Enlightenment and the Myth of Dying
]There is a common misconception circulating in our society regarding enlightenment and its associated phenomena. The idea that one can die upon attaining full enlightenment is both a fascinating and perplexing notion. However, upon closer examination, this belief is rooted more in myth and less in the true nature of enlightenment.
The Enigma of Enlightenment
Enlightenment is a concept that has been extensively discussed but remains woefully under-defined. In this era, it has become a fashionable topic, yet we often treat it as something that can be understood based on our individual whims and fanciful interpretations. The reality is that enlightenment is not a fleeting trend or a simple understanding of a philosophical mechanism. Instead, it is a profound realisation that reveals the true nature of existence.
Enlightenment and the Removal of Personality
True and real enlightenment, as described in many spiritual and philosophical traditions, leads to the removal of the personality and a merging into oneness. This is not a mere mental construct but a deep experiential understanding. When one attains this state, there is a profound clarity that the entire universe, including one's own body, is an illusion within awareness. The idea that one's physical existence can be terminated through enlightenment is a misunderstanding. Enlightenment is not a prerequisite for death; rather, it is a state of understanding that death itself is a part of this illusion.
Arhatship and Ordination: A Matter of Karma
According to Buddhist scriptures, upon attaining Arhatship, one must seek ordination on the same day to avoid immediate Parinibbana. This does not suggest a literal death but rather a transition in the state of being. The concept of ordination here is more about Karmic fulfillment than about enlightenment. In a layperson's realm, if one has not engaged in the necessary rituals, they may face immediate Parinibbana, or passing away in the traditional sense, as their Karmic life span comes to an end. However, in a Brahma realm, where there is no need for ordination, Parinibbana does not occur because the Karmic conditions are different.
Modern Enlightenment and the Quest for Religiosity
Our current society has commercialized enlightenment, making it accessible to all in the name of resolving our various human problems. This has led to a simplification of the concept, often reducing it to a set of practices or a state that can be achieved with relative ease. Modern enlightenment, as it is often presented, is more aligned with superficial religiosity and less with the profound understanding of reality that true enlightenment signifies.
Understanding the Illusion of Life
When one achieves enlightenment, there is a profound understanding that the entire creation, including oneself, is an illusion within awareness. The idea of life and death holds no real significance beyond the temporary state of perception. The 'death' associated with attaining enlightenment is a metaphorical or Karmic termination, not an actual physical one. This alignment with the karmic law is universal, ensuring that one's time to exist in a physical form is determined by their Karmic conditions, irrespective of the state of enlightenment.
Conclusion
Enlightenment is not a magical state that grants immortality or the power to avoid death. Rather, it is a profound understanding of the nature of reality that can transform one's perspective on life, death, and the illusion of the individual self. The belief that one can die upon achieving enlightenment stems from a misunderstanding of the true nature of this spiritual journey. It is a reminder that enlightenment is a deep understanding of the transient nature of existence, where life and death are but fleeting moments in the grand illusion of the universe.