Why Enlightenment Can Feel Lonely—And Why That Matters
Enlightenment is often depicted as a blissful, transcendent state marked by wisdom, peace, and unshakable happiness. However, for many who walk the path toward deeper self-awareness or spiritual awakening, a profound sense of loneliness frequently emerges a paradox the uninitiated rarely anticipate. This loneliness is not merely the absence of social company, but a fundamental shift in perception, relationships, and identity. Let’s explore why enlightenment, for all its gifts, tends to lead toward solitude and what deeper purpose this aloneness might serve. The Nature of Enlightenment At its core, enlightenment is the dissolution of the ego and the recognition of one’s profound interconnectedness with existence. It involves seeing through the illusions constructed by personal identity, social roles, cultural expectations, and even the stories we tell ourselves about reality. Traditionally, this state is described as awakening from a dream—the individual recognizes, sometimes suddenly, ...