Understanding the Journey of Enlightenment and the Nature of Suffering

In the realm of spiritual exploration and enlightenment, the journey is complex and multifaceted. It is important to understand the various planes of existence and the nature of suffering as one progresses towards higher states of consciousness. This article aims to provide clarity on the differences between the realms of enlightenment, the nature of suffering in various spiritual planes, and the ultimate pursuit of liberation from suffering.

The Spiritual Hierarchy: Above and Below the Human Plane

The complexity of the spiritual journey is reflected in the diverse realms that one can inhabit. For beings residing above the human plane, enlightenment can vary greatly. At the pinnacle of this hierarchy, we find:

Buddhas: These beings have achieved total enlightenment, having undergone a profound transformation that obliterates the ego. They are no longer bound by sufferings, as they fully understand the nature of reality. A Buddha’s state of mind is one of supreme peace and wisdom. Bodhisattwas: These beings are on the path to becoming Buddhas, but they choose to remain in certain planes to help others achieve enlightenment. They experience suffering, as they bear witness to the pain of the world, but their commitment to others' enlightenment ultimately leads to their own liberation. Heavenly Beings and Voice Hearers: These beings are also on the path towards enlightenment and may experience a degree of suffering, albeit less intense than bodhisattwas. They possess a higher level of consciousness and are therefore more aware and blissful. Caused Awakened Ones: These beings are one step closer to enlightenment and experience a significant reduction in suffering, although there is still a lingering presence of ego and attachments.

Below the Human Plane

For beings below the human plane, the journey to enlightenment is often more challenging. Here are a few lower realms:

Asuras (Demigods): They possess many of the qualities of a Buddha but are often imprisoned by their desires and ego, leading to periodic conflicts and suffering. Animals: These beings have little or no capability for moral initiative and are often consumed by instinctual desires, which can lead to suffering. Hungry Spirits and Beings in Hell: These beings are trapped in a state of intense suffering, often caused by past karmic debts and unresolved conflicts from previous lives.

Becoming a human is considered the most fortunate state because it offers the unique opportunity to undertake the path of enlightenment and achieve perfect moral initiative. The human plane is the sphere where one can actively engage in positive actions and teachings, thereby moving closer to enlightenment and liberation.

The Impact of Enlightenment on Suffering

Regarding the correlation between enlightenment and suffering, it is crucial to understand that enlightenment does not eliminate all forms of suffering immediately. The level of suffering and the presence of the ego differ between the various spiritual planes. Only Buddhas are completely free from suffering as their ego has been fully extinguished, leading to a state of pure consciousness and bliss.

In contrast, beings like bodhisattwas, heavenly beings, voice hearers, and caused awakened ones may still experience some level of suffering, but their sufferings are much less intense and are often accompanied by the joy of being on the path towards enlightenment.

A story from OSHO illustrates this concept beautifully: "A little girl lifted her sick brother onto her back and walked through mountains. A man walking past said out of pity: Don't you think it's hard, little girl? Isn't that a heavy burden for you? The girl replied, Be careful what you say. What you see as a burden is my little brother! He is not a burden for me on the contrary, it is an honor for me to lift him! This story highlights that suffering is often in the mind and can be transformed into a source of joy and purpose.

The Role of Belief and Perspective

Belief and perspective play a pivotal role in transforming suffering. When we embrace a positive mindset and choose to see the world through a lens of compassion and understanding, we can find meaning and purpose even in challenging situations. Additionally, the concept of gratitude and acknowledging the challenges as opportunities for growth can significantly alleviate suffering.

The story of Ali, God, and the weather, further illustrates this point. Ali's resistance to the change in weather and his refusal to see it as an opportunity for a different kind of experience led to his suffering. It is when Ali realized that fighting against the weather was futile and began to embrace it, that his suffering ceased.

Similarly, in life, when we choose to be grateful for the rains, obstacles, and setbacks, we open ourselves to growth and transformation. The rain is not the problem; the problem lies in our resistance to it. By releasing our resistance, we release the suffering.

Conclusion

In the journey of enlightenment, the presence or absence of suffering is not a constant. It is an individual's perspective and the state of their consciousness that determine the levels of suffering they face. Only through the transformation of the ego and the attainment of true enlightenment can one achieve the state of mind that is free from suffering.

As the ancient wisdom posits, When there is no more fighting against suffering, there is no more suffering. And when we no longer fight against the changes in our lives, we can find a deeper sense of peace and acceptance. This is the true path to enlightenment.