Hi Edward,

depending on how it’s defined, I think it’s certainly possible. And I like to think of myself as one seeking to be one of those who are “enlightened”. But I also realize that there is far more than I don’t know than I do, and I have far more questions than answers. But a great many people who claim to be enlightened are, I suspect, not. If someone has to go out publicly and claim to be “enlightened” but writes books or gives speeches or teaches courses that they charge excessive amounts of money to access- aren’t enlightened, after all. The Buddha Gautama and Jesus said much the same thing- Gautama: if you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him (metaphorically- no truly enlightened person would have to tell you they’re “enlightened”). Jesus: beware false prophets who tell you they have found Heaven (enlightenment) and will gladly show you where if you follow them (no honest person would make such claims unless they intended to gain from it, financially or for power) are nothing more than the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing. So, I suppose Jesus was saying the same thing: if you meet someone claiming to be the equal of Jesus, kill him (metaphorically).

An enlightened person doesn’t need to claim to be, just as one who is intelligent doesn’t need to claim to be- in both cases, it’s seen in their actions. If someone shares such knowledge while not trying to become wealthy or powerful from the sharing of that knowledge, then it’s far more likely that their claim is true.

Neith Gautama nor Jesus charged people to hear their teachings.

If someone, however, is truly enlightened and writes about it or publishes books despite the fact that they know they will never become a top-selling author from it but isn’t doing it solely for the money, wealth, or prestige that may come from it, then I would be more likely to believe their claim of enlightenment. Televangelists fall into the latter category, as do priests or preachers who tell followers that they must give as much money as possible in order to enable the spread of “God’s Word” (and we all know) Jesus loved his multiple mansions and jet airplanes).

Buddha Gautama gave up his life of wealth and privilege in order to spread the things he’d learned. Jesus became a wandering sage with no permanent home, although many historians believe that because he taught in the Temple he didn’t come from a poor family, as the stories about him, chosen by the early Church, claim. I wasn’t there, nor was anyone alive today, so no one can ever truly know despite all the various, vehement claims made about him.

For me, that’s a big issue with the Christian church, Muslim mosques and organized religion in general. The claim that if you but believe in their teachings, salvation can be found by worshipping the right deity, your soul will be saved rings hollow.

I, for one, will keep seeking the Way. Whether I reach it or not, I won’t be selling books about my journey, at least not to enrich myself. A charity, maybe but not me, beyond covering costs.