Enlightenment

Even before we practice it, enlightenment is there. But, usually we understand the practice of meditation and enlightenment as two different things: here is meditation practice, like a pair of glasses, and when we use the practice, like putting the glasses on, we see enlightenment. This is the wrong understanding.

The glasses themselves are enlightenment, and to put them on is also enlightenment. So, whatever you do, or even though you do not do anything, enlightenment is there, always.

Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind