Psychological Stages of Enlightenment

A theoretical framework proposes five major stages of human development toward enlightenment, each with distinct markers. Stage 1 is the conventional self, where well-being depends on pleasure and pain. Stage 2 (Mindfulness) brings nonjudgmental objectivity and seeing thoughts as passing events. Stage 3 involves awakening events that interrupt the sense of a continuous self. Stage 4 is a stabilized, altruistic, peaceful state with no discernible self and increased functionality. Stage 5 is the rare, uninterrupted blissful state of perfected enlightenment with unlimited capacities. The authors argue that evidence-based mindfulness research can evaluate these stages and may offer psychological antidotes to mental health issues, shifting from coping to contentment.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The journey to actualise our full potential is a complex one but there is research to suggest it is marked with signs along the way. Following an investigation of the literature, a theoretical framework made up of five major stages and their markers is proposed. It is suggested that in Stage 1, the conventional sense of self, well-being pivots on the experiences of pleasure and pain. In Stage 2 (Mindfulness) a new level of nonjudgmental objectivity develops where thoughts can be seen as passing mental events. With practice, Stage 3 awakening events may occur, leading to an interruption of the sense of a continuous self. Over time, these intermittent states may stabilise, leaving a default of the ongoing awakened state of Stage 4, an altruistic, peaceful resting state with no discernible sense of self, and increased functionality. Finally, after a seemingly infinite amount of practice, the rare uninterrupted blissful state of perfected enlightenment, along with unlimited capacities, occurs (Stage 5). With the increase now in evidence-based mindfulness research, we are able to evaluate the psychology of enlightenment and its associated stages. If we can translate methods and outcomes into psychological language and find common ground with western concepts of happiness and human potential, we may find antidotes to our mental health inquiry, that can raise the bar from coping to contentment.