Self-awareness, self-observation & inner transformation
by Atman Nityananda / blog
The continuous self-observation from moment to moment is the only way to recognize the mechanical nature and programming of our mind and to cultivate the will to free ourselves from them.
Self-observation requires us to be alert, attentive and self-aware (aware of the sense I am and inner silence), so that our ego does not keep us in a state of identification with the mind (thoughts, fantasies, images, opinions) and emotions.
It is essential to maintain a psychological distance from thoughts, desires, impulses, and emotions (even more urgently), to stop identifying with them, in order to stop being dominated by them.
To create distance, so we do not identify with psychological reactions, it is necessary to have a stable point that the egoistic mind cannot access.
This point is the sense ‘I am,’ and most importantly, the inner silent presence within us, which is untouched by what happens in our body and psychology. When we are aware of the inner silent presence, the ego cannot easily steal and manipulate our attention and make us identify with its fantasies, thoughts, desires, impulses, and emotions.
By remaining in awareness of inner silence (self-awareness) and deepening in it, we maintain a healthy distance from the reactive patterns and almost constant fluctuations of the mind and gradually become more conscious of the unconscious and automatic expressions of our lower rajasotamasic ego.
Since inner silence is not as interesting to the ego as external objects and pleasures, since the habit of the mind to wander outward has become strong, and since inner silence is subtle and difficult for a gross, extroverted mind to grasp and remain in, it is common to frequently lose contact with it (self-forgetfulness) and easily identify with thoughts, emotions, impulses, pleasures, and external objects.
Therefore, to avoid self-forgetfulness (that is, losing awareness of the sense of “I am” and inner silence) and maintain alertness and Self-awareness (conscious contact with the sense of “I am” and inner silence). it is highly recommended to engage in the continuous moment-to-moment repetition of a mantra (of one of God’s names, like “Om Nama Shivay” or any other), or repeating a phrase about our true nature like “I am pure Consciousness, Ooommm Consciousness” or “I am the silent presence, Ooommm Silence.” Continuous mental repetition of such affirmations or mantras is a fundamental means (the most important, according to great enlightened teachers) of maintaining alertness and Self-awareness. Moreover, their constant repetition is very purifying and steadily increases the sattva quality (Guna) in our mind (in all aspects of the mind—external, intermediate, inner mind, and ego
It is also necessary to practice meditation or self-inquiry (Vichara) in the morning and evening, as these are the primary methods to deepen the awareness of the inner silent presence (which is our true Self, Consciousness), and to establish ourselves in it.
To free ourselves from egoic tendencies, it is necessary to discover them, become aware of them, accept and acknowledge them and fully realize through continuous self-observation, that the same thoughts, emotions, desires, reactions, and behaviors are mechanically repeated (under certain conditions and external circumstances).
Only when we become fully aware of this continuous mechanical repetition of thoughts, impulses, tendencies, and emotions can we realize and understand that they are automatic, compulsive reactions, mechanisms, programming, and psychological entities that operate independently of our conscious will. Along with this awareness, we will realize that we are dominated and manipulated by them and, in fact, imprisoned by them.
And in my experience, only when we reach a deep and clear realization that we are imprisoned by them, that they are foreign to ourselves (we are not them), that they are intrusive to our psyche like a psychological virus, and that these are the true causes of our suffering, not others or external circumstances, does it ignite a strong desire to free ourselves from them and a determination to work decisively and steadily to eliminate them from our psyche.
This inner work of weakening and eliminating all kinds of mental, emotional, and intellectual conditioning takes place moment by moment throughout the day, as well as by applying specific processes or methods designed for this purpose at our place. Prayer and mantra are the chief means for eliminating the energy field of egoic tendencies, emotions, impulses, and desires, moment to moment, every time they manifest in us. While there are various methods that can be applied at our place (some of them also at any moment) for the elimination of the ego’s tendencies of all kinds, prayer remains a central or key factor for their removal.
Wishing you freedom from the bondage of ego and suffering. May you awaken to your true nature and live in peace, love, and light in this very life.
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The ‘secret’ to a plentiful life, a life of harmony, happiness and contentment is to have a sattvic mind free from desires and ego and to live in every moment in conscious contact with our true Self (Consciousness).
🌺 Peace, Love, Harmony
atmannityanada 