Deep Dive into Enlightenment

What is enlightenment? According to Buddhist teacher Joan Sutherland, it’s everything! When we view enlightenment as simply seeing things for what they really are, we understand that, indeed, everything is enlightenment. The following guide contains insights from Pema Chödrön, Norman Fischer, Zenju Earthlyn Manuel and others, all aimed at helping you along your journey toward seeing things as they really are.

Articles

Everything Is Enlightenment

Everything Is Enlightenment

Enlightenment is everywhere we look, says Joan Sutherland — we can choose to notice it, but at the same time, we can also trust that it will find us, wherever we are.

What If Our Delusions Aren’t a Barrier to Enlightenment?

What if our deluded minds aren’t a barrier to enlightenment at all?, asks Zenju Earthlyn Manuel. "What if they are the very path to it?"

Everything’s Made of Mind

All that we are and experience is mind, explains Zen teacher Norman Fischer. That mind is original enlightenment itself.

The Enlightenment Project

Rob Preece shares why the Buddhist path isn't about trying become spiritually evolved, but about being authentic, open, and compassionate.

Not Enlightened Yet?

Author and musician Miguel Chen comforts a practitioner who doesn’t seem to be getting any closer to enlightenment.

Image of Buddha covered with roots in Thailand.

Is Buddhism about ethics or enlightenment?

Bhante Sumano, Jisho Sara Siebert, and Gaylon Ferguson explore the meaning of ethics and enlightenment on the Buddhist path.

The Bearable Lightness of Being

When we honor life but don’t make it a big deal, we become more joyous. The fancy name for that, says Pema Chödrön, is enlightenment.