self to Self

self to Self

Thanks for your letter. I can see that you were contemplating it, as you composed it line by line. In nine vertical inches of type, the word “I” appears 34 times, “me” or “my” another 15 times. At this point, you might find it useful to notice the arising of the I-thought (or me, my, mine etc.) on the screen of consciousness. You could ask yourself, each time you notice it, who is this “I”? As Self-realization clarifies, it becomes obvious that the I-thought is at the root of our confusion and suffering. For the latter part to end, there must be a change in the former part: from self to Self. This doesn’t mean that we no longer use the word I, but we do not lose sight of who that I is. Is that I present in your deepest sleep? If not, do such troubling concerns arise?