Enlightenment
What is an Enlightenment Intensive?
The Enlightenment Intensive is a 3-day residential workshop which provides an opportunity for you to come into conscious union with the Truth of yourself, life, and others. The Enlightenment Intensive technique combines the age-old practice of reflective contemplation with verbal communication in a structured and non-distractive environment.
The Enlightenment Intensive format was developed in 1968 by Charles Berner after years of research into methods by which people could deepen and improve their relationships. To help people accelerate their process of self-discovery Berner combined contemplation on self with one-to-one communication. Using this process he discovered that within periods of a few days, people were having enlightenment experiences identical in kind to those described by people who had practiced silent meditation for many years. Since that time, thousands of participants have accelerated their awakening, increased their communication skills and personal happiness, and improved the quality of their lives through this dynamic and powerful technique.
There is no belief system or particular view of life taught during an Enlightenment Intensive. No one tells you what the Truth is. The dyad format gives one an opportunity to go beyond mental constructs and bring full consciousness into direct contact with the Truth. During the Intensive participants combine the steady contemplation of the contemplative question with responsible communication to a partner. People spend half the time contemplating and communicating and half the time receiving their partner’s communication, working with a new partner about every forty-five minutes.
These dyad periods are balanced with meals, walks, physical exercise and rest, inspirational talks, and silent contemplation. However, the majority of the time is spent each day doing the Enlightenment technique described above. Typically, vegetarian meals, snacks, vitamins, and lodging accommodations are provided.
Enlightenment is not a far-away, esoteric experience attainable only by a few willing to give up home, family and possessions and spend their lives in caves meditating. It is available to everyone, and it can completely change one’s life. Though enlightenment transcends definitions and has many levels, direct experience of Truth is unmistakable. Unlike insight, conclusions, or belief, it involves a fundamental shift in consciousness that is separate from thinking, feeling, believing, and reasoning. In enlightenment there is only union. It is absolute, timeless, and unchangeable. There is no way to make enlightenment happen, yet one can open to an environment where it may become more likely. The Enlightenment Intensive provides such an environment. It is by no means the only way for a person to come into conscious union with the Truth, but it is a proven and powerful way to invite direct experience.
The value of directly experiencing and communicating the Truth is that it enables one to live more consciously and effectively, and in closer contact with others. Enlightenment helps one live life in harmony with the way things actually are. And, it can enhance any discipline or work currently being done.
Article by: Enlightenment Master, Wayne Hicks (Bhava) Albuquerque New Mexico
Enlightenment Intensives FAQ
Q. What is meant by “Enlightenment”?
A. This term refers to conscious contact with, or direct experience of, Truth (in the absolute sense). There is some way that things actually are, apart from what is thought, said, or learned about them. The objective is to experience the actuality of oneself, of life or of another. When this actuality is experienced directly, wisdom arises spontaneously. This direct experience is referred to as an enlightenment experience, this wisdom as enlightenment.
Q. What is an Enlightenment Intensive?
A. An Enlightenment Intensive is a three day contemplative retreat. It is a time set aside in which participants can contemplate one of the following questions: Who Am I? What Am I? The goal of participants in an Enlightenment Intensive is not to answer these questions but to experience directly self, or life, or another.
Q. Who leads an Enlightenment Intensive?
A. A specially trained Enlightenment Intensive facilitator who takes responsibility not only for the activities of the Intensive, but also for guiding each participant through any and all obstacles on the way to direct experience. In addition, a leader is available to help facilitate the integration of Enlightenment experiences into normal everyday life, both during an Intensive and afterwards.
Q. I am satisfied with my own religion. Why should I seek Enlightenment?
A. Enlightenment is not a religion nor does it interfere with any. It fills a different need in that it provides the opportunity to experience Truth or the foundation underlying one’s own religion. With direct experience, the scriptures are illuminated.
Q. Does this have something to do with the New Age?
A. No. Although some Enlightenment Masters may practice New Age techniques in their private lives, they are not part of the Enlightenment Intensive. Religious doctrine is not taught. Only a technique of contemplation, one that has been shown to be effective in bringing many people to direct experience. Participants who directly experience Truth find profound satisfaction.
Q. What if I find truth in the Bible or other sacred scriptures?
A. Truth is not ideas contained in books, because Truth cannot be contained in anything. The beauty of reading scriptures is that they enable the reader to be open to Truth. The actual experience of Truth is not the result of reading, but of revelation. A person may read volumes about water, but reading will not quench one’s thirst. Only the actual experience of drinking the water will quench thirst.
Q. Is there only one Truth?
A. Imagine the relationship between two truths. If it is cooperative, are they both the same? If it is competitive, can they both be truth?
Q. Is this some kind of Eastern religion or teaching?
A. No. During an Enlightenment Intensive, scriptures – Christian, Jewish and others – may be read, for inspiration. There is no teaching other than contemplation and communication as used in the Intensive. No religion or doctrine is taught.
Q. Is the form of contemplation used in an Enlightenment Intensive the only Enlightenment technique?
A. No. The means to Enlightenment are infinite in variety and form. This technique, sometimes referred to as a Dyad, is different from most in that it is non-cognitive. It combines contemplation with communication to a partner and requires neither prior study nor esotericknowledge. One simply communicates one’s own experience of self, life or another. Contemplation is simply the process of tuning in to one’s own experience and being open.
Q. Are drugs used as part of this process?
A. Absolutely not! The Enlightenment Intensive environment is drug free. In addition, participants are asked to refrain from the use of tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, stimulants or mood altering substances of any kind.
Q. Can you give an example of the Truth?
A. Truth cannot be communicated that way. One must experience the Truth for one’s self. A participant can learn to be open to the Truth. The rest depends on Grace.
Q. What if I prefer to practice meditation my own way?
A. There is nothing wrong with that. However, during an Intensive, participants are asked to set aside any other religious or spiritual practices ordinarily used and to just be open to direct revelation, direct experience.
Q. Is the Enlightenment Intensive part of a large organization?
A. No, people involved in Enlightenment Intensives are not organized structurally. There are a handful of people around the world with a dedication to the Truth and a willingness to support others to have their own direct experience of the Truth.
Q. Do Enlightenment Intensive leaders respect other people’s opinions?
A. Yes. All points of view contain elements of the Truth. However, the objective is to experience the Truth that gives rise to the opinion, not to confirm or deny the opinion itself.
Q. According to the Bible, there is no salvation outside of Christ. How does Enlightenment fit in?
A. The Truth which underlies any statement, including this one, can be experienced directly. And direct experience is deeper than either belief or faith.
Q. What is meant by direct experience?
A. It refers to that which is prior to thought, ideas and concepts. It is an experience which transcends the subject/object relationship so that there is no separation between the one who is experiencing and that which is experienced.
Written and edited by Jerry Bock, Jocelyn Powe and Wayne Hicks – Rev 7/2/08
Forming Loving Relationships
a six part interview
with Enlightenment Master, Edrid (Ed Riddle)
Edrid talks to Shari Bernson about forming loving relationships through an awareness of your true self.
— March 02, 2009 —
To answer any further questions you may have or
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