Enlightenment

Xuefeng

Enlightenment (Juewu) consists of two components: "Jue" refers to the immediate response of the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind (spirit) to external stimuli, while "Wu" refers to understanding and awakening. Together, enlightenment describes a person's reaction through their senses and spiritual awareness, leading to a complete realization of the inherent characteristics and meanings of these stimuli. This journey moves a person from confusion to clarity, from bewilderment to awareness, from ignorance to wisdom, and from death to eternal life. Enlightenment has different levels. The lowest level is realizing that to survive, one must have the basic necessities of life: food, clothing, shelter, and transportation. The highest level of enlightenment is becoming a Buddha. Thus, the ultimate state of enlightenment is Buddhahood, or it can be said that being a Buddha signifies enlightenment.

Many people are aware (jue), but few fully understand (wu). Those who achieve the ultimate and supreme level of enlightenment are as rare as phoenix feathers or morning stars; they are the treasures of the world.

A truly enlightened person is not lonely or isolated. If someone feels lonely or isolated, it indicates that they have not yet achieved enlightenment.

Attaining supreme enlightenment is not difficult; the challenge lies in perceiving without comprehending. A gentle breeze may blow, and one may feel it, but few people ponder why the breeze exists, why it blows, or why they can feel it.

The Greatest Creator is evidently beside us, clearly within us, yet people still cannot see the Greatest Creator and doubt HIS existence. This is not just because their spiritual perception is undeveloped, but mainly because they lack understanding. Without understanding, one cannot truly grasp the truth; without understanding, one remains in a state of unconsciousness. If the spirit does not awaken, one will remain forever in a dreamlike state.

If someone is having a nightmare, it is best to wake them up. But if someone is having a pleasant dream, what should be done? Those awakened from a nightmare will be grateful, but those awakened from a pleasant dream will likely be upset. People in deep sleep do not wish to be awakened, regardless of the reason. Awakening others is not an easy task; few show joy or happiness upon being awakened, and many display annoyance and displeasure. This is the sorrow of all messengers and saints.

Helping people awaken is a burdensome task; providing them with enjoyment is a pleasant one. This stems from human inertia. Guiding people along a broad, easy path is a delightful task, but leading them through rugged, narrow trails is challenging. This is due to human habits. Enlightenment requires overcoming inertia and habit and demands a shift in life’s direction, which is not easy. This explains why so few ascend to the heavenly kingdom while so many descend to hell.

There are issues with the God described in the Bible, yet few people think about them rationally or strive to understand them clearly.

Except for the Diamond Sutra, other Buddhist scriptures have flaws. Who is willing to observe and understand them?

The teachings of the Quran have issues, and the way Islam spreads its truth is problematic. Who is willing to understand?

The Big Bang theory and the theory of evolution have issues. Who is willing to understand?

Nationalism, ethnic chauvinism, and family values have issues. Who is willing to understand?

Money can save lives but cannot save souls. Who is willing to understand this?

Death is not the final destination of LIFE. Who is willing to understand this?

Consciousness creates reality. Who is willing to understand this?

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People loudly proclaim their desire to know and pursue the truth, but how many genuinely wish to understand and pursue it? Like the “Duke of Ye" who professes to love dragons, but in reality, it’s all for decoration and self-deception. When a real dragon appears, they reject it. Many proclaim their desire to create joy and happiness, but when true joy and happiness arrive, they hesitate and shut them out.

Few are truly enlightened; few strive to reach the shore; many simply drift with the current.