Enlightenment is often described as awakening, liberation, or deep understanding—but what does it truly mean? Is it a sudden realization or a lifelong journey? Does it come from meditation, knowledge, or experience?
From a Western perspective, enlightenment is often linked to knowledge and intellectual progress, rooted in the European Enlightenment movement of the 17th and 18th centuries, which emphasized reason and individualism over tradition.
In contrast, the Buddhist perspective sees enlightenment as an “awakening”— a direct experience of reality beyond thought, where one derives a sense of self from awareness rather than the mind’s constant stream of ideas — a state of pure consciousness.
Are these two views in opposition, or can they coexist? Join us as we explore different perspectives on enlightenment—from Eastern traditions to modern philosophy. How do you define it, and how (if at all) can it be attained?
**Cost: £7.50.
(We'd really like you to join us, don't let money be an issue. Contact us directly if you're in financial difficulty).
Bring along your curiosity, your willingness to listen, and your open mind.
Please come along, feel supported, inspired, and part of a growing conscious community.
Please join our Facebook Group if you haven't already...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/159324171379190/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
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What is Conscious Cafe? We aim to bring you together with like-minded people who want to explore and expand personal growth, to increase self-awareness and to engage in conscious conversations which create deeper connections with one another.
If you have found your way to Conscious Cafe you are likely to enjoy thoughtful conversations about how you want to live your life, what your values are, and what you can do to help create a better world for everyone. You will be interested in exploring other people’s points of view and in connecting with others at a heartfelt level.
We'll be sharing many different perspectives and views. To ensure that we create a safe and welcoming space, we ask that you be willing to listen respectfully without interrupting.
7.00 - 8.00 - Introductions, opening circle, group meditation and a short
talk followed by discussion
8.00 - 8.10 - Mini break - make a cuppa
8.10 - 9.00 - Further group discussions and a closing circle
