T.D.D. ~ Spiritual Experience and Spiritual Realization

Tricycle Daily Dharma September 30, 2011

Spiritual Experience and Spiritual Realization

In Buddhism, we distinguish between spiritual experiences and spiritual realizations. Spiritual experiences are usually more vivid and intense than realizations because they are generally accompanied by physiological and psychological changes. Realizations, on the other hand, may be felt, but the experience is less pronounced. Realization is about acquiring insight. Therefore, while realizations arise out of our spiritual experiences, they are not identical to them. Spiritual realizations are considered vastly more important because they cannot fluctuate.
 
– Traleg Kyabgon Rinpoche, "Letting Go of Spiritual Experience"