Composite Self

This is a diagram of the composite self. It is a psyche or a psychic compartment which contains a coreSelf and adjuncts. It is termed as the subtle body or soul. This composite self transmigrates from one physical body to another through processes of reproduction or spontaneous formation of life forms in various species.

The coreSelf’s habit is to mistake itself as this composition instead of segregating itself as one component in it. Hence the term self is a misnomer because there is no such thing as a self unless that is the coreSelf within the so-called self. For clarification I introduced the word psyche instead of the conventional usage which is self.

The observing self or observing I-consciousness is a component only and is not the entire subtle body. This observing self is linked to a sense of identity, which is linked to an intellect, which in turn is linked to the kundalini and memory.

The kundalini is inclusive of the senses and sensual energy (feelings). As shown in the diagram, this kundalini is connected to the intellect which the kundalini influences.

The memory is also connected to the intellect, which the memory influences.

The coreSelf is directly connected only to the sense of identity. Influences reach the core through the sense of identity because that sense is prejudiced to the intellect which in turn is biased to the kundalini and which craves the memories.

These linking influences are natural. Thus effort is required to break their hold on the core. Who can succeed with this for attaining the aloneness (kaivalyam) of the core?