The truth about enlightenment is that it's here and now and available to every being and creature everywhere, at any given time. The dichotomy of trying to achieve it it is that you cannot become what you already are.
The Absolute is there all the time should we drop our expectation of what it means. It is not reserved for monks and yogis. It's right here right now, anywhere, anytime. You need no prayers or invocations, no alchemical formulas or tests of endurance, no hours locked away with books of old, no moments lost in endless incantations to find it as it is what you are now.
All this might sound like a riddle but it's not. Its great simplicity baffles the mind which likes complicated processes. There is no process to get you there because you're there already, but your mind keeps you distracted with the very processes that are supposed to get you there.
In simple terms, awakening is not about reaching the pinnacle of existence. It's about witnessing the force that is existence.
The mind would have you believe that these words are rubbish, that you must be put through your paces to find enlightenment. That's normal, the mind fears for it's existence. So it offers its assistance to get you there but all that does is sidetrack you even more.
So what is it exactly? It's a great neutral and gentle silence that moves through everything, everywhere, all the time. Just be open to the presence that presents itself in everything. Whenever you find yourself being moved by a breathtaking view, or catch glimpses of peace and bliss, you touch upon it. However, the Absolute moves through everything, be it in a stunning sunset or eating a piece of cheese, or on the bus on your way home. Just let go of all your ideas about processes to get you there and open your mind; the invitation is ever present, and you will recognize it.
