Summary

The article reflects on the concept of enlightenment, questioning its nature, accessibility, and whether it is a journey of personal understanding or a collective experience, with a nod to the song "Stairway to Heaven" as a metaphor for the enlightenment process.

Abstract

The author delves into the philosophical theme of enlightenment, contemplating its meaning and whether it is a universal possibility or reserved for a select few. Through the lens of a weekly writing prompt, the author ponders if enlightenment is about finding answers or embracing the questions, suggesting that clarity and personal understanding might be key components. The article references the song "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, drawing parallels between the lyrics and the journey towards enlightenment, and concludes that it may be an ongoing cycle of learning and sharing rather than a definitive endpoint. The author expresses contentment with the process of seeking enlightenment and acknowledges the value of others' insights in illuminating one's path.

Opinions

Enlightenment is a complex and multifaceted concept that can mean different things to different people.
The pursuit of enlightenment is not necessarily confined to solitary, lengthy meditation but can be found in everyday interactions and personal growth.
Questions may be as important as answers in the quest for understanding and enlightenment.
The author suggests that enlightenment is not a static state but a dynamic process involving the sharing of knowledge and experiences among individuals.
There is a sense of skepticism about the idea that anyone can truly know everything about enlightenment, implying that faith and personal experience may be more important than absolute knowledge.
The author finds personal joy and amusement in the continuous journey of seeking enlightenment, rather than being frustrated by its complexity or elusiveness.
The article hints at a communal aspect of enlightenment, where each person has the capacity to positively influence another's path to understanding.

WEEKLY PROMPT | IT GETS WEIRD

Enlightenment

“The tune will come to you at last…” Jimmy Page/ Robert Plant

So — Enlightenment.

Heavy topic. Or is it?

What does enlightenment mean? To me, to you, to us.

In this moment, or the next, or the next.

Is it accessible for all of us, or just those that sit in silent meditation for twenty years?

Who has all the answers?

I just have questions.

Are the questions the answers?

The answers already waiting for me to shine my light on.

As I responded to 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘊.’s prompt for this week, I told her I pictured the feature image at times when I read her words.

Obviously, not the exact person depicted, but her. Holding the light for us all as we walk on our own steps to enlightenment.

Are those shining the torch for others en-light-ened? Is Diana enlightened? To me, she is. As are you. Each of us has the ability to shine a light on some else’s path. Offer up a slice of clarity, perspective or experience to help others along their way.

Is that all there is to it?

Most definitely not. Well, I don’t know.

Sourcing the picture for Diana, I came across the lyrics to the related song.

I read vs listened to the lyrics to Stairway to Heaven for the first time since I was a teenager.

Read them with the tone of “enlightenment” fresh in my mind from the prompt.

I thought — Geez — Page and Plant have summed it all up.

“Your stairway lies on the whispering wind…if you listen very hard, the tune will come to you at last When all are one and one is all”— Page/Plant

Confusing hey?! Well, it is if you have never listened hard to the tune of “you”.

Clarity of your own mind — is that enlightenment? Or just gathering intel towards enlightenment?

No idea.

And still, I am smiling.

Smiling. Amused to be confused.

The enlightenment I seek shows and grows as I show and grow.

No beginning. No end.

A give and take cycle — cups of enlightenment flowing and filling other cups until we become one. One cup filled with all the answers? The source or the vessel. The vessel or the source.

Does anyone TRULY know the answer beyond a shadow of a doubt?

Or do we just have to have the faith we will know one day?

I will stick with the faith of knowing one day for now.

I really don’t have the patience to sit in silence for twenty years — but then again, I don’t have to. I just have to be me.

Thanks, 𝘋𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘊. for being a light in the darkness once again.

Thanks for reading

Thanks for being you

Had to share the link to the lyrics and to the song — in case you haven’t heard it recently.