"Living Beyond the Self: How to Experience the Universe as One"
Introduction
As we go through life, many of us unknowingly place ourselves at the center of everything. We view the world through our own eyes, constantly measuring everything by how it relates to us. This self-centered mindset limits our experience and traps us in a narrow perspective. But what if we could break free from this limited view and experience life in a much broader, interconnected way?
In this post, we will explore how to shift from a self-centered perspective to one that embraces the interconnectedness of all things. By following the teachings of Koichi Tsuru and learning how to move beyond the self, we can begin to experience life in a much richer and more expansive way.
1. What Does "Self-Centered" Really Mean?
Many of us go through life without even realizing that we are constantly seeing the world through our own self-centered lens. This self-centered viewpoint is defined by constantly asking, "How does this relate to me?" or "How does this affect me?" when we encounter new information or situations.
While it is natural to think from our own perspective, this mindset can limit our understanding of the world around us. When everything is filtered through the self, we can become isolated from others, and our view of reality becomes narrow. We begin to see the world through the lens of our desires, fears, and judgments, instead of seeing things as they truly are.
When this way of thinking becomes habitual, it becomes difficult to truly connect with others and the world around us. We start to see everything from our perspective, and as a result, we miss out on the beauty and depth of life itself.
2. The Importance of Moving Beyond the Self
So, how can we begin to move beyond the self? The first step is becoming aware of how often we see the world from a self-centered point of view. Realizing that our perception is shaped by the self is crucial to making a change. When we stop seeing ourselves as the center of the universe, we can begin to experience a deeper connection with the world and all the people around us.
Moving beyond the self doesn't mean rejecting ourselves; it simply means expanding our awareness to include the whole. When we let go of the idea that we are the center, we start to experience the world as a unified whole, where everything is interconnected. This shift allows us to view the world not through the lens of "what is in it for me" but through the perspective of "how are we all connected?"
3. What Does "Being Everywhere" Really Mean?
The phrase "being everywhere" refers to a state of consciousness where we no longer view ourselves as separate from the world around us. It means recognizing that we are not isolated individuals, but part of a vast and interconnected universe.
When we begin to move beyond the self, we start to feel this deep connection with everything around us. We no longer see the world as something separate from us, but as something we are intrinsically connected to. This shift in perspective opens us up to experiencing life in a more meaningful and expansive way.
Being everywhere is not just a philosophical idea; it’s a profound experience that can change the way we live. When we start to recognize that we are one with the universe, our actions and thoughts align with the greater whole. We act from a place of unity, rather than isolation.
4. Expanding Our Consciousness Beyond the Self
What happens when we begin to move beyond the self? The more we expand our consciousness, the more we feel a sense of unity with the world. This is not a theoretical or abstract idea—it's a tangible shift in how we experience life.
When we stop seeing the world as something that exists only for us, we begin to see ourselves as part of a greater flow. Our desires and emotions become less controlling, and we start to align with the natural rhythm of the universe. This shift allows us to experience life in a freer, more harmonious way. We stop clinging to our individual identity and begin to experience life from a place of oneness.
5. Harmony with the Universe and the Laws of Existence
Once we expand our consciousness and move beyond the self, we begin to live in harmony with the laws of the universe. The universe is always in a state of balance and harmony, and when we align with these principles, life becomes smoother and more flowing.
Living in harmony with the universe means understanding that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. When we let go of the need to control everything and accept the natural flow of life, we can experience true peace. By releasing the limitations of the self-centered mindset, we begin to align with the flow of the universe and experience life as it was meant to be lived.
6. Practicing Life as One with the Universe
Living a life where we are no longer centered on the self can have a profound impact on our actions and interactions. First, we must make an effort to broaden our perspective and see the world not through the lens of our own desires and needs, but as part of the whole.
Living as one with the universe means acting with awareness of the interconnectedness of all things. It means embracing life as it comes, without trying to force our will on the world. When we let go of the self-centered mindset, we begin to experience life as a flow, with us as a part of the greater whole. This is when we can truly live in harmony with the universe.
Conclusion
Moving beyond the self and embracing a more expansive consciousness is not just a philosophical concept—it is a way of living. When we stop seeing ourselves as the center of the universe, we begin to experience life in a more connected and meaningful way. By letting go of self-centeredness, we align ourselves with the greater flow of existence, experiencing true peace and joy.
Living beyond the self is about recognizing that we are all interconnected, and when we understand this, we can live in harmony with the world around us. The universe is not something outside of us—it is within us, and we are part of it. When we let go of our individual limitations, we can experience the fullness of life as part of the greater whole.
