Arun Kumar Gupta
Throughout human history, one question has perplexed the greatest minds: Who am I? This question is not just philosophical curiosity-it is the foundation of our existence. In the Mahabharata, there is a profound exchange between Yaksha and Yudhishthira, where the greatest wonder of the world is revealed. Despite witnessing death daily, humans live as if it will never come for them. Every day, people attend funerals, hear news of passing souls, and even experience personal loss, yet they continue to live as if their own end is a distant or improbable event. When reminded of death, they experience fear and sorrow, yet moments later, they return to their daily routine, pushing aside the inevitable truth. If humans truly internalized the reality of mortality, their approach to life would be entirely different. They would seek to understand what happens after death, whether something of them survives beyond the physical body, and what their ultimate purpose in life is. However, instead of contemplating these fundamental questions, most people remain occupied with temporary distractions-accumulating wealth, chasing ambitions, and indulging in fleeting pleasures. This paradox, as Yudhishthira observed, is one of the greatest wonders of the world.
The same question about existence troubled great thinkers, saints, and philosophers across civilizations. Some individuals devoted their entire lives to unraveling this mystery, while others ignored it altogether, assuming that such contemplation serves no practical purpose. However, the reality is that the ignorance of the true self is the root cause of many human sufferings-both personal and societal. Without understanding our own nature, we remain bound to illusions, experiencing cycles of joy and sorrow, success and failure, attachment and loss, without ever truly knowing what lies beyond.
Every individual’s life is shaped by their perception of themselves. From childhood, people are conditioned to identify with labels-name, nationality, profession, relationships. These identities define how society perceives them, but they do not reflect the deeper truth of their existence. People assume that they are their bodies, their thoughts, or their roles in society, yet all these aspects change with time. A child becomes an adult, an adult grows old, and eventually, the physical body perishes. Yet, throughout all these transformations, the sense of I remains unchanged. This indicates that the true self is something beyond the body and mind-something eternal and unchanging.
At birth, a child is given a name, which becomes their primary identification throughout life. As they grow, they acquire additional identities-daughter, son, student, teacher, professional, parent, citizen. These roles shape their experiences and interactions, but they remain external labels. If someone were to ask, “Who are you?” the most common response would be a name, occupation, or relationship. However, these answers describe only the outer aspects of a person. They do not reveal the essence of who that person truly is.
If an individual were defined solely by their name and profession, then what happens when they retire or change careers? Does their existence become meaningless? If identity is based on relationships, then what happens when those relationships change or end? Clearly, the true self cannot be defined by temporary roles.
The body, too, is constantly changing. Cells regenerate, organs age, physical appearance transforms, yet the inner awareness remains the same. A person may look at childhood photographs and feel a connection, despite the fact that every cell in their body has since been replaced. This is because the body is not the true self-it is merely a vehicle for experiencing the world.
Even the mind, with its thoughts and emotions, is subject to change. A person may hold certain beliefs in youth, only to abandon them later. They may experience shifting moods, desires, and fears. If identity were based on the mind, then every change in thought would mean a change in the self. Yet, despite these fluctuations, there remains a constant awareness-the witness of all experiences. This witnessing presence is the true self, distinct from both body and mind.
If the true self is not the body or the mind, then what is it? The answer lies in understanding the nature of consciousness itself. Unlike physical matter, which is subject to birth, decay, and destruction, consciousness is eternal. It is not created, nor can it be destroyed. The body is composed of material elements, and like all matter, it follows the natural law of impermanence. It is born, it grows, it ages, and eventually, it dissolves. However, the conscious self does not undergo these changes. Even at the moment of death, when the body ceases to function, the conscious element-the soul-remains. The body disintegrates, but the essence of I does not. This realization leads to the understanding that life does not begin at birth or end at death. The journey of the soul continues beyond physical existence.
If one accepts the idea that the soul is eternal, then it follows that birth and death are merely transitions, not absolute endings. Just as a person discards old clothes and wears new ones, the soul moves from one physical form to another. This explains why individuals are born with different circumstances-some into wealth, some into poverty, some with talents, some with disabilities. These differences are not random but the result of past actions and experiences carried forward by the soul.
Everything in life operates under the principle of cause and effect. No action is without consequence. If a person plants a seed, they will eventually see a tree grow. If they nurture it, it will bear fruit; if they neglect it, it may wither. Similarly, every thought, word, and action creates an impact, shaping the course of future experiences. This principle applies not only within a single lifetime but across lifetimes. The circumstances into which one is born are influenced by past deeds, just as present choices shape future outcomes.
The realization of this truth brings great responsibility. It means that every individual has the power to shape their destiny. External conditions may not always be in one’s control, but the way one responds to them is. By cultivating self-awareness, ethical conduct, and wisdom, a person can transform his life and move toward a higher state of being.
The ultimate purpose of life is to transcend suffering and attain true freedom. This freedom does not mean escape from responsibilities or worldly duties, but liberation from ignorance and attachment. A person who understands his true self no longer fears loss or death because the recognizes that has essence is eternal. He no longer seeks happiness in external objects because they realize that true peace comes from within.
The path to this realization requires sincere introspection. It begins with questioning assumptions, breaking free from conditioned beliefs, and seeking knowledge beyond material concerns. Contemplation, self-discipline, and a life of integrity create the foundation for deeper understanding. True fulfillment is not found in accumulation but in realization. Wealth, status, and pleasure are temporary; wisdom and self-awareness are lasting. A person who attains this knowledge becomes fearless, compassionate, and at peace, knowing that they are not merely a physical being but an eternal soul on a journey toward enlightenment.
The search for truth is the most important quest one can undertake. It requires courage, humility, and a willingness to look beyond surface appearances. Those who embark on this path discover that the answers they seek have always been within them, waiting to be unveiled. Let us commit ourselves to this pursuit. By seeking wisdom, questioning our existence, and striving for self-realization, we move toward a life of true meaning and fulfillment. In this journey, we do not lose anything-we gain everything.
(The author is President of Arya Samaj Dayanand Marg City Chowk, Jammu)
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