Nowadays, most people rarely pause to question the deeper meaning of their existence. Life is often seen as a cycle of responsibilities, achievements, and survival between birth and death. Yet, for many, this understanding feels incomplete. Questions about purpose, identity, and what lies beyond the physical world continue to surface, pointing towards something more profound than ordinary living.
Aathman Awareness Centre founder Guruji Sundar explains to News Ei Samay that the answers to these questions lie not outside, but within. He presents enlightenment as a journey of inner discovery, one that helps a person understand life beyond its visible boundaries.
What is enlightenment?
“We all think we are ordinary mortal beings who are caged in the vicious cycle of life and death,” Guruji Sundar says. He explains that most people believe life begins at birth and ends with death, but adds, “This is not the truth.”
“The truth is life continues even after death. Life remains forever. Life is not confined to birth and death. Life can never be destroyed,” he states.
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According to him, what we call death is only a transition. The physical body may age and fade, but life moves on, taking new forms to fulfil what remains incomplete. To understand this cycle, one must ask a fundamental question about one’s own identity.
“To know all these things… one has to find out who he really is,” he explains. He describes enlightenment as the process of travelling deep within oneself to discover the real ‘I’, also known as self-realisation or nirvana.
What is the real purpose of life?
Guruji Sundar emphasises that life is not meant to be spent only on worldly pursuits. “The purpose of life is not to waste our life on worldly things,” he says. Instead, every individual must seek answers about their origin, identity, and ultimate destination.
He highlights the importance of guidance in this journey. “Only a self-realised master can lead you all the way,” he notes, adding that spiritual growth requires direction at every stage.
Drawing a simple comparison, he says, “A person who is really thirsty will somehow find the source of water.” In the same way, a sincere seeker will eventually find the right guide.
Spiritual growth within everyday life
Guruji Sundar also challenges the belief that enlightenment requires isolation or renunciation. He explains that one can practice meditation and pursue spiritual growth while living a normal life.
“There is no need to travel far into mountains and forests,” he says, adding that transformation happens within. Over time, unnecessary attachments begin to fade on their own.
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“Spiritual life is not something to be followed outside. It is an inner discipline,” Guruji Sundar explains. According to him, spirituality allows a person to live in balance, remaining calm and composed in all situations.
He points out that without this inner understanding, life can become mechanical and repetitive. Material pleasures may satisfy temporarily, but they do not offer lasting fulfillment.
Looking beyond modern distractions
Speaking about the present times, Guruji Sundar notes that while technological advancements have made life easier, they have also become a source of distraction. He suggests that instead of losing time to constant engagement with devices, individuals should turn inward and explore their true nature.
The essence of enlightenment
Enlightenment, as described by Guruji Sundar, is the ultimate flowering of human consciousness. It brings clarity, purpose, and a deeper sense of existence.
After attaining it, life is no longer ordinary. It becomes meaningful, balanced, and aligned with truth, allowing a person to live fully in the world while remaining deeply connected within.
