When we become enlightened we become a Buddha. Maybe you already were, you always were, and this was just you suddenly realizing it. Big or small, the moment is still important. But what of those folks who haven’t experienced their own moment? Sharing your experience might be interpreted as bragging. It might sound like you believe you’re better than others now. It’s good to respect the boundaries and sensitivities of others.

 

By David Jones

Enlightenment. Awakening. Kensho. Satori. An opening of the eyes. An epiphany. A burst of insight. That proverbial bolt from the blue.

While other faith paths respect and honor the sudden life-changing moment when eyes which were blind can suddenly see, it’s biggest in Buddhist tradition, particularly as the title “Buddha” involves awakening. The book Zen Flesh, Zen Bones recounts stories of folks from all walks of life who were struck by sudden understanding. Those stories have a few things in common:

These enlightening moments can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time.

Just as lightning can strike miles away from the storm, these moments often occur separately from any desire or effort to achieve them. These folks weren’t sitting in meditation and BAM! No, it’s often unexpected.

The accounts studiously avoid describing the moment. It’s personal, intimate, and sometimes only the person who experiences it can truly understand how profound it is. Enlightenment appears to be particular to the one receiving it. The stories also don’t care to share what happens afterward. The person suddenly becomes enlightened and the account just stops.

Notably, most accounts don’t show the enlightened person declaring the fact; their enlightenment is declared by a narrator.

When we become enlightened we become a Buddha. Maybe you already were, you always were, and this was just you suddenly realizing it. Big or small, the moment is still important. But what of those folks who haven’t experienced their own moment? Sharing your experience might be interpreted as bragging. It might sound like you believe you’re better than others now. It’s good to respect the boundaries and sensitivities of others.

So what to do when the lightning strikes you and you’re left to live within the echoing thunder of that moment? Here are some mindful tips:

–When the moment hits, try to remain open and just have the experience. Maybe it’s scary, maybe it’s glorious, maybe it’s a pleasant little blip and it’s over. Be as mindful, completely present, and open in the moment as you can. And it’s okay if you can’t; show yourself some compassion.

–Give yourself time to process the moment. Depending on how big the experience was, this could take a bit. Abide with the complete range of emotions and sensations you experience without judgment. Perhaps centering or breathing meditation can help. You might want to pull off the road first.

–Okay, here’s a big one: talk about it if you need to. I know that’s uncouth for some, but particularly if you’re a Westerner, talking things out with someone you trust is a good way of wrapping your brain around things. But who can you talk to about such a singularly personal moment?

–Seeking the assistance of a Buddhist teacher might be the way to go. A parent or sympathetic friend could be just the person to open up to. A chaplain, a therapist, someone who’s well-versed in these things. But one caveat:

–Keep a balanced perspective. Today your world turned upside down or became crystal clear in an instant, but for everyone else it was just Wednesday. They may not understand what you experienced, and in some cases may give you unskillful advice. They may view your moment as a threat or something to fear. Heck, you might have felt the same way.

–Here’s the painful part: let it go. No seriously, this can be a big problem. I’ve read that some Buddhist teachers say the hardest student to teach is one who has just had an enlightenment experience. Besides potentially being steroids for the ego, the moment can become an object of attachment. You might desperately want the feeling to last, or to happen again. Attachment to that moment will anchor you to it, and it’s hard to move forward from that. You’re not pretending it didn’t happen, just letting it go as it came. Allow it to be impermanent.

–Get back to your life. You may have become one with the universe during dinner, but you’ll still need to do the dishes. In fact, carrying on with things mundane and familiar can help us remain grounded. It can help to bring clarity and acceptance to what you’ve experienced.

When I experienced one of these moments, it was like seeing a jigsaw puzzle instantly complete itself. The pieces came together in one instant. I was walking down my basement steps carrying a basket of dirty clothes, and it was as if a strong force shoved me into the wall. I had to stand still on that step for a bit. It’s as if everything suddenly made sense and all fit together. I was just carrying laundry, man.

I talked to a friend of mine about it, trying to be delicate. As I explained his eyes got bigger and he grew concerned. We were Jehovah’s Witnesses for crying out loud; we weren’t supposed to be experiencing this kind of stuff.

Finally, mindfulness can help as we move forward from such an experience.

We can remain open to it, not judging it but accepting it as it is. Remembering enlightenment can be big or small can help us integrate it in our lives. Mindfulness will help us deal with the lightning, and with the thunder that follows, by helping us remain in the moment of each step and encouraging us to stay open and balanced in everything.

 

Photo: Pixabay

 

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We Killed Buddha

About A Buddha: Gautama’s Journey to Enlightenment

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