Unlock the Paradox: Adyashanti Reveals How Knowing Yourself Leads to Forgetting Yourself and Awakening

VIDEO LINK: Waking Up from Self (Excerpt)

In the vast realm of spirituality, there exists a profound paradox that almost borders on being a humorous irony. Spirituality, in its truest essence, seeks to awaken us from our false sense of self; the illusionary image we hold of ourselves. Yet, the very practices that aim to free us from this deceptive self often require us to turn our attention inward, focusing on that which we seek to transcend.

Adyashanti, a prominent figure in spiritual teaching, delves into this paradoxical nature of self-awareness in one of his insightful videos. He explores how the initial journey of looking within reveals a self that can be astonishingly chaotic. For many, the first foray into meditation or introspection exposes a whirlwind of rampant thoughts, unpredictable emotions, and irrational fears. This initial glimpse can be so startling that it often instills a sense of fear or discomfort.

Our typical response to this inner chaos is to try and eliminate it, under the guise of purification. While purification originally meant a process of refinement, it has often been misconstrued as a method of getting rid of aspects of ourselves that we deem undesirable. This approach, however, stems from the very self-centeredness that spirituality aims to dissolve.

Adyashanti refers to the teachings of Dogen, one of the great Zen masters. Dogen famously stated, “To know yourself is to forget yourself,” a concept that seems inherently paradoxical. How can one possibly know oneself by forgetting oneself? Adyashanti explains that this paradox can set a mental trap, as efforts to intentionally forget oneself only serve to reinforce self-centeredness. The harder we try to forget, the more we remember.

This conundrum arises because our minds are inherently linear, struggling to reconcile apparent opposites. Yet, deeper experiences of existence often embody such paradoxes. They are analogous to two sides of a coin—seemingly opposing but ultimately part of the same whole.

To forget oneself, as Dogen suggests, is to shed self-centeredness. It’s about transcending the limited confines of our self-constructed identities. When we have a deep spiritual realization, we awaken to a truth beyond our perceived self. We come to see that the sense of self, with all its attendant ideas, images, and histories, is not what defines us. Consciousness awakens from these constructs, understanding that they do not capture our true essence.

In recognizing our true nature, we see that these notions of self are merely forms, without the substance to define who we really are. This awakening doesn’t mean that our thoughts and memories completely disappear; rather, we begin to see them for what they are—momentary constructs that don’t encapsulate our being.

Adyashanti articulates that the journey into the heart of spirituality unveils deeper layers of paradox and mystery. These insights are not linear or easily digestible by the rational mind but reveal a more profound truth that transcends ordinary understanding.

For those intrigued by these profound insights into the nature of self and spirituality, Adyashanti’s video offers a thoughtful exploration worth viewing. His perspective encourages us to embrace the paradoxes inherent in the spiritual journey and to find a deeper truth beyond the self.

If you’d like to dive deeper into these fascinating concepts, we highly encourage you to watch the video linked at the top of this blog post. It’s a stepping stone toward awakening to the deeper dimensions of your being and understanding the true essence of self.