Spiritual enlightenment.

Long time ago people knew it was extremely rare. So they called the enlightened ones masters, sages and gurus, even though no enlightened person ever thinks of themselves as such and would only consider it a temporary role they are playing for the student, and only for them. Tremendous respect was paid to those who ventured that far, and not without a good reason - the journey is not for the faint of heart.

Nowadays it is commodified just like everything else. “Enlightened” people are popping up everywhere! It’s almost part of culture, which should tell you something, because it’s really an antithesis of culture, the opposite of it. Just like sex being a part of culture has nothing to do with how frequently it actually happens (in fact, it’s on the decline), spirituality being a part of culture has nothing to do with it either. Religions are not in vogue these days, so spirituality, which is basically an amorphous religion, took their place.

Unfortunately, spiritual enlightenment is as rare as it has ever been, but is reported to be quite common these days.

I can’t say that there’s anything wrong with it. It’s fancy to call oneself enlightened, and even a very shallow insight can be of some benefit to others. But just like you shouldn’t confuse porn with how sex actually happens, you shouldn’t confuse a moment of insight or the presence of awareness with authentic enlightenment.

The journey will humble you, and keep humbling you, until there’s nothing left of you.