Enlightenment 

Enlightenment, a state of mind much sought after by man, from the beginning of time. Searching for the elusive truth, turning into a righteous being, to move from darkness to breathtaking light, to become one with the supreme source of life, that which reveals the beauty within, that which enriches the soul with positive forces and subdues the negative . 

Enlightenment can be to some, the strength wielded, the success achieved, the cleverness employed to outsmart adversaries. To some, it is the knowledge to amass wealth, to master the special skills available, to overcome challenges. To others, it is the power to resist aggression, to remain calm ,in the face of every trial. 

Enlightenment may be, the peace we enjoy, the empathy we have, to perceive the needs of others. To cry with those who are sad, to rejoice with those who are happy, to embrace those who are scorned, and fulfill the needs of the least of our brothers. It could be, the practice of impartiality, to be just , to mediate fairly in any skirmish, or walk away to maintain equanimity, without taking sides . 

Enlightenment can be the practice of patience, never to react to any situation in haste, never to take an act of  kindness for granted.  It could be the ability to encourage those who are struggling, to dissuade those stepping the path of destruction. It may be the practice of humility, to maintain amity, to accede to your opponent, even when they are wrong, or to accord victory to the one least deserving, for the sake of tranquility . 

As we seek enlightenment earnestly , the truth eludes us . Is it the knowledge of our purpose in this world ? Is it the ability to love unconditionally, to sacrifice self for the good of others , the ability to acknowledge, even the smallest being is greater than us? Is it to be able to forgive those who wrong us, to forgive self of unworthy actions ? Is it self denial and meditation on lofty mountains, in total isolation?

Grappling with these many thoughts I realise the answer is quite simple, lies before us in all its entirety. Enlightenment is nothing but the acceptance of our life as a gift and our circumstances as the will of God, to live experiencing both pleasure and pain, with gratitude in our hearts . Enlightenment can come to us only by living in the presence of the Light, the Almighty, diminishing self, exalting God, thus finding the peace that surpasses all else, in this world .