Is a Glimpse of Enlightenment the Highest Experience?

Is there anything higher than a glimpse of enlightenment for a living being? If someone has tasted it, has he reached the ultimate peak? The answer is—no. A glimpse is like touching the summit for a moment, but true fulfillment comes only when one can stay there. After such a glimpse, one must return to their natural state, which is liberation or Samadhi.

Does Liberation Bring Greater Bliss Than Enlightenment’s Glimpse?

In a moment of enlightenment, prana fuels the experience, making it intense and extraordinary. But this surge is bound by the body’s limitations. In Samadhi, this energy is balanced, effortless, and eternal. The bliss may not feel as explosive, but it never fades. A lightning bolt may be brighter than the sun for a moment, but the sun never stops shining.

Will Someone Regret Missing the Glimpse If They Attain Liberation Directly?

If someone reaches Samadhi without ever having a glimpse of enlightenment, will they feel like they missed something? Perhaps, yes. That’s why it is said—before liberation, experience the peak of love, surrender, and devotion. Bhakti, romance, and deep connection give birth to that glimpse. It may last only a moment, but it ensures that Samadhi is not just a silent void—it becomes a state filled with love, bliss, and completeness.

Why a Glimpse Is Worth Experiencing

I truly believe that at least once in a lifetime, a glimpse of enlightenment is worth having. It may be brief, but it changes everything. Without it, Samadhi may feel like an absence rather than a presence. Love, devotion, and a deep sense of connection prepare the ground for it. After all, what is the point of reaching the peak if you have never felt the thrill of climbing?

The Illusion of Completion

For a long time, I lived under the subtle illusion that after experiencing a fleeting glimpse of enlightenment, I had attained everything. That single moment felt so complete, so overwhelming, that I mistook it for the final destination. But life, with its trials and lessons—especially through the lens of sharirvigyan darshan—revealed a deeper truth. That glimpse was not the end, but merely the beginning. The journey is far from over, and the path ahead is longer than I once believed.