Q. I had a new experience during a week-long Zen retreat under a master’s guidance and was approved as being enlightened by him. However, I still don’t know what I attained or what enlightenment is. Am I really enlightened?

Q. I had a new experience during a week-long Zen retreat under a master’s guidance and was approved as being enlightened by him. However, I still don’t know what I attained or what enlightenment is. Am I really enlightened?

A. No matter what your eye doctor says, you still have a problem with your eyes if you can’t see things clearly, or if you have some pain in them. If you believe that you are enlightened while not knowing what enlightenment is, only just because a master said that you were enlightened, it is like leaving your diseased eyes uncured while believing that they are fine only because a quack doctor says so.

Enlightenment is not a vague and obscure experience. Ancient masters would say that it is as clear as if you awaken from a dream, or as if you feel full after eating enough food. So, my answer to your question is “No”.

©Boo Ahm

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