To seek the self, one must first have a clear idea of what…
““To seek the self, one must first have a clear idea of what one is looking for. Thus, some meditation manuals advise actively cultivating the sense of self, despite the fact that this sense is the target of the analysis. Our sense of identity is often vaguely felt. Sometimes, for example, we identify with the body, saying, "I am sick." At other times, one is the owner of the body, "My stomach hurts." It is said that by imagining a moment of great pride or imagining a false accusation, a strong and palpable sense of the "I" appears in the center [of] the chest: "I did it," or, "I did not do that." This sense of self is to be carefully cultivated, until one is convinced of its reality. One then sets out to find this self, reasoning that, if it exists, it must be located somewhere in the mind or the body.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Explores meditation's role in cultivating self-identity, using bodily sensations and imagined scenarios.
In simple terms: Meditation helps clarify self-identity.
Key Takeaway
Practice meditation for self-awareness.
Themes
mindfulness
identity
meditation
philosophy
Mood
reflective
calming
Type
2001:0
Anatman:0
Anatta:0
Buddhism:0
Chod:0
False accusation:0
Identity:1
Meditation:1
Sense of self:1
Sense Self:0
Sense Identity:0
Seek Self:0
Cultivating Sense:0
Self Reasoning:0
When to use this quote
- spiritual retreats
- psychology workshops
Key Concepts
personal practice
therapy sessions
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define your self?
- What meditation helps you?
A Different Perspective
self may may be elusive without practice