How to Become Enlightened

Q. Can you give your most concise and comprehensive instructions for becoming enlightened?

A. Let me begin by saying that we are all, in one respect, already completely awake. While this is true, most of us need certain methods or techniques to become aware of our true nature, even though it is always already within us. The following instructions are just one possible way. I hope you find it useful.

1) I'd recommend a good half hour to an hour of meditation every day. Ideally first thing in the morning, though the time of day is not as crucial as consistency (e.g., same time each day), which is the most important thing when developing any new habit.

2) Understand that the point of meditation is to begin to witness or objectify whatever arises without getting overly engaged in any of it. So, observe any sensations, thoughts or feelings that arise. If you end up recreating and inhabiting an entire virtual world in your imagination, catch yourself and come back to your breath, which is the best anchoring point for getting re-centered so you can start witnessing again.

3) Once you are able to witness whatever arises, intentionally shift your attention towards the source of witnessing itself. Eventually, you will recognize that the light of awareness itself is your true nature, which is experienced as a feeling of boundless freedom and the joyful brightness of pure being.