Here is a story of Enlightenment:
"I love the Buddha’s simple definition of enlightenment as “the end of suffering.” There is nothing superhuman in that, is there? Of course, as a definition, it is incomplete. It only tells you what enlightenment is not: no suffering. But what’s left when there is no more suffering? The Buddha is silent on that, and his silence implies that you’ll find out for yourself. He uses a negative definition so that the mind cannot make it into something to believe in or into a superhuman accomplishment, a goal that is impossible for you to attain. . Despite this precaution, the majority of Buddhists still believe that enlightenment is for the Buddha, not for them, at least not in this lifetime."
One person had searched
everywhere for enlightenment, but could not find an answer - until one day, he saw
an old man walking slowly down a mountain path, carrying a heavy bag.
Immediately, he sensed that this old man knew the secret he had been
desperately seeking for many years.
" Old man, please tell me what you know. What is enlightenment?"
The old man smiled at him
for a moment, and swung the heavy
burden off his shoulders, and
stood straight.
" Yes, I see!" cried
the person. "My everlasting gratitude. But please, one question more. What is
after enlightenment?"
Smiling again, the old man picked up the
bag once again, slung it over his shoulders, steadied his burden, and
continued on his way."I love the Buddha’s simple definition of enlightenment as “the end of suffering.” There is nothing superhuman in that, is there? Of course, as a definition, it is incomplete. It only tells you what enlightenment is not: no suffering. But what’s left when there is no more suffering? The Buddha is silent on that, and his silence implies that you’ll find out for yourself. He uses a negative definition so that the mind cannot make it into something to believe in or into a superhuman accomplishment, a goal that is impossible for you to attain. . Despite this precaution, the majority of Buddhists still believe that enlightenment is for the Buddha, not for them, at least not in this lifetime."
Picture taken by me at Tea Institute Penn State
