Self-centeredness can find its origins in the animal kingdom and can be viewed as the functioning of remnants of the animal brain that have been passed down to the human brain.
"I: Reality and Subjectivity" by David R. Hawkins, pp. 296-298
Chapter 14: Considerations
Explanation of 'Kousatsu' (Consideration):
[Noun] (Suru) To investigate and think over something carefully in order to clarify it. "Give deep consideration," "Consider the social consciousness of the Japanese people."
A supplementary note before reading: Self-centeredness is what is known as being strong-willed, meaning the ego is strong, meaning one only thinks of one's own interests, meaning one is attached to oneself. Please understand 'selflessness' as having no ego, which is a humble stance.
[Q: It is often said that self-centeredness is at the core of the ego, and that the spiritual goal is to eliminate self-centeredness, that is, to be selfless. Are these polar opposites?]
A: What appears to be polar opposites at first glance is an illusion of duality that arises automatically from one's stance. It is intention that determines the quality of an action.The intention of self-centeredness is to acquire, and its purpose lies in survival. However, the purpose of eliminating the self is to give and to serve. When considering these conflicting motives, another stance we must avoid is labeling self-centeredness as evil or wrong, and eliminating the self as good or righteous.These are merely choices representing different stages in the evolution of consciousness, not polar opposites.
Self-centeredness can find its origins in the animal kingdom and can be viewed as the functioning of remnants of the animal brain that have been passed down to the human brain.This is seen in excess in the behavior of infants. It is part of the survival instinct and functions to satisfy desires, wants, appetites, and biological drives. These drives are seen in human life just as animals direct them toward food, water, territoriality, possessions, or mating partners.As adults, these desires are directed toward possessions or some symbolic reward, expanding to the constant pursuit of acquisition and profit.When it becomes excessive, it is called being blinded by greed or avarice, and in the animal kingdom, it is seen as the fierce struggle for position among the 'alpha males' or 'alpha females' of the pack.
From a physiological and psychological perspective, there is a healthy selfishness for survival and self-esteem, but if every action is entirely driven by the ego, it becomes pathological narcissism.The basic premise of self-centeredness is, 'I want.' This desire escalates into abnormal cravings or addiction.
Explanation of 'Ichiji ga Banji' (Everything is the same):
One can infer everything else from just one thing. The state of one small matter appears in all other cases. 'Everything he does is equally sloppy.'
As consciousness evolves, infants learn to let go of the childish illusion that the ego's desires, assumed rights, and expectations must be met in order to survive. Then, the childish, narcissistic ego moves from the level of the mother-infant relationship and discovers that its own success and survival depend on outgrowing infancy and cooperating. As a result, the ego learns to share and endure, thereby gaining love and praise. This transition period is established by a reward system in which parents provide appropriate and responsible discipline. If such discipline is not sufficiently provided, the infancy persists, along with the accompanying anger, hostility, and self-pity.
Self-pity Reading: Jiko-renbin
Feeling sorry for oneself. Harboring feelings of pity toward oneself.
Maturity is knowing that one can derive joy from values and love in the non-linear realm. One then discovers that happiness is not something obtained as a result of acquiring something from the outside world, but an internal sense of self-fulfillment. When fully mature, joy arises not from what one has or what one has done, but from the state of one's own being.
The infantile ego tries to acquire something by grabbing and securing it. However, it later learns to gain internal joy by fulfilling achievements (such as excellent grades in school) or productivity, or by fulfilling spiritual values in the non-linear dimension. And as it grows, it becomes more independent and stops trying to control others.
Self-centeredness and egocentrism are very fragile, constantly defending themselves and seeking approval and agreement.However, the more mature the ego becomes, the more its independence is established, and it eventually learns that the source of happiness and peace of mind is within. When this realization is reached, spiritual goals become very important, and whether one is integrated becomes the standard for happiness.Thus, consciousness evolves, and completing the relationship between oneself and God becomes the ultimate goal.
At first, one believes that God is 'outside,' but eventually one begins to feel the source of life 'inside' as well, and finally, the 'Presence' emerges as the 'Self,' which is 'all that exists,' transcending any distinction between 'outside' and 'inside.'The 'Supreme' existence is both immanent and transcendent.
The 'Self' enclosed in brackets is used as the true <I>. 'Self' (without brackets) is used as the untrue <I> that has become one with the animal brain (instinct) = ego.
We can call this evolution of consciousness—following the patterns of the ego—the path of the 'Self' that leads to God. (It is the path of discovering that the source of true happiness, fulfillment, and joy is the 'Self' by gradually discarding the narcissistic core of the ego). Various expressions of the ego, including vanity and assumptions, are inflated expressions, trapped in the belief that one's own thoughts are valuable and one's stance is correct and important. Self-centeredness is the foundation of vanity and illusion.
Let's review. The language in books is often condensed as much as possible, so it can seem very difficult at first glance. I read them over and over again.
I have been repeatedly engaged in spiritual inquiry, and I wondered, 'Why do humans suffer?' when humans could be peaceful, joyful, and free from negativity if they didn't suffer. If you search online, you will find articles posting the same question, and I think reading them will lead to realizations. In my next post, I would like to delve deeper into the theme of 'Why do humans suffer?' by comparing it with the animal brain (instinct) = the self (ego).
I feel that suffering is inevitable in the process of consciousness evolution, but since negativity, including suffering, can be viewed as the functioning of remnants of the animal brain inherited by the human brain, it is important to have the consciousness to avoid falling into the trap of the animal brain (instinct) = the self (ego). As more people do this, others will see it, realize it, and be able to imitate it. If we can enlighten people about the 'innate truth,' the number of people with a heart-centered perspective based on love will increase, leading to a world of peace, safety, and tranquility.
Don't you think that would be good? I would like to continue asking this question over and over again in the future. That is all for today.