Enlightenment in Buddhism refers to becoming a Buddha, which is the ultimate aim in Buddhism. It is the realization of the knowledge or wisdom, or awakened intellect, of a Buddha. The term "enlightenment" is used to translate several other Buddhist terms and concepts, which are used to denote initial insight, knowledge, and general insight into transcendental truth or reality. According to Buddhist tradition, any being can become enlightened as the Buddha did. In the Theravada tradition, enlightened beings other than the Buddha are known as arhats, or worthy ones. In Mahayana Buddhism, all beings are already inherently enlightened but have yet to realize it. In the Mahayana, all enlightened beings are Buddhas.
Enlightened beings have escaped the cyclic existence, known as samsara, and attained nirvana, where there is no more birth and death and no more suffering. To travel the path all the way to enlightenment, one needs to work to benefit others without expecting anything in return, and it is impossible to lose patience or get angry, to cling to people or to ignore them because we feel too busy or tired. As a Buddha, one is also omniscient, but not omnipotent. One cant eliminate others suffering, but one can show the way through teaching them and by being a living example.
Enlightenment might seem like an almost impossible-to-reach goal, and it is very difficult to achieve, but aiming in that direction gives incredible meaning to our lives. Understanding our interconnectedness with everyone, we protect ourselves from depression and anxiety. Our lives become full as we embark on the path towards enlightenment.
