Embracing the Authentic Self: A Journey Toward Enlightenment
Striving for enlightenment is not a random decision or superficial search, but requires complete immersion in one’s own nature – only through a deep awareness of our true desires can we discover the authentic “self” that is not hidden behind social roles and illusory images. This understanding is essential in differentiating what truly belongs to us from imposed stereotypes and deceptive aspirations, thereby attaining inner harmony.As stated in one source, "We need to find our authentic self, our inner cherished self, which is simultaneously the embryo of the future human being and the one eternal reality already manifest within us. At times, something genuine breaks through..." (source: link txt). This emphasizes that a true vision of oneself emerges only during moments of deep emotional experiences – whether joy, sorrow, or a sense of tragedy – when we momentarily forget the outer world and confront the very essence of our existence. It is this realization that helps us separate from the multitude of superficial “selves” created in everyday life.Additionally, one text points out that if the decision to embrace an enlightened state is made without a clear understanding of inner motives, it later evolves into a psychologically laden experience, losing its original power: "In a certain sense, here is everything: a purely formal decision... And only LATER does this pure act 'subjectivize'" (source: link txt). This means that genuine enlightenment requires an initial, conscious choice that deeply resonates with our true desires and the position in the world that we can and should truly occupy.Thus, deep self-knowledge and understanding of one’s role in the world not only enable the selection of new paths but also transform one’s life into something meaningful and cohesive. Only by delving into our very essence can we overcome the illusory division between external demands and our inner world, thereby drawing closer to true enlightenment.