Do Enlightened People Exist? What Awakening Feels Like – A Taoist’s Firsthand Account

Do Enlightened People Exist? What Awakening Feels Like – A Taoist’s Firsthand Account

I often see discussions on Reddit about “enlightened people.”
Some users are skeptical, saying awakened individuals would never waste time replying to internet posts. Others are curious—what powers do these people have? Are they rare? Can you become one?

And then, of course, the most common question: How do you know when you’ve awakened?

I don’t claim to speak for all awakened people. But I can share my own story—and what I’ve observed from others who have experienced something similar.

🧘‍♂️ Do Enlightened People Exist?

Absolutely. More than you think.
But not all of them are public. Not all of them are loud.
Some teach. Some remain silent. Some live in nature. Some have day jobs.

🔮 Do They Have Special Abilities?

Some do. Some don’t.
Enlightenment itself doesn’t guarantee supernatural power.
Power may come with increased sensitivity, but awakening is not a superpower generator. It’s a shift in perception.

💬 Do They Post on Forums Like Reddit?

Yes, maybe. I do.

⚡ What Is Awakening Like? How Do You Know It Happened?

I’ve written about this in my personal cultivation notes, but let me share the core.

From what I’ve seen, there are two types of awakening:

1. Natural Awakening

It just happens, suddenly.
Mine came while I was walking to get a haircut.
Another friend of mine awakened while driving.
A well-known Chinese writer described his moment while walking across a university campus.

2. Guided Awakening

This occurs through teachings, meditation, a master’s guidance, or even encountering sacred texts.
I haven’t had this kind myself, but I know people who have.

🧠 The Common Feature: Heightened Perception

Though each awakening experience is personal, there’s often a shared moment of intensity:

• Sounds become sharper.
• You feel people’s emotions in detail—even strangers’.
• Your awareness expands, and you begin noticing things you didn’t know you could sense.

This is usually the first layer of awakening.

🌌 So… What Happens After That?

Does life change dramatically?
Do you get magical insight?
Is everything easier?

I’ll be honest—my answer might disappoint some people.

In the next chapter, I’ll tell you exactly what does and doesn’t change after awakening. And why that matters.

— Wuyu