| Absolute
happiness can result only from liberation and it follows therefore that spiritual
enlightenment alone, which frees the soul from all illusion, can liberate the soul by
breaking the bond of karma, the unending chain of work and results, and unite it again to
the Supreme Being, which is moksha (liberation). It
is necessary to point out that enlighten- ment does not mean learning, much or little.
Indeed, enlightenment (jnana) is not an intellectual state, but a state of spiritual
awakening which comes through moral rebuilding. Purity of life and a mind free from
selfish desires are essential for enlightenment. Without full moral self - control, no
enlightenment is possible.
Enlightenment does not come from extensive study or by learned discussion or through the
intellect. It comes of itself when one’s self intensely yearns for realization, but
not unless the mind has turned away from evil and has learnt to control itself and to be
at peace with the world. -Kathopanishad I-ii-23, 24. |
