We've all heard of enlightenment: awakening to the ultimate truth of life, usually achieved by relief from suffering. With the stresses of modern life — careers, love, family, Facebook — all that mental and physical pain, who wouldn't want to suffer a little less? Who wouldn't want enlightenment?

According to the Japanese Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi (774-835), enlightenment is obtainable within our own lifetimes. And you may even be able to prevent suffering in all lifetimes to come as well. Hot dog — sign me up! What are we waiting for?

On the other hand, most of us have heard the prerequisites for achieving enlightenment: intensive meditation (no way, José!), detachment from physical and material things (that's everything I've worked so hard for!), non-violence (get real!) and good will to all living beings (I don't wanna go vegan!). No wonder more people don't go for enlightenment.