Spirituality means Destruction of the Self

 

Photo Credit: Quotes.Pics

Spirituality means Destruction of the Self

The statement "Spirituality means destruction of the Self" might initially sound alarming, even counterintuitive. Our ego, the self we identify with, is deeply ingrained, and the idea of its destruction can be unsettling. However, within the context of profound spiritual understanding, particularly as illuminated by Himalayan Samarpan Dhyanyog and the teachings of Shivkrupanand Swamiji, this statement carries a transformative truth. It doesn't refer to the annihilation of our individual existence, but rather the dismantling of the false self, the egoic construct that obscures our true, divine nature.

The ego, with its constant need for validation, comparison, and control, creates a sense of separation. We identify with our thoughts, emotions, possessions, achievements, and roles, building a fragile identity that is constantly threatened by external circumstances. This limited sense of self leads to suffering, as we chase fleeting pleasures and fear inevitable loss. Spirituality, in its essence, is a journey towards recognising our interconnectedness with all of existence, towards realizing the unity that underlies the apparent diversity. This realisation necessitates transcending the limitations of the egoic self.

Shivkrupanand Swamiji’s teachings on Samarpan Dhyanyog offer a practical and gentle path to this transcendence. The core of this practice, "समर्पण" (samarpan), meaning complete unconditional surrender, is not a submission to defeat, but a conscious offering of the ego and its attachments to the Universal Consciousness. It is a process of gradually relinquishing our identification with the limited self and opening ourselves to the vastness of our true being. This is not a violent demolition, but a loving and patient deconstruction of the false edifice we have built around ourselves.

Through regular practice of Samarpan Dhyanyog, the incessant chatter of the mind, the relentless judgments, and the clinging to egoic desires begin to subside. The spiritual energy that flows during meditation works to purify the subconscious mind, gently dissolving the negative patterns and ingrained tendencies that fuel the ego. This purification allows us to see ourselves and the world with greater clarity, unburdened by the distortions of the ego.

The "destruction" of the self in this spiritual context is not about becoming a void or losing our individuality. Rather, it is about liberating ourselves from the constraints of the ego, which prevents us from experiencing our true potential and the boundless love and joy that are our inherent nature. As the ego weakens, our identification shifts from the limited, separate self to the vast, interconnected Self – the divine essence that resides within each of us.

This process is akin to peeling away the layers of an onion. Each layer represents a false identification, a belief we hold about ourselves that is not ultimately true. As we peel away these layers through spiritual practice, we don't find nothingness at the core, but the pure, radiant Self that was always there, obscured by the egoic layers. This true Self is characterised by peace, love, wisdom, and a deep sense of unity with all of creation.

Shivkrupanand Swamiji emphasizes that this "destruction" is not something to be feared but welcomed. It is the gateway to true freedom, the liberation from the suffering caused by egoic attachment. As we let go of the need to control, to judge, and to constantly seek validation, we step into a state of effortless being, where life flows through us with grace and ease. This is not the end of our individual journey, but a profound transformation, a shift from a limited, fear-based existence to a life lived in love, joy, and the realisation of our divine Self. The destruction of the false self is, therefore, the very foundation for the blossoming of our true, authentic being.


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