The concept of the “Self” lies at the core of many spiritual and philosophical traditions. It is often described as the most fundamental aspect of our being, the true essence of who we are. However, the Self is not something we can easily grasp through our usual means of understanding, like thought, perception, or intellect. It transcends our physical, mental, and emotional experiences, yet it is ever-present and underlies all of them. In this chapter, we will explore what the Self is, how it differs from the ego or personality, and why understanding the Self is key to realizing true reality. The Self as Pure Consciousness At its essence, the Self is pure consciousness. It is the awareness that observes all experiences, but it is not limited by or attached to those experiences. It is the unchanging witness of all that arises in life—the thoughts, emotions, sensations, and perceptions we experience daily. To grasp this concept, think about a movie screen. The screen remains ...
The statement "there is a line between #acceptable and #unacceptable behavior. What it is made of is called #dignity"
suggests that there is a clear boundary between behavior that is
considered appropriate or acceptable, and behavior that is considered
inappropriate or unacceptable. This line is defined by the concept of
"dignity."
Dignity can be defined as the inherent value and worth
of every human being, regardless of their status, background, or
characteristics. It encompasses a sense of respect, self-respect, and
the recognition of the value of one's own life and the lives of others.
In the context of #behavior,
dignity can be seen as a standard by which we judge whether a
particular action or behavior is acceptable or not. When we behave in a
way that is respectful of the dignity of ourselves and others, we are
more likely to be perceived as acceptable and #trustworthy.
Conversely, when we behave in a way that is disrespectful or undermines
the dignity of ourselves or others, we are more likely to be perceived
as unacceptable and untrustworthy.
Therefore, the line between
acceptable and unacceptable behavior is determined by the level of
respect and consideration shown for the dignity of oneself and others.
It is important to recognize this boundary and strive to maintain it in
all interactions, as it is an essential component of healthy
relationships and a civil society.