Introduction:
Pondering the Eternal Questions of Existence
“Who am I?” and “Why are we here in this world?” These timeless inquiries ignite our curiosity, prompting us to delve deep into the nature of existence. What is this world, and what ties us to it? Throughout human history, these questions have fueled various forms of exploration, from scientific research to philosophical introspection and the yogic pursuit of self-discovery. In this blog, we embark on a journey to unravel the profound answers to “Who am I?” through the lens of ancient Indian yogic philosophy.
The Body and Mind: Foundations of Our Journey
Understanding Our Existence Logically
Our journey commences with a firm acknowledgment of two assets: our body and mind. This blog aims to logically progress from this familiar ground to the realms explored by ancient Indian philosophy—those of pure consciousness, ‘Atman’ and ‘Brahman’. Let’s navigate this exploration together; fasten your seatbelts.
The Illusion of Identity: Body and Mind
Exploring the Fragility of the Ego
From birth, we identify with our body and the image of self, entwined with the concept of ego. Yet, on closer inspection, our body reveals its transient nature. It grows, eventually succumbs to death, and merges with the natural world. The recreation of cells signifies a continual process, resulting in a new body, distinct from the one at birth.
The intriguing question arises: “What dies in us when we die?” The answer eludes us in the mere loss of body parts. Exploring the realms of brain activity, thoughts, and the construct of the mind, we encounter the ego—the illusion of control over our actions. But is the mind the true self?
Mind, Dreams, and the Illusion of Control
Contemplating the Constructs of Consciousness
While the mind orchestrates our actions, creating the illusion of control or ego, it also connects us to different realities during dream states.
A Glimpse into the Dream Realm: In the hushed corridors of the night, my mind embarked on a journey beyond the realms of the waking world…
Awakening to a Different Reality: As the first light of dawn painted the sky, I emerged from the dream realm, transitioning into wakefulness…
The room around me felt both familiar and strangely unfamiliar, as if I had just arrived from a distant land. The boundaries between dream and wakefulness blurred, leaving an indescribable residue of the dream’s vivid tapestry on the canvas of my waking consciousness.
As I opened my eyes, the transition from the dream state to wakefulness felt like stepping through a veil that separated two distinct realities. The scenes and emotions from the dream lingered, casting a surreal glow on the tangible world. It was as if I had momentarily glimpsed the thin veil that separates the tangible from the intangible, the conscious from the subconscious.
In that peculiar moment of awakening, the question echoed softly: “Which reality is more real?” The dream, with its ever-shifting landscapes, or the waking world, anchored in the tangible and the known?
It was a brief encounter with the mysterious interplay of consciousness, a subtle reminder that the boundaries between our perceived realities are not as rigid as they seem. The mind, both the weaver and the beholder of dreams, left me with a profound sense of wonder—a lingering awareness that different realms of existence are not so easily compartmentalized.
The Spark of Consciousness Within
Exploring Ancient Wisdom and the Upanishads
Delving into ancient Indian philosophical texts such as the Upanishads, Vedas, and Yog Sutras, we find profound insights into the questions that have intrigued humanity for centuries. Sri Ramana Maharshi and Adi Shankaracharya emphasize the inseparability of mind and self, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of consciousness.
“There is no difference between the mind and the Self. The mind turned inwards is the Self; turned outwards, it becomes the ego and all the world. But the mind does not exist apart from the Self – that is, it has no independent existence. The Self exists without the mind, never the mind without the Self.” – Sri Ramana Maharshi
The Bhagavad Gita on Self-Inquiry Guidance from the Sacred Texts
In the sacred verses of the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna imparts wisdom on the significance of self-inquiry:
“When a person responds to the joys and sorrows of others as if they were his own, he has attained the highest state of spiritual union.” – Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 6, Verse 32
This verse encapsulates the essence of self-inquiry, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the transcendence of individual identity. As we explore the depths of our own existence, the Bhagavad Gita invites us to extend our understanding to the shared joys and sorrows of humanity, fostering a union beyond the boundaries of the self.
States of Awareness and the Essence of Being
Beyond Body and Mind: Turyum, the Fourth State
Examining our states of awareness—fully awake, dreaming, and deep sleep—reveals a fourth state in Vedantic literature: ‘Turyum’, the essence of being. Pure consciousness, witnessing all states, emerges as the answer to the age-old question, “Who am I?”
Experiencing the Real Self
Beyond Knowledge: The Path to Self-Realization
While literature provides insights, true understanding requires experience. Pure consciousness, our authentic reality, often eludes us due to our profound connection with the world and the construction of our bodies. To bridge this gap, various methods have evolved over millennia:
a. Ashtanga Marg in Panini’s Yog Sutra: A systematic eight-step path encompassing Yam, Niyam, Aasan, Pranayam, Pratyahar, Dhyana, Dhaarna, and Samadhi. You can read details of this in this blog
b. Bhakti Yog, Gyan Yog, and Karma Yog in Bhagavad Gita: Paths of devotion, knowledge, and selfless action leading to moksha.
c. Self-Inquiry: A method of exploring the deeper layers of self.
d. Meditation and Mindfulness: Practices enhancing awareness of self and the world.
Conclusion : Unveiling mysteries, “Who am I?”
Knowing Self, Knowing the World
Understanding the self, as expounded in Indian scriptures, is not just a philosophical pursuit; it is the ultimate goal of life. This knowledge cultivates compassion and humility, revealing the interconnectedness of all existence. Join us in the journey to discover the self, clearing the clouds of confusion and breaking free from the illusions of ‘Maya’. Embrace this odyssey with humility, and let’s unite in the pursuit of the real self.
