Know Yourself

 The source of our beliefs may come from education, social culture, or deeply rooted patterns in our consciousness. This is why some people appear to be walking on the right path, yet at a critical moment, they go astray. It is because certain seeds remain hidden in their deep consciousness.

 

For example, we may take the thought “I have to work hard, or I won’t be accepted” as a given. We believe this is the correct way to live, so we act without questioning it. This is why we are always pushing ourselves to work hard. Now, we can begin to question this belief. Is this thought really set in stone? Can we look at it and understand where it comes from—not to analyze it intellectually, but to truly see it?

 

When you are not feeling well, when problems arise, or when you are facing an important decision in your life, the first step is to pay attention to your thoughts, layer by layer. Then you will begin to understand why you are experiencing these situations. It is these unnoticed thoughts that have slowly guided you in this direction.

 

Although observation may sound cliché, without it, all practice is in vain. Without observation, you will not know why you are doing what you are doing, even if you have been meditating for years. Without observation, there can be no wisdom. Begin by observing your thoughts, then go deeper into karma. Allow this observation to go all the way to the root, seeing yourself from every angle. When this happens, the pain at the root can finally come to an end.

 

True spiritual practice is grounded in this. It is not about complex terminology, but about paying attention to yourself from all angles while living your life. True spiritual practice focuses on the ordinary, on what is closest to daily life. Pay attention to your thoughts; pay attention to these subtle places. This is both the beginning and the end. This is true Dharma.

By Suzhen Liu

If you enjoy Suzhen Liu’s writings, please check out her new book, “Discover Love Within—Release Your Suffering” available on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Discover-Love-Within-Release-Suffering/dp/0999251732