Literal Enlightenment

We have discussed the point that the word “enlightenment” is a bit of a problem for modern Buddhists in the West because it has its own, particular meaning now and because people have various associations with it that more get in the way than help elucidate what the Buddhist path is about. We typically use the word, “awaken” instead, which is what “buddha” means in the language the Buddha spoke anyway.

Some teachers also say that the Buddha realized “the deathless.” That does not mean that the historical Buddha is still running around in India at 2,500 years old. He died. He’s long dead. No…