WHAT IS ENLIGHTENMENT?

Personally I have found this word “Enlightenment” can often pose a problem in conversation because it has such a broad definition, and I find the term means something different in each conversation dependent upon what the conversation is about.

This is a truth, or possibly My truth, because I see Enlightenment more as a journey and not a destination to be attained. This being the case, the term “Enlightenment” means different things to different people depending on their personal Spiritual Journey and the point, (or level) of understanding they currently hold.

The Prussian Philosopher Immanuel Kant, born in 1724 believed…

“Enlightenment was mankind’s final coming of age, the emancipation of the human consciousness from an immature state of ignorance.” [1]

He states: “Enlightenment is man’s emergence from his self-incurred immaturity.” He argues that the immaturity is self-inflicted not from a lack of understanding, but from the lack of courage to use one’s reason, intellect, and wisdom without the guidance of another. He exclaims that the motto of enlightenment is “Sapere aude”! – Dare to be wise![2]

I find it interesting that just as Kant, and many other philosophers of his day, believed that “Enlightenment” was, (and I paraphrase here), individuals taking responsibility for self, thinking for self and acting in accordance with one’s self determinations, and to stop blindly following what others would have them believe, including governments and religious belief systems, and instead listen to their own Inner Wisdom, is the same things we hear and teach in our current times.

I do believe the word “Enlightenment” has expanded in its definition since the days of Kant and his peers, but at its base does it still hold the same meaning?

I know for myself, as I have come to greater and greater levels of understanding, this term has changed in meaning many times over the course of my Spiritual Awakening Journey here on Earth; as I’m sure it has for many others.

This is why I see “Enlightenment” more as a Journey and not as a Destination to be reached. For if Spirit is truly infinite and we are a part of Spirit, then infinitely it will expand, and our individual consciousness with it.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Please feel free to post your comments here, or you can e-mail me at essencek@shambahallanewearth.com

 IN-Joy may you travel your Journey of Enlightenment.

Blessings from All Realms of Creation

Essence Ka tha’ras