Exploring the Self and Perception of the Self: Unveiling Your True Nature
Perception and the mind's perception of the self are two distinct concepts. Our original self remains unchanging, while the body is considered inert. It is within this invariant core that the mind creates thoughts. These thoughts serve a crucial purpose, enabling us to accomplish daily tasks. However, once a task is completed, these thoughts are no longer required. The mind should revert to a state of calm, remaining clear and alert without any intrusive interference into the immediate perception of the self. The self, fundamentally, is the essence that perceives and experiences. This fundamental inquiry - “Who am I?” - is at the heart of understanding our true nature.
The Question of the Self
The question "Who am I?" is one that we all grapple with at some point in our lives. It is an inherently philosophical inquiry that seeks to uncover the essence of our existence. When one ceases to ask this question or avoids it entirely, one often identifies oneself with the body and/or mind. However, when the mind poses this question, something profound occurs. The act of observing oneself in this manner can lead to a cessation of thoughts. At these moments, the mind is in a state of openness, attempting to reflect upon itself. This process is invaluable for self-discovery because it allows us to transcend our habitual thought patterns and gain a clearer understanding of our true nature.
Why Acceptance Falls Short
It is a fundamental mistake to accept things as they are, whether these things are spoken or thought. This acceptance creates a deadlock that obstructs further progress. Any authority, whether from a person or a source, becomes a barrier to true discovery. The ego-mind, a conditioned construct, only becomes a reality when we accept the incorrect belief that we are our thoughts and/or our body. This is not the case. You are neither your thoughts nor your body; you are the unchanging essence that observes them. By peeling back the layers of the mind and delving deeper, you will find the truth with little effort. It is not achieved through physical effort but through inner silence.
States of Human Consciousness
Human consciousness exists in three distinct states: waking, dream, and deep sleep. In the deep sleep state, we are entirely alone, isolated from the outside world. In the dream state, the mind creates our experience. Similarly, in the waking state, the mind projects our reality. It is fascinating to consider that everything we experience in the waking state is a projection of the mind. The self is the constant, the backdrop against which these projections occur. Just as a movie screen shows light and shadow, the self simply reflects the mind's creations without being them.
The self is present in all three states: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. It is the immutable screen that displays the ever-changing imagery of the mind. Understanding that these projections are merely reflections of the mind can be enlightening. True understanding leads to a realization that these projections are not real in the ultimate sense. When we grasp this realization deeply, we no longer perceive the three states of consciousness. The focus shifts to pure consciousness, where the self is the only reality. This is the great truth we explore in this essay.
Conclusion
Through contemplation and observation, we can achieve a profound understanding of the self and our true nature. Embrace your inner silence and the insights will come. With love and compassion, let us embark on this journey of self-discovery.