Shingon, also known as Esoteric Japanese Buddhism, views enlightenment as the ultimate goal of spiritual practice. It is seen as a state of complete understanding and liberation from suffering, ultimately leading to the attainment of Buddhahood.

In Shingon, enlightenment is not seen as a distant or unattainable goal, but rather as something that can be achieved in this lifetime. The path to enlightenment is known as the "Path of Secret Mantra" and is based on the teachings of the Mahavairocana Sutra.

According to Shingon, the key to achieving enlightenment lies in the realization of one's own true nature, which is inherently pure and enlightened. This is known as the concept of "Buddha-nature." The practice of Shingon focuses on uncovering and awakening this Buddha-nature within oneself through various methods such as meditation, ritual, and mantra recitation.

One of the core beliefs in Shingon is that enlightenment is not something that can be attained solely through intellectual understanding or external practices. It is a state that must be experienced and realized within oneself. Therefore, the path to enlightenment is seen as a personal journey that requires dedication, effort, and a deep understanding of one's own mind and nature.

In Shingon, there are three stages of enlightenment: the stage of "outer awakening," the stage of "inner awakening," and the stage of "secret awakening." These stages represent the gradual progression towards complete enlightenment. The first stage involves understanding the teachings and developing faith in the Buddha's teachings. The second stage is focused on inner transformation and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. The final stage, secret awakening, is the complete realization of one's true nature and the attainment of Buddhahood.

Shingon also emphasizes the importance of a qualified teacher or guru in the path to enlightenment. A teacher is seen as a guide who can help the practitioner navigate the complexities of the mind and provide guidance on the path to enlightenment.

In conclusion, Shingon views enlightenment as the ultimate goal of spiritual practice and believes that it can be attained in this lifetime through the realization of one's own Buddha-nature. The path to enlightenment involves personal effort, inner transformation, and guidance from a qualified teacher. Through dedicated practice and understanding of one's own mind, Shingon practitioners can ultimately achieve the state of complete enlightenment.