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Sit comfortably in your chair or squat on a rug and breathe deeply, quietly and evenly. Close your
eyes and let your thoughts run over the question of what you really are. You are about to begin your
great adventure of self enquiry.
One key to success is to think very slowly. The wheel of mind is to be slowed down and
consequently
will not be able to rush around from one thing to another. It is for this
characteristic that the ancients
compare the mind to a monkey. Think slowly. Next, formulate your words mentally with great care
and precision. Choose and select each word accurately. Doing this will clarify your thoughts, for you
cannot find a clear and definite phrase to fit your thoughts until you have done so.
First watch your own intellect in its working. Note how thoughts follow one another in endless
sequence. Then realize that there is someone who thinks. Now ask: "Who is this thinker?" Who is
this 'I' that sleeps? What is it in us that we call the 'I'? Those who believe that matter is the only
thing existing will tell you that it is the body; and that he sense of "I Am" arises within the brain
at birth and disappears at death or disintegration of the body.
Now, in order to understand the real nature of this mysterious 'I', and to find out its true relation
to the functions of the body and brain, we must make a penetrating analysis of personality, the
apparent self. This kind of self knowledge does not mean merely sifting and cataloging one's virtues,
vices and qualities. What it means is searching into one's essential spirit. To
evoke the real man
within you, is to evoke your spiritual intelligence. When you can understand what lies behind the
eyes that look back at you from your mirror, you will understand the mystery of life itself.
If you will steadfastly regard the mystery in you, that is the divine mystery in man, it will eventually
yield and display its secret. When a man begins to ask himself what he is, he has taken the first
step upon a path which will end only when he has found the answer. For there is a permanent
revelation in his heart, but he does not heed it. When a man begins to face his sub-mental mind
and tries to strip the veil which covers it, persistent effort will be its own reward.
The world is in a continuous position of flux and man himself seems to be a mass of changing
emotions and thoughts. But if he will take the trouble to make a deep analysis of himself, and to
ponder that there is a part of himself that receives the flow of impressions from the external world,
and which receives the feelings and thoughts that arise therefrom it will be fruitful. This deeper part
is the true being of man, the unseen witness, the silent spectator - the Overself.
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