Towards Enlightenment
June 14, 2018 DOI: 10.4324/9780429506390-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Insight meditation |
| Key points | Argues that Buddhism functions as a system of education aimed at transitioning humanity from egoic to post-egoic consciousness (enlightenment), and that global world peace cannot be achieved without this transition. Contends that insight meditation and the Four Immeasurables provide the contemplative methodology needed for this shift. |
Abstract
In this paper, a case is made that Buddhism is a system of education that is designed to transition humanity from egoic consciousness to post-egoic consciousness, which is also known as enlightenment. It is further argued that global world peace cannot be had if such transition is not made. Toward this transition, Buddhism is seen as making an essential contribution by providing us with contemplative methodology for the shift in consciousness. Meditational technologies, such as insight meditation and working with the Four Immeasurables, are introduced and shown how they support the transition.