Anything but enlightenment is pure pain; it is the lack of enlightenment.
This quote asserts that anything short of enlightenment, which can be understood as a state of complete understanding or awareness, is pure pain. This idea is rooted in the belief that suffering derives from ignorance or lack of understanding. The ‘pain’ referred to here doesn’t necessarily mean physical pain, but rather can be understood as a metaphor for the inner turmoil, confusion, dissatisfaction, or unhappiness that one experiences when they lack enlightenment or understanding.
The second part of the quote implies that the absence of enlightenment is a void that needs to be filled. This suggests that enlightenment is not an added bonus or a luxury, but rather a fundamental need for a fulfilled, harmonious life. It is as essential as air, water, or food for our survival and wellbeing.
Applying this idea to today’s world or personal development, it can be interpreted as a call to pursue knowledge, understanding, and awareness as a way to alleviate suffering and achieve a more fulfilling life. This could mean striving to understand oneself better, seeking to understand the world and the people around us, or pursuing spiritual enlightenment.
In the context of personal development, it underscores the importance of continuous learning and growth. It suggests that ignorance or lack of understanding is a source of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, and that by seeking to learn and understand more, we can alleviate this ‘pain’.
In a broader societal context, it could be seen as a critique of a society that values material wealth and superficial success over wisdom and understanding. It suggests that such a society is fundamentally unfulfilled and in ‘pain’, and that the path to a more harmonious and fulfilled society lies in seeking enlightenment or understanding.
In essence, the quote is a reminder that enlightenment – in whatever form it may take – is not something to be dismissed or neglected, but rather is a fundamental need that we should strive to fulfill in order to live a fulfilling life. It is a call to prioritize understanding and awareness in our lives, and a reminder that without it, we are likely to experience dissatisfaction and ‘pain’.
