We Actually Never Experience 'It'

In all wisdom traditions that I know of, "Who am I" is the fundamental question raised by spiritual seekers. There are two Selves: Ego-self and the Witnessing -self. The ego-self is a convenient construct to organize all the separate experiences occurring in the mind. I is necessary to relate to the ever-changing world. The challenge that I face in my daily life is not to be bound or attached to the world created by the mind. This passage authored by Culadasa (click here to read it) reminds me of the story of Two Birds narrated in the ancient book of wisdom Mandukya Upanishad:"Two birds, inseparable companions, perch on the same tree. One eats the fruit, the other looks on. The first bird is our individual self feeding the pleasures and pains of the deeds. The other is the universal self, silently witnessing all."

To me spiritual growth is a life-long journey with a few ups and downs, pleasures and pains, successes and failures. When my vision is blocked by selfish desires I tumble and I hurt myself and hurt others related to me. Such experiences have taught to me to be aware of inner mental world and not get bound by my self-serving desires. With mindfulness and self-awareness practice I have been able to walk on my path without falling down. Like the second bird in the Upanishadic story I relate to the world with witnessing consciousness. This way I live in the world with humility and gratefulness.

Namaste!