What Is The Difference Between The Spiritual Path And The Path Of Enlightenment?

The Spiritual Path actually encompasses a lot of different paths, the goal of which is to become more spiritual or to connect more fully with one’s Higher Self or with Source or Divine Energy or God.

The Path of Enlightenment is very closely aligned with the Spiritual Path and may be a natural outcome of it, but its focus is more upon realising within oneself the Presence of God.

The difference is one of focus – the Spiritual Path is essentially one of learning about Spiritual matters and practices and, naturally, following those practices. There are many possible Spiritual Paths. One can be satisfied at almost any phase along the Spiritual Path and further growth may never seem necessary.

The Path of Enlightenment, however, beckons ever onward and inward. One is not satisfied until the Absolute is experienced. Practices are aimed at ever-increasing one's insight into the Divinity in one's own nature.

The Spiritual path is one of learning to become aware of and work with the spiritual “laws”. It could be described as doing one’s best within a world of duality. The Path of Enlightenment aims to transcend duality and see and know everything as unity and perfection.

There is a quote that is attributed to Albert Einstein: “I want to know the mind of God.” That could describe the Spiritual Path. The Path of Enlightenment could then be encapsulated in the expression, “The Mind of God is All That Is.” Such a statement can only come from realisation or personal experience. One has completely transcended all sense of oneself as an individual and one’s consciousness has merged with something much greater. Ultimately one on the path of Enlightment simply knows "God Is," and that nothing more needs to be said.