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 ...
In
𝙕𝙚𝙣 𝘽𝙪𝙙𝙙𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙢, the practice of "centering" refers to the act
of calming the mind and finding inner peace and balance through
mindfulness and meditation. This helps practitioners to become more
aware of their thoughts and emotions, and to gain a deeper understanding
of their true nature. By centering, one can cultivate a sense of
presence and reduce stress, leading to greater well-being and happiness.
In
Zen Buddhism, the concept of a deity or God is not central to the
practice. Instead, the focus is on the individual's own personal
experience and inner transformation through meditation and mindfulness.
The goal of centering is not to communicate with a deity, but rather to
gain insight into one's own mind and to cultivate a state of peace and
awareness. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the nature of
reality and a sense of interconnectedness with all things, but it is not
viewed as a means of communicating with a divine being.