Enlightenment Intensive Description (as Written and edited by Jerry Bock, Jocelyn Powe and Wayne Hicks)
What it is
The Enlightenment Intensive is a 3-day residential workshop which provides an opportunity for you to come into conscious union with the Truth of your Self. The Enlightenment Intensive technique combines the age-old practice of reflective contemplation with verbal communication in a structured and non-distractive environment.
The Enlightenment Intensive format was developed in 1968 by Charles Berner after years of research into methods by which people could deepen and improve their relationships. To help people accelerate their process of self-discovery Berner combined contemplation on Self with one-to-one communication. Using this process he discovered that within periods of a few days, people were having enlightenment experiences identical in kind to those described by people who had practiced silent meditation for many years. Since that time, thousands of participants have accelerated their awakening, increased their communication skills and personal happiness, and improved the quality of their lives through this dynamic and powerful technique.
There is no belief system or particular view of life taught during an Enlightenment Intensive. No one tells you what the Truth is. The dyad format gives one an opportunity to go beyond mental constructs and bring full consciousness into direct contact with the Truth. During the Intensive participants combine the steady contemplation of the contemplative question with responsible communication to a partner. People spend half the time contemplating and communicating and half the time receiving their partner’s communication, working with a new partner about every forty-five minutes.
These dyad periods are balanced with meals, walks, physical exercise and rest, inspirational talks, and silent contemplation. However, the majority of the time is spent each day doing the Enlightenment technique described above. Vegetarian meals, snacks, vitamins, and lodging accommodations are provided.
Enlightenment is not a far-away, esoteric experience attainable only by a few willing to give up home, family and possessions and spend their lives in caves meditating. It is available to everyone, and it can completely change one’s life. Though enlightenment transcends definitions and has many levels, direct experience of Truth is unmistakable. Unlike insight, conclusions, or belief, it involves a fundamental shift in consciousness that is separate from thinking, feeling, believing, and reasoning. In enlightenment there is only union. It is absolute, timeless, and unchangeable. There is no way to make enlightenment happen, yet one can open to an environment where it may become more likely. The Enlightenment Intensive provides such an environment. It is by no means the only way for a person to come into conscious union with the Truth, but it is a proven and powerful way to invite direct knowing.
The value of directly experiencing and communicating the Truth is that it enables one to live more consciously and effectively, and in closer contact with others. Enlightenment helps one live life in harmony with the way things actually are. And, it can enhance any discipline or work currently being done.