What Is Enlightenment?

In the modern world Buddhism can sometimes be presented as a way to deal with the concerns of this life only, and enlightenment often gets overlooked. Some people feel that enlightenment is no longer popular among Western people who have so much to do. The demands on our attention and our time seem endless, and we want a practical way to be free from all the complexity and suffering of our lives.

But there is nothing more practical than enlightenment. Whatever happiness we seek in this world is only temporary, and despite our best efforts we are always thrown back into suffering. But if we really want to completely uproot the causes of suffering – ignorance, negative emotions and negative action – and to achieve lasting happiness free from suffering, then enlightenment is the way.