Who are you?

You are there, yet you are not there

You have the option to either be the “One” or be one among many. When you identify with the body, you become just one of many individuals, and your relationship with the world becomes purely personal. However, when you view the body as a tool for perceiving and interacting with the world, you are you (you remain true to yourself) and your relationship with the world becomes completely impersonal. Paradoxically, in this state, you are able to shower love upon everyone.

If you identify with the body, you develop preferences and engage in day-to-day activities to manipulate the world to ensure the world (including people and other beings) aligns with your preferences. This is what we refer to as karma. This leads to many complaints about the world not aligning with your preferences, causing you to lose most of your energy in constant dissatisfaction. With limited energy left, you take actions based on these complaints.

However, if you view the body as a tool, you can observe the world objectively. By adopting this perspective, you no longer have any preferences and therefore have no reason to complain and make the best decisions in the present moment with full energy. These actions are not influenced by personal attachments or past/future considerations, as you remain present as you and detached from any fixed identity. You are liberated from karma because it has no identity to cling to. You are always there (as your true self), yet simultaneously, you do not exist (as any particular identity). It is an illusion, known as maya, to identify with someone or something.

Additional Notes

• The root cause of all problems stems from forming a personal relationship with the world, which can only occur when assuming a specific identity. However, this goes against the fundamental nature of the universe, leading to conflicts. The universe expects individuals to be true to themselves and actively contribute to the unfolding world around them. By attaching oneself to a fixed identity, people limit themselves to activities related to that identity, which can lead to many problems. Embracing one’s authentic self and embracing the fluidity of the world allows for a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.

• Becoming personal is essentially fixating on a specific identity, which can be likened to entering a doorway to hell. It’s as if the story of Adam and Eve consuming the forbidden fruit in the garden is a metaphor for this descent into hell.

• The mind is a marvelous tool for navigating in this tangible world, but it’s crucial to be attentive and notice if it starts to become personal.