Exploring the concepts of self!

First concept— Doer and observer

The concept of two sides of a human being, one who enjoys the fruits of action (the “doer”) and the other who is an observer (the “witness” or “consciousness”), is deeply rooted in various spiritual and philosophical traditions, including Vedanta and Yoga.

Imagine a person named Isha, who is an executive at a busy corporation. She’s ambitious and works long hours to climb the corporate ladder. In this scenario:

1. The Doer (Enjoying the Fruits of Action): This side of Isha is the active, engaged self who is deeply involved in her daily work. She sets goals, makes plans, and works tirelessly to achieve her objectives. When she receives promotions, accolades, and financial rewards for her hard work, she is the one who enjoys the fruits of her actions. She feels a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from her professional success.
2. The Observer (Consciousness): This side of Isha is the witness or observer within her. It’s the aspect of her that remains unchanging and untouched by the external world. This observer is like the silent witness who watches Isha’s actions and experiences without getting entangled in them. It’s the source of her awareness and consciousness. It doesn’t seek success, recognition, or rewards; it simply observes what is happening without attachment.

So, in the context of this example, the “doer” (Isha’s active self) is the one who strives for success in her career and enjoys the rewards, while the “observer” (the inner consciousness) is the silent, non-judgmental presence that witnesses her actions and experiences without being overly identified with them.

This concept teaches that balancing these two aspects of our being can lead to a more harmonious and fulfilling life. It encourages us to engage actively in the world while also cultivating a sense of detachment and inner awareness. This balance can help us navigate life’s challenges with equanimity and find deeper meaning and purpose beyond external achievements.

Second Concept -Conjunction of that who sees and the scene is the cause of human suffering.

This philosophical concept that implies a relationship between perception and the experience of suffering.

1. That Who Sees: This phrase likely refers to the observer or the consciousness within an individual. It’s the part of a person that perceives, observes, and witnesses the external world and internal experiences. This observer is often considered to be the true self or the source of awareness.
2. Scene Is the Cause of Human Suffering: This statement suggests that the external circumstances or the “scene” that a person encounters in life can be a source of suffering. It implies that human suffering is, in part, a result of how individuals perceive and react to the situations and events in their lives.

The conjunction of these two elements might be used to emphasize that human suffering is not solely caused by external circumstances but is, to some extent, influenced by how an individual perceives and interprets those circumstances. It suggests that by understanding one’s perception and the role of the observer (the “that who sees”), one can potentially alleviate or change their experience of suffering.

In essence, it hints at the idea that suffering is not only a result of external events (the scene) but also a product of how an individual’s consciousness and perspective interact with those events. It underscores the significance of self-awareness and the role of perception in the human experience of suffering.

Third Concept- Neti Neti- “I am not this, I am not this”

This is most profound definition of one self.

“Neti Neti” is a philosophical concept from Vedanta, an ancient school of Indian philosophy. It translates to “not this, not this” or “neither this, nor that.” This concept is a tool for self-inquiry and understanding the true nature of reality. In simple terms, it means you can understand something by negating or rejecting everything it is not.

Here’s how “Neti Neti” works:

1. Negation: You start by negating or rejecting any concept, attribute, or description that can be applied to the subject you’re trying to understand. For example, if you’re contemplating your true self, you might say, “I am not my body, I am not my thoughts, I am not my emotions, I am not my name, and I am not my roles.”
2. Beyond Description: As you continue this process of negation, you go beyond all that can be named or defined. The goal is to reach a state of pure awareness and existence that transcends all concepts, forms, and descriptions. This state is often considered to be the true nature of the self (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman).

“Neti Neti” is a way of saying that the ultimate reality or the essence of something cannot be adequately expressed through words or concepts. It encourages you to look beyond the surface and concepts to find a deeper understanding of the true nature of what you’re contemplating, whether it’s the self, the divine, or the nature of reality.

In modern terms, “Neti Neti” is sometimes used in mindfulness and meditation practices to let go of limited self-identifications and reach a deeper and more profound sense of self and reality.