The Observer

 Welcome back to our journey of self-discovery. Today, we are going to explore the idea of the four states of consciousness in spirituality from the perspective of the observer. These states: waking (jagrat), dreaming (swapna), deep sleep (sushupti), and the transcendental (turiya), help us connect with our true self by observing the layers of experience. Let’s simplify these states and understand how they guide us toward the awareness that lies beyond feelings and thought.

The Waking State (Jagrat)

When I observe the waking state, I notice how this is where I experience the physical world through my senses. It is the state of action, decision-making, and identifying with my body and mind. Yet, as the observer, I can recognize how my thoughts and emotions in this state can lead to attachment and suffering.

I remind myself that emotions are like clouds passing through the sky. They come and go but are not the essence of who I am. I am the sky, the eternal witness, not the clouds themselves. By practicing mindfulness, I can step back and simply observe without getting caught up in these feelings.

The Dreaming State (Swapna)

When I enter the dreaming state, I observe how my mind creates its own reality. In dreams, memories, fears, and desires come alive, weaving stories that can feel very real. As the observer, I can step back and recognize that these dreams are impermanent reflections of my subconscious mind. They show me patterns, fears, and stored emotions that I might not recognize in the waking state.

From this perspective, observing these narratives without judgment allows me to detach from them. I see that dreams are opportunities to learn about my own mind and release attachment to old patterns or fears.

The Deep Sleep State (Sushupti)

The deep sleep state is a moment of pure stillness. As the observer, I notice that in this state, there is no ego, no identity, just peace and complete rest. It offers a glimpse of the awareness that exists without thought, emotion, or action. This state reminds me that my true self is not tied to external circumstances or changing emotions.

When I meditate on this experience, I can connect to stillness and detachment even when I return to the waking or dreaming states. This helps me maintain a sense of calmness and perspective as I navigate daily challenges.

The Transcendental State (Turiya)

The state of turiya is beyond all other states. It is the purest state of awareness, the eternal observer that witnesses all experience without judgment, attachment, or division. In turiya, there is no sense of self versus other, only pure oneness and unity.

I realize that turiya isn’t about escaping reality but about recognizing that this state is always present, even as I move through waking, dreaming, and deep sleep. Through practices like self-enquiry and mindfulness, I can reconnect with this space of pure awareness and experience a deeper sense of peace and presence.

Living with Awareness of the Four States

Understanding these four states isn’t just a philosophical idea. As the observer, I can apply this knowledge to daily life to find balance and peace:

• Observe Your Waking State: Notice how I react to situations and emotions. I remind myself that my reactions don’t define my true self. They are temporary experiences.

• Reflect on Your Dreams: I pay attention to recurring emotions or themes in dreams, understanding they are glimpses of stored memories or subconscious fears.

• Value Rest and Stillness: I take moments to rest and connect with stillness. This brings me back to the peace of my true nature.

• Seek the Observer Within: I step back from the drama of life and witness my thoughts and emotions with detachment. This helps me remember that I am the awareness observing these states, not the thoughts or feelings themselves.

The journey through the four states of consciousness is a journey toward understanding my true self. Each state offers a unique insight into who I am when I step away from the patterns of thought and emotion. As the observer, I can connect with turiya, the timeless state of pure awareness, which reveals that I am constant, eternal, and untouched by external changes.

I remind myself: just like the sky remains unchanged even as clouds pass by, my true self is constant, limitless, and at peace. By pausing, observing, and connecting with this awareness, I live a life free of suffering and more in tune with my eternal essence.

Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll share practical ways to strengthen this connection with turiya. Until then, take a moment to pause and become the observer in each state of your consciousness.

I Am Not My Emotions

Understanding the True Self Beyond Feelings

Welcome back to our journey of self-discovery. Today, we’re diving into an important and liberating idea: "You are not your emotions." Emotions, while powerful, don’t define who you are at your core. They come and go, but the true "you" remains unchanged. Emotions are like clouds in the sky, Emotions are clouds and you are the sky. Understanding this can be freeing, especially when we recognize how emotions get stored in our bodies and how we can release them. Let’s explore this together.

Emotions and the Body: How They Get Stored

Have you ever noticed how your body reacts when you're upset or anxious? Maybe you feel tightness in your chest when you're nervous. This is because emotions aren't just experienced in our minds—they also affect our bodies. When we experience strong emotions, the body holds onto those sensations. Over time, if we don’t process or release these feelings, they can accumulate and create blockages in our energy flow. This can lead to physical discomfort or emotional imbalances.

For example:

Anger: might show up as tightness in your jaw, clenching fists, or a flushed face.

Sadness: may be felt as a heavy feeling in the chest or a knot in the stomach.

Fear: can cause your shoulders to tense up or your heart to race.

Guilt: often shows up as a weight in the belly or a tightness in the throat.

These physical sensations are clues that emotions have been stored in the body. And when we ignore or suppress these feelings, they can stay with us, causing tension, stress, or even illness.

Vipassana: A Tool for Releasing Stored Emotions

One of the best ways to address and release stored emotions is through mindfulness practices like "Vipassana meditation". Vipassana teaches us to observe the sensations in our body as they arise and pass away. This method helps us become aware of where emotions are held physically and gives us the space to release them.

In Vipassana, the practice involves sitting in stillness and observing the sensations in your body without judgment. You simply notice how emotions manifest physically—without attaching a label or judgment to them. For example, if you feel a tightness in your chest, instead of reacting with fear or frustration, you just observe it. Over time, you’ll notice that these sensations shift and eventually dissipate.

By paying attention to these sensations, you give your body the opportunity to let go of stored emotions. You create a space where emotional release can happen naturally. The more you practice, the more you can begin to recognize patterns of stored emotions and start to release them with ease.

You can read my blog My 10 Days Vipassana Experience for more details about Vipassana

How to Create Space for Emotional Release:

Breathe: Deep breathing is one of the easiest ways to release stored emotions. When we breathe deeply, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps calm the body and release stored tension.

Body Scan: Try doing a body scan, where you mentally check in with each part of your body, noticing any tension or discomfort. As you find areas of tension, gently breathe into them, allowing them to relax.

Mindful Movement: Sometimes, emotions need to be moved out of the body. Gentle movement like yoga, stretching, or even dancing can help release stored emotions and bring awareness back to the body.

Express Your Emotions: Journaling or talking to a trusted friend can help process emotions that are difficult to release. Writing down your feelings can help you detach from them, allowing you to see them more clearly.

Emotions are not permanent parts of who you are. They are temporary responses to situations.

Remember, you are the observer, the awareness behind the emotions. Emotions may rise and fall, but the true you remains constant. By releasing the emotions stored in your body, you begin to live more freely and in alignment with your true self.

Stay tuned for the next post "The Observer" in our series on self-discovery. Until then, take a moment to observe your body and see where emotions may be stored, and give yourself the gift of releasing them with love and awareness.

I Am Not My Senses

Exploring the Five Elements: A Path to Self-Discovery

Hello friends! Welcome back to my blog. As we continue our journey of understanding 'Who Am I' , with our neti neti method, today we will explore the five elements: Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Space. Each element connects to our five senses and helps us discover more about ourselves.

Earth: Grounding and Stability (Sense of Touch)

Earth symbolizes stability and physicality, relating to our sense of touch. When we feel the ground beneath us or touch a flower we can ask "What grounds me?" This element helps us reflect on our roots and what truly defines us beyond external influences.

Water: Emotions and Intuition (Sense of Taste)

Water represents fluidity and emotion, connected to our sense of taste. Engaging with water, whether drinking it or swimming, invites us to consider "What nourishes my soul?" It encourages us to explore our feelings and desires, guiding us toward self-acceptance.

Air: Thoughts and Communication (Sense of Smell)

Air embodies breath and intellect, linked to our sense of smell. As we breathe in fresh air or notice different scents, we can think about how we express ourselves. Ask "What thoughts uplift me?" This element inspires us to listen to our inner voice and recognize our thoughts.

Fire: Passion and Transformation (Sense of Sight)

Fire symbolizes transformation and passion, relating to our sense of sight. By observing flames or sunlight, we can reflect on what ignites our passions. Consider, "What inspires me?" Fire encourages us to pursue our goals and embrace change.

Space: Connection and Silence (Sense of Heairing)

Space represents vastness and interconnectedness, connected to our sense of hearing. In moments of silence, we can listen to the world and our thoughts. Space prompts us to ask "How do I connect with others?" It reminds us of our unity with everything around us.

These five elements are interconnected. Earth nourishes Water, Water fuels Fire, Fire creates Air, and Air fills the Space that holds them all. This cycle shows how we are part of a greater whole.

As we explore these elements and their relation to our senses, we deepen our understanding of "Who am I?" Each element offers a unique perspective, helping us uncover our true selves.

Just understand these elements and try closing your eyes, put earbuds in ears so that you can't hear anything, try to feel every sensation on your body, observe your breath, observe your thoughts. Do this all at the same time in meditation.

With time you will notice that breath will become shorter, thoughts will disappear, you won't be able to see anything, you won't be able to feel any touch, you won't be able to think (but one thought will be still there, 'who is observing all this?)

With practice you will come to know that you are there even without your senses. You will get to know that;

YOU ARE NOT YOUR SENSES.

Join me in the next blog as we continue this exploration and tackle the question, "I AM Not My Emotions"

I Am Not Memory

Let's continue our journey to discover 'Who Am I'. In previous blogs we have already covered 'I am not the body' and 'I am not Mind'. Today we will see 'Am I the Memory?'

When someone asks you 'who are you?: You explain about yourself your name, your hobbies, your characteristics, your nature,your personality etc. But all this data is nothing but just your memory. So you are not this data correct? You can exist without this data.

In the realm of spirituality, we often ponder the nature of our existence and strive to understand the depths of our true selves. As we embark on this transformative journey, we come to realize that our identity goes beyond the boundaries of memory. We are not merely a collection of past experiences, but rather, we are beings of infinite potential and eternal essence. In this article, we will explore the profound realization that "I am not memory" and delve into the boundless nature of our spiritual existence.

Whatever information we gather from our birth is 'Memory'. If I will ask you to imagine 'ghuytimb', can you imagine? No, you can't imagine because this is not in your memory. 

Can you exist without memory? Definitely yes there are many people in the world who has lost their momory and still 'they are'.

Memory, an integral part of human experience, plays a significant role in shaping our perception of self and the world around us. Our memories help us navigate daily life, learn from our past, and create a sense of continuity. However, it is important to recognize that memories do not define who we truly are at our core.

When we cling too tightly to our memories, we confine ourselves to the limitations of the past. We may identify with past traumas, failures, or regrets, allowing them to overshadow our present moment and hinder our growth. But the truth is, we are not limited by our memories. We have the power to transcend them and forge a new path for ourselves.

Beneath the layers of memories lies a profound truth: our eternal essence. Beyond the transitory nature of memories, there exists an unchanging, divine spark within each of us. This eternal essence is our true nature, untouched by the passage of time or the fluctuations of memory.

To realize our eternal essence, we must shift our focus from the external world and turn inward. Through practices like meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection, we can cultivate a deep connection with our innermost being. In these moments of stillness, we begin to glimpse the vastness of our true self, beyond the constraints of memory.

Living in the Present Moment:

As we awaken to the understanding that we are not memory, we are liberated from the burdens of the past and the anxieties of the future. We become fully present in each moment, experiencing life with a sense of wonder and openness. We embrace the beauty of the present, recognizing that it is the only reality we truly have.

Living in the present moment allows us to tap into our inherent creativity and manifest our desires authentically. We become co-creators of our reality, shaping our lives in alignment with our deepest aspirations. By letting go of attachment to past memories, we free ourselves to explore new possibilities and create a future that resonates with our true essence.

When we realize that we are not memory, we step into the dance of life with grace and surrender. We no longer resist the flow of existence but surrender to the divine unfolding of each moment. We embrace the ever-changing nature of life, knowing that our true self remains unscathed by the passing tides of time.

In this dance, we recognize that every experience, whether pleasant or challenging, is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. We approach life with curiosity, gratitude, and compassion, knowing that we are not defined by our memories but by the divine essence that animates our being.

I Am Not Mind

    Hello friends! Welcome back to my blog.

Lets continue our journey of knowing 'Who Am I'.

    In the last blog article we discussed 'I am not the Body' and today we will be doing brainstorming on 'I am not the mind'. Before concluding this statement, let's understand what is mind? There is always someone inside us who is talking to ourselves, can we call it mind? Is it the same which thinks?

    When you observe carefully you can figure it out that inside there is someone who is always talking to us day and night all the time. Even if you don't want to hear or don't ask anything it keeps talking. 

    'Today is a beautiful day', 'I need to finish my work today', 'I am really tired now', 'I need to call my friend, what if she won't pick up my call, might be she is busy now, I will call her later, No but I want to talk to her right now' 

    See there is no full stop, it keeps going on like this whole day and even in night when we are sleeping. 

    This is the thinker.

    Now there is a big & important question arises 'Without a thought, Can there be a thinker?' Obviously if there is no thought, how this thinker can think & talk about? 

    So mind is nothing but this thinker & this thinker is nothing but the thought because without thought there is no thinker and without thinking there is no mind.

(Read the above sentence until and unless you understand it clearly.)

    Based upon our understanding here we can conclude that our mind is nothing but a thought.

    So 'Am I The Mind?' or lets ask it like 'Am I The Thought?' definitely I am not the thought because I am still there without any thought.

    If you want to experience this, just observe your thought or lets close your eyes and say 'let me see what am I thinking right now'. You will notice that whenever you observe your thought there is no thought. It is called a 'thoughtless' state. 

    As long as you can observe with focus and concentration, you are in thoughtless state. This is called as 'meditation'.. Being thoughtless so that you can see things as it is without any filters of mind. From here your actual journey of knowing 'Who Am I' starts. When you are are thoughtless you can discover yourself properly.

Again there is a very interesting thing that is, 'thought' evolves from language. Without language we can't think. Animals don't think like human because they don't know language, they don't know 'abcd'. Just try to imagine 'mobile', without saying the word 'mobile' to yourself.

    Its impossible. Without words there can't be a thought. Without thought there can't be the thinker. And without thinker there can't be the mind.

    So now it can be concluded that 'I am not the mind'.

Then who am I?

Lets continue this in my next blog 'I AM Not The Momory'