Enlightenment

You might have been misinformed. Enlightenment is a complete understanding of the true nature of reality and existence, including suffering, its cause and cessation. That's what the Buddha achieved.

In descriptions such as what you hear, "nothingness" is overblown. The true nature of reality is that no conditioned phenomenon has any inherent existence. This is often taken (incorrectly) to mean that nothing exists. Which is not the case. Phenomena exist, just not inherently. They don't exist out of nothing or for no reason. They exist because they have causes, one of which is our thought that they exist. Things that don't have causes don't exist.

 

The Dalai Lama’s book, “Becoming Enlightened” is well worth your time! I am about halfway through and have learned so much. He shares his knowledge of the basics and his deeply authentic wisdom. I do not worship the Dalai Lama, but I do wholeheartedly believe that any time he speaks we would do well to listen. : )

 

I actually have that book

 

I keep thinking, when I am finished reading it, I'll probably read it again. He explains so much that would be more fully understood with repetition.

 

I don't believe I could tell you how to become enlightened. Any communication or convection is rooted in the ego and realizing your ultimate nature is most certainly beyond one's ego. Sorry to say you'll have realize it on your own. Though I know you probably weren't expecting a step by step fool-proof plan anyways.

 

it all seems like an awful lot of work

 

The work of it just involves the desire to have enlightenment more than anything else... total sincerity. And then just giving up the false self that constantly speaks in our minds - fear, doubt, and worry.