Who Is The Higher Self?

by Asoka Selvarajah, Ph.D


Throughout the ages, Ancient Wisdom has taught the existence of
something that transcends everything we know, and yet is an
integral part of our very being. It has been referred to with
many titles: Guardian Angel, Inner Genius, Higher Self.

If our own brain is beyond our understanding, how much more
mysterious and incredible is this strange being we call the
"Higher Self". What can it be? What "self" can possibly be higher
than the one you are already familiar with? If this "self" is
truly higher than what we are normally aware of, how can it be
truly called "self"?

Let us attempt a definition:

"The Higher Self is that part of you that connects you directly
to the spiritual realms. It is eternal, infinitely wise and
transcends your everyday consciousness. It is in touch with the
Divine because it is part of it. Attaining knowledge of the
Higher Self, and its depths of inner wisdom, is the goal of the
Spiritual Quest in all its many guises throughout the world, and
throughout history."

Thus, you are not simply the total of your conscious and
subconscious. There is a part of you that transcends both. It
exceeds anything you know with your present awareness. It is
beyond anything you can possibly know through normal rational
thought. You are connected to the Divine, and this is where it
manifests.

To most people, this concept may seem highly unlikely, or even
absurd. However, a growing body of scientific evidence also
suggests that there IS a source of superior intelligence within
all of us. There is an inner capacity that most us are unaware
of, and are largely unable to access.

In the Indian philosophy of Samkhya, the term for this higher
consciousness, which pervades the entire universe, is Purusa. It
is believed to be free of the limitations of space and time, and
is also uncaused by anything external to itself. It is free of
both pleasure and pain. It is above thought.

Throughout this article, we use the term "Higher Self". However,
you can also take this to include the "Inner Genius" too. There
is no real distinction between what might considered "spiritual"
intelligence, and more general super-normal functioning; such as
the ability to read and learn at superhuman speeds or the ability
to perform mathematical calculations at lightening speed. In
truth, such extraordinary abilities are only part of a vast
continuum that lies concealed within us. It covers a vast span -
all the way from the spiritual height to incredible levels of
performance at more earthly levels.

Through following the principles described in this book for
developing contact with the Higher Self, you will also make it
possible to create a whole range of dramatic changes in your
everyday life. What many consider impossible is easy for those
who have made contact with the Source of all.



Why Access The Higher Self At All?

Some people may be alarmed at the whole idea of accessing a
"Higher Self". After all, doesn't that imply losing control and
being invaded from something from the outside? Wouldn't you lose
the very essence of who you are?

These ideas arise from a misunderstanding about (a) who "you" are
and (b) who the Higher Self is. In truth, the Higher Self IS you
- all that you are meant to be. The only reason we even talk
about it as if it were an entity from elsewhere is because we
have been trained from birth not to fully express the magnificent
divinity within us and be all that we are fully capable of being.
That is what the Higher Self really is; the best you that you are
capable of being.

If you were manifesting your very best right now, do you think
your brain capacity would be lying 99% dormant? Of course not.

The problem we all face is that we identify ourselves with the
small "I". This is the ego consciousness that we have gradually
developed throughout our life. However, this is not really all
that you are. Your ego, your conscious mind, is only a small part
of your total being. It is shaped by childhood, by what you were
told as you were growing up, by the knocks and bruises of life,
as well as the pleasures and joys. In part, it is formed from the
life experiences that you have had up to this point. However, it
is also partly created from your subconscious, and your
connection to the Collective Unconscious.

Thus, your personality consciousness is subject to constant
change. It is not an absolute. It alters through life
experiences, psychiatric therapy, or a range of other influences.

However, despite the shifting circumstances of existence, most
people recognize, at least fleetingly, the existence of a
changeless eternal part of their nature. In these moments, they
have made contact with their essential eternal being; who they
really are.

So really, the Higher Self is not some sort of invading being.
Rather, it is more truly you than you ever have been allowed to
be. It lets more of those moments of true recognition into your
life. Eventually, you are enabled to live your entire life from a
point of full awareness of your changeless divinity.


Copyright 2002, Asoka Selvarajah. All Rights Reserved.
____________________________________________________
Dr. Asoka Selvarajah is an active author/researcher on personal
development and esoteric spirituality. Asoka's work helps
people achieve their full potential, deepen their understanding
of mystical truth, and find joy in their true soul's purpose.

The above article is excerpted from his new book "The 7 Golden
Secrets To Knowing Your Higher Self". Enjoy spiritual, mental,
emotional and physical abundance. Access inner guidance and
discover your life purpose. For full details, click below: