Foundations of Self-Inquiry: A Guide to Discovering Your True Nature
Introduction
In the pursuit of self-realization and the revelation of Reality, certain prerequisites can significantly enhance the effectiveness and depth of self-inquiry. These prerequisites arise from my own journey and lived experiences, leading up to the spontaneous self-inquiry that transformed my understanding of self and existence. This guide outlines the essential elements and supportive practices that can prepare the aspirant for a profound self-inquiry journey.
1. Yearning and Prayer
An Intense Yearning for the Revelation of Reality
The journey begins with a deep, almost overwhelming desire to uncover the ultimate truth of existence. This yearning drives the seeker beyond superficial understanding, propelling them towards a deeper exploration of Reality.
An Intense Yearning for Union with God
A profound longing to merge with the Divine fuels the quest for self-inquiry. This desire for union with God or the Absolute anchors the seeker in a spiritual context, ensuring that the pursuit remains grounded in a sacred aspiration.
Intensive Prayer, Asking for Grace
Consistent and heartfelt prayer invites Grace into the seeker’s life. By asking for divine intervention, the aspirant opens themselves to the transformative power of Grace, which can illuminate the path and facilitate spiritual growth.
Intensive Prayer, Asking for Spiritual Growth
Regularly seeking spiritual development through prayer fosters a receptive state, making one more attuned to the insights and revelations that arise during self-inquiry.
2. Deep Contemplation
Contemplation on the Nature of Phenomenal Appearances
As Essentially and Inherently Empty Reflect on the emptiness of all phenomena, understanding that their transient nature does not define ultimate Reality.
As Essentially One with Reality Itself Recognize that all appearances are manifestations of the same underlying Reality, fostering a non-dual perspective.
As Movements within Awareness Understand phenomena as dynamic expressions within the unchanging field of Awareness, helping to shift focus from the external to the internal.
Contemplation on the Nature of Reality
As Changeless Being, Awareness, and Bliss Meditate on Reality as unchanging, ever-aware, and inherently blissful, aligning the mind with these fundamental qualities.
As Grace Itself See Reality as inherently gracious, nurturing a sense of divine benevolence and support.
Contemplation on the Sense of Presence Contemplate how the sense of Presence connects the illusory nature of the relative world with the permanence of the Absolute. While the sense of Presence is, in fact, the Absolute, making this notional distinction helps aspirants at this stage of practice. This functional teaching allows for a deeper understanding and experiential connection, guiding the aspirant from the relative to the Absolute.
Distinguishing Between the Changeful and the Changeless
Deep Contemplation on the Illusory Nature of the Relative Discern the transient, illusory nature of the changeful world.
Recognizing the Absolute as the Ground of Reality Ground your understanding in the changeless, eternal nature of the Absolute.
3. Developing Key Qualities
Development of the Faculty of Discernment
Cultivate the ability to distinguish between the transient and the eternal, guiding the seeker towards lasting truth.
Cultivation of the Love of God (the Absolute)
Nurture a deep love for the Absolute, fostering devotion and commitment essential for the journey of self-inquiry.
Cultivation of the Disposition of Surrender to What Is
Embrace a state of surrender, accepting Reality as it is and facilitating a deeper connection with the true Self.
4. Intellectual Acceptance
Clear Apprehension of Deeper Reality Develop an intellectual understanding that there is a deeper reality—a true self that is distinct from the false self, which arises when our real nature is identified with the body, mind, and self-image.
Notional Acceptance of True Beingness Accept notionally that one's true beingness is not defined by any temporal appearance, such as body, mind, or social status. This acceptance is crucial for the aspirant to begin the journey of self-inquiry with the right perspective.
Distinguishing True Self from False Self Understand that the true self is obscured by our tendency to identify the body, mind, and self-image as the real self. The true self can be revealed and seen directly through self-inquiry.
Proof Through Others' Experiences Appreciate and understand that many others have discovered their true being through this method. Knowing that others have successfully walked this path can inspire and motivate aspirants in their journey.
5. Helpful Additions
Reading Inspirational Lives and Teachings
Lives of Saints, Mystics, and Sages Glean wisdom from the journeys of those who have walked the path before.
Poetry and Teachings from Various Traditions Draw inspiration from Sufi, Taoist, and other spiritual traditions that arose from the revelation of What Is.
Supplementary Practices
Chanting Use sound to focus the mind and evoke spiritual connection.
Twirling Engage in physical movement to induce a meditative state.
Energy Work Balance and harmonize the body’s energy to support spiritual practice.
5. Blessed Company
The Company of Sages
Seek the guidance and presence of enlightened beings who embody the truths of self-inquiry, learning directly from their wisdom and experience.
Conclusion
These prerequisites, drawn from my own journey, can significantly enhance the depth and effectiveness of self-inquiry. By cultivating intense yearning, deep contemplation, key qualities, and engaging in supplementary practices, the aspirant can prepare themselves for a transformative journey towards self-realization. May this guide serve as a beacon, illuminating the path to the revelation of Reality and the ultimate union with the Divine.
