Self-realization: Difference between revisions – Wikipedia
==See also==
==See also==
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* [[Brahman]]
* [[Brahman]]
* [[Dark Night of the Soul]]
* [[Dark Night of the Soul]]
* [[Henosis]]
* [[Henosis]]
* [[Nondualism]]
* [[Nondualism]]
* [[Self-discovery]]
* [[Self-discovery]]
* [[Self-fulfillment]]
* [[Self-fulfillment]]
* [[Analytical psychology#Self-realization and neuroticism|Self-realization in Jungian psychology]]
* [[Analytical psychology#Self-realization and neuroticism|Self-realization in Jungian psychology]]
* [[Simran]]
* [[Simran]]
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Fulfillment of one’s character or personality
Self-realization is a term used in Western psychology, philosophy, and spirituality; and in Indian religions. In the Western understanding, it is the “fulfillment by oneself of the possibilities of one’s character or personality” (see also self-actualization).[1] In the Indian understanding, self-realization is liberating knowledge of the true Self, either as the permanent undying Purusha or witness-consciousness, which is atman (essence), or as the absence (sunyata) of such a permanent Self.
Western understanding[edit]
Merriam Webster’s dictionary defines self-realization as:
Fulfillment by oneself of the possibilities of one’s character or personality.[1]
In the Western world “self-realization” has gained great popularity. Influential in this popularity were psycho-analysis, humanistic psychology, the growing acquaintance with Eastern religions, and the growing popularity of Western esotericism.
Psychoanalysis[edit]
Though Sigmund Freud was skeptical of religion and esotericism, his theories have had a lasting influence on Western thought and self-understanding. His notion of repressed memories, though based on assumptions that some later thinkers have questioned, has become part of mainstream thought. Freud’s ideas were further developed by his students and neo-psychoanalysts. Carl Jung, Erik Erikson, Karen Horney and Donald Winnicott have been especially important in the Western understanding of the self, though alternative theories have also been developed by others. Jung developed the notion of individuation, the lifelong process in which the center of psychological life shifts from the ego to the self. Erikson described human development throughout one’s lifespan in his theory of psychosocial development. Winnicott developed the notion of the true self, while Horney had two views of our self: the “real self” and the “ideal self”. Gerda Boyesen, the founder of biodynamic psychology, developed her salutogenic view on the primary personality and the secondary personality. Roberto Assagioli developed his approach of psychosynthesis, an original approach to psychology. Assagioli’s original approach is one that is dynamic and continuous, rather than one that can be reached at a “final destination” or completed.[3]
Esotericism[edit]
Western esotericism integrates a broad variety of traditions, some of which view self-realization as the ultimate goal of a human being. (See also New Age)[4]
Mysticism defines it as becoming “One” with God or the Absolute.
Religious Associations[edit]
Self-Realization is described by St. John of the Cross in his poem the Dark Night of the Soul.
Both Religious Transcendence and Philosophical Transcendence are closely related with self-realization.
Indian religious perspectives[edit]
Jainism[edit]
Jain philosophy is one of the oldest world philosophies that separates body (matter) from the soul (consciousness) completely.[5]
Individual conscience and individual consciousness are central in the Jain philosophy. Self-realization is one of the major pre-requisites to attain ultimate enlightenment and liberation (moksha). Self-realization means peeling away fabricated layers of one’s own personality to understand the true self and hence the true nature of reality. In Jainism, karma is portrayed as invisible particles of subtle matter that adhere to a living organism or Jiva. These particles come together to form a film of negativity and darkness around the soul that obscures the true consciousness, making the Jiva lose touch with its original essence as a soul. These karmic particles tend to attract similar particles which cause the inflow of auspicious and inauspicious karmic matter into the soul (Āsrava). This leads the organism to fall into the bondage of lust, worldly pleasures, ego, hatred, jealousy, anger, etc. Thus self-realization paves the way to simply reverse this process and help the seeker to decipher absolute truth on their own. Jainism firmly rejects the belief of a creator, and that one being is solely responsible for his…
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