The Enlightenment Era: Philosophers' Quest for Truth and Human Consciousness
The term 'Enlightenment' signifies a period marked by a profound shift in human thought and understanding. From 'Sapere aude' (Dare to know) to the exploration of consciousness, Enlightenment thinkers embarked on a quest to understand the world through reason and questioning.
The Core of Enlightenment
The essence of the Enlightenment can be encapsulated in the Latin phrase 'Sapere aude', meaning ‘Dare to know’. This mindset encouraged independent thinking and the trust in rational inquiry over traditional doctrines. Enlightenment thinkers championed the idea that reality could be comprehended through reason, leading to a questioning and re-evaluation of prevailing philosophical, scientific, religious, and political understandings of their time.
Enlightened Thought and Its Impact
The ultimate aim of Enlightenment, in my interpretation, is to achieve oneness with the divine and the universe. This state of enlightenment is a profound unity where everything is as it should be and interconnected. This state is characterized by the fading of worry, tension, and the ego, allowing for a pure and unattached way of existing.
Enlightenment is not just a fleeting experience but a deep understanding of the self and the world. Enlightened thinking is marked by creativity and practical problem-solving, free from the constraints of unconscious identification and the resulting violence, drama, judgment, and conflict. Unlike unenlightened thought, which goes undetected and unexamined, enlightened thought is an observable and conscious awareness.
The Philosophers of Enlightenment
The philosophic thoughts of the Enlightenment period, often referred to as Philosophical Enlightenment, saw distinguished thinkers questioning their own true nature. Most humans identify themselves primarily with their physical bodies, often believing in the existence of a separate soul. However, Enlightenment philosophers sought a deeper understanding, one that recognized the fundamental nature of the observer rather than the observed.
They observed that our perceptions of reality are clouded by the deceptive nature of the brain's filtering process. By delving into introspection, they realized that true understanding could be found in the non-material, luminous aspect of consciousness. This consciousness, identified as beyond the five senses yet self-evident, was labeled as "Advaita Vedanta" (non-dualism).
This journey of self-discovery paved the way for a more profound understanding of human consciousness, unshackled from the illusions of the physical realm. The recognition of consciousness as a form of pure awareness, devoid of any form, marked a significant shift in philosophical thought.
Advaita Vedanta: The Path to True Enlightenment
Advaita Vedanta, a mystical philosophy, emerged from this exploration, focusing on the non-dual understanding of reality. This philosophy posits that the true self (Atman) is one with the ultimate reality (Brahman), offering a pathway to enlightenment through the realization of this oneness.
The journey of enlightenment is one of continuous introspection and understanding. To truly achieve this state, one must immerse themselves in the deeper understanding of consciousness, rather than being distracted by superficial information.
Enlightened thought is the ultimate goal of the Enlightenment, leading to a clearer understanding of the self and the world. This profound journey is not just about knowing but becoming one with the ultimate reality.