Question 87: WE OFTEN HEAR THE TERM "ENLIGHTENMENT" OR "AWAKENING" IN BUDDHISM. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AWAKENED?

Question 87: WE OFTEN HEAR THE TERM "ENLIGHTENMENT" OR "AWAKENING" IN BUDDHISM. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AWAKENED?Answer: Enlightenment, or sudden awakening, refers to an unexpected attainment of deep meditative absorption or even states of Sainthood. This phenomenon is common inBuddhism. A practitioner who has diligently and persistently practiced meditation for a long time without seeing any results may one day unexpectedly awaken. This awakening is like a sudden illumination, where the mind shifts into an advanced state of meditative absorption or attaining Sainthood. This state is called “awakening” because, in the state of profound stillness, the practitioner perceives unique and extraordinary qualities of their awakened mind that are difficult to express in words. This awakened mind is not a void or emptiness but a state of purity and tranquility, accompanied by profound wisdom, precious attributes, and significant positive psychological transformations. Those who have awakened often speak indirectly or metaphorically about their experience, as their wisdom keeps them from boasting, though they may wish to share their extraordinary state.Sudden awakening arises when the conditions are ripe. It may occur naturally or be triggered by a master through a metaphorical teaching, a puzzling action, or even an unexpected external event that serves as a catalyst. Each individual’s experience of awakening is unique and richly varied. Many stories of sudden awakening are well-documented in Zen Buddhism's historical texts.While all forms of awakening share a common essence, the depth and level of awakening differ among individuals; some attain higher levels than others. Rarely does someone achieve ultimate enlightenment in a single moment. During the Buddha’s time, there were cases where individuals, upon hearing the Buddha’s teachings, immediately attained the state of Arahantship – ultimate enlightenment.#Religions, #Buddhism, #DialogueBuddhismReligions, #Religious, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightement, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #BuddhismforBeginners, #Janna, #JannaOrderMonastery,