Thank you, @Julie_L for participating in this discussion.
Again, I preface what I’m about to say with the disclaimer that I am not comfortable expressing myself via a keyboard, particularly with such a vast topic.
My initial juxtaposition between what I understand about what the Buddha achieved and what I’ve understood about PNSE is along the lines of investigation, clear comprehension and intentional action.
In his own words and generally in the Buddhist suttas, the Buddha-to-be was a brilliant man who didn’t want to chase that which was subject to decay and was determined to get to the bottom of dukkha, to find a way to ultimate peace and, for lack of a better contextual description, become enlightened.
In his noble quest, he devoted himself to existing practices of his time, various teachers and yet, with penetrating investigation, went beyond the norm and found where things lacked and din’t lead to nibbana. He experimented, developing that which led towards nibbana and abandoned dead ends, never ceasing to keep going deeper.
In the end, when he finally prevailed, he was in awe of what he had done and did not initially think that he would be able to teach to others, as it was too deep and complex. Fortunately for us, he spent the next 40 years of his life doing his best to do just that. His painstaking detail about what dukkha is, how it arises, how it ceases, the path to escape samsara, the hinderances, the faculties and powers one needs to develop, what to make of what one encounters along the path is where great guidance comes from.
For instance, per the Buddha, teasing apart the 5 Aggregates of Clinging, breaking down namarupa and consciousness as well as their mutually reciprocating dependence on one another and picking apart sankharas goes a long way to undermine a sense of self.
In the paper on PNSE, I notice that there’s a considerable instability of the enlightenment that the participants experienced. Could it be that it’s because one hasn’t consciously and deliberately seen the gratification, the danger and the escape of the world? If one is wandering through forests, deserts and across waters and, by chance, arrives at the destination, hooray! But so much better to have a guide to lead there and stay there. Having full comprehensive insight into all aspects of experience and beyond provides a foundation that one doesn’t easily lose. The Buddha ultimately realized the cycle of samsara in a way that freed him from it and that’s what he taught.
Perhaps it’s inspirational, but I don’t see that kind of guidance from the book of the OP. Not that what the author has experienced isn’t something awesome; who wouldn’t rather be in a state like that rather than being miserable, wandering the world offending people? Yet I love the Buddha’s teachings because it gives me direction so that I can see for myself what’s going on and I can follow the Buddha’s example and, hopefully, ultimately enter the stream to awakening.