Enlightenment

015. THREE REALIZATIONS

First watch, he realized the past lives of himself and others. Second watch, he realized the law of Karma. Third watch, he was released from the causes of stress, sensuality and becoming.

016. THE ENLIGHTENMENT

After 49 days of meditation, in the last part of the night, Siddhartha looked up and saw the morning star. He awoke as if from a dream, and he was enlightened. According to the Northern tradition, the newly realized Buddha exclaimed: “How wonderful, how miraculous – all beings are fully endowed with the wisdom and power of the Tathagata (Buddha) – but sadly human beings, on account of their sticky attachments, are not aware of it.”

017. CLARITY OF VISION

“Before enlightenment, all things in the outer world are deceptive and confusing. After enlightenment, we see all things as magic shadow-plays, and all objective things become helpful friends.”

MILAREPA (C.1052–C.1135), TIBET

018. EVERYWHERE

“At that moment none gave way to anger, no one was ill or experienced any discomfort, none resorted to sinful ways or indulged in intoxication of the mind; the world became tranquil, as though it had reached perfection.”

ASVAGHOSA (80–150), INDIA

019. THE GREATEST WARRIOR

“Though one man conquers a thousand times a thousand men in battle, he who conquers himself is the greatest warrior.”

THE DHAMMAPADA

020. DIALOGUE WITH A BRAHMIN

A brahmin once asked the Buddha:

“Are you a God?”

“No, brahmin,” said the Buddha.

“Are you a saint?”

“No, brahmin,” said the Buddha.

“Are you a magician?”

“No, brahmin,” said the Buddha.

“What are you then?”

“I am awake.”