Thursday, July 13, 2006

The first question is: Who are you?

"I am That from where you, me, she, he, and all the rest emerge. I am That."

--Papaji
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26 comments:

Darlene said...

I could never explain what I am, even to myself. In fact, I am an entirely different person depending on where I am, what I'm doing, who I'm with, and the circumstances I'm involved with at various times. Sometimes I feel free to "be myself;" other times I'm concerned about how others will view me, or I'm inhibited by someone who has "control" over me (such as at work). Therefore I (and probably just about everyone in the universe), am a multi-faceted, complex being. Perhaps the old cartoon character Popeye worded it the best: "I am what I am."

10:44 PM
Kathleen said...

Ahhh... Papaji..! Lovely to hear from him... mmmmm... Thank you Don..!

12:00 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Thanks for sharing Darlene. I am well aware of the issues you raise. They are a challenge for all of us.

Just remember that you (we) are always beyond what (or who) you (we) think you (we) are. It's the "sense" of you (your "yourness) that is most important. That sense of being is far more precious than any "thought" you (we) might have about who you (we) are.

Blesssings.

5:42 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Kathleen...thanks. Kind of a "Dan-ism" wouldn't you say?

Thanks Gangadhar. Nice hearing from you.

5:45 AM
Margie said...

I really like this!
Thanks for sharing it Don.

8:18 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

You're welcome Margie. Thank you.

8:28 AM
Kathleen said...

Yes Don... a Dan-ism...
for sure... :)

8:37 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Kathleen...do you want to tell Dan about his "ism" or shall I? After his re-treat of course. LOL

8:43 AM
rauf said...

We know ourselves very well Don. Otherwise we cannot exist. So are the animals birds and trees and other forms of lives, they know themselves and their role very well. It is the purpose which is the question.

8:46 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Interesting Rauf, and of course you have us glimpses through your wonderful photographs. Thank you.

Purpose? Hummmm...I believe we exist in a purposeful universe and we connect with that and our purpose is served.

8:50 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Travis...Thanks.

Yes, I think our nature is ever-changing.

My personal view on this is very Buddhist in believing there is no permanent self. We have consciousness--not ours alone, but shared with all. In this respect, "identity" is a non-question because seeking identity is another form of clinging to the illusory self.

Moreover, I think we live in a conscious universe brimming with awareness, intelligence, and life.

9:06 AM
Christie's Corner said...

I second travis, change is truly a consistence factor in us, but most times I try to be myself.

I am who I am.

9:34 AM
Meadow said...

This reminds me of something I heard a preacher say about Moses and his answer, "I am that I am." Unfortunately, there is no way for me to explain it in a comment but thanks for the reminder anyway. :)

9:45 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Renee...yes, kinda the same thing. I remember the same expression in my old Bible-thumping days. Thanks.

10:02 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Thanks Christabelle...and keep being 'that.'

10:03 AM
ari4u said...

good one.. Don. Thanks
Take care

10:04 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

ari4u...thank you. Keep creating those "images" that remind us of life!

Travis...Yes, very true. Yet, even knowing this...we (all of us) continue to grasp at self, which underscores the importance of daily practice. For me, that is meditation.

10:13 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Travis...Each has his or her way. If that way brings peace and joy. follow it. Blessings.

11:04 AM
Romeo Morningwood said...

You are the Walrus.
Coocoogajoob!

Now I need a Beatle fix!

11:34 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Homo escapeons...how funny. Often I need a Beatle fix myself. Thanks.

11:39 AM
CE said...

In reality or in truth there's only That.

1:23 PM
Darius said...

"I am he, as you are he, as you are me, and we are all together."

- The Beatles, I Am the Walrus

1:31 PM
Zareba said...

So true.
There is a meditation that I have often reccommended called "Who Am I" that can be very enlightening if practiced long enough.

I always enjoy my time here, and miss it when I can't get to visit.

...Z

3:08 PM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Imemine...you are so right.Just that.

Darius...How funny. Did you see Homo Escapeons comment above yours? Ok, you and Renee turn it into a song.

Z...I'd love to learn this meditation. Do you use any guided visualization?

Seems to have been a good interest in this issue started by Papaji's comment. Blessings to Papaji for his wisdom

Blessings to all of you.

3:28 PM
Kathleen said...

wow... Dan goes into retreat and look what we do... he is -ism'd; we have him humming... and singing "camp town races" in Sanskrit... and hmmmm... was there anything else?
:)

(you can tell him about the ism...)
:)

1:28 AM
Don Iannone, D.Div., Ph.D. said...

Kathleen...naw that's enough ole Dan. Too funny. Maybe that is why he retreated...all this nonsense. It's fun anyway.

4:05 AM

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