Spiritual Devotional about Enlightenment
Spiritual Enlightenment: A Journey of Self-Discovery
A Dazzling Pursuit of Enlightenment
Dearest brothers and sisters, we are all on a spiritual journey. The pursuit of enlightenment is like a quest for a precious gem, it is no ordinary stone but a dazzling diamond that holds profound truths about God’s kingdom. It is a journey to unearth that divine wisdom which is hidden inside each one of us. This intricate pursuit is beautifully captured in Proverbs 4:7, which states, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
The Essence of Enlightenment
Enlightenment, in essence, is the transformative realization of the true nature of reality. It is awakening to the oneness that pervades every atom of the created world, and recognizing the Divine presence within and around us. It suggests the transcendence of the ego-self and the awakening to a unified, all-encompassing consciousness.
From a Biblical perspective, enlightenment is deeply connected to the concept of ‘rebirth’ or ‘being born again’. It is a reminder of the moment when Nicodemus asked Jesus about the meaning of being born again, to which Jesus replied in John 3:3, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Such rebirth, or enlightenment, breaks the chains of worldly connections and lifts the veil of ignorance, revealing a new realm of divine understanding.
Opening the Doors to Enlightenment
To seek enlightenment, we must start by casting off the burdens of the past and the anxiety of the future. Becoming aware of the ‘now’, the very present moment, is a stepping stone to bringing forth an enlightened spirit. As Jesus says in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Moreover, seeking enlightenment asks for an attitude of surrender and openness. We need to empty ourselves of all preconceived notions and beliefs, becoming like the children that Jesus blesses in Mathew 19:14 when he says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Like innocent children, commune with the Divine in the realm beyond knowledge, venturing into the realm of wisdom where God Himself speaks to our heart.
Conclusion: The Path towards Enlightenment
Finally, remember that enlightenment is not an event – it’s a journey. A journey that calls for discipline, patience, and determination. And along this journey, we need to exhibit an ever-increasing amount of love and compassion towards ourselves and all other living beings. Remember, the deeper we go within, the broader our love becomes.
May your journey towards spiritual enlightenment be filled with divine revelations, leading you closer to an intimate relationship with our Creator. As you progress on this path, may the words of Proverbs 3:5-6 become a guiding light to you: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Amen.
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Q&A about Enlightenment
Q: What is Enlightenment?
A: Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 17th to 19th century. It included a range of ideas centered on reason as the primary source of authority and legitimacy, and came to advance ideals like liberty, progress, tolerance, fraternity, constitutional government, and separation of church and state.
Q: Who were some prominent figures of the Enlightenment period?
A: Notable figures of the Enlightenment period included philosophers like John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Immanuel Kant.
Q: What was the main goal of enlightenment thinkers?
A: The primary goal of Enlightenment thinkers was to challenge traditional institutions and norms, such as the Church and monarchy, advancing an intellectual revolution that championed individual freedoms, natural rights, and social contract theories.
Q: What impact did the Enlightenment have on society?
A: The Enlightenment had a profound impact on society. It led to major political revolutions, the development of democratic practices, the promotion of scientific thought, abolition of slavery, and improvement in women’s rights. Its ideas also extensively influenced the U.S. Declaration of Independence and the French Revolution.
Q: How did Enlightenment ideas spread throughout Europe?
A: The Enlightenment ideas spread throughout Europe mainly through the written word. Books and pamphlets were printed and circulated widely. Also, institutions like coffeehouses, salons, and secret societies played significant roles in spreading these ideas.
Q: How did the Enlightenment influence religion?
A: During the Enlightenment, there was a significant shift in the way people viewed religion. The period emphasized reasoning and science over blind faith and superstition. Many Enlightenment thinkers were Deists, believing in a God based on reason rather than revelation, while others advocated for religious tolerance.
Q: What is Enlightenment according to Immanuel Kant?
A: Immanuel Kant described Enlightenment as a process whereby individuals escape from a “self-incurred tutelage” – a state of immaturity brought about by the fear of making individual decisions and thinking independently. He asserted that Enlightenment is about freedom to use one’s own intellectual abilities.
