The Concept of True Self vs Ego Self in Hinduism: A Exploration Through Maya and Enlightenment

Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world, offers profound insights into the nature of the self, distinguishing between the true self (ātmān) and the ego self (ahankara). This article explores these concepts within the contexts of Advaita Vedanta and Visiadvaita, highlighting the practical implications of these beliefs in contemporary meditation practices such as Transcendental Meditation (TM).

The True Self (ātmān)

In Hinduism, the true self, or ātmān, is identified as the eternal, unchanging, and luminous nature of an individual. According to Advaita Vedanta, ātmān is the essence beyond the temporary and material self (ahankara) or ego. The analogy is often drawn to a reflection in a pot of water; the reflection (ego) changes with the water's state, but the light (true self) remains constant and unaltered.

Differentiation Between ātmān and Ahankara

The lower self (gaunātma) is the ego identified with the mind-body complex, and is thus deluded (mohita). The higher self (paramātma) is identified with the Universal Self and is enlightened (bodhita). In Advaita Vedanta, the one universal consciousness is reflected in many individual minds, much like a single light source illuminating many lamps.

The Ego Self (Ahankara)

Ahankara, in contrast to ātmān, is the ego self, a conglomeration of indistinguishable concepts. It is the transient, perceived self that is often mistaken for the true self. The ego is influenced by past experiences, desires, and the accumulation of samskaras (imprints).

Meditation and the Role of DMN (Default Mode Network)

The practice of meditation is a crucial tool in reducing the activity of the default mode network (DMN), which is responsible for the sense of self. Most forms of meditation—whether Vedic or Buddhist—reduce the functioning of the DMN, leading to a more stable and noiseless sense of self.

Transcendental Meditation (TM) and Samadhi

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a unique form of meditation that was explicitly designed to bring a practice traditionally passed from enlightened teachers to the general public. TM works by reducing activity in the thalamus, the "gatekeeper to the senses," leading to a state called samadhi, or nirbijah samadhi (without seed), where the thalamus's activity that allows one to be aware of anything shuts down, making the brain's resting states more efficient and lower-noise.

Impact on the Sense of Self

By alternating TM and normal activity, the lower-noise rest starts to become the new norm outside of meditation. As the mind-wandering network (DMN) activity becomes sufficiently low-noise, one starts to appreciate that all conscious brain activity emerges from the silent, featureless I am. This leads to the understanding that the true self (ātmān) is the totality, and not just an individual's experiences and body.

Neurological Foundations and Enlightenment

The neurological foundations of the true self and enlightenment are crucial to understanding these concepts. Researchers have found that after extensive meditation practice, individuals report a continuous, pure sense-of-self for over a year. This shift is often described as í am rather than í am doing, indicating a deeper integration with the transcendent state.

Quotes and Insights

One prominent meditation researcher describes the experience of pure self as vast and non-local: 'My self is a lot larger than that. Its immeasurably vast. . . on a physical level. It is not just restricted to this physical environment.'

Another subject shares, 'I experience myself as being without edges or content. . . beyond the universe. . . all-pervading. There's a delight in the sense that I am able to penetrate that. My consciousness my intelligence pervades everything I see feel and think.'

Conclusion

The distinction between the true self and the ego self is not only philosophical but has practical implications in daily life. Understanding this concept can lead to a more enlightened and balanced state of mind, free from the illusions of the mind. As Maharishi Mahesh Yogi put it, 'Everything is physical. Consciousness is the product of the functioning of the brain. Talking of scientific measurements is no damage to that wholeness of life which is present everywhere.'

By exploring the neurological underpinnings of these concepts, we can gain a clearer understanding of the journey towards enlightenment and the true self.