enlightenment

(noun) education that results in understanding and the spread of knowledge.

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

(noun) a movement in Europe from about 1650 until 1800 that advocated the use of reason and individualism instead of tradition and established doctrine. Synonyms: Enlightenment, Age of Reason. Example: "The enlightenment brought about many humanitarian reforms."