Self-realization, also known as the knowledge of the self and the vision of pure consciousness, is the peace that comes from within. When one lacks self-awareness, they start identifying themselves with what they are not—this is known as self-ignorance.
However, when one attains self-awareness, the illusion is shattered, and the truth is realized.
The Human Mind and Its Afflictions Arising from Lack of Self-Knowledge
When a child is born into this world, he cries immediately. As he grows older, he cries less, and when he becomes a young man, he stops crying altogether. But just because a young man doesn’t cry, it doesn’t mean all his sorrow has vanished. The sorrow remains the same as it was at birth—only now his tears have dried up.
Sorrow persists throughout life. When there’s a desire for something that is currently missing, sorrow exists at that very moment. A child would cry, but a young man holds himself together. Similarly, when something unwanted happens in life, it causes suffering. The burdens of past experiences and anxieties about the future can make even the present bitter. And even if the concerns of the past and future are minimal, is the present itself free from suffering?
From birth to death, people are constantly chasing happiness. They believe that if they obtain certain worldly things—an expensive car, a luxurious house, or a special person—their inner state will improve. They never pause to question how an external object or another person can truly bring them happiness.
It is like animals and birds who spend their entire lives chasing food and reproduction. Humans have added a few more things to the list, but their life remains largely similar to that of animals.
The stomach is such that it is never truly full. Even if it gets filled, it quickly becomes empty again—beings spend their entire lives trying to satisfy it, and even at death, it remains unfulfilled. Their own stomach keeps deceiving them all their life. Yet the hunger of the stomach is at least authentic—it demands only what gives temporary peace.
But what about the hunger of the mind?
Even after getting what it desires, the mind remains unsatisfied. Before one desire is fulfilled, the next has already been formed. Even before acquiring money, one begins thinking about what to do with it.
People fail to realize that happiness doesn’t come from the outside in; it flows from within outward. The objects and experiences they chase have no true connection to peace or joy, yet due to ignorance, they search for happiness in them. Some believe they find joy in violence, some in hunting animals in the wild, some in dancing by the sea, others in the stupor of intoxication, and some even believe that death will end their suffering—and they go as far as committing suicide.
In this world, people chase after different objects and experiences, but ultimately, everyone seeks just one thing: happiness and peace. In the end, all are alike—their search is only for happiness and peace.
What is Self-Realization?
Self-realization is the attainment of true happiness and peace. Just as people experience temporary happiness and peace through different worldly things, self-realization also brings them peace—but there is a difference. The joy of the soul is unique.
The happiness derived from non-self elements (external things) may offer temporary relief, but self-realization provides eternal bliss. The joy of self-realization doesn’t stem from any worldly object—it arises from within, regardless of the external situation.
Self-realization doesn’t give you something new. It simply makes you aware that the things in which you seek peace and happiness will ultimately bring you suffering. Don’t get entangled in this worldly web—it will only lead to sorrow. Rejoice in the knowledge that you have always been happy and free from suffering. You simply entered the darkness of misery in the pursuit of gratifying your senses.
Self-Realization and Intellectual Development,
People say that when a child is born, they are physically and intellectually undeveloped, and as they grow, they begin to understand and perceive the world—their development progresses.
But how many people in the world actually achieve intellectual growth with age?
When an infant is born, it cries for the love of its parents. Later, it is distracted and starts to smile. As it grows older, it cries for toys. Then, as a teenager or adult, it cries for companionship—and if not fulfilled, for a new partner. All through life, one keeps crying for someone or something.
The infant cried, and the adult cries still. At first, it was for parental love, which was understandable—but now, it’s for things that are entirely meaningless.
If this is considered intellectual development, then perhaps the infant is more developed—for at least its cries are for something true and pure.
People believe that the more one knows about worldly matters, the more intelligent they are. And institutions, from major universities to small schools, are all engaged in producing such “intelligent” people.
We want to know everything about the world. But no one wants to know who the knower is—the ego (“I”) that perceives it all. Who is it? How does it function? Why does it love someone? Hate someone? Fear someone? Why does it cry or feel joy?
People do not seek these answers. They just let life happen and keep drowning in the sea of suffering.
We want to understand how artificial intelligence functions—but we are not interested in understanding how the human being works. This doesn’t seem as necessary. People think: what will I gain by knowing myself? But if we do not seek to know the soul, how will we ever gain realization?
The Difference Between Ego and Self
Self-realization is no ordinary occurrence. It can be extremely difficult for those who consider their ego more important than knowledge. When the ego begins to break, the person suffers intense mental anguish, fear, and confusion—because we don’t want to lose the ego. But the Self lies beyond the ego—it is your true, sacred nature.
In truth, attaining self-realization and purity is not difficult—it is easily available. What is difficult is giving up the ego. We, as beings, are more drawn to arrogance than humility. Physical pleasures and sensory gratifications appeal to us more than spiritual peace. That is why turning away from self-realization has become human nature. People have made their ego and mind the greatest enemies of their own peace.
As long as ego dominates, self-realization cannot happen—it is impossible. The soul is the supreme truth—it cannot be turned into falsehood. A person may change—from soul to individual soul—but the soul remains unchanged.
Thus, it is not something you can “get” like an object. It must be realized—through knowledge, by becoming like it. It is the supreme state, where merging with it leads to freedom from the cycle of birth and death and from all forms of inner torment.
Once the Self is realized and awareness is attained, the ego dissolves—bringing immediate liberation from suffering. The death of the ego leads to the realization of the supreme state.
The Death of Ego and Self-Realization
When self-awareness arises spontaneously, or develops through meditation and spiritual practice, it leads to deep understanding. One begins to see that what they had identified as “me” out of ignorance, is actually not them—it is something else entirely. Then letting it go becomes easy.
Just as one removes their clothes before bathing and enjoys the bath knowing the clothes are not them, similarly, to dive into the ocean of soul’s bliss, one must simply remove the cloak of ego—or put differently, they must end the beast within.
Once that beast dies, its life will no longer be your life.