How would you know if you’d reached enlightenment?
Buddha Statue ca. 2000
Are there signs to know that you are at least, on the right path toward spiritual enlightenment?
How might your life be different if you were enlightened or getting close to enlightenment?
I came across a quote from Deepak Chopra that got me to thinking about enlightenment. Here is what he said:
“According to Vedanta, there are only two symptoms of enlightenment, just two indications that a transformation is taking place within you toward a higher consciousness.
The first symptom is that you stop worrying. Things don’t bother you anymore. You become light hearted and full of joy.
The second symptom is that you encounter more and more meaningful coincidences in your life, more and more synchronicities.
And this accelerates to the point where you actually experience the miraculous.”
~ Deepak Chopra
I love Chopra’s quote. I would add a few more signs that you may be on the path of enlightenment aside from no longer worrying, becoming a totally joyous individual and seeing an increase in serendipity and synchronicity, and living life as if each day were a miracle such as:
Are you undergoing a transformation in your life?
Are you on a path of spiritual growth?
Is it your intention to expand your awareness of the spiritual dimension and open your heart fully?
Have you begun a practice of meditation? If so, have you found that you are able to deal with stressful situations more calmly?
Are you finding that you’re anger has subsided and that your “buttons” are pushed less easily?
Do feel that you’re more tolerant of others? Can you accept people just the way they are?
Are you enjoying your work? Do you find it meaningful and fulfilling? Do you get great satisfaction from being of service to others?
Are you kind to others and to yourself? Do you feel your heart open with every act of kindness you witness?
Do you live in the present moment? Have you stopped lamenting the past and focusing on tomorrow?
Are you doing things for the right reasons; not egotistical reasons? Reasons such as wanting to be pure goodness through and through and to spread goodness in the world?
How might your experience of life change if you were enlightened?
You would bound out of bed joyous at experiencing yet another day to be of loving service to the world. You wouldn’t spend a precious minute of your life worrying or being fearful; you would know that you are always supported by the Universe.
Each day signs would appear leading you in the right direction, showing you that you were on the right path. Your joy and unconditional love would be contagious. And, where ever you went your loving presence would enlighten others just as surely as a brilliant star lights the night sky helping to safely guide each of us to our destinations.
Are you on the path to enlightenment? Where are you on this journey? Are there other signs that you would add to this list that show you’re becoming enlightened?
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Thanks to: Rivers in the Ocean for making me aware of this quote
Photocredit: Microsoft free photos MP900399971
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I don’t think it is possible for most of us to become totally enlightened while we are on the physical plane. There are so many limiting beliefs which exist in the consciousness of humanity that it can be a real challenge to know the Truth of Spirit in every situation.
I am a minister and I have been on the spiritual path for more than 25 years and I still don’t consider myself totally enlightened. Am I more enlightened than when I first started? Absolutely. But I have so much more that I need to learn and understand about Spirit.
I have made tremendous progress during my spiritual journey — especially over the past few years. I am faithful to doing spiritual practices. I would never even think of trying to handle something new or difficult without doing an affirmative prayer first. I invite Spirit into everything I am doing.
Since Spirit is Infinite, there is always more Spirit to know. I think that it is not as important to reach the level of total enlightenment as it is to enjoy the journey with Spirit.
Hi Rev,
Welcome!
I agree. We might get a glimmer of enlightenment once in a while during a moment of mystical reverie and hang onto what we can from those moments. Yes, I too have grown over the last quarter century and feel that I understand so much more than I did when I was in my twenties. One thing I have started to think lately is that I’m feeling we are here to enjoy our human experience more than we are here to learn and prepare for our return to spirit.
What do you think?
Thanks so much for visiting and commenting.
It’s a pleasure meeting you.
We always know when we reach the path of enlightenment. Our approach to life and way of thinking will forever change. Our level of consciousness will heighten as we become aware. The ego may become subdued to allow the soul to fulfill its true potential. Forgiveness, acceptance, empathy, love and gratitude will take hold of our being to become a “way” of life. Our need for serenity will become important as we become one with our inner being. We will become more aware of our emotions and will handle them with maturity. Our behavioral patterns will naturally change for the better. Our negative patterns will be replaced by spiritual clarity. All toxic and negative tendencies will soon be released. The right intentions will naturally be created as we proudly move forward to the road of self-transformation. We will soon begin to inspire others because all of us are spiritual beings.
Hi Lili,
I love what you wrote here. You are absolutely right.
When we reach enlightenment we are transformed from the inside out.
We become shining beings of unconditional love. We are not stirred by conditions in our lives.
We remain centered no matter what is happening around us.
And, yes we do inspire others to follow our example.
Thank you so much fore visiting and commenting. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
Hi Angela,
I feel that I’m working towards enlightenment, but certainly have a ways to go. I have taken up meditation, read spiritual books where I can learn new ideas, and work on being kind to others at all times. Surrendering and being happy with what is, has come to me when my other way of thinking, such as worrying didn’t work any more. Thanks for sharing an informative post.
Thank you Cathy. I guess we’re all on the road to “enlightenment” to some degree; even those who are addicted to drugs, right? They just don’t know that this is what they are seeking. I’m so glad you are doing such great work to help families with kids that are substance abusers. Our society sends so many wrong messages to kids and with both parents having to work to provide for their kids I can see why it’s so easy to turn to drugs or alcohol to escape the painful feelings and fears they don’t want to deal with.
Hi Angela, you’ve touched upon a wonderful subject for debate, one that has been mused over by countless thinkers for countless generations.
And so, if I may offer my humble opinion, I don’t think enlightenment is something that we ‘strive’ for, nor is it a goal that we must reach. It’s not like a goal that we treat in the material sense, such as a new job or financial security.
Rather, enlightenment is a state of being, a way of life, and a form of existence. We are human BEINGS, and so enlightenment, ‘the ultimate goal’, must be in sync with be-ing, not do-ing. Do-ing is what occupies our choices in life, but it’s not life itself.
Enlightenment, I believe, is therefore something that comes about once we embrace a certain way of be-ing. What that way is, I don’t know yet. But what I do know is that I won’t find enlightenment through my actions of doing. It must come from life itself 🙂
Hi Stuart,
Great observation and I so totally agree.
I just touched upon this in the reply I left to Jimmy’s comment. We cannot force or, “strive” as you say, either synchronicity or enlightenment to appear. Both will come as a matter of our living our lives and living it in accordance with spiritual principles. When we open our minds and hearts to the “truth” that what we see manifested in the physical plane is just the tip of the iceberg of what true reality is we are ready to begin our journey towards awakening.
I think your comment is brilliant and worth repeating: Enlightenment, I believe, is therefore something that comes about once we embrace a certain way of be-ing.
Thank you so much for adding your wisdom here. I truly appreciate it.
The two signs of enlightenment as defined in the beginning are really great sign posts for us. Not worrying and attracting more good experiences…ah… I wish I could have more of that. For me, the question is what can i do to reach that state? I think that will focus my attention on the things that matters most.
Hi Jimmy,
I think focusing on what matters most is a great plan and it will work for you.
You can’t “force” either synchronicity or not worrying. Both must appear in your life organically so, doing what matters most is the practical solution.
Great comment and thank you for bringing it up.
I guess I have thought of my journey more or less as spiritual growth. Enlightenment has always seemed something way out of reach, but I suppose it really is one in the same.
I get many synchronicities, but need to let go of the worry part of things.
BTW – Cool video!
Hi Laura,
It’s so nice to see you here. I hope all is well with you?
Me too. I always believed I was traveling along the path to spiritual growth, not enlightenment. But, I can see, just as you point out, it is the same road.
I’m with you on the sychronicities and worrying. I have times where I go for long stretches without worrying and then “boom” I get hit with it and it takes a while to work back into that state of having complete faith again. As I said in a comment earlier – we’re humans, not saints.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the video for my new book: Navigating by Intuition: How to Follow the Signs.
I love Chopra’s quote as well. I also love the way you break it down. Sounds to me like you equate enlightenment with achieving your purpose/goals. Would you consider following your intuition as the path to enlightenment?
Hi Rosemary,
Finding Chopra’s quote was perfect timing, since I just published a book about serendipity and synchronicity last week! (Navigating by Intuition: How to Follow the Signs – )
All the great mystics I have ever read point to an increase in fortunate and meaningful coincidences as being a sign that you are “on the right road.” The only thing I didn’t know that Chopra’s quote brought to light was that this was the road to “enlightenment.” I would say that when you are following a spiritual path and listening to your intuition you are “attuned” to the heartbeat of the world and the pulse of all life. When you’re attuned to this vibration you’re in-sync with the Universe and if what you wish to accomplish benefits and supports life you will as a matter of course, accomplish your goals. When your in-sync with the Universe, not only are you led toward your highest good but you also draw it to you as well. So, you have the Universe working for you on both fronts! Listening to your intuition is the door you must open if you wish to not only find enlightenment but the life of your dreams.
Hi Angela,
Great article. It certainly gives pause to check in to see where I am, and it really wakes me up to see how far I have come! I must say I am pleased with my progress and still feel I am continuing to advance and evolve. There are times when worry is absent and synchronicity is abundant, and certainly there are times when things don’t flow so easily AT ALL. I think a sign that I am undergoing transformation is that my greatest joy now comes from the simple pleasures of creative expression. I feel enlightened when I am being whole minded and “in the groove” of writing.
Hi Rob,
Thank you for making this terrific point: There are times when worry is absent and synchronicity is abundant, and certainly there are times when things don’t flow so easily AT ALL.
I believe as long as we’re human beings we’re going to encounter adversity in our lives. Even Jesus faced adversity and so did Siddhartha – and they were truly enlightened. There are times when we will flow with life and everything will come to us easily and other times when we may face difficulties.
I’m also at this stage where I find my greatest joy comes from “creating,” whether it’s writing or in some other form. Writing is probably #1 one though.
Hi Angela,
Well I am sure I am about a million miles away from being “enlightened” ala Jesus or Buddha however I can definitely say “yes” to all of the things you listed. This only happened after I stopped working full time in the insurance biz and life turned upside down for me. Maybe it was all of the “noise” that disappeared which made it possible to begin following the path, or maybe it was just my time. Either way, I am glad it happened. When we start to look and ask for the signs and experience synchronicity more frequently, it is 100% assurance that the universe is not going to let you fail in your overall mission. Many twists and turns on the way 🙂
Hi Julie,
I do think moving away from all the “noise” has a lot to do with it. I also believe it’s how strong your intention is to learn and grow and timing too. So, it’s all of those things. Probably having your life turned upside down was an eye opener too! I too don’t go around saying or even thinking I’m “enlightened” but, that’s why I thought this quote from Chopra was so marvelous. Based on his paraphrasing the “Vedantas,” ancient knowledge from India, it sounds like we might be further along than we thought. Interesting thought, right? Maybe we don’t have to “part the seas” or “walk on water” to be enlightened? Thanks so much for coming over to see us and sharing your thoughts. xoxo, Angela
I’d say the first thing you’d probably do is never present yourself as enlightened. The second thing you’d probably do is never ask if you are. 😉
Good one Joe Bill!
I used to yearn for “enlightenment” because I thought it would be an escape or liberation from all the stuff of this world. It was a way out. Now I think of it more as a way in. Into the messiness of the world, an appreciation for what is. Am I enlightened? I can certainly relate to the description you offered. But interestingly, the word no longer matters so much to me. Thank you for a very thought provoking post.
Hi Galen,
I have felt the very same way. When I was in my teens and first began my journey, I read book after book searching for the answers that I thought would help me to become “enlightened.” Some thirty years later I realized that what I was really looking for was to feel “whole and complete” and at home in the world that at times made now sense to me. Now, what I desire is peace, both inner peace and peace all around me. If I happen to become wiser or enlightened along the way – so much the better. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom here.
Angela,
I connect with these notions of enlightenment and also feel that a major factor in awakening is the realization that everything is one and the beginning of finding wholeness. This relates to the divine coincidences we experience and offers a more loving view of the world and our experiences.
Hi Joe,
I’m glad you could relate to Chopra’s quote. I found it pretty amazing myself!
I agree. While Chopra doesn’t mention our “oneness” and “wholeness” in this quote I have read a lot of his material where he does talk about that.
Thank you so much for coming over to read this and comment. I truly appreciate it.
I love Deepak Chopra’s definition of the symptoms of enlightenment. Sometimes I feel like I’m heading in that direction but then a worrisome thing happens and I’m off the path for a while. :). Great video too. is this your ebook?
I have to add that this post stayed with me all day after I wrote this comment. About 1/2 way through the day I got so mad because every time we tried to reserve a place for our thanksgiving break, it would be booked. So I thought about your enlightenment post and said, “I won’t worry.” Soon after that, my husband found a great place that was inexpensive and would fit our whole family. Reminds me of a great quote:
“If you can solve your problem, then what is the need of worrying? If you cannot solve it, then what is the use of worrying?”
Shantideva
Wow Betsy,
Great quote and so true. Thank you for sharing it here.
I’m glad you found a great place for your Thanksgiving break too!
Hi Betsy,
I think we all have bouts of doubt where we wonder if we’re still on the path or not. I don’t think our lives can ever be all “rose petals,” you know? We’re humans, not saints!
Yes, that is the video to a book I published on Amazon recently. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for buying it too! xoxo, Angela
Angela, that quote really resonates with me. I’m glad you shared it here.
I’m finding that I have much more joy – regardless of external circumstances – and that I do often experience lots of strange syncronicities. This all happened once I started my meditation practice, and it’s been a really amazing journey.
The only thing is that I found that it can be hard to keep being peaceful when I’m so busy! That’s mainly due to the new job though, I’m sure it will die down soon.
Hi Fred,
Meditation is the door through which we begin this great journey toward finding our place in the Universe. Once the synchronicities begin we have set the process in motion. You’ve definitely set the process in motion!
I know what you mean about being busy. I find it throws off my equilibrium big time. I’ll take slow and steady over fast and furious anytime!
I enjoy a lot and I never imagined of “enlightenment” as the end of my journey either. I did so find that this quote from Chopra showed me what lengths I’ve are available in my journey though. I’m glad you’ve got these types of covered. Awesome!
HI Carol,
I too never thought of as “enlightenment” as the end of my journey either. I thought that term was reserved for yogis and sages, not someone like me. I believe I’ve been shooting for wisdom rather than enlightenment but, like you it showed me how far I’ve already come on my journey.
Glad you enjoyed the post. Thank you so much for commenting too.
Love your blog. I am enjoying my journey and find that each day brings something new and exciting. But if you look at my life on the outside, it looks rather bland. The excitement is on the inside! I am finding that I am more accepting of people, places and things. I am not belly aching over the little things and am embracing life. There have been challenges of all sorts, but I don’t dwell on them as I used to.
Hi Angela,
I am working on this- getting to that place of being light hearted and full of joy and only doing that which feels good- all the “shoulds, woulds and coulds” are history:) It requires lots of practice.
Thanks for a brilliant post
love and hugs
Suzie
HI Suzie,
You went through a major trauma Suzie. And look how far you’ve come already!
I’m so glad you’re working towards doing only those things that feel good. Did you look up in Louise Hay’s book, How to Heal Your Life what she believes the metaphysical cause of your ailment is? That could be very “entligtening” too.
xoxo,
Angela
Wow Angela. I love this post!
I would add two more items to your list:
1.) You begin feeling better and better
2.) You stop judging. You stop judging others, yourself, situations, anything. You realize that you can’t really ever compare anything fairly, you never have the full story. And you stop NEEDING to judge.
So many of us are on a path to enlightenment, but how many of us know what that really means?
Thanks for helping me to define it a little more.
Huge hugs,
Melody
Hi Melodie,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I must admit it wasn’t the post I intended to write at all….it just came out. Maybe that’s best.
I love the two additional attributes you’ve added to the list. I knew I left off some very important thing such as becoming non-judgmental and not comparing ourselves to others and that you feel better and better.
Awesome additions – and very important ones too.
Thank you xoxo,
Angela
It’s been a joy to read these words and touch your spirit again in this way Angela. I find a big change going on in myself, a recognition I don’t need to “strive” any more for enlightenment. All I need to do is stop every now and again and deliberately turn my face to the “sun” and let the light in. Nothing extraordinary. Nothing to get a big head about. Just letting the light come in…
Hi Chris,
I’m so glad you enjoyed my “experimental post.” I’m on my way to comment on yours my friend.
I love the idea that don’t need to strive for enlightenment but we can turn our face to the sun and know that all is well and that we are on the right path. Beautiful.
xoxo,
Angela
You created a video? You Rock Girl!!!!!
I do hope to reach the place of no longer worrying and seeing an increase in serendipity and synchronicity 🙂 I am on the road, just not there yet.
Hi Aileen,
I know! I can’t believe I made a video either. It was fun too!
I just checked on Amazon and I actually sold a few books as well.
Yes, no worrying is a biggie. It’s hard for most people. I believe that’s why Chopra’s list seems so deceptively simple.
xoxo,
Angela
As usual, a wonderful post, Angela. 🙂
I hadn’t thought of the end point of my journey as being enlightenment but I suppose it is. I certainly identify with many of your indicators. I am definitely on a path of spiritual development, I meditate daily, I am working to fully open my heart, I am 100 times more tolerant of others, and I am working to live in the present moment. I’ve pretty much got each one covered!
Hi Anne,
I never thought of “enlightenment” as the end of my journey either. I did find that this quote from Chopra showed me how far I’ve come in my journey though.
I’m glad you’ve got most of these covered. Awesome!
xoxo,
Angela