
05: How Do You Define what Enlightenment Is?
08/09/23 • 7 min
Narrated by Brent W. Truitt, "How do you define spiritual enlightenment?" Brent reads the introduction to this study. You can read the full article accompanying Ep 05: - How do you define spiritual enlightenment? here and you can read all articles and Q & A to learn more about spirituality here.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Enlightenment According to Buddhism
Bodhi, Kensho, and Satori
Other Buddhist Terms and Concepts
Enlightenment in Other Religions
Enlightenment According to Hinduism (Kaivalya, Moksha, and Liberation)
Enlightenment According to Jainism
Enlightenment According to Zoroastrianism
Enlightenment According to Christianity
Enlightenment According to Perennialists and Universalists
Enlightenment in Western Culture
Romanticism and Transcendentalism
Religious Experience
Western Influence on Eastern Religions
Socrates to Platonism
Notable Teachers of Enlightenment (Modern Times and Ancient Times)
Yoga: The Physical Bridge to Enlightenment
Introduction
The quest for enlightenment has been pursued in many cultures, religions, and countries.
And it’s been searched for by seekers since almost of the dawn of human language.
The term “enlightenment” has held varying connotations, capturing the essence of an individual’s journey toward understanding, awareness, and ultimate liberation.
This article delves deep into the intricacies of enlightenment from a multi-faceted perspective.
We begin this journey exploring:
1) Buddhist concepts such as Bodhi, Kensho, and Satori
2) Religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity
3) Interpretations by Perennialists and Universalists
The exploration continues into the realm of Neo-Advaita, examining its Western interpretation and the significant teachers who shaped its philosophy.
The narrative will also cover Yoga, with its emphasis on Moksha and the benefits it brings to our modern world.
Will close up by “going West” so we can understand the Western world’s interpretations of enlightenment — from Socrates to modern day.
Join us in this enlightening journey, where we dissect, discuss, and understand “spiritual enlightenment” and its many interpretations across religions, cultures, and philosophies.
Narrated by Brent W. Truitt, "How do you define spiritual enlightenment?" Brent reads the introduction to this study. You can read the full article accompanying Ep 05: - How do you define spiritual enlightenment? here and you can read all articles and Q & A to learn more about spirituality here.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Enlightenment According to Buddhism
Bodhi, Kensho, and Satori
Other Buddhist Terms and Concepts
Enlightenment in Other Religions
Enlightenment According to Hinduism (Kaivalya, Moksha, and Liberation)
Enlightenment According to Jainism
Enlightenment According to Zoroastrianism
Enlightenment According to Christianity
Enlightenment According to Perennialists and Universalists
Enlightenment in Western Culture
Romanticism and Transcendentalism
Religious Experience
Western Influence on Eastern Religions
Socrates to Platonism
Notable Teachers of Enlightenment (Modern Times and Ancient Times)
Yoga: The Physical Bridge to Enlightenment
Introduction
The quest for enlightenment has been pursued in many cultures, religions, and countries.
And it’s been searched for by seekers since almost of the dawn of human language.
The term “enlightenment” has held varying connotations, capturing the essence of an individual’s journey toward understanding, awareness, and ultimate liberation.
This article delves deep into the intricacies of enlightenment from a multi-faceted perspective.
We begin this journey exploring:
1) Buddhist concepts such as Bodhi, Kensho, and Satori
2) Religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity
3) Interpretations by Perennialists and Universalists
The exploration continues into the realm of Neo-Advaita, examining its Western interpretation and the significant teachers who shaped its philosophy.
The narrative will also cover Yoga, with its emphasis on Moksha and the benefits it brings to our modern world.
Will close up by “going West” so we can understand the Western world’s interpretations of enlightenment — from Socrates to modern day.
Join us in this enlightening journey, where we dissect, discuss, and understand “spiritual enlightenment” and its many interpretations across religions, cultures, and philosophies.
Previous Episode

04: What is a Spiritual Awakening?
Narrated by Brent W. Truitt, "What is s spiritual awakening?" Brent reads the abridged version of his study on spiritual awakening. You can read the full transcript for Ep 04: What is a Spiritual Awakening? (Causes, Symptoms and Outcomes) here complete with quotes from spiritual leaders. You can read all transcripts and Q & A to learn more about spirituality here.
Table of Contents
Degrees of spiritual awakening: Dramatic vs gradual
The Difference between “Spiritual Awakening” and “Spiritual Enlightenment“
What is a spiritual awakening (according to multiple sources)
Dictionary definitions of a spiritual awakening
Spiritual leaders: Different definitions of spiritual awakening
What can trigger a spiritual awakening?
Great loss
Mindful practices: Meditation/prayer
Deep dissatisfaction/disillusionment
The collapse of the ego and mind due to trauma
The use of mind-altering chemicals
Near-death experience
Signs and symptoms of spiritual awakening
Physical symptoms of a possible spiritual awakening
Inward signs and symptoms of a spiritual awakening
8 examples of people undergoing a spiritual awakening
Possible stages of awakening
How it begins: ego and mind begin dim
The transition point: the complete collapse of ego and mind
The final stage: spiritual ascension
The impacts of a spiritual awakening
Overview of the impact of a spiritual awakening
Change in lifestyle, values, and perceptions
Geographical changes
Effects on existing relationships
Different outcomes for different people
Positive and negative outcomes
Pilgrimages to the scene of spiritual awakening
Possible discontinuation of spiritual practices
Spiritual awakenings: different spiritual traditions
Conclusion
Audiovisual introduction narrated by Brent W. Truitt
Introduction
Spiritual awakenings happen all the time all over the world to all kinds of people.
Some awakenings are dramatic and breathtaking, while others are slow and gradual.
They’re often misrepresented, exaggerated, or misunderstood.
We are going to take a deep dive on a quest to thoroughly understand what a spiritual awakening is, what triggers the awakening, and what happens after.
Next Episode

06: What is the relation between quantum physics and spirituality?
Narrated by Brent W. Truitt, "What is the relation between quantum physics and spirituality?" Brent reads the introduction to this study. You can read the full article accompanying Ep 06: - What is the relation between quantum physics and spirituality? here and you can read all articles and Q & A to learn more about spirituality here.
INTRODUCTION
Brief Explanation of Quantum Physics and Spirituality
Quantum Physics, also known as quantum mechanics, is a branch of physics that deals with phenomena on a very small scale, such as molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles.
It is a scientific field that has revolutionized our understanding of the physical world.
Spirituality, on the other hand, refers to the various ways that human beings seek and express meaning and purpose. It involves our inner, subjective world of human consciousness and can often be connected to religion or faith, personal development, or the pursuit of existential purpose.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Brief Explanation of Quantum Physics and Spirituality
The history between the scientific communities and spiritual communities
Recent discoveries connecting Quantum Physics and Spirituality
The Observer Effect (How Observing Changes Things)
Explanation of the observer effect in quantum physics
Description of the double-slit experiment
Connection of the observer effect to our consciousness
Comparison of the observer effect with spiritual beliefs
Influence of thoughts and Intentions on shaping our reality
Entanglement (Everything Is Connected)
Definition of quantum entanglement
Breakdown of how entanglement challenges our understanding of space and time
Connection of entanglement with the spiritual belief of interconnectedness
Benefits of recognizing interconnectedness (empathy, compassion, responsibility)
Influence of this concept on our perspective towards our actions and the world
Quantum Superposition (Anything Is Possible)
Explanation of quantum superposition
Description of how superposition suggests a world full of possibilities
Connection of superposition with spiritual teachings of infinite potential
Influence of understanding quantum superposition on personal development and life fulfillment
Key Takeaways
Connections between Quantum physics and Spirituality
The observer effect, quantum entanglement, and quantum superposition
Importance of understanding these connections
Audiovisual narrated by Brent W. Truitt
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