Understanding the Self

There are times when we ask ourselves: "WHO AM I?". This is a very relevant question from a Buddhist perspective. Are we connected to each other and everything around us, if so, how?

Understanding Self in Buddhism

The nature of impermanence

In Buddhism they call it the relative. That means everything is in constant changing state. Due to the fact that our body and mind are changing we are part of the cycle of life. Therefore, that everything is connected. It happens often that we see ourselves filtered through the ego, through the mind, and that makes us think that we are unique and our appearance and essence is consistent.

Prakriti

To understand the universal connection between everything, we need to understand the Yogic term Prakriti. We humans, as all beings, are part of the Prakriti, the material nature that all existence is made from. Everything we see, touch and feel are parts of the Prakriti. Have you thought about that the functions of our mind are also part of it?To understand this, we might need to look things from a larger perspective, stepping outside of self and seeing how everything is connected in the nature.

In the video Doron gives an example of you going for a walk. You start sweating and the sweat coming through your skin dissolves into the air. It may become a part of a cloud that gives rain to to the earth. The water goes to the root of a lettuce that you or I might eat later. The question is: are you the lettuce? Something that is now part of the lettuce was earlier a part of you.

More philosophy sessions

If you are interested to discover more deeply the question of existence, please have a look at the video of Doron's teaching and meditation about Who Am I from the buddhist perspective

How does the mind affect our thoughts and emotions? Can we control them? Have a look at Doron's talk about reducing pain by controling the mind.

Another session is about our mind having a tendency to think that things are real and permanent. Doron talks about the concept of emptiness in Buddhism.

Share your Self

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For more yoga and philosophy, check out Doron's YouTube channel, or visit us for a yoga retreat at Doron Yoga & Zen Center in Guatemala.

To gain a deeper understanding of Buddhist and yogic philosophies, read the Doron Yoga Manual.