Has Yoga Forgotten about Enlightenment?

Updated: Jan 22, 2023

The term 'enlightenment' is found in both Eastern and Western teachings, and it primarily refers to a sort of spiritual awakening. Buddhist terms such as bodhi, kensho, and satori all translate to 'enlightenment,' while Christian concepts such as illumination, kenosis, metanoia, revelation, salvation, theosis, and conversion are all related to enlightenment. Whether you're exploring Eastern traditions or Western religions, here's lots of things you might want to know about it. In Eastern spiritual traditions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, enlightenment is often associated with spiritual awakening and the attainment of a deeper understanding of the nature of reality. It is considered to be the ultimate goal of spiritual practice and is often described as a state of consciousness in which one transcends the cycle of reincarnation, attains liberation, or gains a greater understanding of the self and the universe. I will later differentiate between enlightenment as it is defined by each of these respective Eastern religions.

In Western religions, enlightenment is not always a central concept. Christianity, for example, does not have an explicit equivalent to enlightenment. However, the term is often associated with the Age of Enlightenment, which had a significant influence on Christianity. During the Age of Enlightenment, many thinkers advocated for reason and scientific inquiry, and the idea of the use of reason and knowledge to understand the world is comparable to the idea of enlightenment as it is in Eastern religions.

While the concept of enlightenment can have different meanings in Eastern and Western religions, within both it is related to the attainment of a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and the self. and the transcendence of the cycle of reincarnation or a liberation associated with our afterlife. However, the concept of enlightenment is more central to Eastern religions, where it's considered the ultimate goal of spiritual practice.

Among Buddhists, the term 'enlightenment' is most often used to refer to bodhi, or the wisdom and knowledge of a Buddha. It is also used to describe the process of becoming a Buddha, which is to awaken one's intellect. The Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, attained enlightenment (or Bodhi) under the Bodhi tree, according to Buddhist tradition. The exact date is not certain, but it is believed to have occurred around the year 528 BCE. The story of the Buddha's enlightenment is that, at the age of 29, Siddhartha left his royal palace in search of an end to human suffering. He studied with various spiritual teachers and practiced asceticism for six years, but found that these methods did not bring the understanding he sought. He then decided to take a different approach and began to practice meditation and developing insight. He sat under the Bodhi tree and resolved not to rise until he had attained enlightenment. After meditating for 49 days, he attained a state of insight, understanding the nature of reality and the cause of suffering, and became the Buddha, the "Enlightened One."

There are different versions of Buddha’s enlightenment story, and some scholars have raised questions about the historicity of the account. Some argue that the story of the Buddha's enlightenment is a later addition to the Buddhist canon and that it is a symbolic rather than a historical account. Others argue that it is likely that the story of the Buddha's enlightenment evolved over time, and that it likely contains elements of both history, myth and symbolism.

The Buddha's teachings on bodhi are found throughout the Buddhist scriptures, known as the Pali Canon. Some of his key teachings on bodhi include:

"The one who is awake, who is not asleep in ignorance, will reach the end of suffering." (Dhammapada)
"The mind that is well-developed brings happiness, a well-developed mind brings happiness." (Dhammapada)
"The mind that is well-released brings happiness, a well-released mind brings happiness." (Dhammapada)
"The one who has reached the end of suffering, the one who has destroyed suffering and its cause, the one who has reached the end of the path, the one who has truly understood, is called a Buddha." (Dhammapada)

These quotes highlight the Buddha's teachings on the importance of developing the mind and understanding the nature of reality in order to attain enlightenment and end suffering.

Buddhism teaches that enlightenment can be attained through gaining knowledge and wisdom about the nature of reality. A similar principle was echoed by some western scholars during the Age of Enlightenment, including George Berkeley and John Locke. Christianity views enlightenment as a divine event that takes place when a person becomes aware of their true identity, consisting of both body and soul.

"Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are the spring and foundation of all true virtue and well-being." John Locke, "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding"

In this quote, John Locke is emphasizing the importance of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in the development of virtue and overall well-being. He believed that these qualities are essential for individuals to lead a fulfilling and virtuous life. He also believed that the acquisition of knowledge and wisdom is essential for the proper functioning of a society, and that it is crucial to foster these qualities in individuals in order to build a stable and prosperous society.

Both Eastern and Western traditions believe that enlightenment is a journey of spiritual insight, leading to a greater understanding of one's place in the world. Furthermore, it can be beneficial for wider society when individuals seek and/or attain enlightenment. However there is a difference between Christian enlightenment and Buddhism. One notable distinction is that in Buddhism, enlightenment brings one closer to nirvana, while in Christianity, it leads to salvation. As mentioned, the English term enlightenment is often a Western interpretation of the abstract noun bodhi, which denotes knowledge or wisdom, or the awakened intellect of the Buddha. The verbal root budh- implies “to awaken,” and its literal meaning is closer to “waking up.” Although it is mainly used in the context of Buddhism, the term bodhi is also utilized in other Indian philosophies and traditions. The term “enlightenment” was popularized in the Western world through the 19th century.

The term Enlightenment is also employed to translate other Buddhist terms and concepts. Often those which are used to describe various sorts of insights (prajna, kensho and satori); knowledge (vidhya); the “extinguishing” (Nirvana) of disturbing emotions and desires and the consequent freedom or release (vimutti); and the accomplishment of Buddhahood, as evidenced by Gautama Buddha. Furthermore the term enlightenment is used as a translation for the word moksha in Hinduism and theosis in Christianity. This overuse of the translation can lead to confusion when trying to understand or compare the concept of enlightenment across different traditions. There are other reasons why the term Enlightenment when used in translation can be problematic. The translation of the term "enlightenment" from Eastern spiritual traditions, can be controversial because of cultural and linguistic differences. The concept of enlightenment is deeply rooted in the spiritual culture and language of the Eastern regions, and it can be difficult to fully capture in a different language and culture. This can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations of the concept.

Another reason why the translation might be contentious is because the term "enlightenment" has different connotations in Western and Eastern cultures. In the West, it is often associated with the Age of Enlightenment and its emphasis on reason and scientific inquiry, while in the East, it is primarily associated with spiritual awakening and the attainment of a deeper understanding of the nature of reality.

Another issue is that enlightenment is a complex and nuanced concept that is not easily defined or understood. Different spiritual traditions have different interpretations of enlightenment, and it can be difficult to convey the full meaning and significance of enlightenment in a single word or phrase.

The translation of the term "enlightenment" from Eastern spiritual traditions is controversial because of all these reasons simultaneously: the cultural and linguistic differences, the different connotations, the complexity of the concept, and the different terminology used across different spiritual traditions. It's important to keep in mind that a direct translation might not always be accurate and that the concept itself might be different in different cultures. What precisely constituted the Buddha's awakening remains unknown to us today. However his teachings point towards the idea that liberation can be achieved through the amalgamation of mindfulness and dhyāna, applied to the comprehension of the arising and ceasing of craving. The correlation between dhyana and insight is a significant study in Buddhism and is one of the fundamentals of Buddhist practice. Dhyana and insight are closely related concepts in Buddhism. Dhyana, (also spelled jhana in Pali), refers to a state of deep concentration and meditative absorption. It is a key aspect of the Buddha's Eightfold Path and is considered to be a prerequisite for attaining insight, or vipassana. It is also expressed in other Eastern Religions.

Insight, or vipassana, refers to the direct understanding of the true nature of reality, specifically the three characteristics of all things: impermanence, suffering, and non-self. It is often described as the "wisdom" aspect of the Eightfold Path and is considered to be the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, an ancient Indian text, describes Dhyana as the seventh limb of the eight-limbed path of yoga. Dhyana is defined as "the uninterrupted flow of concentration" and is considered to be the stage before reaching the state of Samadhi, which is the highest state of Yoga. Dhyana is the practice of fixing the mind on a single object, such as a mantra or image, and allowing the mind to become absorbed in that object to the exclusion of all else. It's considered to be the state of deep concentration, which leads to the dissolution of the ego, and the merging of the individual self with the ultimate reality. The practice of Dhyana is said to help in the purification of the mind and the attainment of inner serenity.

The state of deep concentration and meditative absorption achieved through dhyana creates the conditions for the mind to be able to see things as they truly are, allowing for the arising of insight or vipassana. Dhyana is said to purify the mind and make it more receptive to the understanding of the true nature of reality. By cultivating dhyana, one creates the proper conditions for insight to arise, and it's through this insight that one can understand and transcend the cycle of suffering.

It's also worth mentioning that some Buddhist schools and traditions might not agree on the correlation between dhyana and insight, and some might even see them as more independent practices.

In the Western world, the idea of spiritual enlightenment has become associated with self-realization and the distinction between one's true and false self, being seen as a fundamental essence that is covered over by societal expectations. In Indian religions, moksha (Sanskrit: मोक्ष mokṣa; liberation) or mukti (Sanskrit: मुक्ति; release —both from the root muc "to let loose, let go") is the eventual release of the soul or consciousness (purusha) from samsara and the conclusion of all the suffering involved in being subject to the cycle of repeated death and rebirth (reincarnation). The Yoga Sutras describes the concept of reincarnation, or samsara, as the continuity of consciousness from one life to the next. The sutras state that the individual soul, or purusha, is eternal and unchanging, and that it experiences the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth due to its association with the changing and impermanent aspect of existence, known as prakriti. The goal of yoga, according to Patanjali, is to achieve liberation or moksha from this cycle of reincarnation by attaining a state of Samadhi, or union with the ultimate reality, known as Brahman.

The Sutras describe that the attachment to desires and actions, known as Karma, creates an accumulation of impressions or seeds, called samskaras, which shapes the individual's mind and determines the conditions of the next life. The sutras also state that the ultimate goal of yoga is to overcome these impressions and desires and to purify the mind and reach a state of liberation.

In Buddhism, the concept of reincarnation is central to the understanding of the cycle of existence and the path to enlightenment. The belief is that all beings are reincarnated through the process of birth, death and rebirth, and furthermore that this cycle is driven by the law of Karma. Karma is the law of cause and effect, where a being's actions in one life will have an effect on their next life. The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to transcend the cycle of reincarnation, also known as samsara, and to attain enlightenment, or bodhi. This is achieved through the elimination of the defilements of the mind, such as craving and ignorance, and the cultivation of wisdom and understanding of the true nature of reality. Patanjali, and the Buddha, have many similarities and some differences in their approach to enlightenment. They agree that the ultimate goal of spiritual practice is to attain a state of liberation or enlightenment. They both see the world as a place of suffering and the ultimate goal is to transcend the cycle of reincarnation or samsara. They also share the view that the cause of suffering is the attachment to desire and the illusion of a separate self.

However, there are some key differences in their approach to enlightenment. The Buddha emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of reality and the Four Noble Truths, which includes the understanding of the impermanence, non-self, and suffering in all existence. He also stresses the importance of developing wisdom and compassion to achieve enlightenment.

On the other hand, Patanjali focuses on the practice of yoga, which includes the 8 limbs of yoga, including ethical conduct, physical postures, breath control, sense withdrawal, concentration, meditation and ultimate realization, Samadhi. He emphasizes the importance of self-discipline, purification of the mind, and the attainment of a state of meditative absorption, known as Dhyana, as a way to attain enlightenment.

Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy, also believes in the concept of reincarnation but the ultimate goal is not to escape the cycle. rather to attain liberation or moksha. According to Advaita, liberation is the attainment of a state of non-duality where the individual self realizes its identity with the ultimate reality, Brahman. This is achieved through the attainment of knowledge of the self and the ultimate reality, and the elimination of the false sense of self. The path to liberation is guided by a Guru and requires long preparation, self-discipline and the study of the scriptures. Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta share similar ideas about reincarnation, in that both see it as a cycle that needs to be transcended. However, the ultimate goal of these two spiritual traditions is different. For Buddhism, it's the attainment of enlightenment or bodhi, while for Advaita Vedanta, it's the attainment of liberation or moksha. Let's take a closer look at Vedānta traditions more broadly. Advaita Vedanta and Neo-Advaita are two branches of Vedānta (literally, end or the goal of the Vedas, Sanskrit) which is a school of Hindu philosophy. Advaita (literally, non-duality) is a system of thought wherein the follower seeks liberation or release by understanding the oneness of the Self (Atman) and the Whole (Brahman) through long preparation and guidance from a guru, which typically involves knowledge of scriptures, renunciation of worldly activities, and inducing direct identity experiences. This philosophy originated in India before 788 AD and is widely known as the most dominant and influential sub-school of Vedānta. Other major forms of Vedānta are Viśishṭādvaita and Dvaita; while the minor ones include Suddhadvaita, Dvaitadvaita and Achintya Bhedabheda.

The concept of Advaita (non-duality) is a way of thinking where one's sense of identity is merged with the Universe. Achieving this liberation requires a long process of study and preparation, overseen by a guru. However, the teachings of Ramana Maharshi point to the possibility of akrama mukti – a "sudden liberation" – in contrast to the krama mukti, a more gradual path of liberation through Jnana yoga. The basis of Vedanta lies in the Prasthanatrayi—an anthology of texts made up of the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma Sutras. The first individual to unify the precepts of Advaita Vedanta was Shankara Bhagavadpada, while the first known proponent was Gaudapada, the teacher of Shankara's teacher Govinda Bhagavatpada. 19th century spiritual leader, Vivekananda, was a major player in the revival of Hinduism and the spread of Advaita Vedanta teachings to the West. His interpretation of Advaita Vedanta has been labeled as 'Neo-Vedanta' and he believed samadhi was the path to liberation. This idea is not found in the Upanishads nor in Shankara's teachings. Shankara believed that meditation and Nirvikalpa Samadhi were ways to gain understanding of Brahman and Atman's unity, not the ultimate goal. For centuries, these spiritual principles have been at the core of Hinduism, inspiring generations to seek liberation and peace. Neo-Advaita is a contemporary spiritual movement that draws on the teachings of Advaita Vedanta and Ramana Maharshi. There has been some criticism of Neo-Advaita for disregarding traditional prerequisites, like studying scriptures and renunciation, as preparation for jnana-yoga. Notable Neo-Advaita teachers include H. W. L. Poonja, Andrew Cohen, Madhukar and Eckhart Tolle. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali systematized pre-philosophical speculations and the diverse ascetic practices in the East. Hatha Yoga emerged thereafter as a distinct tradition of yoga that separated itself from the Yoga Sutras. The Yoga Sutras focus on discipline of the mind, while Hatha Yoga concentrates on health and purity of the body. If you are looking to deepen your spiritual practice, and begin to consider what enlightenment might mean to you, here in the West, yoga could be a great way to connect with your body and mind.

Hindu monks, beginning with Swami Vivekananda, brought yoga to the West in the late 19th century. In the 1980s, yoga became popular as a physical system of health exercises across the Western world. Many studies have tried to determine the effectiveness of yoga as a complementary intervention for cancer, schizophrenia, asthma, heart patients and much more. However, at the core of yoga is an ancient quest for enlightenment carried out by countless people. The concept of enlightenment is a central tenet in both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. Buddhism teaches that enlightenment, or bodhi, is a process of awakening one's intellect and brings one closer to nirvana. Christianity views enlightenment as a transformative experience that leads to salvation. Advaita Vedanta and Neo-Advaita branches of Hindu philosophy also place emphasis on understanding the oneness of the self and the universe through guidance from a guru and knowledge of scriptures. Despite the different terminologies and interpretations, both Eastern and Western traditions believe that enlightenment is a journey of spiritual insight and growth. The path to enlightenment is unique for every individual, and can be achieved through a combination of knowledge, wisdom, spiritual practices and guidance. It's important to remember that enlightenment is a complex and varied concept that requires a deep understanding and one should always consult multiple sources and critically evaluate the information. It seems that when it comes to the motivation of spiritual human beings, there is a shared journey - and ultimately - more that holds us together than separates us.

Has Yoga Forgotten about Enlightenment?

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