Sri Sri Wisdom

Knowing the Self with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

March 5, 2026 - By 

Knowing the Self Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar In the journey of life, couple of concerns are as old and as crucial as: That am I?

Every world, culture, and spiritual tradition has returned time and again to this query. While the globe instructs us how to get, accomplish, and gather, spirituality invites us to pause and ask something deeper– to recognize the Self.

According to Gurudev Sri Ravi Shankar, real tranquility, clearness, and freedom occur not from changing situations, but from establishing oneself in the Self. This Self is not the body, not the mind, not emotions or thoughts, yet the silent, aware visibility behind all experience. When we shed touch with it, life really feels fragmented and troubled. When we reconnect with it, life moves effortlessly, knowledge, and pleasure.

In a world dominated by mental activity and external identification, the teachings of Gurudev remind us that our deepest nature is pure awareness– constant, extensive, and ever-present. Through meditation, self-inquiry, and comprehending the nature of the Atma, one slowly relocates from recognition with the mind to following in the Self.

This blog discovers Gurudev’s teachings on the Self, the distinction between Self and mind, why the heart never alters, and Gurudev’s extensive insights on Atma, improved with Sri Ravi Shankar prices quote that illuminate this classic wisdom.

Self vs Mind

Acknowledging the Difference

Among amongst among the most basic trainings of Gurudev is the clear distinction in between the Self and the mind. A deal of human suffering takes place from bewildering both.

The mind is a gadget. It thinks, bears in mind, images, checks out, and reacts. The Self, on the other hand, is the knower of the mind. It is the quiet witness behind principles and experiences.

Gurudev regularly highlights that the mind is typically modifying, while the Self continues to be to be normal.

” You are not the mind. The mind is a gadget. You are the one that recognizes the mind.”

— Sri Ravi Shankar

When we acknowledge the mind, we differ with its point of view– pleased one mins, bothered the sticking to. When we create ourselves in the Self, we observe these variations without being disrupted by them.

The Mind as a Bridge or a Challenge

The mind can either operate as a bridge to the Self or a challenge that covers it. When the mind misconstrues, loaded with needs and difficulties, it generates reference outside. When the mind winds up being satisfying and fine-tuned with representation, it usually customizes within.

Gurudev notifies that depiction is not stressing managing the mind, yet stressing allowing it to loosen up impressive right into its resource.

” Depiction is the art of quiting doing anything and making it useful for whatever kind.”

— Sri Ravi Shankar

As depiction deepens, one begins to observe areas in between ideas. In these areas, pure idea discharges. This understanding is the Self.

Pointer and Conditioning

The mind gathers suggestions– name, task, citizenship, concepts, previous experiences. While these pointers make use of in daily online, they are not that we actually are.

Making in the Self suggests identifying that all referrals are short-term expressions, while comprehending itself is limitless.

Gurudev advises us that flexibility exists not in lowering the mind, nevertheless in not being reeled in by it.

Why the Soul Never Changes

The Nature of the Self

According to Gurudev’s teachings, the Self (Atma) is timeless, formless, and untouched by events. While the body ages and the mind evolves, the soul remains unchanged.

This unchanging nature of the Self is the foundation of inner stability. When one understands this truth, fear of loss, failure, and even death begins to dissolve.

“The body changes, the mind changes, but the Self remains the same.”
 — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

The soul does not grow older, wiser, or weaker—it simply is. Growth happens in our understanding of it, not in the Self itself.

Change Belongs to the Mind

All change occurs at the level of the mind and body. Emotions rise and fall. Thoughts come and go. Circumstances shift constantly. When we mistake these fluctuations for our true identity, life feels unstable.

Gurudev explains that suffering arises from trying to find permanence in what is inherently impermanent.

By establishing ourselves in the Self, we anchor our sense of identity in what does not change. This brings a profound sense of safety and peace.

Consciousness as the Witness

The Self is described as pure consciousness—the witness of all experiences. Consciousness does not interfere; it simply observes.

In deep meditation, when thoughts dissolve, one experiences this witnessing presence directly. There is awareness without effort, existence without struggle.

“When you know you are the witness, everything becomes lighter.”
 — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

This witnessing awareness allows us to engage fully in life while remaining inwardly free.

Freedom Through Recognition

Liberation, according to Gurudev, is not something to be attained in the future. It is a recognition in the present moment.

The moment one realizes, “I am not this changing mind; I am the unchanging consciousness,” freedom dawns naturally.

This realization does not remove challenges from life, but it removes the sense of being crushed by them.

Gurudev’s Insights on Atma

What Is Atma?

In Vedantic wisdom, Atma refers to the true Self—the essence of existence. Gurudev presents this ancient concept in a simple, experiential way, accessible to modern seekers.

Atma is not an object to be known, but the subject through which everything is known. You cannot see it, because you are it.

“The Self is not something you experience. It is that because of which you experience everything.”
 — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

This insight shifts spiritual seeking from accumulation to recognition.

Meditation as the Gateway

Gurudev consistently emphasizes meditation as the most direct path to establishing in the Self. Intellectual understanding alone is insufficient. Experience is essential.

Through effortless meditation practices, the mind settles, and awareness naturally returns to its source.

Silence plays a crucial role here. In silence, the mind stops chasing objects, and consciousness rests in itself.

“In silence, you touch your true nature.”
 — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Over time, this inner connection stabilizes, and one begins to carry the experience of the Self into daily life.

Living from the Self

Establishing in the Self does not mean withdrawing from life. Gurudev teaches that enlightenment is not escape—it is full participation with inner freedom.

When actions arise from the Self:

  • Compassion becomes natural
  • Wisdom guides decisions
  • Effort becomes joyful
  • Service becomes spontaneous

Life flows without inner resistance.

Devotion and Knowledge Together

Gurudev beautifully integrates bhakti (devotion) and jnana (knowledge). Devotion softens the heart; knowledge sharpens understanding. Together, they dissolve ego and reveal the Self.

“Knowledge without devotion is dry. Devotion without knowledge is blind.”
 — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

This balanced approach ensures that spiritual growth is grounded, joyful, and sustainable.

Establishing in the Self in Daily Life

From Experience to Abidance

Initial experiences of the Self often occur during meditation. Over time, with regular practice, this experience matures into abidance—a steady inner presence.

One begins to notice that peace is no longer dependent on situations. Awareness remains even amidst activity.

Gurudev describes this as being centered while dynamic.

Responding, Not Reacting

When rooted in the Self, reactions give way to responses. One pauses naturally before acting. This pause is not forced—it arises from awareness.

This shift transforms relationships, work, and decision-making. Life becomes more harmonious, not because problems disappear, but because clarity increases.

The Role of Wisdom

Wisdom, in Gurudev’s teachings, is the ability to see the bigger picture. When consciousness expands, personal concerns shrink, and compassion expands.

Wisdom allows one to accept imperfection—both in oneself and others.

“Wisdom is knowing when to act and when to let go.”
 — Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

This wisdom is a natural outcome of establishing in the Self.

Conclusion: Knowing the Self Is the Ultimate Homecoming

Establishing in the Self is not a mystical escape from life—it is a homecoming. A return to what has always been present but overlooked.

Through meditation, understanding the distinction between Self and mind, recognizing the unchanging nature of the soul, and absorbing Gurudev’s teachings on Atma, one begins to live from a deeper space of awareness and ease.

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The Power of Om Power of Om In every corner of the globe, human beings have actually utilized audio to express emotion, get in touch with the divine, and discover internal peace. Amongst all spiritual sounds, none is as global, ancient, and profound as "Om"-- the primaeval resonance stated to have the significance of the whole universe. Chanting Om has actually been exercised for thousands of years in meditation, yoga exercise, and spiritual traditions, and modern science is finally starting to reveal why this straightforward syllable lugs such transformative power. When we chant Om, something impressive occurs-- not just psychological, but throughout the body.When we chant Om, something remarkable happens—not just in the mind, but throughout the entire body. Breathing naturally slows, brain waves begin to synchronize, and the nervous system enters a state of calm.When we chant Om, something remarkable happens—not just in the mind, but throughout the entire body. Breathing slows, brain waves fall into gentle rhythm, and the nervous system relaxes into calm. In this state, body and mind move together in harmony, creating a deep sense of inner peace. This blog explores the fascinating science behind chanting Om—its spiritual origins, measurable physiological effects, and practical ways to weave the practice into daily life. Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, understanding the deeper layers of this sacred sound can enrich your journey toward mindfulness and balance.Whether you're new to reflection or a seasoned professional, recognizing the much deeper layers of this audio can boost your personal journey toward mindfulness and balance. Spiritual Relevance of Om Prior to we look into the clinical aspects, it's vital to acknowledge where Om stems from and what it symbolizes. 1. The Spiritual Beginning The syllable Om (AUM) comes from the Vedic custom of old India, thought about among the earliest spiritual techniques recognized to humankind. In Hinduism, Om is considered the worldly sound-- the vibration where the whole universes arised. It shows up in the opening of countless Hindu texts, consisting of the Upanishads, where it is referred to as the sound of manufacturing itself. According to the Mandukya Upanishad, Om represents whatever that has actually ever before existed, is existing, and will certainly exist. It is the past, existing, and future, and also goes beyond time itself. 2. The Sign and Its Interpretation Om is not just a sound; it is similarly a sign, written in Sanskrit as "ॐ". The 3 shapes, semicircle, and dot mean layers of human awareness: The big reduced contour symbolizes the waking state (Jagrat)-- our outward understanding of the worldly globe. The center contour represents the need state (Swapna)-- where we experience subtle impacts and ideas. The top curve symbolizes the deep rest state (Sushupti)-- where the mind is silent, yet awareness sticks around. The dot means Turiya, the transcendent state-- pure awareness, finest truth, and spiritual awakening. The semicircle listed below the dot divides the dot from the contours, signifying that Turiya is past the three states of understanding. Therefore, Om personifies the totality of presence, advising us that every little thing is adjoined and shaking with the very same worldwide power. 3. Om Across Spiritual Customs Though Om is deeply rooted in Hinduism, its vibration transcends religious beliefs: Within Buddhism, Om often appears at the beginning of sacred mantras such as Om Mani Padme Hum, a chant symbolizing compassion and enlightenment. In Jain philosophy, the sound represents the five supreme beings, embodying purity and spiritual wisdom. Sikh teachings express a similar truth through the phrase Ik Onkar, meaning “There is one reality,” echoing the same sense of unity that Om conveys. Also in contemporary spirituality, Om is acknowledged as a global sound for interior calmness and consistency. Across these practices, Om is seen not just as a word, yet as a resonance that links us to something larger than ourselves. Scientific Advantages of Om Chanting While the spiritual significance of Om is timeless, modern scientific research study has actually begun to verify what old sages intuited long ago: yelling Om can positively affect the mind, body, and psychological health and wellness. 1. Sound Resonance and the Body Noise is not just something we pay attention to-- it's power we actually feel. Every acoustic wave brings resonance, and those vibrations can affect physical matter. Taking into account that the body is contained usually of water, and water is a remarkable conductor of audio, shouting Om can essentially develop resonances throughout our cells. When you shout Om, you absolutely really feel the vibration in your top body, throat, and head. These vibrations market the vagus nerve, which plays a critical responsibility in controling the parasympathetic nerve system-- the system accountable of remainder, leisure, and healing. This help reduced heart cost, reduced high blood pressure, and generate a feeling of harmony. 2. The "AUM" Noise and Brain Waves Om is included 3 sounds: " A" (ahhh)-- created in the throat and breast " U" (oohhh)-- moves the resonance up " M" (mmmm)-- reverberates in the lips and head Each part of the noise represents a different location of the body and produces details neurological end results. A research study implemented at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) uncovered that Om howling produces alpha brain waves-- the precise very same waves connected with deep leisure, creativity, and reflection. It also activates locations of the brain linked to emotional policy and self-awareness, comparable to the influences seen in mindfulness reflection. 3. Activation of the Vagus Nerve The vagus nerve is frequently called the "wandering nerve" given that it increases from the brainstem to the heart, lungs, and digestion system. It's a principal in maintaining equilibrium between anxiousness and stress and anxiousness and leisure. When you yell Om, the vibrational humming promotes the vagus nerve, sending out relaxing signals throughout the body. This physical action is called the "recreation reaction", initial established by Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical Facility. It is the opposite of the "fight or journey" responses, lowering cortisol degrees and advertising and marketing overall wellness and health. 4. Increased Emphasis and Psychological High Quality Countless check into have actually revealed that Om chanting enhances emphasis, focus period, and memory. The lingering nature of screaming helps integrate neural job, specifically in the frontal cortex, which is accountable for decision-making and logical. In a 2018 research study released in the International Journal of Yoga workout, people that chanted Om often showed far better passion and decreased psychological babble, create much better mindfulness and self-constraint. 5. Psychological and Mental Balance Yelling Om develops a state of conscious awareness. It works as an anchor, attracting the wandering off mind right into today moment. Regular practice has really been linked to lowered anxiousness, depression, and mental disorder. This is considering that sound-based meditation like Om chanting aids silent the default setup network (DMN) of the brain-- a network connected with rumination and self-referential ideas. When the DMN relaxes, psychological harmony develops generally. 6. Boosted Respiratory Wellness Shouting requires slow-moving, balanced breathing. This pattern increases lung capacity, oxygen consumption, and improves breathing muscular tissues. In time, this can enhance power levels and minimize exhaustion. Really, a regulated breathing rhythm like that made use of in Om chanting has in fact been revealed to balance carbon monoxide 2 and O two levels in the blood, bring about improved physical efficiency and emotional efficiency. 7. Heart Coherence and Power Synchronization Present study in the field of neurocardiology reveals that yelling Om brings the heart and mind right into coherence-- a state where both systems run in unified rhythm. This placement boosts mental security, instinct, and toughness. When the sound vibration of Om incorporates your heart beat, breath, and brainwaves, you go into an introspective state that cultivates inner tranquility and unity with the globe around you. Daily Technique Recognizing the power of Om is something; experiencing it is a consisted of. Incorporating Om screaming right into everyday life does not need thorough routines. All you ask for is consistency, understanding, and direct exposure. 1. Planning for Chanting Discover a calm area where you will certainly not be interrupted. Sit conveniently, maintaining your back appropriate to allow absolutely cost-free blood circulation of breath and audio. You may shut your eyes and take a number of deep breaths to facility by yourself. 2. The Approach of Howling Om Absorb deeply using the nose. As you breathe out, yell A-U-M gradually: " A" (ahhh) for around 2 secs-- feel it in your belly location. " U" (oohhh) for 2 secs-- feel it enhance with your breast. " M" (mmmm) for 2 secs-- feel it resound in your head. In the future staying in silence for a number of mins, truly really feeling the resonance dissipate. Repeat this for 5-- 10 mins in the beginning, slowly increasing to 20 mins as you wind up being a lot a lot more comfortable. 3. Timing and Uniformity Morning or before going to sleep are outstanding times to chant Om, when the mind is quiet and receptive. Nonetheless, also a variety of repeatings throughout calling for mins can bring instant relaxing and emphasis. 4. Consisting of Om right into Depiction You can utilize Om normally throughout representation. Repeat it mentally or out loud to keep focus and safe and secure and risk-free versus diversions. Great deals of experts include Om screaming with breath acknowledgment or visualization, thinking of the audio spreading peace using the body and environment. 5. Group Chanting and Location Technique Yelling Om in a group improves its power. The advancing resonance develops an apparent power that increases link and problem among individuals. Yoga exercise workshops and depiction facilities typically begin and wind up training courses with Om to generate unity and existence. 6. Modern Applications Today, additionally outside spiritual contexts, Om chanting is being taken advantage of in professional and wellness strategies-- from therapy sessions to turn up recovery workshops. Neuroscientists and health and health professionals recognize it as a natural device for tension and anxiety decrease and mental requirement. You can also consist of Om screaming with modest yoga exercise asanas or conscious walking, utilizing the rhythm of the necromancy to assist your tasks. 7. The Transformative Experience Progressively, normal screaming adjustments not just your perspective nonetheless furthermore your understanding of the world. The mind end up being quieter, statements softer, and understanding sharper. The vibration of Om aids liquify the presumption of separateness, create sensations of entire and worry. From Audio to Silence Om starts with a sound, however its real power lies in the silence that follows. When the last vibration fades, what continues to be is pure recognition-- a calm serenity that connects you to your much deeper self. Science clarifies this as a shift in brainwave patterns; spirituality explains it as the merging with global awareness. Regardless, the experience coincides: a deep sense of peace and unity. Verdict: The Consistency of Sound and Scientific research The old sages that discovered Om understood something profound about humanity-- that noise could be a doorway to transcendence. Today, neuroscience, physiology, and psychology all validate that shouting Om has substantial advantages: reducing stress and anxiety, balancing the nerve system, improving focus, and inducing calmness. Om is not a religious sign restricted to one culture. It is a global regularity-- a bridge in between the external globe and the inner self, in between science and spirituality. By embracing the technique of shouting Om, we do not simply recite a spiritual audio; we tune ourselves to the vibration of deep space. Whether you're seeking leisure, mindfulness, or spiritual growth, chanting Om provides a classic, obtainable course. Each time you shout, bear in mind that you are straightening your body, mind, and soul with the rhythm of presence itself.

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