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The key question
For liberation know yourself as consisting of consciousness,
the witness of these.
[The Song of Ashtavakra (Ashtavakra Samhita) Chapter 1.3]
One of the most perplexing difficulties in attempting to uncover the fundamental self, and perhaps the greatest barrier to overcome, is the notion of identifying and separating the ego from all else. The arduous attempt to peel back the layers of the conscious mind that is directly influenced by the ego, in the aim of thus eliminating it from all enquiries. Hopefully, by achieving this, one would be left with an impression, or realisation of the real self, if this really exists at all?
This is, by no means, an easy task. And it would appear, the more tenacious and headstrong in this pursuit that one becomes, the greater the difficulty. The reason for this lies with the fact, that the ego is a measure of character, which has been developed over time with age. Generally it may be assumed that the ego is a direct measure of character, thus the stronger the character, the greater the ego.
By employing the strength of character and perseverance to delve deeper into the consciousness and the mind, one merely utilises the ego even more, and we are left with the misplaced notion, that the ego may in some way overcome itself, or maybe even expire with exhaustion. Certainly, this pursuit may end in exhaustion and tragedy, and either mental breakdown or even madness.
More logically, the search to uncover the deeper self, must involve discarding the ego altogether. One must deny the ego, and its influences, to achieve the goal of clear, unadulterated awareness. A state of consciousness whereby the mind is no longer influenced or troubled by intrusion of thoughts, or emotions, or judgment. Hopefully then, an awareness of the true nature of the self can be realised?
The method for this pursuit is termed meditation, and has been practised for thousands of years by the eastern seers and yogis from India to China. It is said that the yogi may achieve the awareness of his true nature, his higher self, or Ishvara, through deep transcendental meditation. Whilst, it is written that the Buddha Gautama achieved total enlightenment through his practice of meditation.
There are many different techniques and practices associated with meditation and of yoga. And the goals and aims of many that practice the pursuit are varied. Some seek God directly, some seek their true nature, or their higher self, whilst others merely use meditation as a form of relaxation and peaceful diversion. Certainly, practice makes perfect, and deep meditation is no easy accomplishment. It may take years of constant devotion before the fruits of this type of meditation may be realised. And usually some level of formal training is necessary to achieve any real results.
Yet with devotion and the devout practice of meditation, one may learn to achieve a state of calm nature whereby, the thoughts within the mind, may be stilled, or permitted to pass unhindered. With little or no effect on the disposition, an emotionless and peaceful state of being may be achieved that is free from all inner and outer turmoil, and at peace. The analogy is likened to that of a leaf, which is blown by the wind and breeze. Similarly, the mind, in it's natural state, is in turmoil and in constant exertion, and is directly affected by moods, emotions, and perception, which gives rise to thoughts. By achieving a state of deep calm in meditation, the mind becomes like a leaf still and motionless, despite the affects of the wind, and free from this exertion.
Once this state of calmness has been achieved, and with the mind uncluttered, a level of awareness may become apparent. Some liken this state of being with that such as a third party, or witness, that now observes the thoughts passing unhindered through the mind, without restraint or analysis, or judgment. Unmoved, and seemingly unattached, the mind may witness it's own processes, and eventually come to understand it's own motives, and finally seek the goal of personal enlightenment and self awareness, that is naturally hidden from it.
Meditation is a tried and tested technique, which can be used to overcome the ego, and aid in the exploration for the true self. By simply not employing the ego, its effects can be overcome and discarded. Once this technique is learned and honed, this state of egolessness can be quickly achieved, with little effort, to the point that it becomes almost second nature. In this deep state of peace, one may become open to revelation and the profound knowledge of oneself, which is usually overwhelmed and concealed by normal circumstance and being.
In fact, meditation may be the best and the only way to achieve this kind of enlightenment. Aside from some kind of special or divine intervention, that is. It is true that many yogis that have achieved these states of revelation no longer see themselves as they once were. Their knowledge and wisdom of themselves has thus changed their character, and affected their lives and motives for existence. Many continue to spend most of their natural lives in deep meditation, in the aim of achieving greater and greater awareness. And many use the techniques to search for a higher spiritual plane, and seek God.
There are other methods and paths to revelation and enlightenment, which are normally associated with religious faith, and some kind of divine intervention. These cannot not be disputed either, as a path to true enlightenment, and knowledge of self and God. There have been many religious prophets and seers throughout history, who have been witness to the divine, and sometimes to esoteric knowledge and wisdom, and communion with a higher spirit or existence. Whilst most of us sentient mortals place faith in the power of prayer for this communion, there are many who speak of direct contact with spiritual beings, and even with God. We should not rule out the possibilities of such, as most every thing we may comprehend is viable, and the potential for any thing is not impossible.
In conclusion then, we find ourselves with the difficulty of differentiating the true self, from the ego. And the problems associated with overcoming the ego, to permit this special revelation that is required to gain the deeper knowledge of oneself. Clearly it is the ego that stands in the way of true enlightenment, for the ego stands in questioning, and judgment, and guards to protect us from ourselves. It is the strength of character and the ego which, although can be of great benefit for survival and success in our everyday existence, stands in the way of exploring our true nature. We have become so attached to ego and to separation, that it may be almost impossible to comprehend any higher spiritual nature, or higher self, without first freeing ourselves from ourselves?
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