覚りと進化
Enlightenment and Evolution
2024-01-26 17:40:00
Some may consider:
“Enlightenment (=liberation) a part of human evolution.”
However, it is firmly believed that enlightenment is indeed a manifestation of a function inherent in contemporary humanity.
The reason being, if enlightenment were a form of evolution, then there might be individuals inherently enlightened from birth, yet throughout recorded history, such instances have not been observed.
In other words, every individual is born with this designation and form (nama-rupa) from the outset. Moreover, it is likely undeniable that the path to achieving the cessation and extinction of this lies solely in the practice of the Buddha's teachings; there seems to be no other way. As a professional in Buddhism, this is the assertion.
And this serves as the foundation guaranteeing that anyone (who is human) can attain enlightenment.
Therefore, all Buddhas have designated the path to enlightenment as a singular way, and fundamentally, they expound the same principles.
Furthermore, since enlightenment is not a form of evolution, there is no concern that those who have attained enlightenment would be perceived as distinct beings by people (sentient beings).
On the contrary, those who have attained enlightenment are likely to be respected by others.
This is because an enlightened individual is, in essence, an embodiment of the ultimate aspect of humanity—the aspect of compassion/mercy—and remains within the same realm of humanity.
***
