31/03/2025
PERSONAL PATHWAYS - True Identity Tuesdays 7.30-8.45pm On-Line.
This weeks topic: The distinction between “self” and “Self” is central to many spiritual traditions, especially in yoga and Vedanta.
• self (lowercase ‘s’) refers to the egoic or mental identity—our personality, body, thoughts, emotions, and the image we construct about who we are.
• Self (uppercase ‘S’) refers to the true, unchanging consciousness, also called Atman in Vedanta, which is beyond thought, perception, and the mind’s constructs.
Scriptural Backing from Yoga Texts
1. Bhagavad Gita (6.5-6)
“One must elevate oneself by one’s own mind and not degrade oneself. The mind is the friend of the self, and the mind is also the enemy of the self.”
• Here, Krishna points to the dual nature of the mind—it can serve as a means to transcend the false self or keep one trapped in it.
2. Mandukya Upanishad (Verse 7 – Turiya State)
“That which is beyond the senses, beyond thought, beyond all imagination, which is neither inwardly nor outwardly aware, but which is pure consciousness, that is the Self, the Atman.”
• This text clarifies that the true Self (Atman) is beyond all mental constructs and dualities.
3. Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (1.2, 1.3)
“Yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind. Then, the Seer (Self) abides in its own nature.”
• The Self is realised only when the mental activity that creates the false self is stilled.
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Welcome to Personal Pathways, a weekly online gathering where busy people, the inspired and the curious come together to explore the depths of mindfulness, meditation, and the Art of True Rest. Our gatherings offer a nurturing and supported space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and shine a light on dimensions of the inner life. Whether you are an experienced meditator or just interested in a deeper sense of rest and integration, Personal Pathways invites you to join us for guided meditations, insightful discussions, and meaningful connections. Together, we endeavour to create a harmonious learning environment where everyone can flourish and find True Rest.
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