The Awakening of Metanoia

- Elda-Rosa Coulthrust, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS

“A man is not called wise because he talks and talks again; but if he is peaceful, loving, and fearless then he is in truth called wise.” – Buddha

In Hinduism and Buddhism, enlightenment is also sometimes called "awakening" — after all, the name "Buddha" means "the awakened one."

My writing on the Awakening of Metanoia is referring to enlightenment. Enlightenment can be defined in many ways, and not all enlightenments are spiritual. For the purpose of this writing, I refer to enlightenment as education or awareness that brings change. Change, such as becoming enlightened about a topic that leads one to make more informed decisions which may lead to a shift in thinking patterns and behaviors.

When it comes to spirituality, diversity, beliefs and ways of life, Buddhism exists to persist and change oneself. Practices of Buddhism are exercised globally by millions who believe in: (1) leading a moral life, (2) developing and exercising wisdom and compassion; and (3) being aware of personal thoughts and actions. Buddhism is about awareness of self and how to manage our minds and emotions. To form an understanding, one should review a few basic concepts which can be summarized by The Four Noble Truths and the principles of the 8-Fold Path.

The First Noble Truth is Suffering (Dukkha). This refers to how life could fail you miserably. Life is not ideal and it is indeed full of suffering along the journey.

The Second Noble Truth is the Cause (origin) of Suffering (Samudaya). Being able to identify the root cause of the problem requires self awareness. In Buddhism, the many causes of suffering are rooted in attachments, ignorance, urges, desires, and greed.

The Third Noble Truth is the End of Suffering (Nirodha). When one accepts that suffering exists and is aware of the causes of suffering, action can be taken to detach from the cause. This truth is also called liberation.

The Fourth Noble Truth is the Path (Magga). This is the truth of the path that ends suffering and where the 8-Fold Path comes in. There are a set of principles to end suffering. In life, the 8-Fold Path is the right to morality and being sensitive to yourself and to others.

The 8-Fold Path promotes:

• Right Understanding

• Right Thought/Intention

• Right Speech

• Right Action

• Right Livelihood

• Right Effort

• Right Mindfulness

• Right Connection

The 8-fold path is not linear and does not need to be followed in order. It is a set of guiding principles and will ultimately reinforce the “good” in intentions. Going beyond basic teachings and practices of meditation, one should realize how to search deeper and find their own meanings to become enlightened.

Namaste’