In Tiantai Buddhism, the concept of enlightenment is viewed as the ultimate goal of all spiritual practice. It is seen as the state of complete awakening and understanding of the true nature of reality. However, unlike other Buddhist schools which may view enlightenment as a singular, static state to be achieved, Tiantai sees it as a dynamic and multi-faceted process.

Tiantai teaches that there are three levels of enlightenment: the initial, the middle, and the ultimate. The initial level is the realization of the emptiness of all phenomena and the impermanence of the self. This is often referred to as the "emptiness of the self" or "selflessness." This realization is considered the foundation for further spiritual growth and is seen as the first step towards ultimate enlightenment.

The middle level of enlightenment is the realization of the true nature of all phenomena, which is described as the "emptiness of all phenomena." This is the understanding that all things are ultimately interconnected and interdependent, and that there is no inherent separation between self and others. This level of enlightenment is often associated with the concept of "oneness" or "non-duality."

The ultimate level of enlightenment, also known as Buddhahood, is the complete and perfect understanding of the true nature of reality. It is the state of complete liberation from all suffering and delusion. This level of enlightenment is seen as the ultimate goal of all spiritual practice and is believed to be attainable by all beings.

Tiantai also emphasizes the importance of the Lotus Sutra in the process of enlightenment. The Lotus Sutra is considered the most comprehensive and profound teaching of the Buddha, and its central message is that all beings have the potential to become Buddhas. Tiantai teaches that the Lotus Sutra contains all the essential teachings of Buddhism and that it is the key to unlocking the full potential of enlightenment.

In Tiantai, enlightenment is not seen as a static state, but rather as a continuous process of growth and development. It is believed that even after attaining the ultimate level of enlightenment, one can continue to deepen their understanding and wisdom. This is known as the "perfect and sudden" approach to enlightenment, where one can reach the ultimate level of enlightenment in an instant, but the process of deepening one's understanding and wisdom continues indefinitely.

In conclusion, Tiantai views enlightenment as the ultimate goal of all spiritual practice and sees it as a dynamic and multi-faceted process. It emphasizes the importance of the Lotus Sutra in this process and teaches that enlightenment is attainable by all beings.