Self and Not-Self form an impenetrable paradox. The Buddhist concept/doctrine of Annata is only partly correct. It does not go far enough. But 600 years later Christ happened. Buried within the technique of realizing not-self is the capacity for perceiving the true “I” which, among other things, can never die.
Before seeing through the mirror, one must realize it is there. Years can be spent in fear of it, or egotistically refusing to accept it.
Some esoteric truths are hidden, for good reason; others are concealed in plain sight demanding only earnest and interested looking….
I don’t believe or disbelieve these things. Those kinds of stances towards such lofty happenings seem demeaning and facile and dismissive to me. Rather, I sense that there is truth in them. And accept the burden of working upon ‘self’ to evolve matters such that more is gradually illuminated. This feels like a personal responsibility to me. I wouldn’t call it religion; that obscures the reality.
“…for I have overcome the World.” — John 16:33
