Discover Your True Self Beyond Your Past and Your Ego | Eckhart Tolle

Summary

The video script explores the concept of self and the illusion of identity, drawing parallels between the teachings of Buddha and Jesus. It delves into the idea of 'denying oneself' as recognizing the unreality of one's conditioned self. The speaker encourages seeking a deeper, more profound sense of self that transcends personal identity. The script also discusses the awakening from the ordinary state of consciousness, akin to waking from sleep, to achieve a state of awareness where one is not dominated by thoughts and emotions, but can observe them without being consumed by them.

Takeaways

• 🧘 The concept of 'self' is considered an illusion by spiritual leaders like Buddha and Jesus, who encourage transcending the conditioned self to discover a deeper identity.
• 🌟 Jesus' teaching of 'deny thyself' aligns with Buddha's philosophy, suggesting that recognizing the unreality of one's conditioned self is essential for spiritual growth.
• 🤔 The idea of a 'form identity' is introduced, which includes both physical and psychological aspects that are shaped by personal history and experiences.
• 🔍 There is a possibility of accessing a deeper dimension of self that goes beyond the personal sense of identity, which is not defined by the usual mental and emotional states.
• 🌱 The process of 'Awakening' is described as a shift in consciousness, moving from complete identification with thoughts and emotions to a state of awareness and presence.
• 🌅 The script likens the daily awakening from sleep to a higher spiritual awakening, where one becomes aware of the transient nature of thoughts and emotions.
• 🧠 It is suggested that most humans are caught in a 'stream of thinking' without awareness, which is a state of spiritual unconsciousness.
• 🛑 The resistance to change and letting go of problems is highlighted as a barrier to spiritual growth, as people often cling to their identity formed by problems.
• 📚 Ancient Indian spiritual teachings are referenced to explain different states of consciousness, including dreamless sleep, dreaming, and normal wakefulness.
• 🌟 The fourth state of consciousness, 'Tua' or the awakened state, is where one is no longer continuously absorbed by thoughts and emotions, indicating a higher level of spiritual awareness.

Q & A

What does the concept of 'deny thyself' mean in the context of Jesus' teachings?

In the context of Jesus' teachings, 'deny thyself' means recognizing the unreality of the conditioned self that people identify with. It suggests that the identity people carry around is ultimately an illusion and that there is something deeper and more real beyond this self.

How does the Buddha view the self in relation to suffering?

The Buddha teaches that the self, as it is commonly understood, is a conditioned entity and that the ultimate unreality of this self is closely tied to the cessation of suffering. Recognizing the illusory nature of the self is part of the path to enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

What is the difference between the personal sense of self and the deeper dimension of self mentioned in the script?

The personal sense of self refers to the individual's identity as a person with a history, emotions, and thoughts shaped by past experiences. The deeper dimension of self, on the other hand, transcends this personal identity and is a state of being that is not consumed by the personal sense of self, indicating a more profound and possibly spiritual aspect of existence.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Awakening' in spiritual traditions?

In spiritual traditions, 'Awakening' refers to a significant shift in consciousness where one no longer identifies with the stream of thoughts and emotions. It is a state of heightened awareness and presence, where one is not continuously absorbed by the mental and emotional conditioning.

How does the script describe the process of moving from the ordinary state of consciousness to a higher state?

The script describes the process as a journey from complete identification with thoughts and emotions to a state where one can observe these mental states without being consumed by them. This involves developing awareness and presence, which allows one to step out of the conditioned stream of thinking and emotion.

What role does awareness play in the process of Awakening according to the script?

Awareness plays a crucial role in the process of Awakening as it allows individuals to recognize that their thoughts and emotions are not their true selves. By developing awareness, one can observe these mental states without being completely identified with them, leading to a sense of liberation and a deeper understanding of one's true nature.

How does the script differentiate between the states of consciousness during sleep and wakefulness?

The script differentiates between states of consciousness by describing dreamless sleep as a state without dreams or thoughts, the dream state as one filled with dreams, and normal wakefulness as the state where one is conscious and engaged with the world. It also introduces a fourth state, which is the awakened state, where one is no longer fully identified with the stream of thoughts and emotions.

What is the relationship between the conditioned self and the problems that individuals face, as discussed in the script?

The script suggests that for many individuals, their identity is closely tied to their problems. They may resist letting go of these problems because they form a part of their known identity. The process of Awakening involves recognizing that these problems do not define the true self and stepping beyond the identification with them.

What does the script imply about the nature of thoughts and emotions in relation to the true self?

The script implies that thoughts and emotions are transient and not the ultimate reality of the self. They are part of the conditioned entity but do not define the deeper, true nature of the self, which is beyond the personal sense of self and the stream of mental and emotional conditioning.

How does the script suggest one can access the deeper dimension of the self?

The script suggests that one can access the deeper dimension of the self through the process of Awakening, which involves developing awareness and presence. This allows one to observe thoughts and emotions without being consumed by them, leading to a recognition of a deeper, more profound aspect of the self.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Exploring the Illusion of Self

This paragraph delves into the concept of the self as a conditioned entity, questioning if there is a deeper dimension beyond our physical and psychological forms. It references teachings from Buddha and Jesus, highlighting the idea of denying the self to recognize its ultimate unreality. The discussion suggests that our identity, formed by past experiences, is an illusion and that there is a deeper self that transcends personal identity. The paragraph invites us to explore the possibility of accessing this deeper dimension through awakening, differentiating it from the ordinary waking state.

05:02

🌅 Awakening Beyond Ordinary Consciousness

Paragraph 2 discusses the concept of awakening in spiritual traditions, drawing a parallel between the daily awakening from sleep and a higher spiritual awakening. It contrasts the ordinary state of consciousness, characterized by complete identification with thoughts and emotions, with a state of awareness that allows one to witness these mental activities without being consumed by them. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the conditioned stream of thinking and emotion to access a state of consciousness that is not dominated by the personal self.

10:03

🧘‍♂️ Stepping Out of the Stream of Thought

In this paragraph, the focus is on the ability to disengage from the continuous stream of thoughts and emotions that define our ordinary consciousness. It suggests that there is a part of us that can observe these mental processes without being fully identified with them, allowing for a sense of self that is not defined by thoughts and emotions. The paragraph encourages the practice of stepping back from the stream of consciousness to find a deeper, more authentic sense of self.

Keywords

💡Self

In the context of the video, 'self' refers to the individual's identity and sense of being, which is often conditioned by personal history and experiences. The video suggests that this conditioned self is not the ultimate reality and that there is a deeper dimension beyond it. The Buddha and Jesus are mentioned as figures who teach about the unreality of this self, encouraging individuals to recognize the illusory nature of their self-identity, as exemplified by Jesus' teaching to 'deny thyself.'

💡Conditioned Entity

A 'conditioned entity' is a concept that describes how an individual's personality and identity are shaped by external factors such as past experiences and environmental influences. The video discusses how this entity is not the ultimate truth of who we are, but rather a temporary and changeable aspect of our existence. It is used to contrast with the idea of a deeper, unconditioned self.

💡Ultimate Unreality

The term 'ultimate unreality' is used in the video to convey the idea that the self as we commonly understand it—our personal identity and sense of individuality—is not fundamentally real. It is an illusion that we must look beyond to find our true nature. This concept is central to the teachings of both the Buddha and Jesus, as mentioned in the script, and it challenges the viewer to question the reality of their self-perception.

💡Deny Thyself

In the video, 'deny thyself' is a quote attributed to Jesus, which is interpreted as a call to recognize the illusory nature of our self-identity. It suggests that by denying the false sense of self, we can discover a deeper, more authentic aspect of our being. This phrase is used to illustrate the idea that our usual sense of self is not the ultimate reality and that there is a process of self-transcendence.

💡Form Identity

The 'form identity' refers to the physical and psychological aspects of a person that contribute to their sense of self. This includes the body and the mind, along with the emotions and thoughts that are shaped by past experiences. The video explains that while this form identity is a part of who we are, it is not all that we are, and there is a deeper dimension of self that can be accessed.

💡Awakening

In the context of the video, 'Awakening' refers to a spiritual or psychological process of becoming aware of a deeper dimension of self that transcends the personal, conditioned identity. It is likened to waking up from sleep, but on a higher level, where one moves from a state of identification with thoughts and emotions to a state of awareness and presence that is not dominated by them.

💡Presence

The term 'presence' in the video script refers to a state of being where one is fully conscious and aware of their thoughts and emotions without being completely identified with them. It is a quality of awareness that allows individuals to observe their mental and emotional processes without being swept away by them, which is a key aspect of the Awakening process discussed.

💡Stream of Thinking

The 'stream of thinking' is a metaphor used in the video to describe the continuous flow of thoughts that dominate our consciousness and shape our sense of self. The video suggests that being caught in this stream is a state of unconsciousness, and part of the Awakening process involves stepping out of this stream to achieve a higher state of consciousness.

💡Dreamless Sleep

In the video, 'dreamless sleep' is one of the states of consciousness described in ancient Indian spiritual teachings. It is a state where there is no dreaming, and it is considered a deeper state of rest than regular sleep. The video uses this concept to contrast with the state of normal wakefulness and to illustrate the different levels of consciousness that humans can experience.

💡Turia

Turia, or the fourth state of consciousness, is mentioned in the video as a state beyond the normal waking state, dream state, and dreamless sleep. It is described as a state of pure consciousness where one is fully present and not identified with thoughts or emotions. This state is considered the ultimate goal of the Awakening process discussed in the video.

Highlights

The concept of a deeper dimension beyond the conditioned self is explored.

Buddha and Jesus both teach about the ultimate unreality of the self.

The idea of denying oneself is explained as recognizing the unreality of one's identity.

The existence of a deeper self that transcends personal identity is proposed.

The personal self is described as a conditioned entity shaped by past experiences.

The distinction between the personal self and a deeper dimension of self is emphasized.

Awakening is likened to waking up from sleep, but on a higher spiritual level.

The importance of stepping out of the stream of thinking and emotions is discussed.

The concept of 'presence' or 'awareness' as a means to observe one's thoughts and emotions is introduced.

The challenge of letting go of one's problems as part of one's identity is highlighted.

Ancient Indian spiritual teachings differentiate between states of consciousness.

The fourth state of consciousness, Turiya, is described as the awakened state.

The beginning of spiritual awakening is marked by awareness of thoughts and emotions.

The difficulty of defining the deeper self is acknowledged.

Pointers are suggested to help individuals take their consciousness out of the stream of thinking.

The necessity of stepping back from total identification with thoughts and emotions is emphasized.

Transcripts

is there any D is there a

dimension that is

deeper than this self this person that

you are here for a little while

everybody has a history and you have

person you are a conditioned entity

is there anything beyond this

conditioned entity the self the Buddha

calls it the

self and he another other than the fact

of

suffering another

important uh see part of his teaching is

the

ultimate

unreality of that self the ultimate

unreality of that self which was also

Jesus did but it's usually overlooked by

churches and

theologians uh because Jesus

said literally here's another little

quote that he I'm sure he actually said

literally he said deny

thyself Oh I thought the Buddha said

that that was actually Jesus deny

thyself means what does it mean what is

the point in denying yourself if

yourself

is actually real if it has a substantial

Ultimate Reality then to deny something

that is real wouldn't make

sense so but deny thyself he said that

because he agrees with the

Buddha that that identity that people

carry around and with is

ultimately an

illusion uh there is something deeper

that is beyond that so when Jesus says

deny

thyself what is really meaning is

recognize the unreality of

yourself that's what is deny yourself

recognize It ultimately this is not who

or what you are yes it has a certain

function here it is

a part of Who You You Are

on the level of

form uh physical form and psychological

form this is why I call it your form

identity everybody has one you have a

body that's a physical form and you have

a mental form which is you you as this

person that you can think about and talk

about and it has its emotions that go

with that conditioned by the past

whatever happened to you in the the past

conditions you to become this particular

person uh is there anything

beyond that conditioned entity and here

we come to the

realization that there

is it is

possible to go

deeper where you your sense of

who you

are goes

beyond this personal sense of self the

personal sensal self is still there but

it is no longer all

consuming and that's a very important

difference if you discover something and

we are here to many of you already can

sense what it is that I'm talking about

but we go in more

deeply there is a dimension in you that

transcends the who or what you are as a

person as your self there is a deeper we

could say higher but I prefer deeper

doesn't matter what word you

use uh higher could kind of take you out

of yourself and you and you I'm looking

for myself up there my high

self but it's better to go within and

encounter the deeper dimension of

yourself

so how do

we access that how do we discover that

and that's the

Awakening that is the

Awakening what is it that you awaken

from not sleep that's the ordinary

Awakening every morning you aaken and

you open your eyes and you realize

there's a significant shift from the

dream state to the so-called awakened

state in the morning you suddenly go

oh here I am

again but before you were there was the

Sleep State you were dreaming or perhaps

you were in that state of dreamless

sleep and then you come out of that and

you're suddenly awake and that uh uh

traditional spiritual Traditions use

this to point to another

Awakening that it's similar but much

higher than Awakening from sleep the

ordinary Awakening from sleep that

happens to you every

morning there is another Awakening and

that is the Awakening out of the

ordinary level of Consciousness which we

could call unconsciousness spiritually

speaking which is complete

identification with with

the mental emotional conditioning

complete identification with every

thought that arises every emotion that

arises it has you in its

grip oh my god there nobody who is there

who's able to say oh what is thought

what

is the witnessing faculty is not there

there's no awareness no presence you're

totally in the grip of the conditioned

stream of thinking and emotion in you

like

a people

say people say I think as if they had a

choice but most humans in the there's

not sufficient awareness or zero

awareness which is

presence zero Wess so they're not able

to step out of their thinking and become

aware of their

thinking they're they're in it like a

raging river that drags you

along and they made unhappy by what in

many cases they made very unhappy by

this thing that drags them along they

think that's

me oh God can't stand anymore can't take

it what's going to happen to me tomorrow

and oh I must think about this can't

can't go to sleep now s s

s how am I going to solve this problem

of me

me and my problems many humans

consider their

identity for many humans is mostly their

problems and they take it to a

psychiatrist or the psych

psychotherapist trying to get rid of

their problems but but on the other hand

not wanting to get get rich because

that's all they know of their identity

so every psychotherapy not know you

reach a stage when the humans resist

they don't want to let

go CU that's all they know that's their

identity the problems well at least I

have my familiar problems I'm not going

to step into the unknown at least I know

who I am I may be unhappy but at least I

know who I

am it's

delusion it's

all in ancient Indian from India in

ancient Indian

spiritual teachings you have they they

differentiate between different states

of Consciousness and they they they have

they differentiate dreamless sleep they

like this goes back hundreds of years

they discovered yes dreamless sleep the

dream

state that's the second state of

consciousness the third state is normal

wakefulness but even normal wakefulness

has different different levels to it but

that's put that aside from normal

wakefulness and what they call the force

State of Consciousness which in I

believe in Sanskrit called Tua the

fourth that is the awakened state that

is the state you no longer

identify with the stream of you're not

continuously drawn into the stream of

thinking and it does not absorb your

Consciousness continuously

there is an ability to be aware of your

emotions and to be aware of your

thoughts there's also an

ability to step out of the stream of

thinking that grows that when that

arises you will you find that in your

life that is the beginning of your

Awakening for some people the beginning

of their Awakening is they suddenly are

aware that all the thoughts that go

ahead is ultimately not who they are

they're just

thoughts and then who they are is beyond

is behind that but is not easily

defined you can't really Define it at

all but I'll try just use as

pointers so you are able

to uh take

your consciousness

out of the stream of thinking at least

to some

extent and you're able to be aware of

what kind what your mind is doing you're

able to be aware of what your emotions

are doing without being totally

identified you're able to step back