Can You Explain Enlightenment Using Metaphor?

How might one understand the process of enlightenment or awakening through metaphor? Rupert says: ‘The best metaphor I know for so-called enlightenment is John Smith acting on stage as King Lear, completely caught up in his thoughts, feelings, actions and relationships. At some stage, either naturally or induced by a practice, a pause opens up in the stream of his experience, and in that pause, the knowledge “I am John Smith” shines. It’s the same with us – we’re going about our lives, and then either nature gives us a free gift (like the fulfilment of a desire, a moment of wonder, grief, a pause between thoughts, the peace of deep sleep) or we cultivate it with meditation. In that gap between thoughts, the light of our being shines. You have to cultivate going back, having repeated glimpses of your true nature, only to lose yourself again in the content of experience. Each time you come back, you’re weakening the old habit of getting lost in the content of experience.’

From event 05 - 12 April, 2025 Seven-Day Retreat at Mandali, 5–12 April 2025

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