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 ...
Life is filled with situations where we are faced with the demands and expectations of others. Social acceptance and approval are incentives that often drive us to change ourselves to fit their ideals and norms. However, in this constant battle for recognition, we can easily lose ourselves. That's why it is important to have the courage to be yourself without justifying.
Having the courage to be oneself means accepting and valuing
oneself as we are, without conforming to the expectations of others. It
doesn't mean becoming irresponsible or ignoring the opinions of others.
Nonetheless, it means staying true to ourselves and our values, even if
it means rejecting certain standards or avoiding the need to justify
our actions.
When
we have the courage to be ourselves, we expose our true feelings,
thoughts, and beliefs to the world. Instead of trying to fit in with
others, we choose to be honest and open about who we are and what we
want. This allows the people around us to see and understand us in a
more genuine way, accepting us for who we are without requiring us to
justify or change ourselves.
Justifying
oneself is often associated with fear of rejection or judgment from
others. When we try to justify ourselves, we essentially deny ourselves
and our actions. Not only does it deprive us of our individuality and
authenticity, but it also prevents us from forming genuine connections
with others. By having the courage to be ourselves without justifying,
we embrace our true selves and invite others to do the same, fostering a
sense of acceptance, understanding, and mutual respect.