What is it like reaching a state of spiritual enlightenment/awakening?

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   Boundless Amberposted 8 years ago

   What is it like reaching a state of spiritual enlightenment/awakening?
   
   How did you achieve that state of consciousness and what does it feel like?
   
   

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   CYong74posted 8 years ago

   I haven't achieved this! But I believe it would be that state when you stop wondering what is, what's not, why it is, and why it's not, and embrace yourself and the world as it is.

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      Boundless Amberposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Me too. However, I want to achieve that level of consciousness. I heard that it's unlikely you achieve spiritual awareness unless you yourself want it to happen in this lifetime. I'm reading books to learn more about it.

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   Ericdierkerposted 8 years ago

   First I truly believe that there are stages of enlightenment. Second I do not believe it is like graduating and then you are there. It is a constant process and when that process ceases then so does the enlightenment. At times I have been in a state of enlightenment and then through sloth I loose it. Fully it is like a path up a mountain in which the top is unreachable so it is the journey that is important and not the goal.

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      Boundless Amberposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Eric! I agree. I heard from a friend that it's like a rollercoaster ride since nothing is ever permanent. Do you have any idea how one can realize that he/she is experiencing spiritual awakening?

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      Ericdierkerposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Come to think of it, I do not know. As I think of it, I think I was told by teachers that I was in that state.

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      Boundless Amberposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah. A mentor told me my experience was spiritual awakening too, but I didn't feel any enlightened happiness or new state of consciousness. tbh I didn't feel enlightened at all. So now I know that I have to practice more to achieve that.

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      Norine Williamsposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      That's the way "men" acquire it!

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   word55posted 8 years ago

   A state of high consciousness and arrival. You've accomplished contentment of life that should live within you from now on. That this spirituality is one of the highest achievements in having faith.

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      Boundless Amberposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Hey Word55, thanks for sharing. I'm currently reading some books to know more about it as I believe I have not achieved spiritual awakening yet.

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   jackclee lmposted 8 years ago

   The Serenity Prayer. Once you understand it and truly apply it to your life, you are awakened to the power of faith.

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   manatita44posted 8 years ago

   What an interesting question, Amberlim. I love you for it, but again it can make you vulnerable. There are more than enough people out there to lead you down the garden Path. I'm still working on it, and when I re-awaken, I'll let you know (smile)
   
   The Buddhists and also in zen, speak of a kind of awakening. One suddenly has a shift in Consciousness; a re-birth or deeper knowledge than one had before. Full Awakening is continuous, constant, ceaseless and irreversible and that is generally called God or Self-Realisation in Yoga Philosophy. Christianity speaks of Divine Marriage or Union with God.
   
   The God-men use words and so I use words too. The paradox is that they also tell you that this state cannot be described. yet they try to give you a taste of it. You will see some versions in Sri Chinmoy's Samadhi and Siddhi, freely obtainable on the net.
   
   So my sweet Amberlim, the spiritual journey is not a joke. It is actually quite pleasant and full of Love, yes, but an arduous journey. One has to do the work. Purity is essential! Do you feel guilt, doubt, lust, insecurity, jealousy, greed, anger, attachment? The inner enemies need transformation, and this takes time. One just does not rush the spiritual life. Stay far from those teachers who preach this.
   
   A life of spiritual practices: Prayer both verbal and internal, meditation, singing of devotional songs, selfless service, gratitude ... will widen the spiritual Heart, and make you receptive to the descent of the Higher forces raining down. So essential for growth. Longing is necessary.
   
   Why did you ask this question? God-realisation, in a manner of speaking, is the goal of life and requires many struggles on this journey. Much Love.

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      Boundless Amberposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, manatita44, for such a warm answer. The reason I long for an awakening is because I want to be detached from my emotions, some say it's to realize your higher self. Mind to share how you meditate? Some say it's safe to, some say it's not..

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      manatita44posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Write to me and I will do my best. Come with a sincere inner longing and Faith. Nothing else. ceeccil@hotmail.com. Your own inner Concience is the best judge.

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   Norine Williamsposted 8 years ago

   It's unexplainable!  I recall only screaming from the depth of my soul "I BELIEVE!" 
   
   You know guys, it's not something you can acquire from books, teachings, traditions, etc.  GOD calls you!   HE looks at one's "heart" and sees the "sincerity!"  Did you hear the word "sincere?"  One's sincerity in KNOWING GOD means TOTALLY not caring about anything, anyone, or the consequences involved, you have a "sincere" desire to KNOW Him and to become "in HIS likeness!"
   
   As Scripture says we must "become as little children" which means denying your teachings, traditions, etc and BELIEVING "totally" in HIS WORD! 
   
   Once you've acquired the "anointing" of the Holy Spirit (the "I BELIEVE" experience), Scripture speaks to you and "reveals" what it TRULY means!  GOD SPEAKS!   
   
   My desire to KNOW Him came after I'd tried everything else and it didn't work, then as Peter, I said "Where else can I go?" (John 6:68), "you have the words of eternal life."

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   Monica Jacobsposted 8 years ago

   Read "The Surrender Project" by Michael Singer. He takes you through his journey of spiritual awakening and through the process of surrendering to life. Trusting that the Divine Conscience knows what opportunities you need to fulfill your life.
   
   As for my own spiritual awakening, it has happened in steps as I have learned, applied, and moved through different levels. As you said, learning that your emotions are only temporary. Learning to let energy pass through you, instead of collecting it. The different levels of awareness will lead you to having an open mind and heart more and more (for longer periods of time). I find reminding myself of the present always brings me back to the collective conscience.
   
   The biggest effect in my life is that (considering life is always peaks and valleys) I feel such deep joy on the peaks and the disappointments in the valleys are fleeting. Life is a journey, not a destination. As you learn to train you mind to see that life itself is wonderous. Good luck and enjoy the journey!

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      Boundless Amberposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Monica. "Learning to let energy pass through you, instead of collecting it" was really well said.

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