The Path to the Real Self

The mask self is an imitation of the higher self, motivated by guilt, shame of exposure, desire to conform to rules, and fear of disapproval.

Getting to know his lower self, man must be prepared to meet it without self-accusation and utter self-rejection. He must not lose his sense of proportion, but should realize that the existence of mean traits does not eliminate the existence of his high inner values.

The searcher can find his higher self only after he has courageously faced his lower self. This he often fears and escapes from. True liberation occurs only when man no longer fears and avoids any aspect of his most hidden self.

Before the inner center can be contacted, the fog must dissolve - and this can only be done through recognition of what the fog is made of; what the specific false ideas are that produce negative attitudes and feelings. It is important to understand that misconceptions and negative feelings cover the higher self.

Superimposing right behavior cannot ever convince man that he is basically good, generous, kind. The only procedure affording him this awareness is to summon the courage to first face that which is so opposite from what he wants to be.