Enlightenment: Difference between revisions

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The '''Enlightenment''' was an 18th century movement in Western [[philosophy]]. Some classifications also include 17th century philosophy, usually called the [[Age of Reason]].  
Enlightenment, or awakening, is a concept held in many Eastern religions as the apex of spiritual life.  In the Gnostic Christian tradition it is often referred to as ''epiphany'', in Buddhism it is called ''bodi'', in Zen Buddhism and Yoga, ''samadhi''. In the Tantric Yoga tradition, it is sometimes also referred to as a ''kundalini experience''.


The term can more narrowly refer to the intellectual movement of ''The Enlightenment'', which advocated [[rationalism|reason]] as the primary basis of authority. Developed in [[France]], [[Britain]] and [[Germany]], it influenced the whole of [[Europe]] including [[Russia]] and [[Scandinavia]]. The era is marked politically by governmental consolidation, nation creation, greater rights for the common people, and a diminuation of the influence of authoritarian institutions such as the nobility and the Church.  
In general, the experience refers to a point at which an aspirant breaks through the barrier of temporal existence and has a direct experience of God.


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Revision as of 09:43, 27 December 2007

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Enlightenment, or awakening, is a concept held in many Eastern religions as the apex of spiritual life. In the Gnostic Christian tradition it is often referred to as epiphany, in Buddhism it is called bodi, in Zen Buddhism and Yoga, samadhi. In the Tantric Yoga tradition, it is sometimes also referred to as a kundalini experience.

In general, the experience refers to a point at which an aspirant breaks through the barrier of temporal existence and has a direct experience of God.