Self-knowledge: Master key to personal transformation and fulfillment

Abstract

This chapter takes it as axiomatic that Self-knowledge is the master key to personal transformation and fulfillment. All wisdom traditions of the world have upheld the importance of Self-knowledge as a prelude to every pursuit of happiness and fulfillment. Since "self" is everyone's most favorite subject and since happiness is sought for the sake of the self, it stands to reason that any quest for transformation and fulfillment should verily begin with knowing the self. Selfknowledge deals with who and what we truly are. Self-knowledge is not a journey of becoming; it is a matter of being. It is a journey from "me" to the real "I." Selftransformation is the fruit of Self-knowledge. The Self, our true nature, is the ever-present awareness of our own being. The chapter is divided into three broad sections. The first section discusses the need and importance of Self-knowledge for personal transformation. The second section deals with establishing that fulfillment is voyage of inner discovery and that Self-knowledge is the key to abiding happiness. The third section introduces the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, as enunciated in the Indian wisdom texts called Upanisads and the Bhagavad Gita, to discover Self-knowledge and fulfillment, right here and now, as our essential nature. The chapter shows that Selfknowledge, as the knowledge of our true nature, is a self-evident, self-established fact. Due to Self-ignorance, we are unaware of this vital fact. Through the medium of teaching stories, metaphorical poems, and illustrative vignettes, this chapter presents clear pointers to cognize our true nature.