Golden Opportunities

The human mind is the real wonder of the world, but its normal processes, however erudite and versatile, fail to yield lasting satisfaction, nor do they shed light on life’s ultimate meaning and purpose. The self-training prescribed by the yoga of self-knowledge rectifies this omission. Through the practices and way of life revealed by this higher yoga, we are enabled to bring about a transformation of our inner life that leads to lasting fulfilment.

The inner changes brought about by practices like meditation may initially seem modest, or even imperceptible, but with perseverance signs of an advance begin to manifest. These include an increased awareness of our thoughts and feelings, and the awakening of a capacity to direct them in an ongoing and purposeful way. We discover that it is possible to stand back from the mind, instead of being wholly enmeshed in its conditions. This is a great freedom, because human misery owes much to our sense of identification with discouraging thoughts and emotions, whereas peace and joy are found in dis-identification.

If we are not identified with the mind, what are we identified with? It is the consciousness which witnesses the thoughts. This consciousness never darkens; its light reveals all the thoughts. As it is constant, it is called our true Self, in contrast to the inconstancy of the mind’s modifications. To gain insight into the nature of our conscious Self is worthwhile, because this quest reveals Self as established in a tranquil joy that is entirely free from limitations.