Question 91: HOW CAN WE RECOGNIZE SOMEONE WHO HAS ATTAINED ENLIGHTENMENT SO THAT WE CAN SHOW THEM THE APPROPRIATE REVERENCE?

Answer: It is very difficult to know if someone has attained enlightenment because their outward appearance and behaviour often seem quite ordinary. Unless we have achieved a certain level of enlightenment, it’s unlikely that we can recognize someone at the same level. For example, a person who has achieved the first stage of Sainthood, known as a Sotāpanna, may be especially hard to identify. Because they may exhibit virtuous and noble behavior but there is nothing outwardly extraordinary about them. Only after spending considerable time with them might we begin to notice their deep-rooted virtue and naturally revere them more.

People with great merit are often recognized easily because their blessings manifest in their appearance, wealth, power, or strength. Interestingly, an Enlightened Being might not always be someone with a lot of visible merit. Therefore, the safest approach is to respect everyone in this world where Saints and ordinary people coexist. This way, if we happen to encounter a Saint, we will avoid the risk of losing merit by treating them with indifference or disrespect.

The Author

JANNA is the pen name of a certain monk who does not wish to use his real name. He is likely mature enough to understand that fame, wealth, and glory are as fleeting as morning mist.

In Pali, “JANNA” means purity, so it’s unclear which country he’s from. However, he seems to have studied the Nikaya scriptures.

Although he writes about Buddhism, he appears to desire unity with other religions to contribute to the cause of world peace. He attempts to demonstrate how differences can complement one another…