Reading Bhikkhu Bodhi’s article What Does It Mean To Be Enlightened, it occurred to me that the terms awakened, liberated, perfected and nibanna do not all point to the same thing. There is a difference which can be explained by comparing them to the Buddha’s three conditions of enlightenment.
“What has to be known, that I have known;” – such is awakened
“What has to be abandoned, that I have abandoned;” – such is liberated
“What has to be developed, that I have developed;” – such is perfected in the paramis; abiding in the Brahma Viharas
“Therefore, O brahmin, I am a Buddha” – such is enlightened; gone beyond; being awakened, liberated and perfected, he has attained to nibanna here and now
About bodhimitta
Professionally, I have had several primary careers in life, starting with a dozen years in the U.S. Army in the Military Intelligence field, then some years as an electronics technician in both the civilian and defense industries, and finally computer software, where I have been engaged for about 25 years.
My first serious attempt to adopt a spiritual path was in 1987 as a result of life gone awry and an attempt to get myself back on track. This took me to forms of Christianity, with which I did not connect well, and after a few years I left this path.
By 2001 I was bitter, demoralized, at odds with the world and everybody in it, including myself. Reaching a breaking point, I again threw myself into an effort to change my life. Being willing to try anything, I investigated several religions, studying their scripture and practicing their ways to one extent or another. Eventually this led to Hinduism and meditation, and seeking meditation training led me to Buddhism where I finally found my spiritual home. My path is born out of suffering and the Buddha speaks to me.
I have been committed to a Buddhist path for 10 years, studied the Pali canon for several years under the guidance of a Buddhist teacher, and sat a number of formal Vipassana and concentration meditation retreats and private retreats, the longest being 5 weeks in private retreat. I've made pilgrimage and spent months experiencing the history and culture of Buddhism in several Asian countries. I believe strongly in practice as a part of life and meet several times a week with people who have an ongoing, engaged practice. My experience is that teachers are found in centers, sangha is found in living rooms, and the dhamma is found in life.
