The Self that’s referred to in the title of this article is One with a capital “S.” It’s the Self that’s routinely overshadowed by the majority of persons, who blindly accept that their identity is name and form. All of us are very familiar with the lowercase self; but most are unaware that it’s a conceptual self only. It’s illusory through and through; a thief that’s robbing us of the true joy which is our birthright. It’s my fervent desire to help you become knowingly acquainted with uppercase “Self” via this article. Let’s begin with the following thought-provoking quote from Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, from his spiritual classic I Am That:

“To be a person is to be asleep.”

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, “I Am That.”

“So, Mr. Russell (writer guy), what the heck are you talking about?” For many, the notion of investigating the nature of our Being may seem a very boring, and unnecessary, subject matter; but such isn’t the case. It’s the most exciting journey that we may ever undertake. There’s good reason why the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, Greece was inscribed with the words “Know Thyself.” That culture realized that recognition of true Self was the way to transcend the tribulations that accompany the apparent life of a person. Most of us are very familiar with the polar swings between happiness and unhappiness. In spiritual terms, this is sometimes referred to brittle happiness, because it’s dependent on circumstances and, thus, easily broken.

When we discover Self–capital “S,” we transcend our belief in the false self and, thus, are at peace.

Now it’s time for logic, which may ignite a spark of curiosity. Please contemplate this: Can you really be your name? Can you get burned from the word fire? Can you get wet from the word water? If you’ve been able to answer “no” to both of those questions, you’ve realized that the word is only a term by which we refer to the objects. Now, if you apply that very same logic to the case of your name, you’ll realize that you can’t possibly be your name. Surely, then, this will naturally cause the question (“Who Am I?”) to arise within you.

Time for more logic: When persons understand that they cannot possibly be their name, most will quite naturally assume that they must be their body. This assumption proves, once again, to relate to a fleeting ghost of a thing;” for the body is changing–literally–from one split second to the next. How can such a changeful thing (which is actually a process of Infinite Living Mind) be me? The answer: It can’t. “But,” you may claim, “I feel so real, within; then, I must be my mind.” This also proves to be a very fleeting identity; for our thoughts, which seem so personal, are changeful, too. The “personality” may seem stable; but it’s actually fabricated by discrete flashes of intelligence, memory, and a repetitive “i”-thought. There’s no long-lasting person independent of mind. How could there be when mind is the creator of everything?

Doubt can be a powerful motivator to help lead us toward Truth. Let doubt serve you. Let doubt cast a shadow over the false self, which the majority assume as their identity. By turning your attention from the apparent outer world, to the still world within, you’ll discover that there’s a deeper dimension of “You” that’s awaiting recognition. That is the Changeless, the Eternal, the Immortal Self–capital “S.” We are Spirit.

Dare to dream (and care for one another).

With heartfelt regards,

Art

Copyright © – 2021 – R. Arthur Russell

P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. “Thank You” & “Note to Publishers” 🙏🏻🧡