What is Enlightenment?

It is somewhat different for every person. But, one of the definitions reminds me of an experience my wife had when her mother died.

My wife is a very talkative person usually, but one day after her mother died she didn't speak at all. I was worried and went out to the rose garden where she was gardening and asked her if she was okay.

She began to describe to me what Tibetan Lamas and other described enlightenment to be like: She Said: "I see everything in the world exactly how it works. I'm completely overwhelmed with what I see. I don't like it."

I said: "You've just described what enlightenment means. So, likely you have reached some state of enlightenment."

She said:" But I don't like it!"

I said, "You don't have to like enlightenment. IT just means you completely understand how all things work here on earth and maybe to some degree throughout the galaxy and beyond."

Once again she said: "But I don't like it!"

I said: "It's sort of like figuring out how a gasoline reciprocating engine works so you understand it. You might not like that the burning of gasoline can pollute the air you breathe. You may not like the bugs it kills on your windshield or the animals and birds it might kill as road kill along the way. You might not like having to sit there and drive the car or truck long distances. But, now you understand how the engine works and can work on it and make it work for you long term."

I said, "Enlightenment is very practical like that. You might not like it but understanding it will tend to keep you and others alive along the way of life."

By God's Grace