Understanding Enlightenment in Buddhism

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What is the meaning of enlightenment in Buddhism? The concept of ‘Enlightenment’ or ‘Awakening’ and how it relates to the other concept of ‘no-self’ (anattā or anatman) is truly one thing that sets Buddhism apart from any other major religion. After all, “Buddha” means “The Awakened One”.

But enlightenment, which is the reason we practice Buddhism, is perhaps one of the most confusing concepts to explain in Buddhism.

Both words refer to the word "Bodhi", which essentially means to 'awaken' and 'understand'. But to what? It is awakening to the truth of our world and our selves, and understanding that on an absolute (rather than 'relative') level.

What is this truth? The truth is that we do not have a permanent, unchanging, independent "self". The belief in this, according to Buddhism, starts that chain reaction that causes Dukkha (suffering, etc.) in our lives - and keeps us trapped in the cycle of rebirth. This is because we want to cling and crave to things (attachments) that reinforce our false belief in that permanent 'self'. When that doesn't happen (which is often), we suffer. More deeply, all phenomena do not have a permanent, unchanging, and independent self either. This is why the Five Aggregates (which make up a sentient being) are taught in Buddhism because it shows we are a temporary grouping of things, and that only our actions - Karma - is what continues in the cycle of rebirth.

Awakening is being able to see the concept of non-self and, once awaken, one lives as an enlightened being in their natural mental state of Nirvana. Nirvana is when we extinguish or blow out the three fires of greed, anger, and delusion, which is a result of our belief in self, permanence, independence, etc.

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Видео Understanding Enlightenment in Buddhism канала Alan Peto