When
we look at ourselves in a mirror, we look at our reflection along with a few
objects in the background. But, when we think about ourselves, we invariably
get our doubly reflected image. Our image is first formed with others or the
outside world acting as mirrors. Only thereafter we are able to look at our
secondary image. This secondary image is not as simple as that of the first
image; it is an image that is processed by the others according to their
understanding. The matter does not end here; there could be infinite ways we
could be understood by others. Are we virtually lost when we try to think about
ourselves?
We are very casual about the use the word ‘introspection’. What we call introspection is nothing but a
quick review of our thoughts, conduct or speech from a different view point. It
is not viewing oneself with firm intention to know the truth about ourselves.
Introspection is a continuous spiritual process just as breathing
is a physical process or thinking is a mental process. While the nature has
already granted us involuntary process of breathing and thinking for our physical
and mental survival, but, it has not been done so in case of introspection. We
have to deal with the outside world for physical survival. Aimless
introspection, like aimless thinking would serve no purpose; on the contrary,
it (aimless introspection) may interfere too much with our pravritti (the
natural habit of the man to think and conduct for his physical survival). However,
purposeful introspection is essential for regulating human pravritti and
inclusion of nivritti (the thought and conduct for exploring the
truth of things through detachment from preoccupations with worldly things that
are short lived by their nature itself) to make our lives meaningful and rich
in quality.
Introspection is preceded by rigorous practice of honest and
truthful observation of one’s own thoughts and conduct on a regular basis. The
more one is detached from one’s “I am-ness” (ego or ahamkara) the
greater could be the accuracy of his self-observation. An accurate
self-observation would lead to more meaningful introspection. Even the one who
has learned the art and science of introspection cannot afford to give up the
regular practice of self observation always, during the process of self
observation, keeping himself detached from his ahamkara and the
worldly affairs of the life. Self observation, at the instant some thought or
conduct is just about to appear is extremely difficult. We can, perhaps,
‘anticipate’ our thoughts and conduct and observe ourselves in relation thereto.
We can also observe ourselves when we have just thought about something, have
taken an action or have expressed ourselves. We can also observe ourselves when
we are reacting to some happenings or some thoughts.
It is my experience that self observation and introspection
is a very meaningful and useful art that we can practice ourselves if we are
ready to be very honest about recording our observations and maintaining the
frequency of making observations. Observing one’s own thoughts, conduct and
words as it is gives us a valuable insight about how to make many improvements
in our way of life. The scriptures authored by wise people with impeccable
character and thought provoking books of great philosophers provide sufficient
clues as to how to analyze the information available from self observation,
thus making the process of introspection easy for us.
PROMOD KUMAR SHARMA
[The writer of this blog is also the author of “Mahatma A
Scientist of the Intuitively Obvious” and “In Search of Our Wonderful Words”.]
0 comments:
Post a Comment