Eliminated, Not Just Suppressed

A clear distinction should be made between Awakening / Great Awakening and Supreme Enlightenment. To experience a Great Awakening is to achieve (through Zen meditation, Buddha Recitation, etc.) "a level of insight and understanding equal to that of the Buddhas" (Master Yin Kuang).

It is to see one’s Nature, comprehend the True Nature of things, the Truth. Only after becoming a Buddha can one be said to have truly attained Supreme Enlightenment (Attained the Way).

A metaphor appearing in the sutras is that of a glass of water containing sediments. As long as the glass is undisturbed, the sediments remain at the bottom and the water is clear. However, as soon as the glass is shaken, the water becomes turbid.

Likewise, when a practitioner experiences a Great Awakening (Awakens to the Way), his afflictions (greed, anger and delusion) are temporarily suppressed but not yet eliminated. To achieve Supreme Enlightenment (i.e., to be rid of all afflictions, to discard all sediments) is the ultimate goal. Only then can he completely trust his mind and actions.

Before then, he should adhere to the precepts; keep a close watch on his mind and thoughts, like a cat stalking a mouse, ready to pounce on evil thoughts as soon as they arise. To do otherwise is to court certain failure, as stories upon stories of overconfident monks, roshis and gurus demonstrate.

~ Seekers Glossary of Buddhism