Most People Have No Idea What ‘Enlightenment’ Even Means
Wouldn’t it be a wise choice to know what the destination is, before travelling?
One of the most astounding nuggets of wisdom I’ve ever heard came from professor Bob Thurman and his intense, profound knowledge of Buddhist scriptures.
In a lecture on “the time wheel Buddha” Kalachakra, he mentions the key trait of omniscience, which itself defines what Buddhahood is.
The Buddha knows the thoughts & feelings of all sentient beings simultaneously.
It’s only because of this that he can chart a path of action that is best for all – thus literally benefitting all sentient beings with all he does.
Now, if he can know all thoughts and feelings, why shouldn’t we at least know our own?
It’s one potential reason why his teachings emphasize mindfulness so much. We must expand our knowing, our direct wisdom, starting with ourselves.
Even if it’s knowing whether we’re breathing in or out, or if there are mental fantasies overlaying onto this pure knowing.
But the thing about Buddhahood is that it isn’t merely an embodied state.
