Self-Awareness and Non-Identification
by Atman Nityananda / fc
Spiritual practice centers around self-awareness and non-identification.
This means not forgetting our True Self (the silent inner presence) and not identifying with or becoming lost in thoughts, fantasies, external circumstances, or sensory objects.
By “True Self,” we refer to the silent inner presence (Consciousness, Atman), the core of our being, not the body, mind, or ego.
The factor that causes us to forget our True Self and identify with externalities is the lower, rajasic-tamasic ego. The ego leads us to identify with the body, emotions, impulses, thoughts, fantasies, beliefs, and external objects, people, and circumstances.
Ego takes various forms with numerous offshoots but is rooted in the sense of “I am the body,” along with desire and pride.
Since identification (of any kind) is the main obstacle to living consciously and remaining aware of our inner silent presence, our primary focus must be to develop the ability to stop identifying and deepen self-awareness. This requires consistent practice, both moment-to-moment throughout the day and with dedicated morning and evening practices at home.
Constant vigilance and alertness are necessary to observe the movements of the mind and ego and to prevent identification with thoughts, emotions, and other distractions—or to stop it as quickly as possible when it occurs.
We must become capable of disengaging from identification with external objects and circumstances, thoughts, emotions, impulses, opinions, and beliefs, and ultimately with the ego and the body (which we mistakenly regard as ourselves).
Without self-awareness, detachment and non-identification, it is impossible to undertake serious inner work, let alone achieve a radical transformation of oneself or awakening.
Means for developing self-awareness
The body and breath can be used as tools to remember the silent presence of the inner Self.
Similarly, repeating a mantra or the name of God (in one of His names or incarnations, such as Krishna or Christ) can serve this purpose.
Meditation and self-inquiry (vichara) are foundational practices that help us cultivate and stabilize self-awareness (awareness of the inner silent presence).
It is essential to emphasize that self-awareness must be exercised and applied throughout the day. Seating Meditation and self-inquiry, practiced morning and evening, help us deepen and stabilize self-awareness so that we can apply it in daily life, which is far more challenging due to external circumstances.
Another fundamental skill in self-awareness is moment-to-moment self-observation. Through self-observation, we notice and become fully aware of the egoic tendencies and all kind of mental and emotional patterns, examine and understand them, and ultimately eliminate them from our psyche through Prayer, mantra, their combination amd other means as well.
The elimination of the egoic tendencies of all kinds is crucial because establishing ourselves in our true nature (Consciousness, Atman) Which is the achievement of enlightenment (self-realization, liberation) is only possible through the complete dissolution of the ego.
Key skills for effective self-observation include focused conscious attention and discernment.
Knowledge and understanding of the nature of the mind and ego are important, but only moment-to-moment self-observation can lead to a deep awareness of what is happening within us, complete understanding, and ultimately its elimination.
Finally, I remind you that the foundation of meaningful inner work is an intense longing to know the Truth, coupled with determination, sincerity, devotion, and tireless practice.
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 