The beginning of this captivating journey to oneself requires a deep understanding of one’s essence that goes beyond everyday awareness.

Embracing the Transcendent Self: A Journey Beyond Ordinary Consciousne

The beginning of this captivating journey to oneself requires a deep understanding of one’s essence that goes beyond everyday awareness. Unlike a superficial glance at one’s thoughts and feelings, true self-knowledge opens the door to a mystical reality where the personal “I” transforms and merges with immeasurable forces that surpass ordinary consciousness. A person who attains this inner harmony ceases to see themselves as a mere sum of thoughts and emotions and begins to sense a unity with the higher aspects of existence, radically altering their life choices. Every action and decision is imbued with this profound wisdom, oriented toward the eternal and significant rather than fleeting circumstances. Ultimately, realizing one’s own transcendence becomes a guiding star that not only helps navigate the turbulent waters of life but also provides a true direction, embodying the highest spiritual purpose in every deed.

What is meant by true self-knowledge and how does it influence a person’s life choices?

True self-knowledge is understood not as a superficial awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings, but as a deep, almost mystical realization of one’s inner nature, where the personal “I” is no longer confined to ordinary consciousness. A person who has attained true self-knowledge goes beyond conventional thinking and perception, finding themselves in a state where they do not simply perceive themselves, but rather come into contact with something that lies beyond their individuality.

For example, one source describes this process as follows: “Know thyself is a kind of perfection of knowledge; however: ‘The mind enters into the depths of the Holy Spirit after it passes all that is visible and mental, and among those incomprehensible things it moves and revolves motionlessly, living more than life—in life, building light within light, and not by light, since it exists in itself (i.e., it may be separated from the Light of God)...’” (source: link txt). This passage emphasizes that true self-knowledge is linked with transcending everyday perception, when ordinary consciousness is no longer able to grasp the true essence of the “I,” and there occurs a union with a force that surpasses individual existence.

Additionally, another source notes: “Know thyself is primarily about this; ‘enter into yourself and there you will find God, angels, and the Kingdom of God,’ say the devotees. This depth is unattainable. Indeed, I have an awareness of myself; this awareness belongs to me, but it can neither reach nor encompass my ‘I’; my ‘I’ is transcendent in relation to its own manifestations...” (source: link txt). Here, it is clear that true self-knowledge involves an awareness of the transcendent nature of one’s personality—the “I” goes beyond its conventional manifestations, and only through a special form of spiritual intuition can this unattainable depth be partially revealed.

Acquiring such knowledge influences life choices in the following way. A person who has discovered their true essence begins to make decisions based not on superficial or temporary circumstances but on inner harmony and a connection with higher goals. Their choices stem from an understanding of meaning and direction that carries a deeper value, enabling them to navigate life guided by inner truth and an aspiration toward something that transcends mere existence. In this way, true self-knowledge becomes the foundation for choosing one’s life path, where every thought and action gains a spiritual dimension and is directed toward the eternal.