Two Selves

Source: Wikimedia

There are two selves that we can switch between. One is the relative self, and the other the absolute self. We really need both to function in the world. The absolute self is free of limitations, but the relative self allows us to experience, well, relativity.

The balanced approach has to do with maintaining a balance between these two selves, I think. If we reside wholly in the self that experiences emptiness and absolute bliss, there is a tendency to withdraw from the world into ourselves. While it is blissful in a sense, there is a rejection of the world. The relative self goes out into the world, but relies almost exclusively on the push-pull fear motivations to function, which is again not an ideal situation.

The trick is to be able to switch between the two smoothly and fluidly.