An exoteric path is one that intends to be accessible by all. My particular exoteric path recognizes that the present moment is both the phenomenon upon which numerous spiritual traditions focus their minds, as well as the phenomenon that is measured to create Clock and Calendar systems.
I tend to emphasize that language is a technology of both communication and knowledge production. Words are verbal or written symbols that refer to an underlying reality. That underlying reality can be objective, subjective, or intersubjective. In other words, the phenomena to which we ascribe verbal/written symbols can be objective in nature (accessible by the five senses), entirely subjective, or oftentimes, as we see in linguistic cultures, inter-subjective, or shared among numerous subjectivities.
Enlightenment on the Spiritual Path
For spiritual paths that emphasize focusing the mind on the present moment, or the flow of time itself, there is a symbol which refers to an underlying concept that practitioners will encounter along the way, either in their own journeys, and or through hearing of others journeys.
This concept is called "enlightenment".
But what is the underlying phenomenon to which the verbal/written symbol "enlightenment" refers?
This concept tends to be challenging to define specifically. Attempts to define it usually involve a significant degree of ambiguity. Maintaining a mystery of what this concept is seems to benefit various esoteric paths.
Perhaps in the language of esotericism, it can be explained as, "you know it when you experience it."
In the realm of esotericism, such an ambiguous and subjective definition can fit well.
However, my spiritual path is one of Wise Agnosticism. On this path, knowing when you do not know is integral to spiritual growth. In general, upon encountering an ambiguous definition, one can easily recognize the element of the unknown and return their minds to resting on the flow of time/present moment. This is a primary pathway for spiritual growth as a Wise Agnostic.
Put Simply if it seems challenging to define exactly what enlightenment is, perhaps our spiritual energies are best put to use by returning our minds to the flow of time.
Nevertheless, the experience of enlightenment is common across various spiritual paths. In order to ensure that it has a proper place on a Wise Agnostic path that emphasizes an exoteric approach, it is worth the time and effort to specifically define this concept.
This definition is rooted in my nearly 20 years of meditative spiritual practice. It seeks to synthesize and integrate the entire spectrum of human consciousness. Indeed, I feel that it is important to take in a larger spiritual context in order to precisely defined enlightenment. In other words, how does the underlying phenomenon of enlightenment connect with similar underlying phenomena? How can we integrate knowledge of all these phenomena into a useful definition of enlightenment?
What is Enlightenment?
With this definition, the concept of enlightenment is recognized as a line of demarcation between distinct modes of consciousness along a spiritual path that emphasizes focusing the mind on the present moment.
In order to define enlightenment, let us first look at the range of human consciousness. Specifically, I am referring to the various states of consciousness that can serve as broad default states of awareness.
On one end of the spectrum, there is the incessant subjective reproduction of verbal symbols. This state of consciousness represents the least capacity to concentrate/focus to mind upon the flow of time.
As we continue on our spiritual journeys, we may find ourselves engaging in effortful concentration. In this state of consciousness, we recognize that the incessant reproduction of verbal symbols does not facilitate a genuine, lasting happiness. We recognize that the present moment itself can serve as a perpetual source of happiness. That is, we recognize that our capacity to focus our minds upon the flow of time serves as the foundation for a genuine, lasting happiness.
Thus our efforts to concentrate our minds are useful. We recognize that as we deepen our capacity to concentrate upon the present moment, so too do we deepen a happiness that we can carry with us in all situations.
However, effortful concentration is not the destination of our spiritual journey. As we move along the spectrum, at the other end, we find effortless concentration. Indeed, as a spiritual practitioner learns to concentrate their minds upon the present moment/flow of time, eventually this process becomes effortless.
Indeed, spiritual teachers from numerous wisdom traditions, across human history have taught that an effortless state of concentration is an attainable goal on the spiritual journey.
It is in the state of effortless concentration that we transition from actively applying effort to quiet our minds to passively learning to allow the effortless state of concentration to predominate our subjectivity.
Many advanced spiritual teachings are based on this idea of "staying" or allowing the effortless concentration to flow. In this state, it's no longer about applying effort to concentrate one's mind on specific phenomena, rather the task is simply learning to remain quiet for increasing periods of time.
The concept of enlightenment can be understood as a line of demarcation between effortless and effortful concentration.
In other words, at some point in one's spiritual journey of quieting their minds, they will transition from effortful concentration to effortless concentration. This transition can take a multitude of manifestations. It could happen gradually, and as the result of sustained spiritual practice. It can also happen during peak experiences. That is, this definition accounts for both a gradual and spontaneous transition from effortful to effortless concentration.
Enlightenment experiences are often intense and memorable. This transition from effortful to effortless concentration is in it self a powerful and transformative spiritual experience.
Upon experiencing enlightenment, and arriving at an effortless state of concentration, one's relationship to the flow state itself changes.
Previously on the spiritual journey, one had to apply substantial effort to enter into the flow State. The process was active and with diligence one could attain and maintain a focused mind upon the present moment.
However, after the experience of enlightenment, the flow state becomes the default mode of consciousness. Without applying any effort, the mind will rest upon the present moment. The spiritual journey continues as the practitioner now must cultivate the capacity to Simply allow their minds to rest upon the present moment without interfering.
This is what I mean when I speak of one's relationship to the flow State in their own subjectivities has changed.
Maintaining that flow state is no longer about actively applying effort, but rather passively allowing the awareness of the flow state to remain pristine and uninterrupted.
Having defined enlightenment from an exoteric perspective, on a path of Wise Agnosticism, this important spiritual experience can be better understood, and placed in proper context in one's spiritual journey.
Thank you and have a content day
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