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Good question!
Unfortunately, in the New Age, we speak a language that not only other people outside cannot understand - but even those within it are speaking at cross purposes.
We have no consistent terminology or glossary of terms, hence everyone is confused! The Tower of Babel has arrived in the New Age!
The word 'enlightenment' means only 'awareness' but awareness of what you might ask!
Enlightenment is awareness of yourself, yes, and some people leave it there! They say "I am aware of myself and therefore I am enlightened'!
However, awareness of self is nothing special! Big deal - so what?
Awareness of oneself in relation to others is the beginning of true awareness (enlightenment), but who are 'others' I hear you ask? Family, neighbours, friends, those within our communities who are perhaps old, lonely or unwell - becoming aware of their condition - and being there to help - is enlightened behaviour.
We might travel to other countries, see the way other people live and speak to them and learn of their difficulties and their joys. A greater awareness and a greater enlightenment will occur due to this. To consider animals and their circumstances will increase awareness (and therefore increase enlightenment). To understand about trees, climate change, the delicate balance of eco-systems and pollution of our planet, now we are speaking about a less common awareness (and a less common level of enlightenment). To care for others, protect animals, and not exploit the planet, now we are becoming very aware (and very enlightened), especially if we change our behaviour, because it is easy to know about something, and do nothing.
We also need to know about the consequences of our actions in this life and the effect it will have on others, yet to be born. We are becoming intensely aware (and intensely enlightened). Actually if you are aware (and enlightened) and do nothing - you are self-centred and therefore ignorant. Enlightenment requires a spiritual path, not just sitting under a tree knowing that the world is falling apart!
If everyone helped others gain awareness (enlightenment) - and understood that not just awareness (enlightenment) is sufficient but that action is required, the world would be a safer and happier place.
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