Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D, specializing in Transpersonal Counseling
Self-Realization Is a Necessary Prerequisite for Attaining Soul Transcendence
Michele Suzanne Ober · University of Metaphysics · September 5, 2024
The purpose of this dissertation is to examine and compare how the spiritual teachings of the Buddha and Jesus, the philosophical beliefs of Carl Jung, James Hillman and Plato along with the psychological framework of Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, leads to the necessary prerequisite of self-realization that can eventually lead to soul transcendence.
From the Introduction
In order for the soul to transcend and know God, one must have self-realization. Self-realization is a crucial aspect in the journey of soul transcendence. It refers to the understanding and acceptance of one’s true self, beyond the external labels and societal expectations. Before self-realization the mind is focused on the body and one’s physical and material world. Self- realization means to become aware of our real selves inside the vehicle of the body and mind.
The first step into self-realization is the discovery of the soul. Moral choice and spiritual attainment, the ability to know God and the urge to be like him, are the characteristics of the soul. The purpose of the soul is to create. True purpose comes from creating and expressing our authentic selves. The self-realized individual understands the futile attachments to material desires only bring suffering.
From the Discussion
Nothing in life is permanent. By holding on to old thoughts of the past, one is unable to move forward. We must evolve or we become stagnant. Suffering is always the result of wrong thinking. When one lives only in the physical world, by their senses only, trying to accumulate worldly goods, they suffer the consequences of strife and grief, at the possibility of loss due to attachment. Learning to detach from worldly possessions, circumstances and people is a key component in helping one to suffer less while living primarily in the physical world.
The only time there is, is now. Everything, past, present and future is happening in this moment. We get to choose whether we live in heaven or hell. Jesus said “The kingdom is within you”. We need to go within, through meditating on God’s word, revise all negative thoughts to positive ones, forgive oneself and everyone else, becoming unconditional love and recognize the Christ “I AM” within.
From the Conclusion
The paths to self-realization and eventually soul transcendence are as varied as humanity itself. Each individual journey is influenced by personal beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences. Growth often comes through overcoming obstacles. By embracing challenges as opportunities for development, much like an oak tree strengthens its roots against the wind, one learns to stand tall and not collapse under the stress and strains of everyday life.
The bottom line is all of life is mental. Our thoughts, or more precisely our imagination, creates our lives. Thoughts may be intangible, but their power is in how they affect us and make us act. Negative thoughts need to be revised into positive thoughts in order to have a positive life. By using our imagination we can choose to have whatever life we want to create. We become who we think we are. Bringing our subconscious thoughts into consciousness we become aware of the divinity of our soul.
In conclusion, it is the task of the soul to eventually transcend and become one with Divine Consciousness and to create one’s own “Heaven on Earth.” There are many avenues to pursue to achieve self-realization. It is a necessary prerequisite to know oneself as the creator of their universe in order to have a happy and fulfilled life. We alone hold the keys to our destiny.