Self-realization

Self-realization is an expression used in Western psychology, philosophy, and spirituality; and in Indian religions. In the Western understanding it is the "fulfillment by oneself of the possibilities of one's character or personality" (see also self-actualization). In the Indian understanding, self-realization is liberating knowledge of the true Self, either as the permanent undying atman, or as the absence (sunyata) of such a permanent Self.

Spiritual understanding
Self realization is considered the gateway to eternal happiness. According to Dada Bhagwan, when one realizes the self, one attains eternal happiness.
Self Realization has four stages according to the Levels of consciousness.

Western understanding
Merriam Webster's dictionary defines self-realization as:

In the Western world "self-realization" has gained great popularity. Influential in this popularity were psycho-analysis, humanistic psychology, the growing acquaintance with Eastern religions, and the growing popularity of Western esotericism.

Psychoanalysis

Though Sigmund Freud was skeptical of religion and esotericism, his theories have had a lasting influence on Western thought and self-understanding. His notion of repressed memories, though based on false assumptions, has become part of mainstream thought. Freud's ideas were further developed by his students and neo-psychoanalysts. Carl Jung, Erik Erikson, and Winnicott have been especially important in the Western understanding of the self. But other alternatives have also been developed. Jung developed the notion of individuation, the lifelong process in which the centre of psychological life shifts from the ego to the self. Erikson described human development throughout the life-span in his theory of psychosocial development. Winnicott developed the notion of the true self. Roberto Assagioli developed his approach of psychosynthesis, an original approach to psychology.

Western esotericism
Western esotericism integrates a broad variety of traditions, some of which view self-realization as the ultimate goal of a human being.

Indian religions

Jainism
Jain philosophy is the oldest world philosophy that separates body (matter) from the soul (consciousness) completely. 
Individual conscience and individual consciousness are central in the Jain philosophy. Self-realisation is one of the major pre-requisites to attain ultimate enlightenment and liberation (moksha). Self-realisation means peeling away fabricated layers of one's own personality to understand the true self and hence the true nature of reality. In Jainism, karma is portrayed as invisible particles of subtle matter that adhere to a living organism or Jiva. These particles come together to form a film of negativity and darkness around the soul that obscures the true consciousness; making the Jiva lose touch with its original essence as a soul. These karmic particles tend to attract more such particles which cause the inflow of auspicious and inauspicious karmic matter into the soul (Āsrava), leading the organism to fall into the bondage of lust, worldly pleasures, ego, hatred, jealousy, anger, etc. Thus self-realisation paves the way to simply reverse this process and help the seeker to decipher the absolute truth on its own. Jainism firmly rejects the belief of a creator, and one being is solely responsible for his thoughts, actions, and their consequences.

Hinduism

In Hinduism, self-realization (atma-jnana or atmabodha ) is knowledge of the true self beyond both delusion and identification with material phenomena. It refers to self-identification and not mere ego identification.

Shaivism
In  Shaivism, self-realization is the direct knowing of the Self God Parashiva. Self-realization (nirvikalpa samadhi, which means "ecstasy without form or seed," or asamprajñata samādhi) is considered the ultimate spiritual attainment.  

Self-realization is considered the gateway to moksha, liberation/freedom from rebirth. This state is attained when the Kundalini force pierces through the Sahasrara chakra at the crown of the head. The realization of Self, Parashiva, considered to be each soul's destiny, is attainable through renunciation, sustained meditation and preventing the germination of future karma (the phrase "frying the seeds of karma" is often used)

Advaita Vedanta
Ātman is the first principle in Advaita Vedanta, along with its concept of Brahman, with Atman being the perceptible personal particular and Brahman the inferred unlimited universal, both synonymous and interchangeable. The soteriological goal, in Advaita, is to gain self-knowledge and complete understanding of the identity of Atman and Brahman. Correct knowledge of Atman and Brahman leads dissolution of all dualistic tendencies and to liberation. Moksha is attained by realizing one's true identity as Ātman, and the identity of Atman and Brahman, the complete understanding of one's real nature as Brahman in this life. This is stated by Shankara as follows:

Buddhism

Since Buddhism denies the existence of a separate self, as explicated in the teachings of anatman and sunyata, self-realization is a contradictio in terminis for Buddhism. Though the tathagatagarbha-teachings seem to teach the existence of a separate self, they point to the inherent possibility of attaining awakening, not to the existence of a separate self. The dharmadhatu-teachings make this even more clear: reality is an undivided whole; awakening is the realization of this whole.

Sikhism

Sikhism propounds the philosophy of Self-realization. This is possible by "aatam-cheennea" or "Aap Pashaanae", purifying the self from the false ego:

Guru Nanak says,

See also

 Brahman 
 Enlightenment (spiritual)
 Moksha
 Mysticism
 Nondualism
 Self-actualization
 Self-discovery
 Consciousness
 Atma bodha
 Self-fulfillment
 Self-realization in Jungian psychology
 Simran

References

Further reading

 
 
 

Category:Spirituality
Category:Religious behaviour and experience
Category:Self