In Europe, we have an idea of enlightenment as something where an individual recognizes that he or she lives under externally imposed constraints. It is then a matter of overcoming these constraints and placing oneself under a greater law. A light comes on and shines into all the dark corners in order to question what has not yet been reflected and scrutinized. This movement of thought is described with the metaphor of light as a torch. The light of enlightenment shines centrally into all corners.
However, consciousness is interactive. It only exists in interaction with other consciousnesses. A newborn needs the care of its mother or a surrogate community. Language is only learned through communication. Empathy is only possible in a community. Sometimes Namaste is translated as "The light in me greets the light in you". This greeting reminds us every day that we only exist in community. The metaphor of the torch has a completely different meaning here. The light is within us, not an external tool. The light is everywhere and not a central perspective. Light is an energy that radiates within everyone. This inner light that exists everywhere is consciousness.
