SELF REALIZATION
& INNER HEALING
“Know thyself and thou shalt know the universe and God.” — Pythagoras
The Importance Of Self Realization
In our world today, we are confronted with profound contrasts.
On one side, we see unprecedented material wealth, groundbreaking
scientific discoveries, and technological advancements that have
reshaped our lives. On the other, we witness immense suffering
among our human family, the relentless extinction of countless
species, and the enduring shadow of primitive power struggles—now
fought not with rocks or arrows, but with weapons capable of
annihilating entire nations.
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As we grow up in this bipolar world of hope and fear, we often come
to accept these contradictions as inherent to our flawed human nature.
We are encouraged to engage in social and economic systems that,
while lacking true wisdom, offer a semblance of stability.
Yet, amidst this paradox, one question looms large: where should we
direct our focus and energy, especially in societies blessed with
affluence and resources, where the struggle for basic needs is not a
daily concern?
The answer is unequivocal: we must first know ourselves.
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The mandate to "know thyself" is a universal thread woven through every major religion and philosophical tradition. It is, in many ways, the core nucleus of all wisdom imparted by sages throughout history.
In Ancient Greece, Pythagoras proclaimed: "Man, know thyself; then thou shalt know the Universe and God."
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In the Bhagavad Gita, we find: "When a man knows himself to be Brahman, who has neither beginning nor end, who is immutable, who is beyond the Gunas, he becomes free from delusion and attains liberation."
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In the Buddhist tradition, the Dhammapada states: "The one who has conquered himself is a far greater hero than he who has defeated a thousand times a thousand men."
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Confucius, in Ancient China, taught: "He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."
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The Prophet Muhammad echoed this truth: "He who knows himself, knows his Lord."
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And St. Augustine offered a poignant warning: "How can you draw close to God when you are far from your own self?"
These teachings, spanning diverse cultures and eras, converge on a single truth: self-knowledge is the gateway to understanding both the world and the divine. It is the foundation upon which all other wisdom is built, the first step in resolving the contradictions of our time, and the key to unlocking a deeper, more meaningful existence.
In this way, self-knowledge becomes the central spoke in the wheel of meaning that gives our activities in this life a profound connection to what truly matters. You may accumulate all kinds of “wealth,” but with understanding, you begin to see that having “meaning” is the first and greatest wealth of all.
This center-point of self-awareness not only informs what we choose to work on but, more importantly, why we do it. After all, our time in this particular life is finite, so how can we infuse it with real, enduring meaning?
Understanding this makes it clear that true wealth is not measured by material possessions but by the depth of purpose and significance we bring to our lives. It’s this inner compass, guided by self-knowledge, that directs us toward what is truly important, allowing us to live not just for the sake of living, but with a deep, abiding sense of purpose.
However, to some, this quest to "know oneself" might seem like a fool's errand. After all, don't you already know yourself? You have a name, a history, preferences like a fondness for chocolate ice cream over vanilla, a favorite sports team, and a beloved television show—the list could go on.
Yet, this surface-level understanding is but a thin veneer over the deeper, more profound aspects of self-knowledge. True self-discovery goes beyond the simple facts of identity and preference; it delves into the essence of who you are beneath these layers. It challenges you to uncover the deeper motivations, fears, and desires that shape your life. To truly "know oneself" is to embark on a journey far beyond the familiar, into the depths of the soul, where the roots of meaning and purpose are found.
So where do you begin?
If we were to again gather and compare the wisdom from across the world's traditions, we would find that, almost universally, after urging us to "know ourselves," they next instruct us to "go within" to truly find ourselves.
Rather than providing an exhaustive list of such teachings,
I'll highlight just one—one that is rooted in the often misunderstood
Western alchemical traditions and the mystical, secretive order of the
Rosicrucians. The saying goes: "Visita Interiora Terrae Rectificando
Invenies Occultum Lapidem," which translates to “Visit the interior of the
earth, and by rectifying, you will find the hidden stone."
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This phrase, though cryptic, echoes a profound truth found in many
spiritual paths: the journey to self-knowledge is an inward one, a process of
inner exploration and purification that leads to discovering the deeper, often
hidden aspects of our true nature (the true “philosophers stone” – of self knowledge).
In a society accustomed to buying solutions, the knowledge gained from this inner journey stands apart. It cannot be purchased, nor can it be given by another. It must be earned through personal effort, introspection, and the courage to live in alignment with the truths we discover.
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