You Are Nearly Fully Enlightened: Bridging the Last 1%
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Chapter 1: Understanding Enlightenment
Enlightenment represents a state where individuals relinquish their perception of a separate self, merging instead with the Universal Consciousness. In this profound condition, the limited personal identity fades away, allowing for a connection with the Higher Self. When truly enlightened, one experiences liberation from addictive cravings and fearful aversions, fostering harmony with all beings and the world around. This state is characterized by profound peace.
Interestingly, a significant portion of our consciousness already resides in this enlightened state. This concept can be illustrated through a series of relatable analogies.
Section 1.1: The Television Analogy
Picture yourself seated in a vast, empty football stadium, with only your presence in the expansive quietness. The stillness is punctuated by a small television set nearby, blaring a variety of noisy programs: news, dramas, celebrity gossip, and sports. So captivated by its content, you become oblivious to the serene environment surrounding you.
This analogy, presented by American psychologist Dr. David R. Hawkins, illustrates how we distract ourselves from enlightenment. We become so focused on the 'programming' of our thoughts that we forget the expansive reality around us.
Dr. Hawkins states, "The mind is akin to a television set cycling through various channels; one is not obligated to follow any particular thought pattern. Temptations such as self-pity, anger, or worry are enticing because they provide inner satisfaction." By choosing to disengage from these captivating distractions, we can access our inner liberation and perceive the broader reality.
Section 1.2: Driving and Awareness
Another compelling analogy comes from spiritual teacher Michael A. Singer, who likens the mind's operation to the act of driving. As you navigate the road, countless objects enter your field of awareness, many of which simply pass by unnoticed.
While you may not dwell on every tree or the white lines marking the road, certain elements, like a billboard or a familiar car, can trigger memories and associations that draw your mind in. This tendency to assign significance to some stimuli while ignoring others can hinder your ability to achieve higher consciousness.
Attaining greater states of awareness involves allowing experiences to flow through your consciousness without attachment, much like the lines painted on the road.
Chapter 2: Emotions and Letting Go
The concept of clinging and resisting also applies to our emotional responses. Difficult emotions often resist release, yet it is essential for attaining freedom.
When asked if an enlightened person ever feels anger, the enlightened master Ramakrishna replied, "Yes, but it is akin to writing on water." When you attempt to inscribe something on water, the letters dissolve instantly. Similarly, our emotions can dissipate if we permit them to surface and fade away without attachment.
We need not struggle against negative feelings or cling to positive ones; both can be allowed to pass through us. Holding on to past emotions only distorts our present experience.
This video, titled "99% Of People Cannot Do This!! | Consecration | Enlightenment | Occult | Sadhguru | Adiyogi," explores the challenges of achieving enlightenment and offers insights into overcoming mental distractions.
Section 2.1: The Ripple Effect
Consider standing before a tranquil lake on a calm day. The surface reflects everything perfectly. When a pebble disrupts the water, ripples distort this reflection. An enlightened individual recognizes the ripples as temporary disturbances, understanding that they will eventually subside.
Often, however, we react to these ripples, trying to regain stillness, which can exacerbate the chaos. Instead of attempting to control life’s fluctuations, it is more beneficial to accept and flow with them.
In the video "So, are You Enlightened Yet?" Swami Tadatmananda discusses the nature of enlightenment and how to navigate life's challenges with grace.
Closing the 1% Gap
While our mental activity may seem crucial, it merely serves as a thin veil obscuring our vast, free being. We are already 99% enlightened, as most of reality flows through us without resistance. Our spiritual journey focuses on allowing the last 1% to pass without opposition.
This is where we truly experience life, in the present moment, ultimately discovering profound peace and freedom.