Enlightenment is a paradox. Someone searches for enlightenment for 40 years. Finally it is understood, or realized. It is an attainement, but it is paradoxical. The paradox is that the one who realizes, sees that what he was searching for, is what he already is.
That person still remains, and has attained realization. We know this because the search stops. However, he knows he is not who he thought he was. The finding changes identity, but the apparent person still exists as a body/mind intact. From then on there are essentially two aspects of the One: the Absolute Self and the individual, apparent self, still walking around.
This makes for confusion when listening to a sage, becuase sometimes he is speaking from the enlightened viewpoint, and stometimes from the relative viewpoint. You have to be enlightened to catch the difference. That is why realization opens such an incredible vista. All of sudden, all the formerly paradoxical statements ring true. No confusion is left.
We have to admit that the Absolute Self does not need enlightenment, realization, or attainment. However, it is what the personal seeker needs. There is great relief when it is attained. From then on the person knows he is enlightened, which simply means he knows he is not what he thought he was.
That person still remains, and has attained realization. We know this because the search stops. However, he knows he is not who he thought he was. The finding changes identity, but the apparent person still exists as a body/mind intact. From then on there are essentially two aspects of the One: the Absolute Self and the individual, apparent self, still walking around.
This makes for confusion when listening to a sage, becuase sometimes he is speaking from the enlightened viewpoint, and stometimes from the relative viewpoint. You have to be enlightened to catch the difference. That is why realization opens such an incredible vista. All of sudden, all the formerly paradoxical statements ring true. No confusion is left.
We have to admit that the Absolute Self does not need enlightenment, realization, or attainment. However, it is what the personal seeker needs. There is great relief when it is attained. From then on the person knows he is enlightened, which simply means he knows he is not what he thought he was.
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