Know Thyself

Know thyself is a maxim that dates back thousands of years. It is said to be on the Luxor Temple in Egypt which was begun around 1500 BCE. It is more often associated with the Delphi Temple in Greece.
Various early Greek writers, particularly Plato, made reference to the maxim and its inscription on the temple. Lao Tzu is quoted as saying "...knowing yourself is true wisdom." Regardless of its origin the precept to know yourself has been generally held to be primary in the "right understanding" of who we are.

What is meant when we say know thyself, and what are the implications? Many people if asked the question "who are you" would respond by listing attributes that they believe define who they are; i.e. a man, woman, rich, poor, old, young, successful, smart, beautiful, funny, shy, who likes football, fishing, sushi, hiking, opera, scrabble, electric cars, travel, Art Deco, etc. ad infinitum; but none of these descriptors have anything to do with who we "are". Most spiritual traditions have always recognized that we are not our bodies and the senses attached to it, but rather an essence separate from though attached to the body. This unique being - the "I am" - is who we are.

Life in the material form is then a process of discovery and manifestation. All experience is an opportunity to learn so that we may know our true self. For some the understanding comes easily even while quite young, but for most it has become a difficult process in large part due to the culture of materiality that encourages individuals to identify with the material in the way described above. Eckhart Tolle describes this as the ego self, but, again, it is not who we are. This understanding is not some new idea. In fact, this is the basis for the aphorism "know thyself". If we believe in the deception of the ego then life is as Shakespeare describes in Macbeth, "...but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

Once we understand that we are in a sense two we will begin to recognize the difference. We can observe the ego directing the conscious mind to make choices that reinforce this identity as being who we are. Once we see this happening, our true self, being, higher self may take control of the mind and make choices accordingly. How will we know the right choice? This idea is as simple as it is well known for it is intrinsic to our true nature which is generally described by the word Love. Love, of course, can be understood in many ways, however as we connect with and become our true essence we increasingly recognize the truth. So many have written and spoke about this idea that it is truly amazing that the world has evolved as it has, but this is the great story of the battle between Good and evil, the Light and darkness, the Force and the dark side, that has been told over and over in a multitude of variations throughout the history of humanity. It is what it is.

So, here we are after perhaps 100,000 years of evolution with the capability of destroying ourselves. What's the point? It is the view of a rapidly growing number of people that we have at last arrived at a point in our evolution that will force a shift in consciousness resulting in a new paradigm. Science is now laying the foundation for the shift at a dizzying pace, and though not generally reported by so called main stream media is widely discussed on the Internet. The revolution will not be brought about by political institutions who in fact have actively suppressed innovations that would disrupt the current system of control. No, the new earth will manifest as millions of us embrace the idea in the Gandhi quote "be the change you wish to see in the world".

Today the evidence that the change is taking place is everywhere, from sustainable, organic farming to the "buy local" movement. Of course the Internet is integral to the rapidly expanding consciousness and I believe presages a time when telepathic communication will be commonplace. In the meantime the awakening grows as people everywhere realize that the world we've created is not the best we can do. Sustainability, social and economic justice, and respect for each other are the key ideas inherent to the changes taking place. As we realize the truth of who we are we recognize our connectedness to all life and are motivated to act accordingly out of love and compassion - our true nature. Be still. Turn off the distractions and listen for the quiet voice of love within you. Let it guide you to that place of peace which comes when we "let go" and become one with the present moment. The past and the future are the domain of the ego and are nurtured in the mind to distract us from the only reality - the present moment.