Different traditions use the word “enligenment” differently: philosophy, Buddhism, science, and various mystical schools. In Buddhism, the word awakening is often used instead − which is also the goal in Buddhism.

Awakening is the realization of an insight into human nature, and it is this insight that sets a person free from mental dissatisfaction, heaviness and problems − or an extinguishment of suffering.

Such insight is attainable for a human being through training, and unlike other traditions, no extra-human help is needed.

Awakening takes place through four stages: Sotapanna, Sakadagami, Anagami, and Arahant (D 33) − and upon full awakening, a person attains the permanent state of Nirvana in the mind.

Health is the most precious gain and contentment the greatest wealth. A trustworthy person is the best kinsman, Nirvana the ultimate happiness. (Dhp 204)

Nirvana is the end of sensual desires, hatred and delution (SN 38:1).

Nirvana exists on two levels – Nirvana as a human being (sa-upādisesa-nibbāna), and the state of Full Nirvana after the death of the body (an-upādisesa-nibbāna or pari-nirvana). (d 16)

A person with the first level of awakening is described as follows in Buddhism:

• have an experiential trust in the Buddha
• have an experiential trust in the Dhamma
• has an experiential trust in the Sangha
• has an ethic/morality that is valued by the wise (S 55.1)

A Sotapanna, in English Stream-winner, has seen through the misconception of a permanent self/ego/soul, and will never look at the body and mind as a self, belonging to a self, containing a self. The “self” is a process always changing, not a permanent essence. (M44.7)

Achieving stream-winning is an event, and one can point to the time and place where this happened. (A 3.12)

So, not a stream-winner if:

• do not believe in rebirth and karma (MN 117:5) − believe there are no other existences (MN 60:8)
• does not have respect for the teachings/dhamma (M 48:13)

A Sakadagami has the same qualities as a Sotapanna, plus reduced sensory desire and hatred/negativity. This is a level that is not clearly defined − so difficult to define exactly. In the texts, for example, reference is made to both Sakadagami’s who are sexually active, and others who are not. (A 6.44)

An Anagami has the same qualities as a Sotapanna, but is completely free from sensory desires and hatred/negativity. So an Anagami doesn’t even have sexual fantasies, and is certainly not sexually active. (A 6.63) An Anagami will also never be able to get angry or show hatred. (DN 33)

A fully awakened human, an Arahant, has the same qualities as a Sotapanna and Anagami, and is unable to:

• kill a living creature
• take/steal something that is not given
• be sexually active
• deliberately lying
• store things up to new sensual pleasures
• rejecting the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha, and training (AN 9:7)

An Arahant will also be very humble, because the idea of self/ego/soul is understood on all mental levels (view, perception and thought) − so no conceit (S 22.89). Furthermore, an Arahant is not afraid of dying. (Theragāthā 20:1)

The Buddha’s recommendation is not to believe the statements of others, but to observe a person over a long period of time, and look for persistent ethical behavior and inner peace, and the absence of greed/lust, hatred/negativity and misunderstandings in a person. (MN 90)

Even the Buddha’s chief disciple, Sariputta, had to ask the Buddha if anyone had reached awakening or not. (S 35.87)