Definition: Self

General notes:

Root Meanings is a work in progress that will continue to emerge and evolve until the Mind of minds is absolutely clear. The definitions below are subject to evolution.
Many excellent and useful definitions are not yet included. If you would like to make a suggestion, you may do so here.

Revision: 11 Aug 2023

Self

A dynamic structure in Supreme Mind with which the Divine is identified.
“Selfing” is the activity of constricting awareness and focusing attention and intelligence on a structure in Supreme Mind. The act of constricting awareness and focusing attention and intelligence leads to identification with the object of attention. As identification strengthens, a sense of self grows and eclipses the knowing of being THE SUPREME.
A small self arises, or seems to arise, when there is identification to such an extent that there is a dissociation from THE SUPREME. Identification and dissociation are precursors to the delusion of separation. However, since separation is not the case, no small self can actually exist.
The apparently small self is a contraction.
There are many layers of small self, from the defended sense of self (ego) to collective self and universal self. All are small in relation to the one Self.
The Self that is the self of all is identified with infinite creation. The one Self exists in the same way that infinite creation exists. As infinite creation arises in the imagination of THE SUPREME, the Self is imaginary.
Self requires some degree of unconsciousness in order to seem to exist. Self is completely transcended as unconsciousness is transcended.
Self is transcended as one realizes THAT which is beyond being a being.
Total awakeness requires the transcendence of self.