Enlightenment

What Is Enlightenment? Enlightenment is to become aware of the unity (oneness) of all things – to transcend the notion of an isolated, individual self. It is the experience of being connected with nature and belonging to the universe. When we turn our awareness to nature, we can perceive the human spirit in its true form. Oneness of Spirit A great master once took a pebble out of a mountain stream and gave it to his student, saying, “This pebble is part of the creek, along with all the rocks that make up the creek – that which makes the whole. Yet, even though I removed this pebble, it does not create a void – the pebble still has a place in creation. It is still part of the whole."
Our Connection to the Universe When we expand our minds to our greater selves, we have an abundance of energy to circulate in our lives and to share with others. The energy of the universe is known in Japan as "Ki," in China as "Chi," and in India as "Prana." This universal energy is the spirit of love and is the life force that exists in all things. We can keep our inner energies flowing by clearing away any blockage of tension or stress that may accumulate in our busy lives. By recharging our own vital energies, we can restore ourselves to a natural state of harmony and balance and keep our connection to the universe.
Being Centered The ocean is a wonderful symbol of the concept of being centered. On the surface, the ocean is vast, fluid, and constantly in motion. Beneath the restless surface of the waves are the quiet depths, a deep source of peace, power, and inspiration. The same can be said about people, it's not the external surface—what we do or how we look—but who we are beneath the surface, our inner selves, that brings meaning and purpose into our lives. People who identify only with externals know nothing of their inner selves. When their external supports suddenly changes or conflicts, they are easily thrown off balance. A centered person looks beyond the externals and enjoys the essence of life. When we are centered in our own feelings, our lives become more harmonious. Our center is our source of peace, our link with the infinite, and the treasure we carry next to our hearts.
Expressing Love Expressing love takes us out of our limited egos and allows us to soar above individuality and perceive our part of the larger picture. Like an aerial view, love lifts us up to discover a wondrous symmetry, where new patterns of harmony emerge as we see how all of life connects. Frustration in life comes from defining love as a product, where we wait for its fulfillment. Love is a process where we actively extend ourselves. Love requires us to do something: to reach out, to act, to speak, to give of ourselves. When we follow the path of compassion, we become an expression of love that enables us to see the unity of all creation.