1. Historical Context:
* The Enlightenment (18th century): A philosophical and intellectual movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and scientific inquiry. It challenged traditional authority and emphasized the importance of human rights and progress.
2. Religious and Spiritual Context:
* Buddhism: In Buddhism, enlightenment refers to the state of complete liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. It is achieved through spiritual practice and understanding the true nature of reality.
* Other Religions: Many other religions and spiritual traditions have their own concepts of enlightenment, often referring to a state of spiritual awakening, understanding, or union with the divine.
3. General Meaning:
* Increased understanding or knowledge: This can be applied to anything from a deeper understanding of a specific subject to a broader perspective on life.
* A realization or insight: This could be a sudden understanding of a problem or a new way of seeing the world.
* Becoming wiser or more aware: This refers to developing a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around.
Examples:
* "The Enlightenment emphasized reason and human rights."
* "He sought enlightenment through meditation and study."
* "The experience brought a new enlightenment to his life."
Ultimately, the meaning of "enlightenment" depends on the specific context in which it is used.