02-02-2013, 04:18 PM
If you look at Bodhisattva as being "bound to enlightenment", then all of us, even the ones knee deep in the illusion, are Bodhisattva in the sense that we all can awaken and be enlightened. Since we are all consciousness, we all have the possibility to pause, look and realize our true nature, if only we take the time and we have the willingness to do it.
If you used Bodhisattva as "enlightened" however, well, it is my understanding that being enlightened simply is the realization of our nature. Living as an awakened being is a process, a never-ending learning curve, and it doesn't necessarily come with powers. Some develop them but it is my understanding that we learn certain abilities if they are needed in our experience and when we are ready. Also note that it is not because someone has an ability that they are enlightened; some people develop or are even born with certain metaphysical skills but they do not always understand their nature, or what to do with such skills.
As for knowing people who are enlightened, assuming that was your question, I would say one physical person for sure; my partner in life. No one else in my family or close circle of friends has awareness of their consciousness, or show any signs of having such awareness at the very least. But it's alright; they will get there eventually, at their own pace They are still light; they're just oblivious of that fact. We are all one and that's what ultimately matters, regardless of all those labels, including the famous "enlightened" label.
If you used Bodhisattva as "enlightened" however, well, it is my understanding that being enlightened simply is the realization of our nature. Living as an awakened being is a process, a never-ending learning curve, and it doesn't necessarily come with powers. Some develop them but it is my understanding that we learn certain abilities if they are needed in our experience and when we are ready. Also note that it is not because someone has an ability that they are enlightened; some people develop or are even born with certain metaphysical skills but they do not always understand their nature, or what to do with such skills.
As for knowing people who are enlightened, assuming that was your question, I would say one physical person for sure; my partner in life. No one else in my family or close circle of friends has awareness of their consciousness, or show any signs of having such awareness at the very least. But it's alright; they will get there eventually, at their own pace They are still light; they're just oblivious of that fact. We are all one and that's what ultimately matters, regardless of all those labels, including the famous "enlightened" label.