As I said earlier, a vital part of meaningful life for me is striving to know myself better. I am also convinced that we all know ourselves in some measure. No person is completely ignorant, for complete ignorance would make one unable to live. Truth is the essence of life, and the fact that we are alive indicates a degree of alignment with the truth. This is a comforting fact. At the same time we are urged to never become self-satisfied, but to move from our present degree of understanding to a greater degree by clearing away false ideas about who we are. In this process, our life becomes happier and more meaningful.

There is nothing new about an exhortation to know ourselves. At the entrance of the Delphos temple there was an inscription: "Oh man, know yourself and you will know the Universe and the Gods." Self-knowledge was taught by Socrates, and later by Plato. In the mystical gospel of Thomas, Jesus said: "When you know yourselves, then you will be known, and you will understand that you are children of the living Father. But if you do not know yourselves, then you live in poverty, and you are the poverty."

People were slow to respond to this call, partly because it takes intellectual courage to know ourselves. Our ego doesn't want to take a risk and to step beyond a comfort zone of its own preconceived ideas. The greatest value of ego is security; so it finds refuge in following traditions, in accepting religious dogmas, and even in compulsive outward activity which leaves no time for a person to think. This is true for most of humanity. Yet there were sages and prophets like Socrates, Jesus, and many others who dared to live differently. They launched into an inner journey and discovered a bright and shining world. Why shouldn't we join their company?

What will we find within ourselves in the process of self-discovery? Let me suggest several ideas which I proved in my own experience and which were proven by many other spiritual seekers. Again, they cannot give a complete picture of our true nature, but can serve as a useful blueprint for further exploration and practical application of these principles.

First, we will know that there is a hidden core of our being. It is known by various names, such as soul, spirit, superconsciousness, indwelling Christ, divine nature, and so forth. It doesn't matter how we call it as long as we recognize its existence and its permanence. This core of our being is not conditioned by outside forces and influences, by our inheritance or upbringing. Even more, this core of our being is one in essence with the Source of all things.

"Man is a stream whose source is hidden. Always our being is descending into us from we know not whence", said Emerson.

Second, we will know that there are gifts and qualities within ourselves which long for their expression. While living at the superficial level, we did not know how talented or capable we are. And we will also realize that in order to be true to ourselves we need to express our potential in full measure.

Third, we will know that we are works in progress - just like the world is a work in progress. Our inner core expresses divine perfection - but our mind and emotions yet have to be aligned with that which is true about us. Our conscious mind should be transformed through the inflow of divine ideas. Our emotions should be balanced. Our will should be centered at a desired goal. Our body should be brought to vitality and wholeness.

Human beings aren't static they always change, either willingly or unwillingly. If we know ourselves and our power to rule ourselves, we won't be threatened by changes. Instead, we will play our part in bringing about changes which will raise the quality of our life.

(to be continued)