The Transformation of the Thinking Mind in Enlightenment
Enlightenment is a profound state of consciousness where the thinking mind becomes still, allowing for a clearer and more discerning awareness. This state is often misunderstood as the end of thinking, but rather, it is a cessation of the constant stream of thoughts and a sudden clarity and stillness that reveals the true nature of the mind.
Understanding Enlightenment and the Stillness of the Mind
When the mind reaches a state of enlightenment, it ceases to be the chaotic bundle of thoughts that it usually is. Instead, the mind becomes quiet, allowing thoughts to arise in consciousness, one by one, much like passengers in a cable car or cars at a toll gate. This cessation of constant thinking is accompanied by the ability to discern these thoughts and understand them more clearly. The silence of the mind during enlightenment is not to say that no thought exists, but rather that thoughts no longer bombard the individual but are observed and passed through like cars moving through a toll system.
The Evolutionary Function of the Mind
The mind, as the intellectual function of our psyche, is a remarkable tool that allows us to navigate life. It starts with the first stirrings of desire – feeling an internal longing for positive change or alleviation of negative emotions. Desire, as an autonomous feeling, is what drives the evolution of the mind. It creates the framework within which we make decisions and choices that shape our lives.
The Journey from Desire to Enlightenment
Desire becomes potent when it evolves into hope, the driving motivation that moves us to take action. As we move through life, experiencing both success and failure, the ego learns and grows. However, when the ego reaches a state of enlightenment, the entire structure of desire and the ego that supports it begins to collapse. This is because, in enlightenment, the conscience has reached a fulfilled and spiritual state. It is not just a lack of ego, but a deeper sense of being.
The Universal 6th Sense
The enlightened state transcends ordinary human consciousness, revealing a transcendent 6th sense. This 6th sense, though often misunderstood, refers to a heightened awareness or intuitive understanding of one's true nature. It is not something tangible or measurable, but rather a profound transformation in the way one perceives and interacts with the world. This 6th sense allows for a more intuitive approach to life, where decisions and actions are guided not by the internal desire for self-gratification, but by a higher, more spiritual awareness.
In conclusion, enlightenment is not the end of thought but the end of the unnecessary thought that confines us. It is a state where the mind, having fulfilled its evolutionary purpose, can rest and reveal to us our true nature. Through this transformation, we can achieve a fulfilling and meaningful existence.