What does it mean to be enlightened? To some, it is a state of divine knowledge − an absolute and total understanding of the universe and all of its different realms, facets, and dimensions. To others, it is a state of being closer in their connection to their god. Some − such as Immanuel Kant, a notable figure in modern philosophy − define it as an individual’s emergence from their self-imposed inability to understand things (things including themselves, others, the world around them, and whatever may be beyond) without further guidance from another. 

Regardless of how we may choose to define it, there is one thing that remains true of this concept: that what enlightenment can mean to a person can be a very individual experience, and that it is often perceived as part − or culmination, even − of one’s spiritual journey. The spiritual journey is a personal exploration that individuals undertake to connect with souls and discover their life purpose. And one thing that a majority of spiritual seekers hope to achieve in their spiritual pathway is enlightenment. 

Enlightenment plays a significant role in the spiritual journey, and this extraordinary state can even reportedly transform a person for the better. But what exactly is enlightenment? How do different spiritual approaches view the concept of enlightenment? And is enlightenment genuinely achievable? 

The Definition of Enlightenment

Enlightenment is the state of consciousness that almost every spiritual seeker hopes to achieve. In particular, enlightenment refers to living a transcending life that evades all interference. Originating in ancient spiritual traditions, the term derives from a variety of schools, including those surrounding Yoga, Vedanta, and Buddhism. 

One fundamental characteristic of enlightenment is that this state of consciousness is permanent, and a person can only attain it once in a lifetime. Moreover, enlightenment involves transcending the ego, the destiny of emotional distress. 

There are various synonyms for enlightenment. For example, enlightenment is also referred to with the following terms: 

• State of Nirvana 
• State of Awakening
• State of Liberation 
• Unity Consciousness
• Union
• Self-realization

Spiritual Approaches to Enlightenment

The definition of enlightenment might vary slightly depending on different religious approaches or belief systems, but the general meaning of enlightenment is the "pinnacle of spiritual attainment." Within the variety of nuances that the definition of enlightenment could encompass, there are different approaches to achieving it. One of the world's largest religions, Buddhism, proposes that there are two spiritual approaches to enlightenment: gradual and sudden. 

Gradual Approach to Enlightenment 

The gradual approach considers enlightenment and liberation to be the final goal of the spiritual pathway. This approach views enlightenment as a destination that spiritual seekers have to strive for. Consequently, the gradual approach emphasizes changing and purifying the mind.

In addition, the gradual approach posits that the mind is not pure and that individuals have to work through a long path to achieve enlightenment through appropriate spiritual practices such as praying and attending spiritual rituals. Overall, spiritual seekers of the gradual approach are educated that there is a need to improve the mind to attain enlightenment.

Examples of the gradual approach include Theravada Buddhism and Raja Yoga. 

Sudden Approach to Enlightenment 

Unlike the gradual approach, the sudden approach posits that enlightenment is already present in the mind, and there is no need to work towards it. This approach assumes that enlightenment will be attained suddenly at an unpredictable moment when people continue to integrate spiritual practices. 

As this approach allows spiritual seekers to feel more at ease in the present, those who subscribe to the sudden approach may find it easier to integrate enlightenment into everyday life than those following the gradual approach. However, because the sudden approach does not regard enlightenment as a goal, as the gradual approach does, research suggests that it may reduce an individual’s motivation to “get there” due to the lack of a process. Furthermore, the sudden approach may also lead to a false sense of enlightenment, or perhaps even accidentally spiritual bypassing, leaving the seeker confused and stuck rather than moving forward on their journey for what they truly sought.

Examples of the sudden approach include Zen, Dzogchen, and Advaita. 

What Does It Feel Like to Be Enlightened? 

To many of those who have attempted to describe it, to be enlightened means being one that exists without any duality. It is worth noting that enlightenment is a state that involves a mixture of emotions and qualities, such as love versus hate, desire versus fear, and wisdom versus ignorance. As a result, an enlightened person may experience a different combination of emotions at any given time. 

Since enlightenment is said to allow spiritual seekers to live a transcending life and evade all interference, enlightenment can, in theory, make a person feel satisfied and transformative about their life.

Below are some feelings that an enlightened person commonly experience:

• The past and the future collapsing in the present.
• The ability to see both the perfection and imperfection in the universe.
• The experience of the sense of oneness – losing the psychological boundaries between them and their existence.
• Feeling like a free bird.
• Feeling completely and truly satisfied with life.

How to Achieve Enlightenment? 

It is, according to all theories and postulations, feasible to attain enlightenment fully. Nevertheless, achieving enlightenment is exceptionally uncommon. This is, in large part, because achieving enlightenment is typically a long-term process that requires continuous effort and dedication to maintain the state. As a result, spiritual seekers must devote enormous time to practicing and replenishing their spiritual strength to achieve it, and even then, there is no “guarantee” of achieving it, let alone when, or how, they might.

In addition, the process of attaining enlightenment can depend on the types of pathways a spiritual seeker follows − and on how that individual responds to each one at various times in their life. As a result, different spiritual paths require spiritual seekers to use different spiritual practices. 

Below is a list of spiritual practices that many spiritual seekers perform to achieve enlightenment:

• Praying
• Chanting
• Meditating
• Attending religious, theistic, or other spiritual ceremonies 
• Participating in religious, theistic, or other spiritual rituals 

Join Dina Ghandour's online Meditation Challenge to create your own meditation practice at home. 

Five Qualities of an Enlightened Person 

An enlightened person is said to display certain qualities that are very different from ordinary people, due to their strong commitment to their spiritual journey, and the deep knowledge and understanding that they have “unlocked” or achieved. Here are five qualities that an enlightened person is said to possess: 

1. Optimism: An enlightened person always holds an optimistic attitude toward life. Therefore, when enlightened person has to deal with undesirable events, they can always be hopeful and believe that they can solve the challenges. Ultimately, this attitude makes an enlightened person cheerful and happy, but in a way that embodies genuine and truthful positivity, rather than false or toxic positivity. 
2. Compassion: One particular trait of an enlightened person is their deep compassion for others. Their compassionate quality could result from spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation. For this reason, an enlightened person can show unconditional love for and understand others empathetically − as well as show themselves the same through self-love and self-compassion. 
3. Inner Strength or Resilience: Inner strength is an essential resource that helps people cope with mentally and emotionally demanding situations. An enlightened person develops powerful inner strength that helps them become more resilient. 
4. Emotionally Stable: An enlightened person can maintain a calm mind in the face of undesirable events. Once spiritual seekers have achieved enlightenment, they become comfortable with who they are and no longer seek others’ validation or opinions of themselves, ultimately displaying a high level of emotional intelligence. 
5. Highly Committed to Spiritual Growth: Enlightened individuals tend to demonstrate a strong commitment to their spirituality, as achieving enlightenment typically requires a long and/or highly dedicated spiritual path. 

Enlightenment as a Direction

To put it simply, enlightenment is a state of consciousness that spiritual seekers hope to achieve. However, it should be noted that every spiritual seeker is at a different point in their spiritual path. So it’s not just important, but essential, not to compare one’s spiritual path with that of another. Instead, spiritual seekers should regard enlightenment as a direction on the pathway which guides them through the unique journey. 

Not only can spirituality help us build and maintain better mental health, but it can also teach us important life lessons – including how to feel and express gratitude. Ultimately, enlightenment is a central aspect of the spiritual journey. So no matter where you are on your spiritual path, don’t forget to explore and enjoy the journey!

All of the content on our website is thoroughly researched to ensure that the information shared is evidence-based. For more information, please visit the academic journals that influenced this article: Enlightenment from Body–Spirit Integration: Dunhuang’s Buddhist Cultivation Pathways and Educational Applications, Sudden and Gradual: Approaches to Enlightenment in Chinese Thoughts, Paths to Enlightenment: Theravada Buddhism in Upper Burma, Embodying Enlightenment: Physical Culture in Dzogchen as Revealed in Tibet’s Lukhang Murals, The Everyday, Lived, Physical, and Sensory Experience of Spiritual Enlightenment.