#self-enquiry

To know thyself, a paradox it seems, For self is naught but shadows in our dreams. Self-enquiry, a quest to seek the soul, Reveals the truth: there is no self at all.

The practice seeks to find the self within, Yet finds illusion where the search begins. The "me" we think we are, a fleeting shade, By words and names, this false self is portrayed.

The self appears so real, so firm, so true, Thus seldom do we question what we view. Self-enquiry begins to probe and ask, If self exists, then where? A daunting task.

As questions rise, the self begins to fade, The sense of separation starts to wane. In time, the falsehoods crumble, fall apart, And pure existence shines within the heart.

Through self-enquiry, truth is then revealed, No separate self, but being unconcealed. The search for self thus ends, and we embrace, Our true nature, as one with all, in grace.

One frequently misconstructed self-enquiry question is “Who am I?” This question presupposes the existence of a defined identity and inherently implies an answer. Instead, it should be reformulated from “Who am I?” or “What am I?” to “What is understood to be ‘me’?” or “What underlying assumptions are being made about this presumed entity labelled ‘I’?” These revised questions aim to explore personal misconceptions more thoroughly. Such enquiry is necessary for a meaningful examination of self-concepts.

Navigating the Paradox of Equality

In the pursuit of a fair and just society, the desire for equality emerges as a guiding principle. It calls for the recognition of the inherent worth and dignity of all beings, striving to create a world where everyone has equal opportunities and treatment. However, beneath the surface of this noble aspiration lies a paradox—an intricate dance between unity and diversity, individuality and collectivism.

Embracing Individuality and Unity:

As the American writer and civil rights activist Audre Lorde once said, “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” Equality celebrates the unique tapestry of human existence. Each individual is a manifestation of the universe, with their own set of experiences, perspectives, and talents. Embracing individuality acknowledges the diversity that enriches our collective experience, recognizing that our unique qualities contribute to the richness of the whole. The paradox arises when we strive for equal treatment while respecting and honoring the distinctiveness of each being. Balancing these seemingly opposing forces calls for a deep appreciation of both unity and diversity.

Power Dynamics and Equitable Solutions:

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” These words from Martin Luther King Jr. highlight the importance of addressing power dynamics in the pursuit of equality. In society, certain individuals and groups hold more privilege and influence than others. Addressing this inequality often involves redistributing power to create a more equitable society. However, the process of doing so presents a paradoxical challenge: How can we navigate power dynamics without perpetuating new forms of inequality? This calls for inclusive decision-making processes and systems that empower marginalized voices, recognizing that true equality necessitates the dismantling of oppressive structures.

Celebrating Diversity and Intersectionality:

“We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race,” emphasized Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations. Equality is not a call for uniformity; it is a celebration of diversity. Paradoxically, sometimes the desire for equality can lead to a color-blind or gender-blind approach, where differences are ignored in an attempt to achieve sameness. However, true equality embraces and honors the unique challenges faced by different individuals and communities. It requires an understanding of intersectionality—the recognition that individuals embody multiple identities and face overlapping forms of discrimination. By celebrating diversity and embracing intersectionality, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world.

Faith and Individual Agency:

Interestingly, faith plays a pivotal role in the paradox of equality. Faith encompasses a belief in something beyond the self, an understanding that there is a greater interconnectedness at play in the universe. However, faith can also blind us when we rely solely on external sources to shape our beliefs and perceptions. True faith begins and ends with the individual, rooted in self-awareness and an inner knowing. It is the recognition that we have agency in the co-creation of a more equal and harmonious world. By cultivating faith in the oneness of all creation, we tap into the transformative power within us.

Navigating the Paradox:

To navigate the paradox of equality, we must hold both unity and diversity in our hearts and minds. It is through acknowledging and honoring the unique qualities of each being that we can truly realize our oneness. We must recognize that oneness rests in the beliefs and individuality of each person. This means respecting and valuing the diverse perspectives, experiences, and identities that make up our shared humanity.

In the pursuit of true unity, let us cultivate a deep understanding that we are not just separate beings belonging to different races, but rather intricate threads woven together in the vast tapestry of life. Our individual beliefs, experiences, and perspectives are what make us distinct, yet it is in our collective recognition of our shared humanity that we find the true essence of unity.

As the philosopher and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle reminds us, “You are not separate from the whole. You are one with the sun, the earth, the air. You don’t have a life. You are life.” Let us remember this profound truth as we navigate the complexities of the paradox of equality and strive for a world where unity transcends the illusions of separation.

In Faith, All Illusions and Paradoxes are Revealed

Faith, rooted in self-awareness and individual agency, becomes a guiding light in our journey towards oneness. It is not about blind adherence to dogmas or external doctrines but a deep trust in our own inner wisdom and the interconnectedness of all beings. Faith empowers us to envision a future where equality is not just an ideal, but a lived reality within the knowing of oneness.

Yet, within the paradox, we must also recognize that we cannot force others to be self-aware or to have faith. Each individual’s journey towards equality is unique, influenced by their own beliefs, experiences, and perspectives. Instead of trying to impose our understanding onto others, let us lead by example and inspire through our actions. By embodying the principles of equality, embracing diversity, and cultivating self-awareness and faith within ourselves, we represent beacons of change in the world.

A Seeming Challenge

The paradox of equality challenges us to reconcile the dance between unity and diversity, individuality and collectivism. It calls for a deep appreciation of the uniqueness of each individual while recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. By addressing power dynamics, celebrating diversity, and cultivating faith and self-awareness, we navigate this paradox with grace and wisdom.

Let us remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” As we embody the principles of equality, we inspire others to join us in co-creating a world where unity, diversity, and individual agency harmoniously coexist. Together, let us embark on this transformative journey and forge a path towards a more just and equitable future for all.

The Challenge is a Personal One, Not a Collective One

In this journey towards equality, it is important to remember that faith begins and ends with the individual. Each person holds the power to cultivate their own faith, to trust in the cosmic dance of life and the inherent interconnectedness of all things. It is through this individual faith that we can navigate the paradox of equality with humility and grace.

However, it is equally important to recognize that we cannot impose our faith upon others. Just as we have the freedom to cultivate our own beliefs, others have the same autonomy. Respect for individual agency and diverse perspectives is crucial in fostering an inclusive society.

Opposition Disintegrates, Acceptance Integrates

The paradox of equality teaches us that true unity rests not in forcibly shaping the beliefs of others, but in embracing the oneness that arises from honoring the beliefs and agency of each individual. It is through the harmonious interplay of diverse beliefs and the collective recognition of our shared humanity that we can truly build a world where equality thrives.

As we embark on this journey, let us draw inspiration from the words of Eckhart Tolle: “The power is in you. The answer is in you. And you are the answer to all your searches.” Embrace your own faith, nurture your self-awareness, and live in alignment with your values. By doing so, you become an embodiment of the change you wish to see in the world.

The paradox of equality calls us to navigate the delicate balance between unity and diversity, individuality and collectivism. It is a journey that requires self-awareness, respect for individual agency, and the cultivation of faith. As we honor the beliefs and agency of others while staying true to our own convictions, we may realize the collective unfolding of a more just and equitable world.

Let us forge ahead with compassion, understanding, and unwavering faith in the transformative power of equality. Together, we can create a future where the tapestry of human existence is celebrated, where unity is found amidst diversity, and where the innate worth and dignity of every individual is cherished within the vast cosmic tapestry of oneness.

Om Namo Bhagavate Sri Arunachalaramanaya

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Enquiring ‘to whom are these (four defects), karma (or action performed with a sense of doership), vibhakti (or absence of love for God), viyoga (or separation from God) and ajnana (or ignorance of the true nature of God)?’ is itself karma (the path of desireless action), bhakti (the path of devotion), yoga (the path of union) and jnana (the path of knowledge). (How?)

When one enquiries (thus), (the ego or individual ‘I’ will be found to be non-existent, and) without ‘I’ (the individual who has those four defects) they (the defects) never exist. (when the ego and all its defects are thus found to be ever non-existent, it will be realized that) remaining as the (defectless) Self, alone is the truth (that is, it will be realized that the truth is that we have never had any of those four defects, for we always exist and shine as the everdefectless Self).

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Note: The four defects, namely karma or action performed with a sense of doership, vibhakti or absence of love for God, viyoga or separation from God, and ajnana or ignorance of the true nature of God, all exist only for ‘I’, the ego or individual. But if one scrutinizes the nature of this individual ‘I’ by enquiring ‘Who am I?’, it will be found to be non-existent. When the ego is thus found to be nonexistent, all these four defects will also be found to be ever non-existent, because without the ego they can never stand, and thus the truth that we always remain as the everdefectless Self, will be revealed. Hence, since the aim of the four yogas, namely karma yoga, bhakti yoga, raja yoga and jnana yoga, is only to remove these four defects, and since when one enquires ‘Who am I, the individual for whom these defects exist?’ the truth is revealed that all these four defects are ever non-existent, by one’s enquiring thus one is truly fulfilling the aim of all the four yogas. 

Sri Ramanopadesa Noonmalai - Ulladu Narpadu - Anubandham (Reality In Forty Verses - Supplement) - Verse 14, pg.110 (pdf)

Verse 10 of Upadesa Undiyar may also be referred to here.