education that results in understanding and the spread of knowledge

(Hinduism and Buddhism) the beatitude that transcends the cycle of reincarnation; characterized by the extinction of desire and suffering and individual consciousness

[ Syn: nirvana ]

a movement in Europe from about 1650 until 1800 that advocated the use of reason and individualism instead of tradition and established doctrine; the Enlightenment brought about many humanitarian reforms

[ Syn: enlightenment , age of reason ]