There are various interpretations of Self; for example: there is the Self of Ego, the Self called Soul, the Hindu Atman and a universal Self.
Whatever the theories – Self is the core and in a certain way the coordinate of every human being.
Possibly due to the difficulties of defining Self, the relationship with its beholder gets sometimes stressed – even so far, that latter doubts the presence of prior.
But Self is vital as it knows the true nature and needs of its beholder and thus becomes particular important when turmoil and confusion threaten its physical & mental wellbeing.
There are many unification teachings, but most of them focus on a higher instead on a common Self, despite that we are selfish creatures and thus foremost interested in our own troubles, and who is more qualified to handle them but Self.
The aim of this post is to figure out how to employ Self as guardian and advisor – which is urgently needed since money hungry cults – media – politicians – corporations and other crazies increase their efforts to subject every human being to their vile ends.
Self as an idea is different per person.
Self as an object is the general idea of it in modern times.
Self isn’t some enemy of spirituality.
Self is just an idea. How ever skillful or unskillful a person is with it, is its worth.
Nice post Dan… not sure about the ‘Self as an idea‘ statement, but nice…
Thanks!
Self is an idea when it is used as an idea.
It is also a thing / object.
Self is always in a state of change.
Buddha taught against the absolute self.
But was probably still using the practical, temporal self.
You probably cant have one without the other !
One cannot change Oneself – but one can change the frameworks that define & confine Oneself.
Find yourself to be the centre of your own Universe.
Explore the Nature and Powers of your own Being.
This includes everything which is, or can be for you: and you must accept everything exactly as it is in itself,
as one of the factors which go to make up your True Self.
This True Self thus ultimately includes all things so ever: its discovery is Initiation (the travelling inwards)
and as its Nature is to move continually, it must be understood not as static, but as dynamic, not as a Noun but as a Verb.
All our deeds, emotions, thoughts, creeds - and whatever else we try to relate ourselves with -
are expression of Consciousness exercising its self-realization possibilities.
Self is the vessel of All and thus hidden in it.