Self-Realization

What is Self-Realization? A human being has many layers beginning with the physical body and proceeding inwards to subtler and more expanded dimensions – the conscious mind, the sub-conscious mind, the unconscious mind and finally, the pure Self within. The Self within is eternal, unchanging and unlimited. It is Absolute Consciousness, perfect, pure and complete. It is one for all beings. We are attracted towards It because it is both the base and the goal of our existence. We circle around it as the cyclone circles around its eye. We know instinctively that only in the center lies peace and infinite fulfillment and thus we are drawn towards it. We call it the True Self because it is the only aspect of ourselves which neither changes nor passes away. Knowledge of that which neither changes nor passes away is called Eternal Truth and gaining that knowledge is known as “Self-Realization”.

Why are we not “self-realized” now? The colorful objects of this world and the external aspects of our multi-layered being are easily perceived by our sense organs and mind. Although their attraction is limited and temporary there is relatively little effort involved in acquiring them. The Self, however, is beyond the range of the senses and can only be experienced through effort and concentration. Thus the mind is pulled in two directions, on the one hand towards a happiness which is unsatisfactory yet easy to obtain and on the other hand towards a happiness which is totally satisfactory yet difficult to obtain. It is the nature of human beings, however, to never be satisfied with limited happiness. There is a thirst for limitlessness in us and thus, sooner or later, we are compelled by our own nature to pursue the path of Self-Realization and accept the challenges it presents. Perhaps the greatest challenge is that, as we proceed along the path, we must continue to live in this world, balancing the material and the spiritual.

What is involved in becoming self-realized? Mind is infinitely plastic. It acquires the qualities of whatever it thinks about. If those objects are limited the mind will contract, while if there is an unlimited object, the mind will expand. Learning how to free the mind from limited objects and absorb ourselves in the thought of the infinite Self is the central process of Self-Realization. In meditation we withdraw the mind from the external world and focus within. In action we train ourselves to look for the inner oneness hidden in every object and activity. Little by little the mind expands. Our sense of wisdom, harmony and peace steadily increases and ultimately we achieve self-realization. Other aspects of Yoga such as postures, diet and breathing, help us in this process by enhancing the subtlety of the body and mind and giving us ever-increasing capacity and control.

Is Self-Realization for me? It is said, “If you can imagine it, it’s possible”. If you have a strong desire for self-knowledge and inner peace you also have the capacity to attain it. This may not be achieved in a day or perhaps even in a life-time but every step along the way will reveal some of the joy and beauty of the inner world. We have many missions in life but our ultimate mission is self-realization, thus every step we take along this path will feel like a step in the right direction.