Thread by @poonamdut

How does an enlightened person sustain the state of enlightenment? Do they need to say to themselves every time that they are not the body?
#enlightenment
#Spirituality

If we grow up not learning to swim & are thrown into water, we panic & thrash our arms & legs. However, it is interesting that babies, not yet having learnt any fear of water, already feel at home in it. This is because they still have the memory of their previous environment.

An enlightenment experience is something like this. The more we have defined ourselves by our worldly experiences, the more surprising it is when we get tossed into another very different inner environment.
#enlightenment

Suddenly there is a state of unity, wonder. No more me the thinker, doer, or observer. Just me, pure and simple - a sort of innocence and purity like when we first came into the world.
#enlightenment

As Daniel Shai wonderfully explains, enlightenment is not a destination. It is, in fact, the end of a journey - but not a destination! So how can you arrive HERE?
#enlightenment

Like being in the water, the trick is to now relax and adapt to that environment. It is sort of like learning to swim so well that you don't want to get out of the water - it feels so refreshing and liberating.
#enlightenment

As for the idea that we aren't the body, we become attached to & identify with it. However, saying we are not the body is creating another illusion. This is like saying I am not the one in the mirror, yet you are still there when you look again in the mirror.
#enlightenment

We are the body, we are the mind, we are the consciousness, we are the feelings of the heart. So what is the point in trying to NOT be those things when in fact, we are?
#enlightenment

Enlightenment is merely integrating ourselves without identifying with the body or the mind.

In other words, we had become entirely conditioned by our worldly experiences, and one day, "poof," we no longer are. Hooray, what a relief and sense of freshness!
#enlightenment

One thing is for sure, it's doable and easy too, to abide permanently in this awakening condition without any possibility of slipping out of it - even if you tried!
#enlightenment

However, one needs to apply themselves earnestly to the job consistently and without self-scrutiny. In other words, we must absolutely accept ourselves exactly as we are with all of our flaws and imagined flaws.
#enlightenment

If we don't accept ourselves with love & forgiveness, we'll always feel undeserving of our spiritual goal. Its the biggest block in our practice, mental fallacy we impose on ourselves - feeling unworthy.

Enlightenment isn't some mysterious thing on the other side of universe.

Wake up in the morning and let your heart feel grateful for the day that is about to unfold. Show a bit of love to each person you see, and don't worry about getting anything in return. Smile more often - enlightenment will come knocking on your door!
#enlightenment