Transcending Your Limiting Beliefs

"Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you can render the world." - Ramana Maharshi

Understanding Self-Realization

What is the “Self-Realization” that Ramana Maharshi speaks of, and what role does it play in transcending limiting beliefs? Self-realization is becoming fully aware of and understanding one's True Self. This realization naturally dissolves self-limiting beliefs because the True Self is boundless and not confined by the ego’s constructs. To truly overcome self-limiting beliefs, we must uproot the very source from which they stem rather than replace them with positive affirmations.

What I just shared might sound like a foreign language or, to some, a bunch of spiritual mumbo jumbo. That’s OK because I had never heard of the topic just a few years ago and would have dismissed it as touchy-feely “woo-woo.” It’s all just words until you’ve experienced it, and words will always fall short. Language is our feeble attempt at conceptualizing the ineffable. Words can only point to Truth, but the thinking mind cannot conceptualize Truth. Once Truth is named, it is no longer Truth because our understanding of the word limits it.

Exploring the Concept

Still sounds like mumbo jumbo? Let’s explore the concept further. Imagine being asked to describe yourself in words. You’d likely include your physical appearance, personality traits, likes and dislikes, experiences, emotions, and beliefs. But if you shared that comprehensive description with someone, would you say they truly knew you… what it was like to BE you? No, of course not. Your essence, who you are, and what it’s like to experience life as you defy language. I often see language as a way of communicating what something is not (via negativa) more than explaining what something is. In describing myself, I am drawing the line between me and other objects in the world.

Pause for a moment and marvel at all the extraordinary advancements, discoveries, and innovations we have accomplished as a species. From splitting the atom to exploring the human genome, we have yet to answer the most fundamental question: Who am “I,” or better said, what is “I”? The question delves into the core of our identity and existence. It challenges the notion of the ego—the constructed self-image based on our experiences, thoughts, and societal roles.

The Practice of "Neti, Neti" 

Early in my journey, I was introduced to the Sanskrit concept of "neti, neti" (नेति नेति), which translates to "not this, not this" or "neither this nor that." This method is used in the practice of jnana yoga (the path of knowledge) to explore and realize the true nature of the Self. By systematically negating all that one is not, this practice leads to the direct experience of the Self as pure awareness beyond all conceptual identifications.

Applying "Neti, Neti" to the Exploration of "Who Am I?" The practice involves negating all the layers of identity we typically associate with ourselves. It is a process of deconstructing the egoic self and its attachments. By discarding all that is not the True Self, one is left with the direct experience of pure being or consciousness.

The Process of "Neti, Neti"

Step 1: Am I my physical body?

• Negation: "I am not the body." The body is a vehicle for experience but not the True Self. The body changes, ages, and eventually dies.

• Reflection: Observe the body and recognize that while you inhabit it, you are not confined to it. You are aware of your body, but the awareness itself is not the body.

Step 2: Am I my thoughts?

• Negation: "I am not the mind or thoughts." Thoughts are transient, constantly changing, and often contradictory.

• Reflection: Notice that you can observe your thoughts. If you can observe them, you must be something other than the thoughts themselves. The awareness of thinking is not the thinking itself.

Step 3: Am I my emotions and feelings?

• Negation: "I am not the emotions or feelings." Emotions fluctuate based on circumstances and perceptions.

• Reflection: Recognize that emotions arise and pass away, but the awareness that experiences these emotions remains constant.

Step 4: Am I my roles and identities?

• Negation: "I am not my roles or social identities." Roles such as parent, child, professional, or friend are contexts in which we operate, not our essence.

• Reflection: Consider that roles change over time. You were once a child, and now you might be an adult with various roles. The essence of who you are is beyond these shifting identities.

Step 5: Am I my desires or attachments?

• Negation: "I am not my desires or attachments." Desires are temporary and often unfulfilled.

• Reflection: Consider that desires come and go. They do not define awareness as something that experiences desire.

 

Universal Quest for Self-Realization

Many religious and spiritual traditions emphasize transcending the superficial layers of identity to connect with a deeper, more fundamental reality. Whether through practices of negation, meditation, prayer, or direct experiential knowledge, these traditions guide us toward realizing our true nature beyond the ego and experiencing a profound unity with the divine or the ultimate reality. This universal quest underscores the shared human aspiration for spiritual awakening and self-realization.

My Experience

Self-realization is less about finding a definitive answer to the question "Who am I?" and more about experiencing life directly, as it is, beyond the confines of the ego and conceptual thought. It’s about living in a state of presence and awareness, fully engaged with the present moment and the unfolding experience of life. The present moment is a powerful salve for not just self-limiting beliefs but also fear, anxiety, depression, and, ultimately, suffering.

But as LeVar Burton, host of Reading Rainbow, used to say, “But you don’t have to take my word for it.” This is merely an invitation to explore life in all its fullness. From Buddhism and Sufism to Christian mystics like Meister Eckhart, St. John of the Cross, and Teresa of Ávila, all spoke of a direct, experiential knowledge of God and Self that goes beyond intellectual understanding. Our clinging to concepts prevents us from knowing God and the Self. When we stop searching and embrace stillness, we develop a gnosis. Embrace the mystery. Bask in the wonder. We are the mystery. We are the wonder.

Conclusion 

In this exploration of transcending self-limiting beliefs, we have delved into the profound process of self-realization and its power to dissolve the constraints imposed by our ego. By understanding that our True Self is boundless and not confined by the ego’s constructs, we can begin to uproot the deep-seated beliefs that hold us back. This process is not about finding a definitive answer to "Who am I?" but rather about living in a state of presence and awareness, fully engaged with the present moment.

I encourage you to continue this journey of self-exploration and growth. Embrace the challenge of moving beyond the ego’s constructs and towards a fuller, more liberated existence. By doing so, you transcend your self-limiting beliefs and step into a life filled with purpose, creativity, and boundless possibilities.

Next week, we will explore how to integrate these new beliefs into your daily life and create from an infinite sea of potential.