Understanding Awareness: The Path to True Self-Realization
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Defined as the consciousness of aspects of reality, awareness is a state that allows us to focus on one aspect at a time. However, there is more to awareness than just observing external phenomena. In this article, we will explore the deeper meaning of awareness, the concept of self, and the journey towards true self-realization.
What is Awareness?
Awareness, in its fundamental sense, refers to the awareness of oneself. It is important to differentiate between awareness and the self, as the self is not a fixed entity but a dynamic process of thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Reflect on the notion that what we perceive in the world, including physical objects and mental processes, is not the self. The 'self' as we commonly perceive it is a construct rather than a fixed entity. What we point out as 'yours' or 'you' are not actually 'you' due to their impermanent and ever-changing nature. In essence, everything, whether it is a mental concept, a physical object, or a metaphysical idea, is 'not-self'.
The Notion of Self
The concept of self can be confusing. To understand it more clearly, consider the idea of 'there' and 'here'. No matter where you are, you cannot point out something that is definitively 'you' or 'yours'. All that is objective and subjective is not the self. This realization is crucial in the journey towards self-awareness.
Real self-awareness means not confusing the 'not-self' with the self. It involves recognizing the entity that speaks in first person as 'I know', 'I do', 'I love', etc., as not the true self. It is merely a bundle of thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By letting go of this entity, you can achieve genuine self-awareness. This process is akin to being locked in a room with a snake—the only way to survive is by keeping the snake in your sight at all times. Similarly, the only way to be self-aware is to always be aware of the 'not-self' entity.
Practical Steps Towards Self-Awareness
The journey towards self-awareness begins with recognizing the nature of our experiences. One powerful method is through meditation and reflection. It requires love, knowledge, and practice to grasp the concept fully. Here are a few steps you can take:
Meditation: Engage in regular meditation to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice helps you detach from the 'not-self' entity. Experience Life as a Movie: Think of life as a movie. Your body or ego is just a character, but as awareness, you are the one watching and experiencing the contents of the movie. Loving Others or Being Alone: Try to love someone or spend time alone to reflect on the nature of experiences. In doing so, you will better understand the distinction between the observed and the observer.Additionally, you can explore philosophical and spiritual texts. Concepts like atman, Brahman, Gyan, and purusha are used to describe the same idea across various traditions. These texts provide a deeper understanding of consciousness and self-awareness.
Conclusion
Awareness, beyond just observing external phenomena, is the realization of the true self. By understanding that everything we perceive is 'not-self', we can achieve self-awareness. This journey involves recognizing the nature of our experiences through practices such as meditation and reflection, and embracing a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.