What is meant by path to Self-Realisation?

Before speaking about a “path” to Self-realization,

it is important to clarify that, strictly speaking,

terms such as path, journey, or attainment are not accurate

as self-realization is not the acquisition of something new, nor is it reaching a destination.

It is simply the recognition of what one truly is — or more precisely, what one is not.

While this may sound simple conceptually, it is not easy for most people to grasp, as their minds are conditioned to become, achieve, or progress. Hence, for practical purposes, terms such as path or journey is commonly used.

While the realisation itself is available to everyone here and now, the mind is often deeply entangled in thoughts, emotions, roles, desires, fears, etc.. Due to this, one’s attention is caught continuously and clear observation is obscured.

The so-called path to self-realization, then, refers to the gradual disentanglement of attention from movements of the mind, bringing a certain simplicity and stillness and thereby creating the conditions for realisation to occur.

In this context, the terms “Spirituality” and the “path to self-realisation” convey the same, although the word “Spirituality” is often used loosely to describe other pursuits, such as energetical, psychological, or experiential objectives.

Many traditions and teachers approach the path differently. Some emphasize meditation, some prayers or devotion, some service, and some yoga and enquiry. Yet beneath these differences, they generally point toward an inward movement.

My guidance approaches this process through two complementary and yet contradictory pathways:

LEAP and FIRE.

LEAP focuses on preparing the mind and refining attention through grounding practices such as yoga and meditation, and the gradual cultivation of qualities such as harmony, clarity and presence.

FIRE focuses on the deeper movement of inquiry — turning attention toward the sense of self, questioning one’s assumptions, and gradually allowing false identities to be seen through.

Regards

Sandeep Ganesh