeal has created many a believer, but it does nothing to sway reality.
Enlightenment: Darkness illuminated; or, ignorance informed.
Ordinary people can't help but to be enlightened, repeatedly. It happens all the time. It can shatter world views or it can be barely noticeable. Enlightenment can be glorious to unpleasant, concise or sweepingly broad, permanent or passing, superficial to the marrow, personally relevant or worthy of shouting from the roof tops.
Our personal evolution is the culmination of a lifetime of enlightenments. The Buddha's awakening was the result of a valuable one that most of the world has yet to grasp. Some have, and frequently try to help others to its realization. But it wasn't an end game – no ultimate understanding. It was a brilliant comprehension of the various aspects of mind, and how they relate to each other and to our greater awareness. This gave him insight into the very nature of existence, but he still had to inhabit his body, to contend with seasons and symptoms, and to make multiple decisions, every day. And, there was still infinite knowledge that he could have absorbed, relative to worldly affairs.
Hopefully, this essay will bestow enlightenment to anyone still enamored by the fantasy of permanently attainable perfection.
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