Enlightenment and imperfections
Questioner: But doesn’t enlightenment clear away imperfections and personality flaws?
Roshi: No, it shows them up! Before awakening, one can easily ignore or rationalize his shortcomings, but after enlightenment this is no longer possible. One’s failings are painfully evident. Yet at the time a strong determination develops to rid oneself of them. Even opening the Mind’s eye fully does not at one fell swoop purify the emotions. Continuous training after enlightenment is required to purify the emotions so that our behavior accords with our understanding. This vital point must be understood.
(note: Roshi (Phillip Kapleau) is speaking of enlightenment in Zen tradition, it differs from Nirvana, and, actually, is one of first jhanas / insights in Theravadan terminology. -df)
