What is Self-Inquiry? In brief, self-inquiry can, for many, be the most direct path to realizing, through first-hand experience, to whom life happens. In other words, 'Who or What am I'? This can be applied to very specific states as well, such as, 'Who is feeling anxious right now'? Without consulting memory or the mind for a moment, the practice is to essentially 'turn around' and look for who is asking the question. This practice can very powerfully, and within the snap of a finger, get one in touch with the fundamental awareness and presence that, in my sense, we all are and all share. When we relate to suffering from this place, it tends to be seen for what it is underneath the identification with it; just a thought. You can perhaps see how transformative this could be for the sufferer.
This practice is very much a living, breathing experience and, thus, any description of it falls short. I invite you to experience, directly and openly, who you are underneath it all. The simplicity of this can be, paradoxically, quite perplexing to the mind. Ultimately, no help is needed in remembering who we are. At the same time, for most of us, it can be very helpful to be consciously supported in the exploration of this! This practice is also a very powerful means toward resolving identity crisis, anxiety, and depression. In fact, all mental suffering really.
Click here to view a video clip of Adyashanti, a local spiritual teacher, talking on the nature of the self, and capturing the flavor of self inquiry, in a short talk entitled 'Rest As Awareness'.
