Enlightenment (Διαφώτιση)

-From the Meletic Scrolls.

In Meleticism, enlightenment is not a destination but a continuous, evolving process of self-awareness and intellectual growth. It is the gradual unfolding of wisdom through conscious effort, meditation and introspection. To achieve enlightenment, one must first embark on a journey of relinquishment, shedding the lingering burdens that hinder the mind, soul and body from attaining true awareness.

Meleticism delineates three states of enlightenment, each corresponding to a fundamental aspect of our being. These are:

Ipsilos (The Highest State)

-This is the enlightenment of the mind. It is the realm of higher reasoning, intellectual transcendence and the ability to perceive beyond the material and into the abstract nature of reality.

Mesis (The Middle State)

-This is the enlightenment of the soul, where one attains harmony between emotion and reason, understanding the interconnection of existence without being swayed by extremes.

Hamilos (The Lowest State)

-This is the enlightenment of the body. Though it is the most tangible of the three, it is also the most difficult to master, as physical desires and attachments often impede one’s journey towards a balanced state.

Enlightenment in its purest form, follows the natural order of the nous or the intellect. The mind is the foundation upon which our thoughts and principles are built, and through it, the soul and body align with the greater purpose of existence.

The Eight Relinquishments:

To progress towards enlightenment, one must first abandon the distractions and burdens that confuse the mind and soul. These eight relinquishments serve as guiding principles in purging the unnecessary from our lives.

1. Relinquish the Ego.

The ego is not inherently evil, but when it dominates our thoughts and actions, it becomes a prison that confines us to self-centred illusions. To relinquish the ego does not mean to destroy the self, but to free ourselves from its control. We must no longer be unwilling hostages to its power and influence.

2. Relinquish Excessive Materialism.

Material possessions serve a purpose, but when we become consumed by them, they blind us with greed. To relinquish excessive materialism is to understand that wealth and possessions do not define our worth. True fulfilment is found in wisdom, not in accumulation.

3. Relinquish Unnecessary Desires.

Not all desires are harmful, but those that distract us from our purpose can lead us astray. To relinquish unnecessary desires means to distinguish between what is essential and what is fleeting, to avoid being ruled by pleasures that provide only momentary gratification.

4. Relinquish Obsessive Vices.

Vices are not merely habits; they are manifestations of deeper weaknesses within us. Whether it be excess, addiction or indulgence, such vices corrupt our virtues. By relinquishing obsessive vices, we regain mastery over our willpower and choices.

5. Relinquish Impassioned Envy.

​​​Envy is a poison that erodes our contentment. To covet what others have is to diminish the value of our own journey. Relinquishing envy allows us to appreciate our own path without resentment, creating a mindset of gratitude and self-sufficiency.

6. Relinquish Impulsive Anger.

Anger is a natural emotion, but when it is uncontrolled, it disrupts our equanimity. Impulsive anger confuses our judgement, leading to reckless actions and it distances us from enlightenment. To relinquish anger is to cultivate patience and inner peace.

7. Relinquish Burdened Guilt.

Guilt, when carried unnecessarily, becomes a heavy burden. Whilst reflection and accountability are important, prolonged guilt hinders personal growth. To relinquish guilt is to acknowledge our past mistakes, learn from them and move forward without self-imposed suffering.

8. Relinquish the Past.

The past shapes who we are, but clinging to it prevents us from evolving. Old wounds, regrets and attachments can tether us to what no longer serves us. To relinquish the past is to free ourselves from stagnation and embrace the present as the true moment of transformation.

These relinquishments are not acts of deprivation, but acts of liberation. By letting go, we make space for wisdom, clarit, and ultimately, enlightenment.

Enlightenment is not a static state but a flowing, changing stream of consciousness that Meleticism calls the rheuma rhei. Like water that moves effortlessly through its course, wisdom too must flow unhindered by the obstacles we impose upon ourselves.

If we are to achieve enlightenment, we must first remove the barriers that prevent us from fully experiencing wisdom. When these barriers are lifted, knowledge is no longer external; it becomes an inherent part of us, something understood not just intellectually, but intuitively. This is the realisation of true enlightenment.

Enlightenment transcends the limitations of the body and reaches into the profound depths of the mind. Perception is just as fundamental as comprehension. It is not enough to simply discern knowledge; one must understand its worth and significance.

We are born with innate qualities, such as consciousness, reason and intuition that imbue us with the ability to learn and grow. Intelligence is not measured by the quantity of knowledge one possesses, but by the wisdom with which that knowledge is applied.

No one is less intelligent by mere ignorance, and no one is truly wise through knowledge alone. Wisdom is the understanding of knowledge beyond its factual existence. To attain enlightenment, one must contemplate not only what is known, but why it holds meaning.

Enlightenment is not perfection. It is not an unattainable ideal or an ultimate goal that once reached, requires no further effort. Rather, it is the acceptance of imperfection, the ability to see beyond the superficial and embrace the deeper truths of existence.

To exercise the mind daily is to engage with enlightenment. It is a process that unfolds over a lifetime. Those who understand the meaning of something will ultimately realise the significance of its existence. Philosophy should not be an abstract concept, but a lived truth that plants the seeds of wisdom and harvests the knowledge of enlightenment.

Enlightenment in its elemental form is like a natural stream of water. The mind is the stream and thoughts are the currents. Just as a stream flows in multiple directions, so too do our thoughts; some inwards, towards introspection and others outwards, towards expression.

The stream may have ripples, and these ripples represent the uncertainties in our lives. Just as water finds its balance, so too must we. To be centred is to avoid extremes and to remain balanced where the conscience firmly resides.

Just as water from a fountain creates harmony when it merges with its true source, so too does the mind achieve harmony when it connects with consciousness. The mind is the fountain, and consciousness is the water.

A flower grows from a seed with the nourishment of nature. Similarly, our thoughts, when cultivated with wisdom, blossom into enlightenment. Nothing about this process is mystical or beyond reach; it is simply the recognition of its natural occurrence.

Enlightenment is the metaphysical purity of the Enas. It is the realisation that all existence is interconnected, and that wisdom is not separate from us, but is woven into the essential fabric of our being. The journey to enlightenment is not about detachment from life. Instead, it is a deeper engagement with its truths.

By embracing Meleticism and its worthy principles, we cultivate a mind that flows with wisdom, a soul that resonates with harmony and a body that aligns with balance. This is the real essence of enlightenment, which is the awareness of oneself, the universe and the boundless wisdom that connects all existential things with the (To Ένa) the One.

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