Enlightenment and the Core Self: Understanding the Universal 'I Am'

The concept of enlightenment is often shrouded in mystery and confusion. Many believe that enlightened individuals merge with the universe or their higher self, which naturally leads to questions about their personalities and perceived difference from non-enlightened individuals. This article explores the nature of the 'I am' state, a hallmark of advanced enlightenment, as experienced by those involved in Transcendental Meditation (TM).

Enlightenment and Personality Traits

Contrary to popular belief, those who have achieved a high state of enlightenment do not possess only wise, selfless, loving, or strong personalities. Instead, they embody a profound sense of inner peace and happiness that transcends traditional personality traits such as narcissism. While enlightened individuals do experience heightened wisdom and compassion, these qualities are accompanied by a lack of the anxious or negative personality traits associated with the right hemisphere of the brain.

A key tool in achieving this state has been the modification of personality through practices like TM. EGMi, a significant aspect of TM, aims to transform one's personality into one pure of goodness. This transformation is seen as crucial for fostering a sense of oneness that can lead to a hive-like, energy-efficient, and utopian existence for humankind.

Understanding the 'Higher Self' and Pure Consciousness

Studies of individuals experiencing enlightenment through TM have shed light on the profound effects of this practice. Researchers focusing on the TM organization found that subjects with at least a year of continuous pure sense-of-self reported experiences that dramatically altered their perception of the self and reality. These findings are encapsulated in Table 3 of the Psychological Correlates Study.

The individuals described a self that transcended traditional boundaries. They perceived their 'self' as immeasurably vast and beyond the physical limits of their bodies. This transcendent self was not linked to specific attributes like age, appearance, or hobbies, but rather to an underlying essence that pervaded everything they experienced. The 'I am-ness' was described as being the same across all individuals, despite the vast differences in their personality traits, physical attributes, and life circumstances.

Several key quotes from these individuals illustrate this profound shift in consciousness:

"We ordinarily think of ourselves as this age, this color of hair, these hobbies. . . but my experience is that my Self is a lot larger than that. It is immeasurably vast. . . on a physical level. It is not just restricted to this physical environment."

"The 'I' is the Self. There is a quality that is so pervasive about the Self that I am quite sure that the 'I' is the same 'I' as everyone else's 'I.' Not in terms of what comes after, but the 'I am' part is the same 'I am' for you and me."

This deeper understanding of the self as 'atman' or True Self in Sanskrit represents the core essence of what makes an individual a person. It is this enduring 'I am' that remains constant, even as individuals change or transform. This higher self is not unlike the 'beyond' individual aspects described in the literature, representing the core essence that underpins all people.

Rest and the Emergence of the Sense-of-Self

Rest is a crucial state for the emergence of our sense-of-self. In contrast, mindfulness and concentration practices, which engage the active brain and may seem beneficial for achieving a sense of oneness, are actually counterproductive in the context of true enlightenment according to the Advaita Vedanta tradition. During meditation or deep rest, the brain's resting state facilitates the emergence of the 'I am' quality, providing a direct experience of the universal SELF beyond the mind.

Our perception of ourselves as beings is deeply rooted in the brain's resting state. Normal daily activities and intentions can distort this core sense-of-self, leading to a perception of separateness and individuality. The practice of TM, however, helps alleviate these distortions by promoting rest and presence, ultimately leading to a more profound, universal experience of the self.

Conclusion: The Path to Enlightenment

The practices and experiences described in this article offer a path to a more profound understanding of oneself and the world. By engaging in practices like TM, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of connection and awareness that transcends the boundaries of the ego and the mind. This path requires a willingness to rest, to let go of distractions, and to embrace a more holistic perspective of existence.

For those interested in pursuing this path, studying the work of the TM organization and the insights of individuals who have transcended the limitations of individuality can provide valuable guidance. Understanding the psychological correlates of enlightenment and the role of the brain in these experiences can help individuals navigate the challenges and opportunities of their own journey towards true enlightenment.

See Table 3 of the Psychological Correlates Study

[Insert Table 3 from the referenced study here]

To learn more about the TM organization and its contribution to the study of enlightenment, read this.