So what happened after enlightenment?

This question is very important for a practicing Buddhist or Buddhist to be. Buddhism promises enlightenment in this very life if we practice according to the methods taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. But before we reach enlightenment, many of us have a preconceived notion about enlightenment.

Some may imagine that a beautiful halo will appear around their head. Others imagine they can read minds or travel without airplanes or communicate with spiritual beings. But is that really what enlightenment is all about?

If we find ourselves drawn to the aforesaid abilities, then we have lost sight of the purpose of Nirvana. Remember the Siddhartha in pain? The inescapable suffering of existence? Birth, aging, sickness, and death?

Nirvana is the end of all pain and suffering. It is the Ultimate Happiness.

Experiencing Ultimate Happiness

To illustrate this, consider the first week after the Buddha’s enlightenment. He sat under the Bodhi tree, immersed in the sheer bliss of nirvana, completely content without any desire or need. For seven days, he experienced a profound state of peace and happiness, a stark contrast to the restless and ambitious nature of the unenlightened Siddhartha.

This chapter of Buddha’s life is often skipped or ignored. Probably because it is very unfathomable to most of us. We cannot even imagine what it is like and if we were to try and understand it, we would probably find it unimpressive and boring?

In our daily lives, sitting still for even a short period can be challenging. Our minds are often restless, constantly seeking stimulation or satisfaction. The Buddha, however, demonstrated that true happiness does not depend on external circumstances or the fulfillment of desires.

The beauty of Nirvana is that simple. Really. So Shakyamuni Buddha just sat there, enjoying the bliss of Nirvana for 7 days.

The Ineffable Nature of Nirvana

So what exactly is nirvana like? This question, simple in appearance, eludes any straightforward answer. Nirvana transcends the bounds of logical reasoning and cannot be captured by analogies or intellectual speculation. It is akin to describing the taste of a fruit to someone who has never tasted it: no matter how precise or eloquent the description, the essence remains beyond grasp until experienced directly.

This fundamental message serves as a humbling reminder: nirvana is not a concept to be fully understood through study or contemplation alone. It cannot be defined by ordinary means, as it signifies a state of being that is entirely free from the afflictive emotions that plague the unenlightened mind.

In short, it is a transformation that needs to be experienced. Okay, that is not very helpful in answering the question, right? But nevertheless, we may relate to it in the following manner.

We are just like children who cannot understand the adult world.

Meanwhile, we need to have some basic knowledge about “adults” so that we can protect ourselves and mature with our practices.

The Nature of an Enlightened Being

Enlightened beings are free from greed, aversion, and ignorance, and transcend ordinary human limitations. Their minds are unburdened by negative thoughts or feelings, which are the root of suffering. This liberation from mental turmoil allows them to exist in a state of ultimate happiness and peace.

Although understanding nirvana in its entirety may be beyond our current capabilities, recognizing the nature of an enlightened being provides us with guidance. Genuine enlightened beings do not seek wealth, power, or adulation. They are free from desires and aversions, free from ambitions, embodying a state of peace and contentment that is independent of the material world.

This understanding also helps us discern between true practitioners and those who might falsely claim enlightenment. Authentic enlightened beings do not seek to manipulate or exploit others. They do not crave validation or material gain and certainly do not engage in immoral or harmful behaviors.

Understanding the above is like teaching children to identify bad people and refrain from eating anything given by a stranger.

To follow the path of Buddhism authentically, it is crucial to recognize that buddhas and enlightened beings do not desire worship or adulation. Unlike gods in many religions, they do not require us to sing their praises or offer them gifts. This realization shifts our focus from external acts of devotion to internal transformation.

Contemplating the above seriously will help us identify our goals and expectations. At the root of everything, are we really looking for Nirvana or something else?

If we have the right wisdom to seek Nirvana, then we will automatically have the wisdom to associate with wise teachers only and not be fooled by charlatans.

May all be well and happy.

Points for discussion

1. Misconceptions About Enlightenment:
   • Discuss common misconceptions about enlightenment, such as expecting supernatural abilities or visible halos, and contrast these with the true nature of enlightenment as described in the article.
   • Explore how these misconceptions might detract from the genuine pursuit of Nirvana and why understanding the real essence of enlightenment, as the end of suffering and ultimate happiness, is crucial for practitioners.
2. The Experiential Nature of Nirvana:
   • Delve into the challenges of comprehending Nirvana intellectually versus experiencing it directly.
   • Consider the analogy used in the article about describing the taste of a fruit to someone who has never tasted it, and discuss how this highlights the limitations of language and conceptual understanding in conveying the nature of Nirvana.
3. Characteristics of Enlightened Beings:
   • Examine the attributes of enlightened beings as outlined in the article, such as freedom from greed, aversion, and ignorance, and how these traits manifest in their behavior.
   • Discuss the implications of these characteristics for identifying true practitioners of Buddhism and avoiding those who falsely claim enlightenment. Consider the importance of internal transformation over external acts of devotion in the authentic practice of Buddhism.