The concept of enlightenment, often referred to in psychological literature as self-transcendence, refers to states where individuals experience profoundly positive emotions, a significant reduction in self-centeredness, and feelings of deep connection to others and the world. Research in neuroscience and psychology supports the reality of these states, showing changes in brain areas involved in self-awareness during deep meditation (Newberg, 2016; Yaden & Newberg, 2022).

Enlightenment is blocked by too much hunger (desire), because hunger causes us to seek excitement (pleasure). If we get used to too much excitement, normal moments might feel boring instead of peaceful. Enlightened states are the opposite, where people feel profound positive emotions like awe in simple moments like sitting on the same park bench they've been to many times, or peace when doing absolutely nothing.

In order to transform boredom to peace, we need to control our hunger. Hunger causes our itchiness (boredom, sadness, discomfort, anxiety) in unexciting moments, which blocks our peace (appreciation, love, joy, awe).

Boredom Is The Barrier And Pathway

What happens when you shut off all distractions and lay staring at the ceiling without thinking of anything? Many people won’t do this because it is too boring or uncomfortable to do nothing. What if instead of boredom or discomfort when doing nothing, you could feel emotions such as appreciation, love, joy, and awe? There is a way to achieve this state, but it will require sitting through the boredom that arises when doing nothing.

How Hungry Are You?

Boredom........

© Psychology Today