The Sacred Birthright: Discovering Your Immortal Essence
Know Yourself and Recognize Yourself
A profound philosophical exploration of the human journey from mortal body to immortal soul
Preliminary Reflections
Human life is a strange, mysterious journey. With respect and love for all, I share some realizations from this evening of my life. If I'm mistaken, please correct me, and view this with forgiving eyes. In this twilight period, I see that all my actions in this world were mistakes. My coming to this world was an error, and I repeated the same mistake with my next generation, albeit out of ignorance.
That is, I came into this world to fulfill my parents' desires, which should not have been the case, because birth should occur through God's call at an auspicious time. I'm not blaming my parents—they didn't know, nobody told them, and we couldn't find out either. Those who have attained greatness in this world, most of them were born at auspicious times. Because through this birth process, everything is received—if a poisonous seed is planted, it will grow to bear poisonous fruit, and if a life-giving seed is planted, it will grow to bear life-giving fruit. This is generally how it can be explained.
We are born with two fundamental elements: a mortal body, which has a limited lifespan; and an immortal soul or spiritual energy, which has no destruction. But for most of our lives, we remain bound in caring for the body, fulfilling its demands, and trapped in desires, anger, and attachments. In running after education, jobs, wealth, and social status, we never get time to look at our true self—that immortal soul.
The Significance of Birth: Auspicious Timing and Self-Willed Birth
Birth is not just a physical event; it is a spiritual process. Many traditions and philosophies emphasize the importance of the moment of birth, as the birth time can influence a person's character, destiny, and lifestyle. But an even more important question is: How are we born? At an auspicious moment, remembering God, consciously, or merely as a result of physical pleasure?
When birth occurs solely as a result of physical pleasure, the child becomes 'self-willed' because they were not invited through auspicious timing—they just arrived. Therefore, they prioritize their own wishes and demands, distancing themselves from family and social responsibilities. This leads to the weakening of joint family bonds and the creation of nuclear families. On the other hand, when birth occurs consciously, at an auspicious moment, with spiritual preparation, the child can become responsible towards parents and welfare-oriented towards family and society.
This temporary body is merely one layer of our identity. We carry its needs, desires, and limitations throughout life, but it is not our true self. Its end can come at any time. Amazingly, despite having such subtle thinking capability, we cannot understand where we will go or where our real home is. You can't even ask anyone where they will take you. But you must go. Even more astonishingly, people see but cannot believe. In what web of illusion are we trapped?
The eternal essence residing within us, which remains untouched by the cycle of birth and death. The search for this soul should be the true purpose of life. By finding it, the soul gains the ability to understand the presence of the Supreme Soul—meaning one can know and recognize oneself, and then learn to understand God. One attains supreme peace because God-consciousness makes one fearless. One understands the mystery of God's creation and learns that it's not "I" but God who invisibly orchestrates everything. For balancing our lives, He has given us karma. Good karma can somewhat alter what was destined to happen—if we do good deeds, what was supposed to be bad will be a little less, and what was supposed to be good will be a little more.
Birth arising from physical pleasure, where the child grows up self-centered, family bonds weaken, and social values deteriorate.
Birth resulting from spiritual preparation, consideration of auspicious moments, and remembrance of God, which creates benevolent generations.
Reflection at Life's Twilight
When the day declines, reaching life's evening, we suddenly sit down to account. All life's achievements—education, job, house, car, bank balance—all seem meaningless if we haven't come to know our true self. All external things will remain in this world, but the soul's journey will continue.
This realization is life's most important moment: we understand that the real work remains undone—the work of knowing oneself, the work of self-realization. From this realization begins the true spiritual search.
Self-Knowledge: The Step to God-Realization
Without knowing oneself, knowing God is impossible. Because God is not an external entity to be found outside. God manifests within our soul. When we penetrate our depths and come to know the soul, only then can we unite with the Supreme Soul.
The role of a true Guru is immeasurable in this journey. The Guru is that mirror who shows us our own soul. They show the path, teach the process, and guide light through spiritual darkness.
The first sign of self-knowledge is detachment. When attachment to external matters decreases, when profit-loss, praise-criticism can be accepted equally, then understand you're progressing on the path of self-knowledge. In a self-realized person, fear, pride, and greed diminish, and peace, compassion, and love manifest.
Set aside some time daily for silence and meditation. Ask yourself several times a day: "What's happening inside me at this moment?" Develop witness-consciousness towards your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Try to remain completely conscious even in small tasks. This practice will gradually increase self-awareness.
A true Guru never claims to be a Guru. Their life itself is their teaching. They are simple, humble but full of knowledge and peace. In their presence, one feels peace and hope. Before searching for a Guru, one's own preparation is important—sincerity, humility, and intense desire to know. When the disciple is ready, the Guru comes themselves.
Concluding Reflections
Human birth is immensely valuable. Having received this birth, if we don't come to know ourselves, don't become acquainted with our immortal essence, then this birth is wasted. External success, social status, wealth—all are temporary. What is permanent, what is our true wealth, is self-knowledge.
Begin the journey of self-inquiry from this very moment. Spend some time with yourself daily. Ask: "Who am I?" Go beyond book knowledge and try to directly experience your own essence. You're not alone in this journey—many have walked, are walking this path. The company of a true Guru will make this path easier.
Through knowing yourself, you'll know the Supreme Essence. And only then will life find completeness—there will be no lack, no fear, all attachments will dissolve. Life will become a joyful journey of realization.
Shiben
As you came here, so you must go. So don't delay, do the main thing, many real genes will know or understand.
