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.