From Ultimate Reality to Humble Wisdom: Rethinking Enlightenment

There was a time in my youth when enlightenment meant unlocking the secret of the universe and grasping the nature of “ultimate reality.” I saw it as a heroic task, a superhuman achievement that would catapult me beyond ordinary existence into a realm of absolute knowledge. Many believe that dispelling fundamental ignorance means attaining a direct, unfiltered view of reality itself.

Yet, over time, I have come to see this pursuit differently. The idea of “ultimate reality” as something a human mind could fully comprehend now strikes me as not only implausible but also unnecessary. Instead of chasing an unattainable Holy Grail, I now believe that our spiritual task is far more humble — yet profoundly liberating. True wisdom lies not in grasping an absolute truth but in understanding the inherent limits of our own knowledge.

Let us assume, for a moment, that “ultimate reality” exists. Even then, there are several compelling reasons why it remains forever beyond our reach:

1. Biological and Evolutionary Constraints

Our cognition is not designed for ultimate truth but for survival. Over millions of years, our brains have evolved to navigate a complex world, filtering reality through sensory and cognitive mechanisms honed by…