[Brutton]

I'm curious to know the range of opinions about enlightenment, and the relative popularity of various opinions. Couldn't figure out how to start a poll, so I'll do it this way.

Imagine two Buddhists, dedicated students of Buddhism and well-regarded teachers, though perhaps not famous. Both are very kind, very compassionate, very calm and equanimous, both are pleasant and cheerful. Both are intelligent, both have plenty of practical common sense, both have good intuition.

One is enlightened, the other isn't.

Do you think you could identify the enlightened one of the two? If so, how?

If you are skeptical or agnostic about enlightenment, please say so briefly in your reply. Feel free to quote scripture if you want, but I'm more interested in informal, personal opinions.

I don't have an axe to grind on this topic. I'm not going to agree with some replies, disagree with others.

Cheers,


Bobshibobshibop