Tripura Rahasya:

"True Self-realization is the unawareness of 'I Am.' Only in unawareness (of) a concept can there also be experience (of) the thing itself. Total unawareness implies the loss of, or lack of dependence on, any particular type of activity or state; for one who (now) IS, what is to be gained (or lost) by desiring consciousness or seeking escape through self-forgetfulness? It follows that liberation is not just beyond the pale of activity, nor only beyond that of thought and perception – it transcends any category of (reality) at all." – Supreme Wisdom (Jnana)

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In the journey toward enlightenment, an individual, contingent upon their degree of emotional intelligence and maturity, may come to recognize a profound truth: the Self transcends the role of an active participant in the theatre of life. Instead, it emerges as a steadfast observer, a witness to the unfolding of existence. However, this realization carries with it an essential caveat: the essence of being has evolved into a state of unchanging, incorruptible awareness, a pure form of seeing that is not influenced by the transient nature of the external world. This perspective invites a deeper contemplation of our existence, urging us to understand that true wisdom lies in the quiet observation of life, untainted by the chaos of performance.

However, one’s definition of enlightenment, conversely, may pivot on individual beliefs. In countless years of introspection and spiritual investigation, it has become apparent to me that the early stages of one's enlightenment are best regarded as a term identifying as a stage along our spiritual progress rather than a definitive state, implying permanence.

I find nothing but perplexity in claims regarding full enlightenment; such declarations serve only to reveal a still extant false self or inflated ego. True insight necessitates vigilant scrutiny of internal and external forces shaping our perceptions. Spirituality devoid of self-inquiry and mindfulness is akin to traversing an unfamiliar city blinded by an iron cap. The illusory sense of existence as any independent self thrives off identification with thought-forms and objects, whether physical or conceptual. Confronting reality necessitates dispelling these illusions and traversing the myriad obstacles masking truth.

The path entails dissolution of the so-called ‘I,’ enabling the transcendence of constraints characteristic of its egocentric confines. Unforeseen trials await in the pursuit of dislodging deeply ingrained erroneous assumptions and ingrained habituated behaviours. Even the enneagram and astrology, in my experience, have little influence on achieving the most desired state of spiritual enlightenment.

In as much as our waking reality unfolds precipitously from thought into expression, spiritual practitioners often engage both guidance from competent spiritual teachers and solitary discipline. Investigating the mind of our true nature demands arduous labour; the rewards, however, lay beyond all material pursuit – or otherwise speaking - are invaluable and ineffable.

Our conditioning assumes its precise form at our earliest moments of perception, shaping successive perceptional patterns. The meditative approaches with which I find the most affinity – cultivation of mindfulness, selfless action, and loving kindness – provide catalysts for piercing that veil of perceptual and existential misapprehension. Spirit contemplative pursuits involve breaking free of conventional, societal concepts and exploring experiences previously obscured by habitual conditioning.

Throughout the journey of enlightenment as I define it – continuous revelation, unfettered by prejudiced perception - moments of respite surface between ongoing realization and actualization. I relish those rare instances when my direct understanding manifests, serving as unshakeable beacons guiding further exploration.

Understanding the necessity to repair harm has been key in balancing and settling into greater wisdom after profound insight strikes without preparing us comprehensively for the repercussions – should any exist – from one’s own untoward actions or thought forms causing suffering and environmental blight, through either direct agency or passive complicity. Amends sought equate to the first vital steps on the path of spiritual development.

Through this process, I slowly peel away layers of repressively held regret in gratitude for the profound wisdom offering solace while healing and repaying what owes redress in kind.

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