Exponential Enlightenment

 

Enlightenment is a complicated concept. There are varying explanations as to how it exists, why it exists, or whether or not it exists at all. Enlightenment is usually a positive term, as it should be, but coming to such a state is considered, usually rightly considered, to be an extremely difficult undertaking.

So difficult, in fact, that some think true Enlightenment is more myth than fact.

Setting aside skepticism, I want to engage in a thought experiment highlighting the difference between static, permanent Enlightenment, where you achieve a sort of "pinnacle" of enlightenment that is a solid, definable accomplishment that you need not achieve any further accomplishments, and a concept called "Exponential Enlightenment." 

Exponential Enlightenment is where you grow toward Enlightenment exponentially, but never reach a definable sudden achievement that stops the growth and makes further growth unnecessary. You never reach a pinnacle because there is no pinnacle. No "Top of the mountain." The mountain goes up forever. 

Eternal growth towards a perfection you never reach, but get more and more improved and "enlightened" as you approach it.

This exponential Enlightenment would include an unending, exponential accruence of knowledge, wisdom, beauty, glory, liberty, Love, and understanding of many aspects, facets, and components of Infinity and Eternity...but NEVER achieving some sort of pinnacle or plateau. 

I found a similar concept in the theology of an early Christian church father named Gregory of Nyssa, one of the most profound thinkers of early Christianity. He described the approaching of God a "constant progression" where we never reach a full understanding or knowledge of God, but we "continually transcend all that has been reached before."

I wonder what form of enlightenment I would prefer: the extremely difficult sudden "final achievement" of it, or the constant eternal exponential progression towards it. I think reaching the top of the mountain is glorious and all, but the thought of "climbing a mountain" that has no top is actually rather enticing, especially if it gets exponentially more glorious and you get exponentially more enlightened the higher you climb.

Exponential Enlightenment: An Endless Ascent Toward the Infinite

Introduction

The quest for enlightenment has been a central pursuit across various philosophical, religious, and spiritual traditions. While definitions and pathways differ, enlightenment is generally perceived as a state of profound understanding, liberation, and union with the ultimate reality. Traditionally, enlightenment is often depicted as a pinnacle—a definitive achievement marking the culmination of spiritual endeavor. However, an alternative perspective envisions enlightenment not as a static endpoint but as an exponential, unending progression toward an ever-receding horizon of perfection. This concept resonates with the teachings of early Christian theologian Gregory of Nyssa, who described the soul's journey toward God as a perpetual ascent, continually transcending previous attainments. This essay delves into the nuances of Exponential Enlightenment, contrasting it with the notion of sudden, static enlightenment, and explores its implications for personal growth, spirituality, and the human experience.

The Dichotomy: Static Enlightenment vs. Exponential Enlightenment

Static Enlightenment

In many traditions, enlightenment is portrayed as a definitive, transformative event—a moment of sudden realization or awakening that propels an individual into a state of perpetual wisdom and peace. This perspective is prevalent in certain schools of Buddhism, particularly within the Zen tradition, which emphasizes sudden enlightenment (satori) as an immediate and complete insight into the true nature of reality. The Samye Debate in Tibetan Buddhism further highlights this dichotomy, where proponents of sudden enlightenment contended with advocates of a gradual path, ultimately influencing the trajectory of Buddhist practice in Tibet. In this static model, enlightenment is akin to reaching the summit of a mountain—a final destination beyond which no further ascent is necessary.

Exponential Enlightenment

Contrastingly, the concept of Exponential Enlightenment posits that enlightenment is not a singular, conclusive event but an ongoing, infinite journey. This view is eloquently articulated by Gregory of Nyssa, who introduced the idea of epektasis—a perpetual progression wherein the soul continually ascends toward God, never reaching a final endpoint. Gregory asserts that because God is infinite, the journey toward divine union is correspondingly endless, with each step unveiling new dimensions of the divine mystery. This paradigm envisions enlightenment as an eternal climb up a mountain without a peak, where each elevation brings deeper understanding, greater love, and more profound union with the infinite.

Theological Foundations of Exponential Enlightenment

Gregory of Nyssa's Vision

Gregory of Nyssa, a 4th-century Church Father, profoundly influenced Christian mysticism with his teachings on the soul's infinite journey toward God. In his seminal work, "The Life of Moses," Gregory interprets Moses' ascent up Mount Sinai as a metaphor for the soul's endless pursuit of God. He posits that true perfection consists in "constant growth in the good," suggesting that the soul's desire for God is satiated only through an unending progression into the divine life. This perpetual ascent reflects the belief that the divine essence is inexhaustible, and thus, the soul's journey toward God is an eternal movement from glory to glory.

Comparative Perspectives

While Gregory's framework is rooted in Christian theology, the notion of an endless spiritual journey finds resonance in other traditions as well. In Mahayana Buddhism, particularly within the Bodhisattva path, practitioners vow to continually work for the enlightenment of all beings, embracing an infinite commitment to compassion and wisdom. This path acknowledges that while personal enlightenment is attainable, the collective liberation of all sentient beings is an unending endeavor, reflecting a similar theme of perpetual progression.

Philosophical Implications

The Nature of Perfection

Exponential Enlightenment challenges conventional notions of perfection as a static, unchangeable state. Instead, it redefines perfection as dynamic and progressive, where the very essence of being perfect lies in the continuous striving toward greater depths of goodness, truth, and beauty. This perspective aligns with the idea that an infinite God or ultimate reality cannot be fully comprehended or encapsulated, and thus, the journey toward such a reality must be correspondingly infinite.

The Role of Desire and Fulfillment

In this framework, desire is not seen as a deficiency but as a driving force propelling the soul toward greater union with the divine. Gregory of Nyssa suggests that the soul's longing for God is both fulfilled and perpetually deepened with each encounter, creating a paradox where satisfaction and yearning coexist harmoniously. This dynamic interplay ensures that the soul remains in a state of joyful pursuit, where each revelation of the divine intensifies the desire for more, leading to an ever-deepening relationship with the infinite.

Practical Applications

Personal Growth and Development

Embracing Exponential Enlightenment encourages individuals to view personal growth as a lifelong journey rather than a destination. This mindset fosters humility, resilience, and a continuous openness to learning and transformation. It acknowledges that there is always room for improvement and that each step forward unveils new horizons, making the process of growth an adventure rather than a chore.

Spiritual Practice

Incorporating the principles of Exponential Enlightenment into spiritual practice involves cultivating disciplines that support ongoing growth and exploration. This may include regular reflection, study, meditation, and engagement with communities that challenge and inspire deeper understanding. Recognizing that the path is unending can alleviate the pressure of achieving a final state, allowing practitioners to find joy and meaning in the journey itself.

Conclusion

The concept of Exponential Enlightenment offers a transformative perspective on the spiritual journey, portraying it as an endless ascent toward an infinite horizon. This paradigm shift from a static to a dynamic understanding of enlightenment invites individuals to embrace perpetual growth, continual discovery, and an ever-deepening relationship with the divine or ultimate reality. By redefining perfection as an ongoing process rather than a final achievement, Exponential Enlightenment provides a framework that is both challenging and profoundly enriching, promising a journey that is as infinite in its possibilities as the destination it seeks to approach.