Why?

You may wonder, “Why the title; Shadows of Enlightenment?“

Very simple really, trying to express enlightenment through language is impossible.

Enlightenment can only be experienced! Therefore, this blog can only represent a shadow of true enlightenment.

Now perhaps, if you have read a small amount on the subject, you are beginning to visualize years of sitting cross-legged, reciting mantras and humming to yourself.  Or maybe you think you will have to wear saffron robes and reside in a temple somewhere.

However, a deeper study of the subject reveals that, although some people prefer such means, they are by no means necessary.  Any of us can become enlightened at any moment if we are truly seeking it.  It depends largely on our willingness to let go of everything we think we know, and see things as they truly are. That, in esscence, is what enlightenment truly is, seeing things as they really are. It is the direct opposite of ignorance, which is: a failure to see things as they really are.

If the monastic life is appealing to you, then by all means strive to achieve it, but be aware that there is a far more practical solution.

In the end, enlightenment originally meant to simply be awake.  Awake to the reality of yourself, and the Universe in which you live.

Let me give an example.

Most people believe in a non-existent concept called Time.  We have been conditioned to believe in the existence of time ever since birth.  However, the concept of ‘time’ is merely a system of thought that allows people to synchronize their activities.

If ‘time’ doesn’t really exist, then what does?

Movement, or Change.

Think about it.  What is a ‘minute’?  Well, it’s 1/60th of an hour…. Which is 1/24th of a ‘day’…. which is nothing more that a complete rotation of the earth on it’s axis.  The only thing that really exists is the movement of the planet!

• ‘Months’ is the cycle of the moon revolving around the earth
• ‘Years’ are the rotation of the earth around the sun

For some strange reason, it’s always ‘right now’!  We never wake up and say: “Hey, it’s tommorrow!”  (Well at least not if we’re sane!)  It’s never two minutes from now, it’s always ‘Now’, the eternal moment!

An enlightened being knows this, ordinary people do not. (this is a very simple example)

So that’s what this blog is really all about.  like a finger pointing to the moon, it’s the moon you want to see, not the finger!  This blog is to point toward being aware of what reality really is, and being awake to it!