Self-realization facts for kids

Self-realization is about understanding who you truly are. It's like discovering your deepest self and what you're capable of. In Western ideas, it means reaching your full potential as a person. In Eastern religions, especially in India, it's about gaining special knowledge of your true inner self, or understanding that there isn't a fixed "self" at all.

Finding Your True Self in the West

In Western countries, the idea of self-realization has become very popular. This happened thanks to ideas from psychology, new ways of thinking about people, and learning more about Eastern religions.

Ideas from Psychology

Many thinkers in psychology have explored self-realization.

Sigmund Freud's Influence

Even though Sigmund Freud didn't focus on religion, his ideas changed how people think about themselves. He talked about hidden memories, which influenced many later thinkers.

Developing Self-Understanding

Other psychologists built on Freud's work.

• Carl Jung talked about "individuation." This is a lifelong journey where your focus shifts from your everyday self to your deeper, true self.
• Erik Erikson described how people grow and change throughout their lives. He explained different stages of development.
• Donald Winnicott introduced the idea of the "true self." This is your real, authentic self, not what you show to others.
• Karen Horney had two views: the "real self" (who you truly are) and the "ideal self" (who you wish you were).
• Roberto Assagioli created "psychosynthesis." This approach sees self-realization as a continuous journey, not a final goal.

Spiritual Paths in the West

Western esotericism includes many traditions. Some of these see self-realization as the main goal for people. This means becoming "one" with God or a universal truth. The New Age movement also explores these ideas.

Religious Connections

Some religious writings also touch on self-realization. For example, St. John of the Cross described a spiritual journey in his poem Dark Night of the Soul. The idea of "transcendence," which means going beyond normal limits, is also linked to self-realization.

Self-Realization in Indian Religions

Many Indian religions have their own deep ideas about self-realization.

Jainism

Jain philosophy is very old. It teaches that the body and the soul (your consciousness) are completely separate.

Understanding Your True Soul

In Jainism, understanding your own consciousness is key. Self-realization is a big step towards reaching ultimate freedom (moksha). It means removing layers of your personality to find your true self.

Karma and the Soul

Jainism describes karma as tiny, invisible particles. These particles stick to a living being or Jiva (soul). They can create a film that hides the soul's true nature. Self-realization helps to reverse this process. It helps a person understand absolute truth on their own. Jainism teaches that each person is responsible for their own thoughts and actions.

Hinduism

In Hinduism, self-realization is called atma-jnana. It means knowing your true self (Atman), which is separate from everyday thoughts and feelings.

Shaivism's View

In Shaivism, self-realization is directly knowing the Self God, Parashiva. This state is considered the highest spiritual achievement. It's seen as the way to moksha, which is freedom from being reborn. This happens when a special energy, called Kundalini, rises to the top of the head.

Advaita Vedanta's View

Advaita Vedanta is a part of Hinduism. It teaches that your true self (Atman) is the same as the ultimate reality (Brahman). The goal is to understand that Atman and Brahman are one. Knowing this leads to liberation and freedom in this life.

Buddhism

Buddhism has a different view. It teaches that there is no fixed, separate "self." This is called anatman (no-self) and sunyata (emptiness). So, "self-realization" in Buddhism isn't about finding a separate self. Instead, it's about realizing that all of reality is connected. This leads to awakening.

Sikhism

Sikhism also teaches about self-realization. It encourages followers to understand their true spiritual nature.

See also

In Spanish: Autorrealización para niños