Enlightenment is used synonymously with awakening by most DhO members and is a huge topic.

In general, enlightenment here is often used to refer to a particular level of attainment using a specific model, of which there are many, including, but not limited to:

• The Four Path Model of the Theravadans
• The Simple Model of Daniel Ingram, which is a modified version of the Four Path Model
• The Tibetan Five Path Model
• The Tibetan Bhumi Model
• The Ladder of Love of St. John of the Cross, a Catholic saint.

It generally is not used to refer to relative wisdom, that relating to any ordinary aspect of life, but used specifically to refer to ultimate attainments as noted in the models above.

Often, the first stage of awakening is referred to as stream entry, which is generally regarded here as being synonymous with the first bodhisattva bhumi, the beginning of the Third Path of the Tibetan Five Path System, and various other initial awakening stages.