Discover Your Spiritual Path
Become Awakened
Awakenedism
Discover Awakenedism
Welcome to Awakenedism, Adam Lee came up with name Awakenedism to describe his personal spiritual path in 2019. It is his hope that this site will help you with your personal spiritual path as well. Awakenedism is the system or Ideology of becoming Awakened but it’s more than that it’s a spiritual path.
Why do you need to be awakened? People that are awakened realize that there is more to life than merely existing. They ask themselves: Who am I as a person? What do I want in life? How can I help others and the world around me? What can I do to be more authentic? How can I find happiness? Am I listening to my inner soul and higher power? What inspires me? How can I grow? What does my purpose look like? How can I find peace? They see that they are called to so much more. They are awakened to true life.
My Path
I was dead in life till I was awakened by the spirit of God, being awakened brings life and true enlightenment. An enlightenment that is only found in God and a spiritual awakening. My path in Awakenedism was what helped me live a more balanced life.
My being awakened began with me knowing my life wasn’t working the way it was, I was not happy, and things needed to change but most of all I needed to change. Circumstances led to me almost losing everything, so I took the focus off of me and everything in this world and focused on a higher power. I had to be open to the fact that this higher power was leading me, wanted a relationship and had a purpose for me. I had to open myself up to the supernatural and believe in things I couldn’t see or understand. I realized that I am divine and one with God and that my purpose was to express the divine in me to everything and everyone around me. I realized that I create and attract things with my thoughts and beliefs and that I am in control of my life. I had to change my limiting beliefs and change me. I also changed my vibration through regular meditation to a vibration that is more suited to expressing my purpose. I awakened the third eye within me and connected with the divine energy through meditation. I found that I am connected to everyone and everything and we are all one. One with the divine and one with each other. Balancing the spiritual, my physical body and the world coming to a greater sense of peace and harmony. I channeled the higher self and walked in love and service to others. A greater place of things working in this world. A place of greater enlightenment.
I Believe
I have found that what I call Awakenedism is the system or ideology of being spiritually awakened. Realizing that you are one with God as well as connected and one with everyone else in the world. Being able to manifest and attract with your thoughts and to create your life. Being connected to the divine energy force and opening the third eye through meditation. Being able to channel your higher self and overcome the ego.
What I have found
I have found that God has made it clear that everything is made up of energy, the world, the spirit, God, the Universe. Everything is energy. God created the universe through energy light and that everything is made up of energy. When we are awakened we become one with the world and with God. We are then on a path to become one with everything and find balance and harmony.
Our lives are living scriptures
God is in everything and is the good in everything including us. You are part God, I am part God, we are all part God. Of course, there is still the God head which is God himself which is an all-powerful, all knowing, omnipresent higher power being, but we all are part of God. We are one with God. Knowing this and identifying with this will help us do anything and attract all good things into our lives and help us excel in this physical natural world. Our bodies are a temple, we can’t neglect our bodies and the world is the temple of our body temple. We must not neglect any of it and must have harmony and balance between our spirit, body and the world. Our physical body is spiritual, the material world is spiritual. We must not only keep our spirit healthy and do nonmaterial things but we must also keep or bodies healthy and tend to them because they are spiritual as well. And then our lives in relation to other people and this physical world is also spiritual, we must have proper connection, harmony, and balance with everything. We also choose our entire lives. We choose the lessons, we choose the handicaps, the experiences. We chose the whole thing. I used to think that God chose but we work with God to choose. In our highest state we attract things in our life with our thoughts and beliefs. We choose our whole lives even before we incarnate to earth. If there is anyone to blame or ask, why do we have the life we have it is us. It is also the goal of an Awakenedist to love others as we want to be loved and to be the best person we can be. Not sowing bad karma by our words or actions and not causing negativity to others.. But Our lives are living scriptures also being read by everyone around us and the universe. We are part God and one with God. An Awakenedist also follows the teachings of Christ but many of the dogmas and theological beliefs and scriptures of the Bible and Christianity are false. Apostle Paul who wrote most of the New Testament was a false apostle and James and the leaders of the early church spoke of that in Acts. It was also spoken about in the book of Revelation. Paul made up a gospel where you are saved by only confessing the name of Jesus and believing in it but Christ never taught that. It is not mentioned in the 4 Gospels. What Christ did say is we are saved by obeying his commands and he said his commands were love. So, we are saved by loving others as we love ourselves. Not by confession or faith. Furthermore, God never instituted blood animal sacrifices in the Old Testament, there are references to this throughout it but also in Jer 7:21-26 and Jer 8:8. The Scribes and Leaders of Judaism made it up. God never required it. So, we don’t necessarily follow all the dogmas or theology of Christianity but we do revere the teaching of Jesus. We also believe that once you reach enlightenment in a life you don’t have to come back to earth again and repeat the reincarnation cycle anymore. You graduate!
My Community
My community is my connection to everyone else in the world.
We are all part of God and one with God.
In life we often reap bad things upon ourselves or reap bad karma when we mistreat other people. When we treat others wrong, we are actually treating God bad. Is it any wonder we reap trouble upon ourselves. We are harming or insulting God. Because each person is part of God and has God living within them. So, when we mistreat others we are actually doing bad unto God literally!
Maybe you remember that Jesus said, “what you do to the least of these you do unto me.” And he said that He is one with the Father and we are to be one with Him and one with the father. He also said if you don’t love others, you don’t love Him. And that the greatest commandment is to love God and love people. Of course, all that makes sense because each person is part of God and essentially is God in a sense. How can you love Jesus and not love others, because God is part of others. And of course, loving God and loving others would go together in the same command because they are both the same thing.
Seeing things in this light really makes you realize the importance of treating other people well and not doing harm to anyone. It goes so far as to make you even think before speaking negatively towards someone. Because like I said you are really speaking negatively towards God. That is surely something to think about and consider. Loving your neighbor takes on a whole new meaning. And embracing this takes on a whole new you. Something to think about.
Master The Mind
Another important foundation to Awakenedism is to master your mind. What I mean by master your mind is to be able to shut down your thoughts and thinking throughout the day. To be present in the moment and have no judgments, opinions or thoughts about anything. To just go about on autopilot. This is possible and I actually do this myself. It is walking in true enlightenment, and it ends suffering as the Buddhists believe. Because all suffering on this earth really comes from the mind, thinking and thoughts. If you can stop that thinking and shut it down you can actually end a lot of suffering in your life. The other benefit to this is if you are able to shut down your thinking you will be more connected to and open to the spirit. If you are practicing clairvoyance you will be able to really pick up on other people as you do this and will be better able to help them. You will be more sensitive to them and you will be able to pick up on things from their past, present and future as well as their emotions. Of course, you can’t live your life with your thoughts shut down all the time. But you can have balance. Balance in times of thinking and times of not thinking. As you go throughout your day if you spent a few hours thinking then spend an hour not thinking. And then repeat from there during the hours you are awake. Mastering the mind is something you must do in order to walk in true Awakenedism and as you do it each day you will notice you will feel better and have fewer problems. It also helps you to follow your intuition more which can be more of an accurate guide than your thinking. Another factor to mastering the mind is to control and direct your thoughts. Your thoughts produce feelings and feelings actions. The feelings that your thoughts produce create a mental environment that you live in. There is a thing called Epigenetics in which certain genes that may be negative and cause disease or mental illness may be present in you but with a positive environment may not become dominant in your body. With the wrong negative environment, they will come out and you will suffer the effects of whatever that gene may be. Such as someone can have a cancer gene or a mental illness gene and in a positive environment, they will not get cancer or become mentally ill but if in a negative environment they will. This leaves room that if those genes become dominant in your life and you go and change your mental environment you can repress those negative genes and maybe even heal yourself or at least get somewhat better. So, part of mastering the mind is catching negative thoughts as they come and say I am not going there, I am not going to live in that environment and then redirect your thought to something else. You have to do this over and over till the thoughts no longer come frequently and you retrain your brain. Upon doing this you will find that if you redirect and train your brain to be positive you will attract all kinds of good things from the universe and people. Where before you were attracting bad things and negativity now you will attract good. It really works I have done it myself. Master and retrain your thoughts today. You will be glad you did.
We must overcome the ego if we want to walk in Oneness Consciousness. The ego is selfish and is about me, me, me.
Okay, let's explore the fascinating and often frustrating world of the ego, delving into its thoughts and actions.
The Ego: A Master of Illusion and Keeper of the Self
We often hear the word "ego" used with a negative connotation. Someone is called "egotistical" or accused of having an "inflated ego." But what exactly is the ego, and why does it often get such a bad rap? In essence, the ego is the part of our psyche responsible for our sense of self. It's the "I" that navigates the world, makes decisions, and experiences life. However, this seemingly essential aspect of our being can also lead to some pretty messy situations when it operates unchecked.
The Thoughts of the Ego: A Whirlwind of Comparisons and Judgments
The ego's thought patterns are often characterized by a specific set of tendencies:
- Separation & Duality: The ego sees the world in terms of "me" vs. "them," "good" vs. "bad," and "right" vs. "wrong." It thrives on differentiation and can easily categorize and label people and situations. This constant comparison fuels its sense of self.
- Need for Validation: The ego desperately seeks external validation and approval. It craves positive feedback, praise, and recognition to feel worthy. This can manifest in the form of boastfulness, neediness, and sensitivity to criticism.
- Fear-Based Thinking: The ego is driven by fear – fear of not being good enough, fear of loss, fear of failure, and even fear of death. These fears often manifest as anxieties, insecurities, and a tendency to control.
- Attachment to Identity: The ego clings tightly to its perceived identity, including labels like our profession, social status, beliefs, and accomplishments. It defines itself through these things and can become deeply threatened when they are challenged.
- Obsession with the Past & Future: The ego rarely resides in the present moment. It's often lost in ruminations about past mistakes or anxieties about future possibilities. This prevents us from experiencing the fullness of the now.
- The Inner Critic: The ego is often accompanied by a harsh inner critic that constantly judges, berates, and undermines our efforts. This critical voice reinforces feelings of inadequacy and perpetuates a cycle of self-doubt.
The Actions of the Ego: Seeking Power and Avoiding Pain
The ego's thoughts inevitably manifest in specific behaviors and actions:
- Control & Manipulation: Driven by fear, the ego often attempts to control situations and people to ensure its own safety and security. This can manifest as micromanaging, passive-aggressiveness, or even outright bullying.
- Seeking the Spotlight: The ego often seeks attention and admiration. It might engage in attention-grabbing behaviors, exaggerate achievements, or try to outshine others.
- Defensiveness & Blame: When confronted with criticism or challenges to its identity, the ego becomes defensive. It might deflect blame, make excuses, or engage in personal attacks.
- Competition & Comparison: The ego thrives on competition and often compares itself to others, feeling either superior or inferior. This fuels feelings of envy, jealousy, and resentment.
- Self-Sabotage: The ego's fear-based thinking can lead to self-sabotaging behaviors. It might avoid challenges, procrastinate, or make choices that ultimately undermine its own goals.
- Resisting Change: The ego is resistant to change and anything that might disrupt its established sense of self. It prefers predictability and clings to the familiar, even if it’s not serving our best interests.
Moving Beyond the Ego: Cultivating Self-Awareness and Acceptance
It's crucial to understand that the ego is not inherently "bad." It's a necessary part of our human experience. However, when it operates unchecked, it can lead to suffering and hinder personal growth. The key is to develop self-awareness – to become conscious of the ego's thoughts and actions without judgment.
Here are some ways to cultivate greater awareness and loosen the ego's grip:
- Mindfulness Meditation: Practicing mindfulness helps us observe our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. This creates space between us and the ego.
- Self-Reflection: Regularly taking time to reflect on our behavior and identify ego-driven patterns can be very insightful.
- Practicing Gratitude: Focusing on the positive aspects of our lives shifts our attention away from the ego's constant need for more.
- Embracing Vulnerability: Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, acknowledging our imperfections, and sharing our true selves with others weakens the ego's defenses.
- Cultivating Compassion: Practicing compassion towards ourselves and others helps to alleviate the ego's judgments and criticisms.
- Connecting with Something Larger Than the Self: Exploring spirituality, nature, or creative expression can help us connect with a sense of something greater than our individual selves, reducing the ego's dominance.
Conclusion
Understanding the thoughts and actions of the ego is a journey of self-discovery. By becoming more aware of its tendencies, we can begin to loosen its grip and live more authentically, compassionately, and joyfully. It's a lifelong process, but one that is ultimately transformative and allows us to move beyond the limitations of the ego and embrace the richness of our true selves.
We must combat the ego and the ego comes through thoughts. We need to retrain out minds and change focus when unwanted ego thoughts come.
When the thought from the ego come up just acknowledge it and say isn’t that interesting. When you do that have no judgment about the thought. Understand that thoughts come from no place and are not you. Then just try and shift your thought to something else and move on. Try and shift your thought to something positive that is based in love. You will have to repeat this over and over throughout your day. You will get worn out, but it is worth it. And you may have to do this technique for a number of years, but it does work. It is all about reconditioning the mind. The whole thing may sound dumb and pointless, but I assure you it is your best defense and hope against the ego.
Our Goal
Our highest goal is to become awakened and live in Oneness consciousness. Oneness consciousness is being aware that you are one with God and are divine, and we are one with everything else. That the world is perfect and the laws of the universe is perfect. Things happen to us because of our choices or karma. The choices and karma are part of the universal laws. Everything is perfect and God is in everything. The greatest law is love and we must act in it. Of course first we need to be aware that we are perfect love then we need to overcome the ego by realigning our thoughts because everything stems from the mind. And walk in love towards others and everything else. Being present in the moment and knowing that everything is available to us and we are the creators of our lives. Oneness means being aware that we are happy and at peace. We have all we need available to us. And the world is perfect and God is acting and expressing through us. We want nothing more than to serve people and act in love in everything.
Okay, here's an article exploring Oneness Consciousness and the steps we can take towards it:
Unveiling Oneness: Stepping Towards an Awakened State of Being
In a world often fragmented by division and difference, the concept of Oneness Consciousness offers a profound and transformative alternative. It speaks of a reality where separation is an illusion, and where an underlying interconnectedness binds all things. But what exactly is Oneness Consciousness, and how can we, as individuals, move towards experiencing it?
Defining Oneness Consciousness
At its core, Oneness Consciousness is the realization that we are all part of a single, unified field of consciousness. It transcends the limitations of our individual ego and perceived differences, revealing a fundamental interconnectedness that extends beyond our physical bodies, personal histories, and beliefs. It's the understanding that:
- We are not separate: Rather than being isolated individuals, we are all threads in the same cosmic tapestry, sharing a common source of being.
- There is no "other": Judgments and divisions based on race, religion, nationality, or any other category dissolve, replaced by a sense of shared humanity and belonging.
- All is energy: Everything in the universe, from the smallest atom to the grandest galaxy, is ultimately made of the same vibrating energy, connected in an intricate web.
- Love and compassion are paramount: From this understanding arises a natural and profound love and compassion for all beings, as we recognize that their experiences are ultimately a reflection of our own.
This isn't just an intellectual concept, but a deeply felt experience that shifts our perspective on ourselves and the world around us. It can lead to a sense of peace, joy, and profound understanding of life's interconnectedness.
The Journey Towards Oneness: Steps You Can Take
While Oneness Consciousness might seem like an abstract ideal, it's a state that can be cultivated and experienced through conscious effort. Here are some steps you can take to move closer to that reality:
- Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Cultivating present moment awareness is fundamental. Regular meditation practices help quiet the mental chatter, allowing you to become more attuned to the subtle energies within and around you. Focus on your breath, your senses, and observe the arising and passing of thoughts without judgment. This allows you to detach from the ego and tap into deeper levels of awareness.
- Cultivate Self-Awareness: Understanding your own patterns, beliefs, and biases is crucial. Reflect on your thoughts and behaviors, identifying where your ego might be creating feelings of separation or limitation. Self-reflection through journaling, therapy, or simply quiet observation can help dissolve these patterns.
- Practice Compassion and Empathy: Make a conscious effort to step into the shoes of others. Truly listen to different perspectives, even those that might challenge your own. Seek to understand the experiences and struggles of others, recognizing our shared humanity and interconnectedness.
- Embrace Universal Love: Expand the circle of your love beyond your close relationships. Practice unconditional love and kindness towards all beings, even those who you might perceive as different or challenging. See the divine spark within each and every individual.
- Connect with Nature: Spend time in nature, observing the intricate beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world. Observe the rhythms of life, the cycle of growth and decay, and feel yourself as part of this larger system. This connection can dissolve the illusion of separateness and remind you of your place in the web of life.
- Practice Gratitude: Regularly expressing gratitude for the blessings in your life shifts your focus from what's lacking to what's already present. This practice helps cultivate a more positive and appreciative outlook, paving the way for a more unified perspective.
- Engage in Service: Acts of service, performed with an open heart and a desire to contribute to the well being of others, helps to foster a sense of unity. When we give of ourselves, we recognize that we're all interconnected and that our actions have an impact on the whole.
- Release Judgments: When we judge others, we create separation. Make a conscious effort to release judgments and see each individual as a unique expression of the divine. This requires patience and self-awareness but opens the door to a more compassionate and unified perspective.
- Embrace Silence: Make space for silence in your life. Disconnect from the constant stream of information and stimuli and allow yourself to just be. In silence, we can hear the quiet voice of our intuition and connect with the underlying consciousness that connects us all.
The Path is Unique
It's important to remember that the path to Oneness Consciousness is a personal journey. There's no one-size-fits-all approach. Be patient with yourself, embrace the process, and allow your understanding to unfold organically. While it might sound like a lofty goal, it's a state of being available to each and every one of us. As we move towards Oneness, we move towards a more compassionate, connected, and fulfilling existence. The journey is the reward, and the destination is a consciousness of love and unity that transforms not only ourselves but the world around us.
Our Highest Goal Enlightenment
Enlightenment is possible. I have lived in the enlightened state. The highest form of enlightenment is when you channel your higher self and let your higher self become you and control you for a period of time. What I mean by channel is kind of like channeling a spirit. You actually let your higher self overtake you. You open your heart up, be vulnerable and focus on taking in your higher self and letting it overtake you. You actually channel your higher self. In that state the ego is suppressed and it’s like you lose your personality. You no longer have regular desires, you don’t care about materialism. You aren’t concerned what anyone thinks of you. You don’t even desire a spouse or a partner. Your desire is service to others. The ego has no control. It is perfectly in check. You are at perfect peace and all suffering has ended. You are aware of others but not in a self-seeking or egocentric way. You are aware of others to serve them. You are present in the moment. You are walking in the law of one and the I am state and walking in love towards others. That is enlightenment and the enlightened state. And the end all of this quest at least in this life on this earth. Your new goal is to spend more and more time in the enlightened state and channeling your higher self. You have truly achieved Enlightenment.
The Ultimate Goal
As I said, the highest goal is channeling your higher self to become enlightened. But in so doing and being enlightened you will lose yourself. Because you totally lose the ego. You will notice you lose your personality and desires. You aren’t you anymore. And I am not sure if that is such a great goal. It’s not all it’s cracked up to be at all. Sure, you achieved enlightenment, but you deleted you. The ultimate goal is not to just become fully enlightened but to balance enlightenment with a healthy ego and a genuine human experience. To be enlightened but not totally lose yourself. Having some ego is ok. It is important that we lose the parts of the ego that do harm to others and ourselves and aren’t expressing love and keep the rest. In our enlightenment it is important to remember that not all ego is bad nor are all the desires we once had or should have as a human. It is important to cultivate and feed the parts of the ego that are good and overcome the rest. We do this and we will achieve enlightenment yet keep our personality and not lose ourselves. We will achieve the balance that we need.
Balancing enlightenment with a healthy ego and a genuine human experience is an intricate but rewarding journey. Enlightenment often involves transcending the ego to recognize our interconnectedness with all beings and the universe. However, maintaining a healthy ego is essential for navigating daily life and personal growth.
To integrate enlightenment with a healthy ego and remain authentically human, consider these key principles:
Authentic Self-Expression
Embrace your unique voice and perspective while honoring the wisdom and experiences of others. Authentic self-expression allows you to contribute meaningfully to the world without overshadowing the contributions of others.
Mindful Living
Practice mindfulness to stay grounded in the present moment. Mindfulness fosters a deep appreciation for life's beauty and complexity, enabling you to respond to situations with clarity and compassion.
Compassion and Empathy
Cultivate compassion and empathy towards yourself and others. Recognize that everyone is on their own journey, and offer support and understanding without judgment.
Continuous Learning
Stay open to new ideas and experiences. Continuous learning keeps you adaptable and resilient, allowing you to evolve while maintaining a balanced sense of self.
By integrating these principles into your life, you can achieve a state of enlightenment that coexists harmoniously with a healthy ego and a rich human experience.
Moreover we must continually feed our healthy ego and have balance in enlightenment. Here are more ways to do that.
Feeding the Healthy Part of the Ego While Being Enlightened
A Journey Toward Balanced Self-Realization
The ego, often perceived as one's self-identity, plays a crucial role in our mental and emotional landscape. While it can be associated with negative traits such as arrogance and self-centeredness, a healthy ego is equally important for self-confidence, self-respect, and personal growth. Balancing the healthy part of the ego while embracing enlightenment is a delicate art that requires mindfulness, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of one's inner self.
Understanding the Ego
The ego, in psychological terms, is the conscious mind, the part of our identity that we consider "ourselves." It is shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and perceptions. A healthy ego is essential for maintaining self-esteem and confidence, allowing us to navigate the world with a sense of purpose and direction.
However, an overinflated or underdeveloped ego can lead to numerous issues. An overinflated ego may manifest as narcissism, whereas an underdeveloped ego can result in low self-esteem and a lack of assertiveness. Enlightenment, on the other hand, is often associated with transcending the ego, achieving a state of self-awareness and selflessness. The challenge lies in finding a harmonious balance between nurturing a healthy ego and pursuing spiritual enlightenment.
Embracing Self-Acceptance
The foundation of a healthy ego is self-acceptance. This involves recognizing and embracing both our strengths and weaknesses without judgment. By accepting ourselves as we are, we build a stable and resilient self-image that is not easily swayed by external circumstances.
To cultivate self-acceptance:
- Practice mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness meditation to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This awareness allows you to observe your ego without becoming attached to it.
- Challenge negative self-talk: Identify and challenge any negative beliefs you hold about yourself. Replace them with positive affirmations that reinforce your self-worth.
- Set realistic goals: Establish achievable goals that reflect your true capabilities. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, to reinforce a positive self-image.
Balancing Self-Interest and Selflessness
A healthy ego does not preclude selflessness. In fact, true enlightenment involves balancing self-interest with the well-being of others. This balance can be achieved through the practice of compassion and empathy.
To balance self-interest and selflessness:
- Develop empathy: Practice active listening and try to understand others' perspectives. Empathy fosters deeper connections and reduces ego-driven conflicts.
- Engage in acts of kindness: Perform acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. This selfless behavior nurtures a sense of fulfillment and diminishes the ego's need for validation.
- Reflect on your motivations: Regularly examine your intentions behind your actions. Ensure that they are aligned with your values and not driven solely by egoic desires.
Cultivating Spiritual Practices
Spiritual practices are essential for achieving enlightenment and maintaining a healthy ego. These practices help us connect with our higher selves and transcend the limitations of the ego.
Effective spiritual practices include:
- Meditation: Regular meditation helps quiet the mind and fosters a sense of inner peace. It allows us to observe our ego without judgment and connect with our true essence.
- Gratitude: Practicing gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. This positive outlook reduces the ego's tendency to compare and compete.
- Journaling: Writing down our thoughts and feelings can provide insights into our egoic patterns. It helps us identify areas for growth and self-improvement.
Embracing Vulnerability
Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, but it is, in fact, a strength that fosters authenticity and connection. Embracing vulnerability allows us to express our true selves and build meaningful relationships.
To embrace vulnerability:
- Be honest with yourself: Acknowledge your fears and insecurities. By facing them head-on, you reduce their power over you.
- Share your experiences: Open up to others about your struggles and successes. This honesty strengthens bonds and encourages others to be vulnerable as well.
- Accept imperfection: Recognize that nobody is perfect. Embrace your flaws and understand that they are part of what makes you unique.
Embrace your interests and creativity.
When dealing with the ego it is important to feed the good parts of ego. Our interests and creativity are part of the good part of our ego. It makes up our personality. There is nothing wrong with having interests and being creative if those interests and creativeness do not harm others. Don’t erase or ignore your interests, they are very much an important part of you. They make up your uniqueness. And don’t neglect your creativity. But express it. As long as those things are not harming anyone else, they are an important part of the ego to feed. When finding enlightenment you don’t have to lose your personality, you can find a healthy balance of your earthly human self and your higher self. And that comes from not neglecting the entire ego.
Conclusion
Feeding the healthy part of the ego while being enlightened is a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth. It requires a delicate balance of self-acceptance, compassion, spiritual practice, and vulnerability. By nurturing a healthy ego, we build a strong foundation for personal development and enlightenment. Remember, the goal is not to eliminate the ego but to integrate it harmoniously with our higher selves, leading to a balanced and fulfilling life.
Are You There Yet? Untangling the Mystery of Enlightenment
Enlightenment. It's a word that conjures images of serene monks, transformative experiences, and a profound understanding of the universe. But what exactly is enlightenment? And, perhaps more importantly, how do you know if you've attained it?
The answers, as you might expect, are complex, nuanced, and often highly subjective. There's no definitive checklist, no cosmic certificate waiting in the mail. Instead, understanding enlightenment requires delving into different spiritual and philosophical traditions and exploring the potential markers along the path.
Defining the Elusive: What IS Enlightenment?
Enlightenment, in its broadest sense, refers to a state of profound understanding, liberation, and freedom from suffering. Different traditions offer varying interpretations:
- Buddhism: Often described as Nirvana, the extinguishing of suffering and the cycle of rebirth, achieved through wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness.
- Hinduism: Moksha, liberation from the cycle of samsara (birth, death, and rebirth) and union with the ultimate reality (Brahman).
- Advaita Vedanta: Realization of the non-dual nature of reality; recognizing the oneness of the self (Atman) with Brahman.
- Taoism: Living in harmony with the Tao, the natural order of the universe, characterized by spontaneity, simplicity, and effortless action (Wu Wei).
While the specifics vary, a common thread runs through these interpretations: a shift in perspective, a deep connection to something larger than oneself, and a release from the ego's grip.
The Absence of a Universal Checklist: Why "Proof" is Problematic
It's tempting to seek measurable criteria for enlightenment. However, the very act of seeking proof often reinforces the ego, which is precisely what enlightenment seeks to transcend. Looking outward for validation can be a distraction from the inward journey.
Furthermore, the potential for spiritual ego – the belief that one has attained a higher state than others – is a significant pitfall. True enlightenment, ironically, often involves a diminishing sense of ego, not an inflation of it.
