English Writings

Essay · निबंध

The Path to Self-Realization

When a soul attains the qualifications such as detachment (vairāgya), only then does it turn inward toward the Self (ātma-sanmukh). After becoming inwardly oriented, it is then able to experience the Self (ātma-anubhūti). At that time, its sense of "I-ness" is established in the pure soul, which is of the nature of pure knowledge. Such a being is called a Samyagdrishti (right believer), i.e., an enlightened one.

In the absence of such qualifications like detachment, the soul remains outwardly oriented (bahir-ātma). As long as the belief persists that happiness comes from external objects, self-realization does not occur. The outwardly oriented person remains under the illusion that happiness is obtained from outside. Therefore, they keep running after external objects or persons, and upon obtaining the desired object or person, they become dependent on them.

If someone desires a kind of happiness that never ends — eternal, uninterrupted, and everlasting — then it is possible only through self-realization. Without self-realization, one cannot even enter the path of liberation; and without attaining the Self, it is impossible to achieve liberation, which is of the nature of infinite, uninterrupted bliss.

With the sole goal of attaining the Self, one should cultivate detachment through practices like the twelve reflections (bārah bhāvanā), the four reflections, dharmadhyāna, "Thank you! Welcome!" etc., and should continuously introspect.

Through these questions, it becomes clear how much outward inclination or attachment exists within me. Then, by practicing the twelve reflections and similar methods, one should gradually turn this outward inclination inward and align one's intention toward the Self. This alone is the path to self-realization.

— Jayesh Mohanlal Sheth