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Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
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Let's start by discussing the coexistence of 'I' and the body. Can anyone tell me what they think the 'I' represents?
I think 'I' represents our thoughts and consciousness.
Exactly! The 'I' is our conscious self, the part that thinks and feels. How does this differ from our body?
The body is just physical, it needs food and care, while 'I' seeks understanding and clarity.
Correct! The 'I' has ongoing needs like happiness and respect, which are non-material. Remember this distinction as we move on.
Let's delve into the activities of the 'I'. What are some activities that you think the 'I' engages in continuously?
Maybe desiring things like happiness?
Yes, desire is one! We also have thought, which helps us evaluate our desires. And finally, we form expectations based on those desires. Can anyone give an example?
If I desire success, I might think studying hard is the way to achieve it, and then I expect to do well in exams.
Great example! Remember, these activities are continuous and fundamental to our sense of self.
What do you think it means to have harmony within the 'I'?
It must mean having clear desires that align with how we think and feel.
Precisely! Harmony involves clarity in our desires, rational thought, and suitable emotional responses. What could signify disharmony?
Feeling confused or anxious about our choices!
Exactly! Disharmony leads to inner conflict and anxiety. Understanding these signs is crucial for maintaining clarity.
Now, let’s talk about the role of right understanding in achieving harmony. How do you think it influences our desires, thoughts, and feelings?
It probably helps us align our desires with what we truly value.
Yes, that’s correct! Right understanding ensures that our decisions lead to inner peace and consistency. Without it, we're often swayed by others or lose sight of our true path.
So without right understanding, we might chase illusions?
Absolutely! It’s important to cultivate this understanding for a fulfilling life.
A student desires to excel in exams (Desire), thinks studying is the best approach (Thought), and feels excited at the prospect of success (Expectation/Feeling).
A professional seeks a promotion (Desire), believes office politics is necessary (Thought), and feels guilty for not maintaining integrity (Expectation/Feeling).
In harmony, let 'I' be clear, Thoughts and feelings, draw near.
Imagine a wise owl that knows when to fly for food (body’s needs) and sleep for happiness (the 'I's needs); it represents the balance between the body and the self.
DTE - Desire, Thought, Expectation – Remember the three key activities of 'I'.
HARMONY - Harmonizing Activities of Right Motivated Open hearted New beginning Yearning.
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What is the 'I'?
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What are the main activities of the 'I'?
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What does Right Understanding facilitate?
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The continuous urge for non-material fulfillment, such as happiness and success.
The cognitive process that helps evaluate and make sense of desires and surroundings.
The emotional response influenced by desires and thoughts.
Clarity in understanding one's desires, thoughts, and feelings, leading to coherent decision-making.
Innate ability of the 'I' to intuitively recognize what is right and good for itself.
This section explores the importance of achieving harmony within oneself, focusing on the alignment of desires, thoughts, and feelings.
Understanding harmony within 'I' emphasizes the significance of aligning desires, thoughts, and expectations for personal well-being. It differentiates between the non-material needs of the self and the physical needs of the body, stressing the role of right understanding in achieving clarity and emotional stability.
The pursuit of harmony within oneself is essential for a fulfilling life. Here, 'I' refers to the self, the conscious entity that engages in processes of thinking, feeling, and decision-making. Achieving harmony involves the alignment of three core activities: desire (Ichchha), thought (Vichar), and expectation/feeling (Anubhav). These activities need to be understood and recognized distinctly from the physical needs of the body, which are transient.\n
By understanding these elements, individuals can strive towards harmonious relationships and personal clarity, reducing feelings of anxiety and confusion.