Who am I? This question has puzzled humanity for centuries and has been explored by some of the greatest European philosophers—from Descartes to Kant.
Many of us have encountered this question in school, perhaps we have even pondered it late at night.
But while Western philosophy often approaches this question intellectually; Indian philosophy, through yoga and the study of the Tantras offers a deeply experiential perspective.
In this article, we will explore this question through the lens of yoga and Tantra. We’ll explore the essence of enlightenment, the concept of reincarnation, and the timeless wisdom shared by sages and spiritual traditions. We’ll discuss how identification with our body and mind creates limitations and how disidentifying from these aspects can reveal our true, eternal nature. By the end, we will gain insight into the importance of this realization and how it transforms our perspective on life, death, and everything in between.
The Path to Enlightenment
Enlightenment is often misunderstood as something to be gained or achieved.
In reality, it is not about adding anything new but rather about revealing what has always been present—something eternal and unchanging.
Enlightenment is the recognition of our true self, beyond the body and mind.
In yoga and many spiritual traditions, there is a firm belief in reincarnation. Scientific research, including studies by Dr. Ian Stevenson at the University of Virginia, has provided substantial evidence supporting reincarnation.
If reincarnation is real, then the question arises: Who are we if we are not just this body and mind?
Each lifetime brings a new body and a new identity, yet something remains constant across these experiences.
Enlightenment is the realization of that unchanging essence—the spirit that transcends time, space, and physical form.
The Illusion of Identification with Body and Mind
From the moment we are born, we become deeply identified with our physical body and the thoughts in our mind. We believe we are our age, our gender, our nationality, and our experiences. However, these are temporary attributes, not our true identity.
Near-death experiences provide compelling evidence that consciousness exists beyond the physical body. Cases like that of Pam Raynaud, who underwent complex brain surgery while clinically dead, show that awareness persists even when brain activity ceases.
If we are not the body or the mind, then who are we? The body is a vehicle, a portal through which consciousness interacts with the world.
But the consciousness itself is eternal, unaffected by birth or death.
The core teaching of great sages like Ramana Maharshi and the wisdom of the Upanishads revolves around one simple yet profound realization: You are not the body, and you are not the mind.
Our identification with these aspects acts like a veil, preventing us from perceiving our true nature. However, this veil can be lifted with a single gesture—disidentification.
If, even for one minute, you can stop believing that you are this body or this mind, eternal silence and peace reveal themselves.
This state is not something external but the very core of your being. In this silence, all fears, anxieties, and illusions dissolve.
Practical Steps Towards Self-Realization
Achieving disidentification is not an intellectual exercise but an experiential one.
It requires awareness and consistent practice. In our silent retreat at Mahasiddha Yoga School, we offer a 14-step technique designed to guide participants in this process.
This method helps individuals to recognize the patterns of identification and learn to consciously disidentify from them. Just as a child learns to control their physical functions, like using the toilet instead of diapers, we can train ourselves to manage our mental and emotional identifications.
Through regular meditation, self-inquiry, and deep reflection, it is possible to experience the eternal self directly. This practice brings not only peace but also a profound transformation in the way we perceive and interact with the world.
The Peace Beyond Identification
When identification with the body and mind ceases, even momentarily, a state of profound peace emerges. This peace is not fleeting or dependent on external circumstances—it is eternal and unshakable.
In this state, impurities of the mind, traumas, and desires begin to dissolve.
Compassion, love, and a natural joy arise effortlessly.
The fear of death disappears because you realize that your true essence cannot die.
As the Upanishads beautifully state, This spirit cannot be cut by swords, nor burned by fire. It is indestructible, and it is who you are.
Living from the Eternal Self
Living from the awareness of your true self doesn’t mean rejecting the body or mind. Instead, it means using them as tools while staying anchored in the eternal consciousness.
When you live from this space, life becomes lighter and more joyful. There is no longer a desperate search for external validation or temporary pleasures. Love and compassion flow naturally, and every moment becomes an expression of your true nature.
At Mahasiddha Yoga School, we believe that this realization is not reserved for a select few—it is available to everyone. With the right guidance and dedicated practice, anyone can experience this state.
Conclusion
The question Who am I? is not merely philosophical—it is the gateway to the deepest truth of existence. Enlightenment is not an abstract idea but a lived experience, available to anyone willing to look beyond the illusions of identification.
Through the teachings of yoga, the wisdom of ancient scriptures, and practical techniques, we can all move closer to this realization. The journey may require effort and dedication, but the reward is immeasurable: a life of peace, joy, and profound love.
If you’re ready to walk the path of enlightenment, join us at Mahasiddha Yoga School. Together, we’ll explore the timeless question and uncover the eternal answer within you.
Find out about upcoming retreats at Mahasiddha Yoga here: https://tantrayogathailand.com/retreats/
This article was edited and transcribed by Hakima from the following video: