Enlightenment

I just read: true enlightenment is free of animosity. 

To observe the world now and historically, we might conclude there is and has been very little enlightenment happening. It's more like hysterical attacks on one another and on oneself.

There have been just enough enlightened beings to let us know it is possible. We might be asking, is it possible for me, for my family, for society? Where do I go, how do I find it, who can teach me?

I think each must find our own way. For Buddha it was going all over the place and then finally sitting down under a tree, being still and receptive, maybe surrendering. He came to know our attachments keep us bound to the wheel of suffering. Jesus spent time alone in the wilderness and came to know the Kingdom of God is within and love is essential. (And of course they came to know much more).

It seems to me that we would do well to notice the testament of their lives. Our world is not easily conducive to quiet days of reflection, contemplation and listening within. We have to find our own version of wilderness.

Suggestions: turn off electronic devices for an hour or more a day and be still;  turn them off one day a week and be still; go out in nature and be with the trees and all that is natural; meditate daily; read inspirational thoughts and journal on them; practise the Presence of God as constantly as you can.

And, of course, we have to ask ourselves if we really and truly are willing to let go of all animosity, and if we are really and truly seeking enlightenment. Each answer "yes" lifts everyone a bit. Together we make a difference that is geometric, 1+1 is more than 2, and at the same time,  it is one.