The Ultimate Self-Inquiry

Author: ​Nebo D. Lukovich 

Learner, Reader, Student of Life

Nebo D. Lukovich

​Who am I? …or… What am I? ...or even… Am I?

These are the ultimate questions of our existence. Is there anybody on this world who has not asked themselves one of these questions at least once in their lifetime? Anyway, for most of us, it would be awesome to reveal answers to these most profound questions.

But why should anyone bother with such questions at all?

​The self-inquiry should be self-sufficient per se, with no external benefits. There is no goal to it, except for revealing our true nature. The practice of self-inquiry naturally occurs when an individual reaches spiritual maturity, which genuinely accelerates their pursuit toward the ultimate Truth. An inner urge for self-realization spontaneously arises. Enlightenment is going to happen, of its own accord and that should be sufficient as such. However, there is even more to that.

The practice of self-inquiry naturally occurs when an individual reaches spiritual maturity.

​Are There Benefits of Self-Inquiry?
​
Yes, there indeed are significant side-benefits of such a practice.

If you are doing the self-inquiry on a regular basis, you might experience some profound changes in your life, similar to those of “normal” meditation sittings or mindfulness practice. For example, you might:

• Start experiencing a deep, profound sense of inner peace during your everyday activities;
• Feel released from burdens of worry, stress, and anxiety;
• Improve your relationships radically;
• Get healthy again;
• Start doing all your daily tasks and chores almost flawlessly, with ease and joy;
• Improve many other aspects of your life fundamentally.

If you are doing the self-inquiry on a regular basis, you might experience some profound changes in your life, similar to those of “normal” meditation sittings or mindfulness practice. 

 ​But the most precious gain of this practice could be out of any concept of benefit whatsoever: The Ultimate Truth.

The Technique of Self-Inquiry

Now, let us dive into the nuts-and-bolts of self-inquiry. You may be doing it by following these steps:

1. Enter the state of Presence.
2. Turn your attention inward and ask the question: What is present?
3. Ask yourself: What is aware of that presence?
4. Abide in Pure Presence.
5. When any disturbance arises, repeat steps from 1 to 4.

Here is a more detailed explanation of each step.

1. Enter the state of Presence. Just be here and now. Accept any external impressions, or internal sensations, emotions or thoughts that may arise. For that purpose, you may apply the Dissolving the Temporary I technique, which will take you directly to the boundless state of Pure Consciousness, or Presence.

2. Turn your attention inward and ask the question: What is present?

​Note that the question begins with what instead of who. Of course, you may ask the “classical” question Who am I? and might end up with the same result. However, what doesn't imply any identity, while who does. In this process, identities are the obstacles to the Truth, so we aim to release all our identities to experience the essence of our being.

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