Discovering the True Self: A Guide for Men
Knowledge of the absolute true self is essential for those seeking inner peace and fulfillment. Just as the fire is necessary for cooking, knowledge of the self is the direct means for liberation. Action alone cannot destroy ignorance; it is true knowledge that illuminates the path to true freedom.
When ignorance is dispelled, the true nature of the self is revealed. The world, with all its attachments and aversions, is like a dream that fades away when one awakens to true wisdom. The ego and the material world are like illusions that dissolve in the light of true consciousness.
All beings and things in the manifested world are projections of the eternal, all-penetrating being. Just as different ornaments are made from the same gold, all diversity in the world is a reflection of the one true being. By realizing the absolute nature of existence, one can transcend the limitations of the material world.
Realize that the true self is beyond form, qualities, and name. It is the eternal, blissful substrate of all existence. Just as butter permeates everything it touches, the absolute being permeates all of creation.
By understanding that the absolute is neither subtle nor gross, short nor long, one can transcend the illusions of the material world. The absolute being is the essence of the universe, and nothing exists apart from it. Through knowledge of the one reality, one can see the universe as a manifestation of the absolute.
Pure consciousness is always present, but it is only visible to those whose vision is unclouded by ignorance. By meditating on the true self, one can destroy the darkness of ignorance and attain immortality.
Men who renounce worldly activities and focus on their inner consciousness can achieve true enlightenment and freedom from limitations. By adoring the pure consciousness present everywhere, one can experience true bliss and reach a state of immortality.