Can You Become Enlightened?

If you are reading this, it signifies a deep yearning for spiritual awakening.

However, before setting out on this profound journey, it is essential to grasp the true meaning of enlightenment. While the terms "enlightenment" or "awakening" are often used in English, their essence transcends linguistic limitations. Enlightenment is not merely an intellectual realization; it is a transformative experience—a state of being where one gains access to higher wisdom. It is a shift in awareness that surpasses ordinary perception, leading to a profound comprehension of existence, the self, and the ultimate truth of the cosmos.

This brings us to an essential question: what exactly is divine wisdom? Simply put, it is a direct connection to the universal consciousness, an infinite reservoir where all knowledge—past, present, and future—coexists. We often turn to books, teachers, and external sources in pursuit of wisdom, assuming it must be acquired from outside. However, in reality, all knowledge is already embedded within the cosmic fabric, awaiting realization. Great sages and spiritual masters have always emphasized that true wisdom is not learned but remembered, for it resides within us, accessible through deep inner exploration.

Once one taps into this boundless repository of wisdom, the next natural curiosity is understanding its source. What fuels this infinite intelligence? The answer lies in the very energy that sustains life—the primordial force, often called prana, consciousness, or divine essence. This energy is not separate from us; rather, it constitutes the core of our being. The more we align with this source, the closer we move toward discovering our higher purpose. Enlightenment is not about accumulating information; it is about dissolving the illusion of separation and uniting with the ultimate reality that permeates all existence.

Now arises a crucial question—can enlightenment be attained? The answer is both yes and no. The desire for enlightenment is an essential catalyst that sets one on the path, but the journey itself is intricate and deeply personal. True enlightenment is not a goal that can be reached through mere intellectual understanding or external practices; it is an inner transformation that unfolds according to the spiritual evolution of one’s subtle body across lifetimes. While anyone can aspire to enlightenment, their ability to attain it in this lifetime depends on their prior spiritual progress. Some individuals, even in their youth, may naturally resonate with higher consciousness and effortlessly connect with profound spiritual truths. Others, despite years of effort, may struggle due to unresolved karmic patterns. Thus, while the pursuit of enlightenment is significant, it marks only the beginning of an ongoing evolutionary process.

A fundamental aspect of this journey is recognizing the relationship between the physical body and the subtle body. The physical form has a finite lifespan, but the subtle body—comprising the mind, intellect, and karmic imprints—accumulates experiences over multiple lifetimes. The human birth, being the most evolved state of existence, provides the unique opportunity for self-awareness and spiritual realization. However, being born human does not guarantee enlightenment. The potential for growth exists, but it must be nurtured through conscious effort, discipline, and the right intentions. Those who engage in self-inquiry, meditation, devotion, and selfless service refine their subtle body, gradually moving closer to self-realisation. Conversely, those who indulge in ignorance, greed, and negative tendencies risk stagnation or even regression, making access to divine wisdom increasingly difficult in future incarnations.

This is why the pursuit of enlightenment, even if it does not lead to full realization immediately, remains invaluable. Every sincere spiritual effort helps purify past karma, removing obstacles that could otherwise hinder progress in future lives. One of the greatest benefits of self-discovery is the refinement of karma, ensuring a more favorable opportunity for spiritual growth in subsequent births. At the very least, earnest seekers secure a human birth again, granting them another chance to continue their journey toward enlightenment. However, if their karmic evolution has reached a mature state, this very lifetime may serve as the turning point where they transcend the cycle of birth and death, attaining ultimate bliss. The ultimate goal is to dissolve the illusion of separateness and merge with the infinite consciousness that pervades all existence—an experiential truth realized by great sages, mystics, and enlightened beings throughout history.

Thus, enlightenment is not simply about acquiring knowledge or mystical experiences; it is the final recognition of one’s true nature. The journey requires patience, perseverance, and profound inner transformation. It is not about seeking something external but awakening to the divine presence within. Every sincere effort—whether through meditation, devotion, selfless service, or deep contemplation—brings one closer to this ultimate realization. Though the path may be long, for those who persist with faith and dedication, enlightenment is not just a possibility; it is an inevitable destiny.

By Pradeep Mahaur – Pradeep Mahaur Magazine

Insights on Hindu Wisdom and Global Affairs from an Indic perspective.

Labels- Spirituality, Hinduism, how to become enlightened spiritually, signs you are becoming enlightened, steps to achieve spiritual enlightenment, can anyone reach enlightenment,  enlightenment explained for beginners