Assuming that ethics is ultimately about improving consciousness, what metaphysical issues are important and which are not?

the origin of the universe and whether there is an uncaused cause doesn't seem to important. It seems like a math puzzle.

Free will, defining the self, the turing test, whether or not there is life after death seem to be important questions.

Also, a lot of people speak of enlightenment and transcendence as transcending language and 3 dimensions, but I'm not quite sure if a knowledge of quantum physics is a pre-requisite for enlightenment (pre-req makes it sound like something you get a credit or certificate for). Also, since QM is relatively new, it would mean ancient mystics weren't really enlightened.