For me, enlightenment came through a sudden insight into emptiness (sunyata) – the absolute certainty that I couldn’t possibly exist in any conventional way. This experience marked my transition into what Buddhism calls the sotapanna, one who has attained the first stage of enlightenment. In Buddhist tradition, such breakthroughs arise through insight into one of three characteristics: emptiness (sunyata), impermanence (anicca), or the inherently dissatisfactory nature of conditional reality (dukkha).
The thoughts that led to this realization were trivial compared to the overwhelming paradox I encountered. I delighted in what seemed impossible – that ‘I’ had realized this ‘I’ couldn’t possibly exist. This second stage was much simpler and less dramatic than the first – no surreal or fantastic experience, just utter certainty about my non-existence in any conventionally understood way.
The Path of Progress
The state of sakadagami, or ‘once-returner’, marks this second stage of awakening. While no new fetters are eliminated, there is a significant weakening of sensory desire (kama-raga) and ill-will (vyapada). This manifests as an increased spiritual resolve and deeper commitment to the path.
Understanding Meditative States
While meditative absorption (jhana) can facilitate these insights, it isn’t essential. The path of bare insight (sukkha vipassana) remains equally valid. First jhana occurs naturally more often than we might think – those moments when we become so absorbed in an activity that self-awareness temporarily dissolves, bringing joy (piti). This can happen while listening to music, reading, or engaging deeply in study. Though different from the sustained absorption achieved through formal meditation practices, even these fleeting experiences can contribute to breakthrough insights.
My own journey involved both casual absorption through study and music, as well as deeper jhanic states at various points. However, I’ve come to understand that excessive focus on developing refined meditative states can sometimes distract from the essential path.
The Role of Ethics
When this breakthrough occurred, I hadn’t yet deeply studied Buddhism, but I understood the fundamental importance of moral conduct – at that time through the lens of the 42 moral statements of Maat. Progress on the spiritual path requires either intuitive or guided adherence to ethical principles similar to the noble eightfold path (ariya atthangika magga). One must develop a natural wariness of temptation and a genuine desire to resist it.
Integration and Growth
Following the breakthrough, my previously chaotic thinking began to stabilize. I gradually withdrew from former pursuits, letting go of previous goals with increasing ease. The journey to the next breakthrough took six years, during which I wrote six books and spent considerable time in reflection. Only with this later breakthrough did my understanding of being on a spiritual path truly crystallize.
The path of spiritual awakening unfolds uniquely for each person while revealing universal truths. Whether through dedicated practice or spontaneous insight, progress comes not from forcing development but from maintaining sincere inquiry and ethical conduct while remaining open to truth in its myriad manifestations.
Through this journey, I’ve learned that enlightenment often arrives not through striving, but through allowing understanding to arise naturally in its own time and way.
Further Reading
- Books
- “What the Buddha Taught” by Walpola Rahula
- “The Mind Illuminated” by Culadasa
- “Manual of Insight” by Mahasi Sayadaw
- Online Resources
- Wikipedia: Buddhist Enlightenment (/wiki/Buddhist_enlightenment)
- Wikipedia: Jhana (/wiki/Dhyana_in_Buddhism)
- Ajahn Punnadhammo’s YouTube Channel (@AjahnPunnadhammo)
- Access to Insight Website (accesstoinsight.org)