I would say, not that elusive. The instructions are laid
out in sutras. The most commonly used "how-tos" are sutras
like the Anapanasati, Satipatthana, Maha-satipatthana sutras,
etc.
When I requested more discussion on the "how-tos" I wasn't
seeking instruction right here on the forum per se. Our
meditation teachers should be the ones instructing us.
However, some amount of discussion on the techniques in terms of
problems faced and how to solve them, which techniques are better
under certain conditions (e.g. people were asking how to forgive
and metta meditation often gets recommended), how to overcome lack
of motivation in practice, and even things like what to do if your
leg is hurting while doing your sittings, etc.
These are things that we can help each other with; just like in
the Sangha of the olden days, when monks with more experience
helped the novices. Matters surrounding practice were
actively discussed so that everyone could progress. Things
regarding awakening were openly discussed and not kept hush-hush
like it has tended to become these days. Today, enlightenment
is seen as something mysterious, faraway, and not to be
discussed.
The Buddha taught that awakening and liberation from suffering
is possible. However, people of today seem to have put the
most basic Buddhist aim on a very high pedestal. They have
decided for themselves that enlightenment is impossible.
Hence, they scoff when others talk about having directly seen
Anatta and Emptiness.
oh, you meant 'technique-based' instructions. that shouldn't be
a big problem isn't it. i was thinking along the lines of coming to
the 'realisation' or 'attainment' since u used the word
'destination', as in there's no 'How-to' reach that
'destination'.
the ego makes a compelling case as it figures out what it needs,
sets down an agenda, and progresses towards its goal. it knows
where it is going, what it still lacks, and how to achieve the
wanted result, all in quantifiable terms. but if the mind has never
been where it is going, how could it have any possible idea how to
get there, or how the journey looks like? So it becomes an obstacle
if we think we know where we are going and the strategies we use to
get there.
the ego can interfere with the process of spiritual work, but it
cannot offer much assistance. as long as the ego remains
in-charge of the spiritual journey, it endlessly complicates and
prolongs the process. imo, awakening or enlightenment is not
something you gain, but simply is when the mind
releases its authority. so yeah, no 'stages of enlightenment' for
me thanks 
