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Enlightenment in Pagan or revival religions?

Onkara

Well-Known Member
To anyone who knows about paganism,
Is there any concepts similar to Spiritual Enlightenment or Self-realisation in Paganism (commonly found in Dharmic religions)?

I am not looking to make a comparison as such but to understand the concept if at all from pagan perspectives?

Do you feel there is a requirement to some how become enlightened or a risk of un-enlightenment or failure to achieve something similar?

Is there room for this concept in Paganism?
 

Gentoo

The Feisty Penguin
Enlightenment can be found anywhere, including Paganism if you want to look for it... or allow it to come to you, as the case may be.
 

Quintessence

Consults with Trees
Staff member
Premium Member
There are quite a few undercurrents I've noticed here and there that emphasize something similar to this, such as being true to your "higher self" or listening to your "divine self." Neopagan paths rely quite a bit on personal mystical experiences, and some may suggest these experiences are similar as well. I'm not sure if these concepts are precisely analogous to the ones you're referencing, though, Onkara. It might be helpful if you describe more precisely what you mean by "Spiritual Enlightenment" with respect to your question.
 

Vasilisa Jade

Formerly Saint Tigeress
To anyone who knows about paganism,
Is there any concepts similar to Spiritual Enlightenment or Self-realisation in Paganism (commonly found in Dharmic religions)?

I am not looking to make a comparison as such but to understand the concept if at all from pagan perspectives?

Do you feel there is a requirement to some how become enlightened or a risk of un-enlightenment or failure to achieve something similar?

Is there room for this concept in Paganism?

Paganism is such a broad term...

I agree with Quint... although in my general paganism meanderings I never saw mention of the higher self/higher genius/true self... I stumbled across that more so in my chaos/setian/luciferian/ceremonial magick studies...

The wiccan/pagan practices seemed geared in a different direction but I don't know enough about it to say much intelligently.

Enlightenment is possible anywhere. It isn't isolated to a particular path or sometimes to any path at all. Sometimes particular paths and practices may lead to it faster than others, is all. Anyone can dive into themselves and wake up to their true nature if they go deep enough inside themselves.
 

Quintessence

Consults with Trees
Staff member
Premium Member
... although in my general paganism meanderings I never saw mention of the higher self/higher genius/true self... I stumbled across that more so in my chaos/setian/luciferian/ceremonial magick studies...

Interesting. I won't say I came across if often either. In particular, Christopher Penczak uses that sort of terminology, and he is a little more "New Agey" than some Neopagan authors are. I've seen the term used more often in the New Age movement than in Neopaganism. Aspiring to know one's "higher self" generally isn't the point of being Neopagan; it's usually oriented more around reverence/celebration of the gods or nature. Perhaps that's the different general direction you were trying to pin in your last post?
 

Onkara

Well-Known Member
Thanks Saint Tigress and Quintessence for the additional input. You have saved me a lot or research from calling on your own backgrounds :) I was curious if this had a conceptual/theological role.

I agree in that I don't see any limitations on enlightenment related to path specifically.
 

Nisou Kitsune

Resident Anime Freak
My question is, what is there to be Enlightened about? For each pagan, our path is personal, so I can only tell you what my experience is. I have a personal connection with the Divine every day, and "revelations" and "enlightenment" (with a lower case e) happens every day.

We already have the "profound truths" and most ignore it. Why should the Gods have to give it to us over and over again?
 

Onkara

Well-Known Member
My question is, what is there to be Enlightened about? For each pagan, our path is personal, so I can only tell you what my experience is. I have a personal connection with the Divine every day, and "revelations" and "enlightenment" (with a lower case e) happens every day.

We already have the "profound truths" and most ignore it. Why should the Gods have to give it to us over and over again?

Hello Nisou
Thanks.
I think you hit the nail on the head in your last line too. More that the metaphysics of Enlightenment (captial E), my question is about the concept or theology of Pagan/revival religions.

I was wondering if God gives out grace or rewards in Pagan theology and if so if that includes Enlightenment or the final truth/liberation. As you say, this is already present so there is no need for Gods to give it. What role then do the God play?
 

DreadFish

Cosmic Vagabond
In a close match to the dharmic concept of enlightenment: Tibetan "Bon" shares a practice called Dzogchen with Tibetan Buddhism, and many believe it predates Tibet's introduction to Buddhism, and was originally a part of the Bon religion. (Padmasambhava, who introduced Buddhism to Tibet made an effort to mix it in with the already present animist religion of the people).
Bon is animist, and animism is considered a pagan belief system.

Anyway, Dzogchen means something like "natural great perfection" and aims at fully realizing the state of dzogchen which is basically just the true nature of all of existence.

So, at least one non dharmic path has a similar concept.
 

sol_mas

Spiritual Investigator
What role then do the Gods play?

Howdy Onkara,

I'm sure there are many different roles the Gods play for different Pagans.

The Goddess provides me with a sense of order, a sense of peace; I commune with Her, which allows me to practice my version of the Middle Way more effectively.

However, I may not be the best person to use as an example; I suppose I could be accused of 'using' Dharmic philosophies and practices incorrectly, although I think I would make the Buddha smile with my efforts. ;-)

-sm
 

Onkara

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the feedback, Sol_Mas
I see no issue with including Dharmic practices :D My impression of Paganism is that it is very flexible.
 

Nisou Kitsune

Resident Anime Freak
Hello Nisou
Thanks.
I think you hit the nail on the head in your last line too. More that the metaphysics of Enlightenment (captial E), my question is about the concept or theology of Pagan/revival religions.

I was wondering if God gives out grace or rewards in Pagan theology and if so if that includes Enlightenment or the final truth/liberation. As you say, this is already present so there is no need for Gods to give it. What role then do the God play?

Yes, our Gods give us our do honor and rewards, but not willy nilly. For the Gods, you earn your rewards, and sometimes your reward is knowledge or wisdom through pain. Again, truth is subjective, and I personally dont believe in One Truth(tm). The only thing that could be considered Truth is that we are all living on the same planet, and we should all treat each other like we know we should. Everything else is a personal path, including enlightenment.

What are the Gods for? Well, the answer is Yes.:run:

But honestly, They serve many purposes. Along with Their own attributes, they serve as guiders and shapers. They serve as messengers, transporters, elders, examples and role models (of both the bad and good parts), protectors. The Gods do more than just enlighten. They are busy!
 
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