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“SELF-INQUIRY”

In Japanese, the word ‘inquiry’ of “self-inquiry” is expressed using two kanji, ‘search, 探す’ and ‘seek, 求める.’ It means to ‘search’ and ‘seek’ for answers into deep within the ‘self.’

This “self-inquiry” cannot be done just by thinking about ‘self’ in the head. While we can find various plausible answers by the influence of our ego’s fears, it is impossible in that way to dig deep into hierarchy of self-awareness.

In fact, so much so that the ego hates and fears being probed into the depths of the self as the ego.

Beyond this resistance from egoic fear, self-inquiry, the inquiry for the ‘self,’ must necessarily be done in the innermost stillness in order to inquire the depths of whatever we think of as the ‘self.’

It means that it’s required to be done beyond the influence of the noise of thought (judgments of right and wrong, comparisons, the desire to be good, etc.).

Within the complete silence, we ask ourselves questions such as, “What is the source of these words and actions of mine?” and next step is we must gradually dig deep into the layers of the hierarchy of self-awareness and to clarify assumptions and beliefs behind our own words and actions.

In other words, self-inquiry is a process of deconstructing and examining what forms our current self-awareness, what we think of as ‘self.’

Furthermore, self-inquiry is also an observation of the ‘now’ self as it is, and therefore, if we are under the strong influence of judgments and comparisons by the manifest conscious, it inevitably gives only plausible answers, which not only prevents the deconstructing of what we think of as ‘self,’ but also leads us into further self-deception.

In this way, the less accustomed one is to self-inquiry, the more difficult it is to dig into the hierarchy of self-awareness because of unconscious ego resistance, and the contrary, the more accustomed one is to the innermost stillness (a place completely free from ego’s influence), the more one can dive deep into the layers of hierarchy of self-awareness and revealing the truth of self-awareness one has at the moment.

As this self-inquiry deepens, the level of stillness, or concentration, increases, and one inevitably reaches a moment of transcendence from the realm of what was thought to be ‘self’.

This transcendence, which goes beyond the cognitive realm of ‘self’ altogether, is as inevitable as everything else, and no intention and no matter how strong the desire of the manifest conscious, can affect this ‘inevitability.’

Furthermore, once this ‘transcendence’ occurs, one’s awareness changes from the bottom up totally, and while the realm of ‘self’ and all other areas of perception expand and deepen completely (this huge change cannot be compared to like being inspired), however, at this point one is not completely detached from the ego, and the fact remains that it is easy to fall into the trap of the ego same as before.

This means that even if ‘transcendence’ occurs through self-inquiry, it is not the end of the process, but rather we must continue to further inquiry toward a complete free from the ego. In the self-inquiry, what each of us finds out every time is the best for us at the moment, acceptance of oneself as one is at the moment, continuing to be detached from any judgments and expectations of the mind (ego), and also surrendering to Higher Self as it leads us, and etc., must be required and through this sincere self-inquiry, we are naturally cultivated our humility to be led by the unknown and stay away from the ego, as well.

So, for instance, no matter how disappointing your self-inquiry may be, no matter how impatient you may feel, never give up on yourself, also never give up on knowing what is beyond, and continue to do self-inquiry.

Every time (non-ego) choice is made with sincere trust in the unknown, you will surely be led to further depths. (OM 🙏)

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