Salvation and enlightenment. Two words so heavy with significance they almost echo when spoken. These concepts are the bedrock of many spiritual teachings, and yet, they can often feel shrouded in mystery. What’s the difference between them? Are they even possible? And if so, how do you go about achieving them? Today, let’s explore each of them and look at your heart’s role along these two distinct journeys.
Have you ever wondered about the distinction between Salvation and Enlightenment? The terms may seem interchangeable at first glance, but they represent different, though interconnected, spiritual states. Both are states of higher consciousness, of connection with God or the Divine. But they do refer to unique experiences along our spiritual journey. Understanding this difference can illuminate our spiritual journey and bring deeper meaning to our quest for connection with the Divine. Let’s unpack this a little more.
The Sanctuary of Salvation
Salvation, as commonly understood in Western religious thought, represents a form of spiritual liberation. It involves being delivered from perceived sin and eternal suffering that seem to color our human experience.
Contrary to popular perception, salvation is not about seeking an escape route to a future heaven. Instead, it involves reaching an inner level of unconditional love, a transformation so potent that spiritual teachers like Dr. David R. Hawkins calibrate it at 540 on a scale of consciousness. This is the level of the heart.
As Jesus taught, salvation is the attainment of a highly advanced spiritual state that is loving, caring, nurturing, and supportive of all life. When you become unconditionally loving, you transcend duality—the concept of right versus wrong, us versus them, good versus evil. In this state of consciousness, you understand that we are all interconnected and, at our core, beings of pure love. From this state, it is easier to feel compassion towards others, forgive them, and do whatever you can to help ease their suffering.
Have you ever had one of those moments where love swept over you in such a way that everything else became insignificant? That is a small taste of salvation. It’s not about the heavens parting or angels singing—it’s about the simple, profound shift within you that allows love to pour forth. It’s a crucial step on the journey of spiritual awakening, providing a stable foundation for the next phase of the journey—enlightenment.
The Epiphany of Enlightenment
While salvation is a haven of unconditional love, enlightenment is the zenith of consciousness, a state beyond ordinary human experience. It represents a seismic shift in our perception, where our ego—the perceived sense of self—dissolves, revealing the unobstructed, ultimate reality of our consciousness. According to Dr. Hawkins, this state of consciousness calibrates at 650 and above on his consciousness scale.
Enlightenment is a profound and transformative experience that extends beyond the mere sensation of fleeting joy or temporary happiness. The state of enlightenment is a permanent and sustained state of consciousness that transcends the limits of our physical and emotional experiences. It awakens us to a new level of awareness, where we can experience an immense sense of inner peace, joy, and fulfillment.
This state of unified consciousness allows us to connect with the world around us in a deeper and more meaningful way, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and empathy towards all living beings. It is a state of mind that not only brings us a sense of inner peace and tranquility but also propels us to live a life of purpose and meaning, driven by the desire to make a positive impact in the world.
Figures such as Krishna and Buddha taught enlightenment, emphasizing the rarity and preciousness of such an attainment. Buddha said, “Rare is to be born a human; rarer still is to have heard of enlightenment; and most rare is to pursue enlightenment.” These enlightened masters taught us that enlightenment is an everlasting journey of self-discovery and self-transcendence, a path where each step brings us closer to the awakened state.
The Different Pathways to God
We are all candidates for both salvation and enlightenment. These are not so much destinations as they are higher states of being, which we can achieve by walking a variety of paths. In the spiritual traditions of the world, many paths lead to the same truth. I have identified five such paths for our journey towards the Divine.
The Path of Knowledge: This is the path to God through the mind. It echoes the ancient Greek aphorism, “Man, know thyself.” On this path, we scrutinize our thoughts and beliefs, dissecting and discarding what is not true or beneficial. By shedding our ignorance and illusions, we gain wisdom and liberation.
The Path of Love: The journey to God through the heart, where unconditional love reigns supreme. As we open our hearts, we transcend our dualities and prejudices. This path aligns with my personal approach to spiritual growth and what I refer to as Heart Awakening. Like Jesus, I believe that when a soul reaches this state of love, the path to enlightenment is secured.
The Path of Service: Some reach God through selfless action, serving others with no expectation of reward. In service, we see the divine in all beings and in all actions. The life of Mother Teresa is a testament to this path.
The Path of Meditation: This path helps us transcend the mind and access the divine reality underpinning all existence. Through quiet introspection, we peel away layers of thought and emotion, revealing the core of our being—pure consciousness.
The Path of Devotion: This is a way of life where we devote ourselves to seeing and serving God in all its creations. Each act, be it as mundane as watering the plants or as significant as helping others, becomes an act of service to the Divine.
Each path is unique and resonates differently with each individual. Some, like myself, may find the path of love more appealing, while others may resonate more with the path of knowledge or service. The goal, however, remains the same—to lead us to salvation and eventually, enlightenment.
If You Desire Salvation…
If your goal is salvation, remember, it’s ultimately about reaching a level of unconditional love. Therefore, immerse yourself in acts of love, compassion, and acceptance. Discover the strength within vulnerability, embrace forgiveness, and let love guide your actions.
Here are some helpful actionable steps:
- Cultivate compassion: It helps us see beyond differences and recognize our common humanity, connecting us with others on a deeper level.
- Practice forgiveness: Holding on to resentment and grudges harms us and keeps us trapped in the past. Forgiveness frees us from these chains.
- Surrender all unlovingness: Let go of resistance to love and surrender all that blocks experiencing it.
- Live authentically: Honor your feelings, desires, and values. Living authentically brings us closer to our divine nature.
- Follow Christ’s teachings: Invite Jesus to be your master and savior, and let him be your teacher of unconditional love.
If You Desire Enlightenment…
If your goal is enlightenment, understand that it requires a shift in consciousness, a transcendence beyond the mind and ego. Foster mindfulness, meditate, and practice self-reflection. Remain open to new insights and experiences, and let your life be guided by compassion and wisdom.
Here are some ways to achieve this:
- Practice mindfulness: Being present and fully aware in each moment helps us see things as they are, free of our interpretations and judgments.
- Seek wisdom: Continue to learn and grow. Seek wisdom in books, nature, silence, and the words of the wise.
- Seek truth: Be open to learning and discovering the truth about yourself and the world. Remember, “the truth shall set you free”.
- Practice meditation: Regular meditation helps to quiet the mind, deepen your awareness, and bring you closer to your true Self.
- Follow the teachings of Krishna, Buddha, or other enlightened masters: let their wisdom and divine essence lead you to the light.
Final Thoughts
As a spiritual teacher, I believe that once a person attains the level of unconditional love, their path towards enlightenment is essentially assured, much like Jesus believed. This conviction forms the foundation of my Heart Mastery, Heart Leader Training and other group programs. It is why I am committed to helping people reconnect with their hearts and, through their hearts, to the heart of God – the loving intelligence that governs all life.
As Heart Leaders, it is important to remember that the journey towards salvation and enlightenment is a deeply personal and unique experience. Therefore, honor your path and the paths of others, for ultimately, they all lead to God. As you walk your unique path, remember that it is about self-discovery, self-transcendence, and ultimately, the realization of your divine nature.
From my heart to yours,
