"Who am I?" Meditation

[Treehugger]

Hello!

I am reading an interesting book about "market psychology" and I found an interesting story told by Swami Muktananda from India:

There was a student in India who wanted to become enlightened. He left his family in search of an appropriate guru to guide him further on his journey. Stopping at one guru's place of business, he inquired as to this guru's method of becoming enlightened. The guru said, "Becoming enlightened is really quite simple. All you need to do is to go home each night and sit in front of a mirror for 30 minutes asking yourself the same question over and over. That question is: 'Who am I? Who am I? Who am I?' The prospective student replied, "Hey, it can't be that simple." "Oh yes, it is just that simple," replied the guru...

Now, the story goes on how the student went to another guru and the guru told him how difficult it is to become enlightened. The student stayed there and he had to clean out cow stalls, and after doing this for 5 years, the student discouragedly asked: "Do you think it might be time for me to become enlightened?" The guru answered, "Why yes, now here is what you do. You go home every night and look yourself in the mirror..." You get the picture.

Now, I do not meditate regularly, I'm not even sure if I meditate (I only relax my body now and then for 15 minutes and breathe slowly to relax myself).

But this concept of "meditation" I've just described seems interesting. Did any of you every try this? I've never heard of such meditation but I'm willing to experiment with it.

Well, I'm just interested what you people think about this?

Thanks and have a nice day.

[Lallymac]

I've done it. I read a similar story quite a few years back and tried it.
You need to find a place where you won't be disturbed by anyone. Put on some quiet meditation music and gaze softly at your reflection, not looking directly at the image, but looking beyond it. I saw many faces super impose themselves over mine, male and female, until an angel appeared.
Who am I? May be all those people. May be even the angel.
Lallymac

[Treehugger]

Hello Lallymac.

Thanks for the answer. How soon did you start to experience those things? You know, I'm a bit afraid, honestly. I can't image myself having these experiences.

Do you continue to meditate like this?

[Groundless]

Who am I?

Excellent mantra/meditation point.

Maharshi I believe was a primary believer in this method.

Here is another simple one for you:

When you are falling asleep say "I am" and focus on looking internally for whom you really are.

I am. This thought or focus can help you bridge the gap. It only points the way and similar to WHO AM I is merely a hint or a suggestion to that which you already are.

[Lallymac]

I saw it straight away but had been meditating for a while before.
I told a Reiki friend about it at the time and he tried it. He's a little Chinese/English guy and he said a huge man appeared in the mirror. When the man stepped towards him to shake his hand, he lost his nerve and ran out of the room. He felt a bit silly after but couldn't pluck up the courage to try it again.
I've discusssed it in spiritual development classes I've taught and some people have seen their guides in the mirror. To be on the safe side, be clear on your intention when you're doing it, ask for your higher self to present and fill your energy field with white light.
Are ready to know who you are?
Lallymac

[Lallymac]

Groundless; I did a workshop with a visiting ascended master who had us all lying on floor saying 'I release' and 'I am.' People were twitching, jerking, flipping around all over the place. Seemed to be quite cathartic for some people with many tears.
lallymac

[Lallymac]

Unfortunately the self acclaimed ascended master lost some credibility with me. at the time my daughter and I were meditating together once a week. The room would fill up with swirls of coloured mist. Different masters like Yogananda, St Germaine and Christ would appear out of the mist. I asked him in the lunch break if he might know the significance of the mist. He said, 'No, you would not experience this. The mist signifies the presence of ascended masters and they only appear in the presence of men.' I thought he would know that we are all male and female.
Lallymac

[Dharma]

Originally Posted by Groundless

Maharshi I believe was a primary believer in this method.

Yes, you might find Ramana Maharshi and "self inquiry" good reading.

Here's one link, there are many out there.
Realization.org: Self-Inquiry (Vicara)

[Treehugger]

Thanks for your quick and helpful answers.

I'll try experimenting with this, even if I do not expect to see faces and people in the mirror. I'm not sure if I want to... I only wish I can experience total relaxation of body and mind and see what happens then.

[Joe826]

I can't speak to the faces in the mirror, but it was that question that has given me my biggest break through moment. I suddenly disassociated all my emotions and struggles from myself, and found that who I am is behind those emotions. It's the source of those emotions. Very difficult to explain.

Anyway, I'd say give it a shot. If the mirror thing doesn't work for you, just sit quietly and observe your thoughts, asking yourself periodically "Who am I?"

If the answer you get is something subject to change (such as status or emotions), you've got to keep looking.

[Treehugger]

Thank you. I can't wait to start! I'm feeling kind of tired now (I have a slight chill), but as soon as I'm OK, I'll start trying this.

[Zukin]

Funny coincidence...

I was working in the terminal on Mac OS X and used the whoami command.

A few seconds later, I go to the Steve Pavlina forums to check new messages, and this one comes up.

[Treehugger]

There are no coincidences (so they say), but cool. =)

[Gene]

When the student is ready a teacher appears! It also seems true that when the student is ready the message becomes clear even if I have heard the same message many times before I am able to understand.

Originally Posted by Treehugger

There was a student in India who wanted to become enlightened. He left his family in search of an appropriate guru to guide him further on his journey. Stopping at one guru's place of business, he inquired as to this guru's method of becoming enlightened. The guru said, "Becoming enlightened is really quite simple. All you need to do is to go home each night and sit in front of a mirror for 30 minutes asking yourself the same question over and over. That question is: 'Who am I? Who am I? Who am I?' The prospective student replied, "Hey, it can't be that simple." "Oh yes, it is just that simple," replied the guru...

Now, the story goes on how the student went to another guru and the guru told him how difficult it is to become enlightened. The student stayed there and he had to clean out cow stalls, and after doing this for 5 years, the student discouragedly asked: "Do you think it might be time for me to become enlightened?" The guru answered, "Why yes, now here is what you do. You go home every night and look yourself in the mirror..." You get the picture.

[Uplift]

I did that meditation for a few years, but without the mirror. I read about it in Ramana's life story.

The Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi website - Publications frameset

Sai Baba recommends it sometimes too. I still meditate in a similar way. It leads you to a strong sense of introspection, and realisations and awareness. For instance, you become acutely aware of the realisation that the only thing that changes is thought/experience. If you took away thoughts there would be no difference in consciousness to when you were 6 months old to today. If no one had thoughts, for that moment they are all the same. Presence never changes. The awareness that you can ignore, stop or start thoughts and the implications dawn stronger. The awareness that you could choose to direct consciousness at its source rather than at creating.

From a practical point of view it teaches control of thinking, and the ability to ignore distractions and remain focused, which overflows into life.

I reckon there are easier ways to start meditating for beginners. Mandala's work in a similar way, but are really easy to use and very relaxing, if you happen to be sight orientated. Or some people like to pick out one sound, say the ocean, or trees in the breeze, and focus on that, ignoring distracting thoughts and continually returning to the one sound. Once you get good at that, the next stage will present itself. But who knows, you might find it really easy, only one way to find out.

[WanderingOak]

I have tried a similar meditation in the past for overcoming bad Wyrd. What I did was look in the mirror with only a candle for illumination. I stared at my reflection until I no longer recognized it as my own. It was difficult, but it did work after a while. The 'who am I' question did not come into the meditation, although I have seen it represented that way in a book.

[Andrew Brunelle]

I read a book once that explores the depths of the self and tries to pinpoint what the hell is going on and why it is going on, but I don't know. Being enlightened is something that we all strive for, but I feel that when we get there, we're like, "This is it? This is being enlightened? I can't believe I went through all that hoop-jumping when it was so simple. Let everything be. Know yourself."

[Treehugger]

Maybe a silly question, but how do you know, that you became enlightened? When you realize during the meditation, that there is only you and that the universe and everything is really inside yourself?

[Dharma]

Originally Posted by Treehugger

Maybe a silly question, but how do you know, that you became enlightened? When you realize during the meditation, that there is only you and that the universe and everything is really inside yourself?

Interviews I've seen with enlightened masters from India say it's just Bliss... no thoughts at all.

[otto9otto]

My first post to this forum:
Been engaging in self enquiry as prescribed by Ramana Maharshi for a couple decades. For the past few years twitching has been occurring, sometimes quite forceful, mostly in the arms emanating from the chest area. The most forceful twitches occur when I first lay down at night, a time that I feel is natural to most effectively practice self enquiry due to the absence of sensory stimuli. But less forceful twitches occur any time of day when I am not otherwise preoccupied and practice self enquiry. My wife does not like it but she tolerates it. I do not mind but wonder what to make of it as these twitches seem to be yet gaining strength. I sense that something is being resolved, but haven't a clue what.

Maybe applicable here is the response given by Ramana Maharshi in response to a "lack of results" complaint. He answered something like "you do not know the structures that are yet being built within you".

[Uplift]

Originally Posted by Treehugger

Maybe a silly question, but how do you know, that you became enlightened? When you realize during the meditation, that there is only you and that the universe and everything is really inside yourself?

This state has happened to me sometimes, that is so indescribably awesome, content and certain, that if something like that happens it is impossible to doubt it. However, saying that is fraught with all sorts of connotations, and perhaps personal pitfalls. I don't think I am some master or guru, or superior, I can't say for sure how or why it happened. The longest was when I saw Sai Baba, maybe 3 days or so, but its happened at other times. I'll try to explain it, and I'll understand if you think its dribble.

Try to imagine when you say, suddenly see the exact way to do something that has been eluding you, when you suddenly get it, whatever it is...then multiply the feeling by a zillion. Try to imagine getting it clearly, crystal clear, that presence or beingness, has substance, is the only actual substance, and you experience it, so strongly and intensly, it is so nice, that it borders on overwhelming. Other than that, the nicest feelings I have ever had is a really intense orgasm with my wife who I love intensely, passionately, where you are literally lost in them and it. Honestly, and I am fully aware it almost seems insulting to my beautiful wife, imagine even that feeling feeble in comparison. Imagine a state where the slightest sensation, like blinking, noticing, thinking, any slightest thing, even nothing, feels so awesomely delicious. Smells like you have never imagined. Somehow everything stronger and stronger, just nicer and nicer, yet it feels like it couldn't possibly be. Like a pulsing wave. Where you are so purely certain, so free and content and open, that everything is easy and delicious. Where you need or want for nothing, absolutely nothing.

The only thing I know is that it happens. Here's one thing though, imagine it wearing off and being unable to replicate it. However once it happens you will never be the same, no matter who doubts you, or your experience.

I have tried to wonder why it happens and how. Again, all I really know is it does. However there are some things that make an impression on me. One is that I am pretty full on in whatever I do. For instance, in thirty years I have probably missed 50 days meditating, and think its unbelievably slack if I do. My friends think I am too hard on myself, too extreme, in diet, exercise, whatever. For instance, thousands and thousands swarm to see Sai Baba, rightly or wrongly, doesn't matter. So I figure, stuff like, he says get up at 5am for prayers, I better get up a 4am, to get a place. And I am shocked when virtually no one is there. The day that state thing happened longest, we were supposed to sit meditating in this courtyard, in the chance that Sai Baba would be coming there. That's why everyone there has gone to India, to see him, yet, only a couple of thousand turn up, while thousands are heading to and swarming the first pizza oven and restaurants in the adjacent village. After a few hours, there's only around half a dozen left, they lock the gates, and Sai Baba appears. I am unaware, ♥♥♥♥♥♥ with myself, because in the intense heat and flies and dust, I can't keep focused on meditating. Boom the thing happens, the state, I open my eyes, there is Sai Baba standing in front of me waving his hand, and each wave is another pulse in intensity. That's another thing, when this thing happens to me, it always involves some type of kind of giving up.

I also know about me, and my true feelings. I naively used to think that everyone wanted a world of say, utopia. That if there was a button for that, everyone would leap on it to push it. Yet, the truth is most people can't stand the idea. So many want some type of superiority, or feel others aren't as deserving, no pleasure without pain or hardness, so hesitate. I have always had extreme feelings of wanting others happy, I would get into trouble (and still do) for giving everything away. I figure that because of my abusive history the feelings are even more pronounced. I truly can't comprehend a lot about the way we live. Sorry if its off track, but I sometimes feel this is why the thing happens. Right now, now, in our culture, right now, a terrified kid is spread eagled, getting pumped up the butt, listening to the grunts of abusers, pumping blood, high on the screams and struggle. Now, little girls and boys, now. Now, this very moment, now as we sit here, a woman is spread eagled in terror, with a gang of slobbering men raping and mutilating her. Right now we are revelling in the ability to have massacred, lied and stolen. What about indigenous people? We're all right Jack, F### you, you ungratefull trouble makers. All now, happening constantly in our world. Doesn't that make you cry, despair, angry, disgusted, pleading with God or what ever? Who gives a **** about interest rates, trade embargo's, deficits, super funds, political leanings, when that is happening. Our society does. Gee, who shall we vote for? We better, or we'll get in trouble. Enlightened? Do you honestly think an enlightened society would be anything like ours? Would accept, deny or turn a blind eye to anything like that? Can you see it happening in a society of Jesus's, Buddha's, Sister Therasa's, the girls from Medjagorie? Or a society of all the super heroes we create and dream about? Superman and Captain America had to check their bank balance while the kids are being humped?

Anyway, I know the same amasing thing, state happens to other people. You would think there would be a frenzy to study it. Roman History, you know, which emporer humped his whole family, and had the biggest empire, or the Egyptians, which Pharoa got the biggest coffin, who invented maths, that's all the important stuff we are experts in and study. Enlightened state.

[otto9otto]

I have little knowledge of gurus other than those considered strictly Advaita Vedanta so I ask: Does Sai Baba teach same or similar? Do the twitches I speak of occur often in the presence of holy people? I have only heard the most oblique, anecdotal accounts of this twitching occurring in seekers, but I have NEVER heard of such lasting for years. I don't suppose anyone (short of a true enlightened being) can explain it; I suppose I am just looking for some sort of response along the lines of "Yeah, me too!".

[Uplift]

Originally Posted by otto9otto

I have little knowledge of gurus other than those considered strictly Advaita Vedanta so I ask: Does Sai Baba teach same or similar? Do the twitches I speak of occur often in the presence of holy people? I have only heard the most oblique, anecdotal accounts of this twitching occurring in seekers, but I have NEVER heard of such lasting for years. I don't suppose anyone (short of a true enlightened being) can explain it; I suppose I am just looking for some sort of response along the lines of "Yeah, me too!".

Sai Baba encourages self inquiry in lots of ways. I don't know anything about twitching. Lots of people say things happen to them in his presence. Same thing with Ammachi, the girls from Medjagorie, and other people.

Maybe you are right about the not knowing bit in your other post. For instance, when you weight train someone who has never trained, and they do a set in the fashion to produce lactic acid build up, they often panic at the first real experience of the burning feeling. It can be really hard to convince them it is not injuring them, that it is desirable, and will produce adaption. But again, I don't know anything about twitching. If it was me, I would want to know what causes it.

[Lallymac]

Originally Posted by otto9otto

I have little knowledge of gurus other than those considered strictly Advaita Vedanta so I ask: Does Sai Baba teach same or similar? Do the twitches I speak of occur often in the presence of holy people? I have only heard the most oblique, anecdotal accounts of this twitching occurring in seekers, but I have NEVER heard of such lasting for years. I don't suppose anyone (short of a true enlightened being) can explain it; I suppose I am just looking for some sort of response along the lines of "Yeah, me too!".

I twitch a lot when I'm channeling or having some types of energy healing. A friend who did NLP used to be able to see the jolts of energy moving through me. I've figured it's my energy field adjusting to higher vibrations.

Uplift; I've been jumping up and down saying 'Why is everyone so concerned by petty everyday crap when there's so much more of ourselves to explore.'
Bliss..orgasm...our sexuality is a gateway to the frontiers of our spiritual selves. I had a partner several years ago who was able to erupt and disperse into the eternal bliss with me at the point of orgasm. He text me last week asking 'Why was that so unique to us? Why is it so rare? Neither of us has experienced it with anyone else since.

As you say, the more we connect with more of ourselves, the more we connect to everything around us with love and compassion.
Lallymac

[Uplift]

Originally Posted by Lallymac

I twitch a lot when I'm channeling or having some types of energy healing. A friend who did NLP used to be able to see the jolts of energy moving through me. I've figured it's my energy field adjusting to higher vibrations.

Uplift; I've been jumping up and down saying 'Why is everyone so concerned by petty everyday crap when there's so much more of ourselves to explore.'
Bliss..orgasm...our sexuality is a gateway to the frontiers of our spiritual selves. I had a partner several years ago who was able to erupt and disperse into the eternal bliss with me at the point of orgasm. He text me last week asking 'Why was that so unique to us? Why is it so rare? Neither of us has experienced it with anyone else since.

As you say, the more we connect with more of ourselves, the more we connect to everything around us with love and compassion.
Lallymac

There you go otto9otto.

Yeah Lallymac. This website is a good sign. Whilst it obviously has mountains to do with its creators, it also shows more and more people are open and accepting about exploring their experiences and feelings.

As for you and your friend, sounds pretty deluxe, maybe you are mean't to hook up again. Stop torturing the poor guy!

[ethereal]

A book describing the Self-Enquiry method (very good, I think):

Most Rapid and Direct Means to Eternal Bliss

Personally, I've found that underneath our normal "I" feeling-thought, there is this impersonal field of awareness underlying it, and if you can pull off the mental gymnastics to disidentify with your normal "I" feelingness and into the experience of that awareness, it is possible to start surrendering the "I" feeling-thought as just an energy, an experience.

When you're in that awareness, it feels like some field of awareness is experiencing through you. You aren't experiencing, but are being experienced.

I don't know if I'm explaining it clearly, so here's an illustration:

Normally, we think reality is like this:

"I" (feeling-thought) --> "am experiencing" (feeling-thought) --> (some experience)
^
|
mind is centered in here --------> and focused outwards

Now, I don't know how I do it, but I "push" myself off of my mind being centered in "I" like so:

"I" (feeling-thought) --> "am experiencing" (feeling-thought) --> (some experience)

mind centered somewhere outside here -> X <- aware of all of the above as a single experience

and I start surrendering the energy underlying the whole "I am experiencing (some experience)", starting from the "I". It's very quick and easy once you can disidentify with your normal "I" feeling-thought.

I don't know how much sense that made, but hopefully it did to somebody somewhere