Getting to Know Yourself (Link #718)

Mangala Shri Bhuti - The Link

Speaker: Dungse Jampal Norbu. Dungse-la describes the spiritual path as a path of getting know oneself. Having grown up in a Dharmic family, the practice of self reflection has been a constant in his life from a young age. Being a Dharmic person means going beyond improving the self based on worldly concerns, to develop a relationship with one’s internal world of thoughts and emotions. A daily practice of meditation is foundational to self-knowing. By observing thoughts and emotions arising and dissipating, the habit of identifying with them as belonging to one's self begins to unravel. Looking more deeply at our thoughts, feelings and emotions in the context of the five skandhas uncovers the concept of looking-but-not-finding, which brings great relief. Self-knowing that arises from not finding a single, intrinsic self is referred to as ‘Egolessness of Self’. It is the foundation for discovering who and what we truly are: intrinsically enlightened. In sum, self reflection is the practice that leads us to recognize our Buddha nature.