Exploring the Distinction Between Being Enlightened and Connecting with the Higher Self
Enlightenment and connecting with the higher self are often discussed in spiritual and metaphysical circles, yet there is confusion and misinformation surrounding these concepts. This article aims to clarify the differences and provide a deeper understanding.
What is Enlightenment?
Enlightenment is the result of a long and intricate process that begins with the awakening of the soul. It can either be a realization that occurs in the current lifetime or accumulate over numerous lifetimes. The idea of already being enlightened, which some promote, is misleading and caters to individual ego. While it is true that enlightenment may be present within, it is only through dedicated effort and work that its true potential can be revealed and manifested. At any given time, very few people on earth can be considered truly enlightened, and they rarely announce their status publicly.
Connection with the Higher Self
The higher self, also known as the auric self or being, is a concept that is often misunderstood. This connection is not inherently 'higher' but is neutral and objective. It is influenced by personal karma and can be either a custodian of blessings or a source of challenges based on an individual's karmic history. Importantly, the higher self does not actively seek to directly connect or communicate with the individual in the sense of awakening or enlightenment. Instead, it operates independently, according to natural laws, and its influence is indirect and conditional.
Understanding the Connection Between the Higher Self and Enlightenment
The process of connecting with the higher self is closely tied to ego, specifically the spiritual ego. Enlightenment, however, transcends ego, offering a profound and transformative experience beyond mere spiritual ego. The path to enlightenment involves the merging and transcending of the lower self (the ego and the personal self) and the higher self, which is more accurately referred to as the true self or the divine consciousness.
What Is a Higher Self?
The higher self is a part of one’s existence that carries one’s karmic record and can impact the individual’s experiences based on that record. However, it is not solely responsible for guiding one towards enlightenment. Indeed, the higher self operates independently according to natural laws and acts as a mirror reflecting one’s karmic record. While the connection can provide insight and direction, true enlightenment comes from the shattering of the illusion of the separate self, leading to a state of no separation and no need for connection.
Final Thoughts
The quest for enlightenment is a journey of self-realization and integration. Viewing the higher self and enlightenment in their proper context can help individuals on their path to true spiritual transformation. Understanding that true enlightenment is a state of becoming one with divine consciousness, free from the constraints of the ego, is crucial. Embracing this understanding can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper sense of connection with the universe.