My theory on Enlightenment consists of 3 points. In many of the books on the subject, it explains that our minds are the most powerful thing in the universe. In some of the same books, it states that we are not our minds. If we have something of value that we did not get or take, it must have been given to us. Thus point #1, we have been given our mind, and it is the most powerful thing in the universe.

Should we be grateful for life and what sustains it? It might be argued that it would depend on the quality of life. We should, however, definitely be grateful for gifts received that are of great value. In practice, it is learned that giving anonymously is the truest form of giving, yet this leaves the receiver with no one to thank. In this situation the receiver can only experience gratitude for the gift, and this level of gratitude is in proportion to the receiver's perceived value of the gift. Thus point #2, the receiver of the gift to must understand the true value of the gift, before experiencing full gratitude for it.

We hear, read, and learn about enlightenment, this blissful state of gratitude and oneness with God and the Universe. Apparently, one achieves this state by awakening, increasing one's awareness, or elevating one's consciousness. The question here is, awaken to what? This being point #3, what does one have to be conscious of to be enlightened?

Quick review of the 3 points:

• We have been given our minds, the most powerful thing in the universe.
• It is up to the receiver of the gift to understand the true value of it before experiencing full gratitude for it.
• What does one have to be conscious of to be enlightened?

The Merriam-Webster definition of gratitude:
A state of being grateful, or thankfulness

Now, the definition of thankfulness:
Conscious of the benefit received.

Using the 3 points above in the Merriam-Webster thankfulness definition:
Conscious (understand the true value) of the benefit (most powerful thing in the universe) received (a gift to you).

Enlightenment is a complete understanding that your mind was given to you, and that it is the most powerful thing in the universe.

My Theory is as follows:
Enlightenment is a state of complete mind thankfulness.