How to Awaken the Self?

The Awakened One sees Oneself in others and others in Oneself

Isa Vasya Upanishad

I am, You are, We are the creative source of Energy, the Brahman

Great Sayings of all Upanishads

All matter is energy

Einstein in 1905 CE & Upanishads in Circa 3000 BCE

Anyone who can read, write and think can verify these statements to be factual. Yet, many who would unhesitatingly claim to understand the Theory of Relativity (Eddington said famously that only 3 people in the world understood it) do not know that is still an unproven theory. They seem unaware that it’s not a Newtonian scientifically evidenced fact. This, even though hundreds of inventions including Nuclear Power, GPS, Laser, Imaging, and 3D printing are based on the Theory of Relativity.  These are people who believe in the Genesis myth that the earth evolved 6000 years ago.

Simply put, in the Quantum World and Spiritual World of probability certainty of proof is not a determinant of beneficial outcomes. Newtonian certainty is a measure of our material framework. Quantum Spirituality transcends measures of repeatable certainty, which cannot be applied to the energised state of matter. Children in elementary schools seem to understand this better than many educated adults.

Since we are energy beings encased in matter, we have unlimited potential. Mayer postulated this several decades before Einstein confirmed it. This unlimited potential is the razor’s edge. It can create, nurture or destroy. The choice of free will is ours, not of an unseen God.

Unlike matter, all energy is the same in its non-local waveform. Why do we then have a problem in accepting this as a fundamental principle of human equality, even as we combat one another in the belief in the concept or imagery of a God as some form of energy? A God who lays down different rules for different faiths as to what to do, what to eat, how many and who to marry, who to eat with, and who to kill. What kind of energy is this?

Religion in its present form is evil. It is an organized institution of political and criminal manipulation. What ought to have been spirituality as defined by the Vedic religion as the one singular Truth achievable through multiple paths has become the currency of corrupt clergy of multiple religions. The Upanishad, Buddha and Jesus spoke of an ultimate energy state we should seek as the meaningful quest in our lives. Those who claim to be their faithful followers use them to control others in greed for power and wealth.

Unlike the Western world of cognitive primacy derived from Descartes and Newton, the Eastern spiritual universe considers cognition to be delusional. Cognition creates duality, fragmentation and conflicts. Spiritually disengages in a mindfree, non-dual, real-time, and unifying perception of the Truth. Cognition can be destructive, while spirituality is always healing. In today’s world of mental illness, loneliness, suicidal tendencies and pandemic depression, a spiritual approach can be a powerful alternative to cognitive therapy.

What is spirituality? In simple terms, it’s the belief we are all one, equal and connected. None is superior to another. In its wake spirituality invokes altruism, selflessness and non-covetousness. These are universal beliefs shared by many cultures, which today are termed pagan because they do not believe in organized religions and their Gods. These pagans are more awake, aware and connected spiritually in their oneness than the faithful.

I start all my leadership training programs with a simple request. What would the universe wish you to be at the end of your journey? There is much discussion on what each wishes to be and what is meant by the universe wishing us to be. It doesn’t take long for everyone to get it. When they get it, the effect is powerful. To begin with, there is an awareness of the difference between a selfish agenda and a more selfless vision. The latter leads to meaning and purpose. In turn, it leads to collaborative engagement.

We end with an exercise in re-visioning and re-creating the future based on our strengths and passion, with spiritual meaning and purpose. The envisioned better Self supports and enhances everyone around and the Universe. Only the Awakened Self can create the Awakened Universe.

The Upanishad and the Bhagavad Gita spoke of the awakened Self. Yoga laid down the pathway to realise this awakened Self through a mind that is still and non-cognitive. The mindfree Self realises its energy potential despite its material casing.

It’s not difficult. It requires awareness and dedication.

Reflection

We breathe. Rarely are we aware of our breath. We use our bodies. Rarely do we become aware of the body unless it’s broken. We sense, feel and think. Rarely do we think about what we sense, feel and think. Take a few minutes daily to think about what we sensed, felt and thought during the day. Reflect on what we could have done better to make another person better. This simple 15-minute process can help create your Awakened Self. Just do it, today.

Ram is a co-founder and mentor at Coacharya. Ram's focus is the integration of Eastern wisdom with modern science, spiritually, systemically and sustainably. Visit Coacharya.