What Does Enlightenment Mean?

Though enlightenment might appear to be an abstract idea far removed from our reality, esteemed Buddhist teachings like Dzogchen assert that achieving enlightenment is possible in this lifetime or even at the moment of death when conditions are optimal for insight.

Modern advocates of non-dual philosophies, such as Adyashanti, propose that various degrees of awakening can also be reached in this life. He often refers to realizations of emptiness, unity, consciousness, and no-self as distinct aspects of awakening that he and some of his students have encountered.

You might ask, “What really is enlightenment?”

Finding a singular definition of enlightenment is challenging. However, I find the following general definition from the Dalai Lama to be insightful:

“When we discuss enlightenment and the journey toward it, we are essentially referring to a quality, or state, of mind. Ultimately, enlightenment represents a perfected state of mind. It should not be viewed as a physical place or rank bestowed upon us. Rather, it is a mental state where all negativity and limitations have been purified, and all potentials of positive attributes are fully realized.” — Illuminating the Path to Enlightenment.

In simpler terms, upon achieving enlightenment or any degree of awakening, your mental state will be vastly transformed.

Navigating the Spiritual Path

Throughout history, spiritual teachers have outlined the steps necessary to attain enlightenment.

While there may be a quicker route to enlightenment, it’s often fraught with challenges and is intended only for those exceptionally prepared. By “exceptional,” I don’t necessarily mean intelligent; sometimes, excessive intellect can hinder one's spiritual journey. Instead, I refer to individuals who are karmically ready to embark on that level of exploration.

Regardless of how many teachings you receive from an enlightened guide, these teachings won’t take root if you haven’t worked to purify your own mental obscurations—those habitual thought patterns, emotional responses, and incorrect beliefs.

Buddhism presents a well-structured path that varies across its three principal branches—Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana—as well as at different levels within each. These paths incorporate numerous meditation, contemplation, and compassion exercises, and it may take a lifetime to master even a single one.

Conversely, non-dual teachers often bypass preliminary practices and dive straight into profound concepts like emptiness and unity. However, even they stress the importance of years of meditation and contemplation before experiencing awakening.

Regardless of your chosen route, whether gradual or rapid, there are essential practices to undertake.

You cannot force enlightenment through sheer willpower. However, you can create an environment conducive to its occurrence by engaging in appropriate practices.

So, how do you stay the course when distractions beckon at every turn? This is where the practice of goal-setting becomes beneficial.

Harnessing Goals for Spiritual Growth

Many individuals utilize the widely recognized SMART goal-setting framework to achieve success in various aspects of life. Why not apply the same principles to your spiritual journey?

Research indicates that setting goals can enhance your motivation and boost your performance, which is crucial for maintaining commitment to your spiritual practices.

However, your goals must be specific to yield positive results. They should be challenging yet attainable to avoid feelings of discouragement. This is where SMART goals come into play.

What are SMART goals?

SMART is an acronym representing the following components of effective goal-setting:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Realistic
• Time-Bound

Let’s delve into how these principles can be applied in your spiritual life.