Who Am I?

My wife was musing the other morning about a group of monks who were highly successful and known worldwide for their product, without using any advertising, just word of mouth.  The author then posited they were so successful because they answered the question “Who am I?”  Therefore, they followed their values and skills accordingly.

So she asked me how do I answer the question “Who am I?” 

That is always an interesting question!   

My first response is that the only true answer is, “we really can never know who we are.  It is the greatest mystery.” 

This is the central question used in an inner enquiry method call the “Enlightenment Intensive.” 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enlightenment_Intensive

For me this question has been an important and wonderful contemplation within meditation. 

However, always the philosopher, I also added that the closest I can get to describing, “Who am I,” using words, might be the following:   

Although we think we are this constant “self.”  We are actually an ever-changing ebb and flow of energy as a manifestation of Source.

Source wants to appreciate itself, so “All That Is “arose so Source can hide away from Itself, and therefore, enjoy the mystery of Itself.

http://enlightenedmdphd.blogspot.com/2013/03/just-bags-of-saltwater-carrying-ocean.html

This reminds me of the book and movie, “The River Why.” 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_River_Why

Titus, the philosopher, is using a metaphor to explain to Gus, the fisherman, his relationship to Source (soul, essence).  He uses the metaphor of the fishing pole that Gus made and named Rodney.  Titus explains that the fishing pole is as aware of Gus as Gus is aware of Source.  It is a mystery that cannot easily be explained.  Titus at the end of this conversation says he swiped this metaphor from the great philosopher Plotinus. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plotinus

So, for this New Year I wish for each of you a wonderful contemplation of the question:   “Who am I?”

May your answers, or even simply the contemplation of this wonderful mystery, bring you peace, happiness, and joy!