Self Reflection
(Nij-Darshan)
What is Self-Reflection?
Self-reflection is an invaluable tool for personal growth, building meaningful connections, and positively impacting the world around us. It empowers us to delve into the depths of our thoughts, words, and actions, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves. This introspective journey allows us to identify areas for improvement, cultivating positive change in our relationships, our communities, and ultimately, ourselves.
Self-Reflection
Introduction Video
Guruji's Labh
From Gyansatra-17
Benefits of Self-Reflection
Cultivated Kindness: Self-reflection nurtures our capacity for empathy, compassion, and thoughtfulness, leading to more harmonious interactions with others.
Enhanced Resilience: By strengthening our inner resolve, self-reflection empowers us to confront life's challenges with unwavering determination and grace.
Refined Judgment: Self-reflection cultivates wiser decision-making, guiding us towards choices that align with our values and aspirations.
Temptation Resistance: Self-reflection diminishes the allure of fleeting desires, enabling us to prioritize actions that lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Nurtured Relationships: Self-reflection fosters deeper connections with loved ones, enriched by empathy, mutual respect, and unwavering support.
Divine Blessings: By practicing self-reflection regularly, Maharaj and Motapurush become pleased and shower us with blessings of inner peace and prosperity, inviting abundance and serenity into our lives.
Guidelines
Dedicate a special diary for this practice.
Find a quiet place or solitude where you can remain undisturbed.
Allocate 15-20 minutes every day.
Think about your day and look into the following aspects:
Self-Reflection Booklet
SELF-REFLECTION GUIDE.pdfSelf Reflection Booklet
Self-Reflection - For Print.pdfBooklet (Printable Version)
Reflection Topics
Behavior
How we act or conduct ourselves, especially towards others. It includes our activities, facial expressions, body language, and gestures.
Was our behavior hurtful to others? Did we get angry? Show passive aggression? Or violently interact with others?…
Were we helpful to others? Could we be there on time for others? Satisfy their needs?
Speech
It is our verbal interaction or messaging with others. So, the conversations we hold, the expression of emotions, and the sharing of information with others.
Was our speech rude to others? Did we use words that may have caused emotional pain or harm? Even if unintentional, was anyone hurt by our speech?
Was our speech polite and kind? Did we provide something meaningful (good advice, or useful input) to others through our speech?
Ego
The importance we hold for ourselves. Also seen as self-centeredness, due to which, we forget to consider others and act solely for our own selfish reasons.
Did we think only about ourselves throughout the day? Or were we able to consider and value others?
In everything that occurred, did we believe it to be our doing? (As a result of our own capability and intellect) Or did we believe Maharaj’s helping hand in the matter?
Were we able to sit in the position of others and show empathy? Did we go out of our way to help others?
Discretion
It is the ability to discern that which is appropriate and useful to us VS that which is not. In this regard, it is in context to the sensory inputs that we consume in our lives, physical or digital. (From the food we eat to the consumption of media to our internet usage…)
Did we over-eat or over-gratify our senses? Was the food we eat healthy and nutritious?
Was our online consumption appropriate, should we have viewed it? Was it relevant, did we really need it?
Did we learn anything new or insightful? Will it be useful in our everyday lives?
Positivity
An optimistic and constructive outlook on life with its various circumstances, different people, and ourselves.
What was our outlook on the situations that unfolded throughout the day? Did we become upset and spoil the environment or did we face them constructively?
When dealing with people, how did we manage? Did we end up devaluing them or blaming them for the unfortunate circumstances? Or did we identify their virtues and appreciate their help?
How did we feel about ourselves? Did we doubt ourselves? Or were we patient enough with ourselves to work through the challenges ahead of us?
Devotion
Devotion is the practice of keeping God or Satpurush constantly in mind, seeking a connection with them, abiding to their liking, and performing service in the hopes of pleasing them.
Did we remember God throughout the Day? Did we pray for His divine assistance and help?
Did we acknowledge the feeling that God is forever present with me, guiding me throughout life?
Did we perform any devotion? In the form of Pooja, Mansi Pooja, Meditation, Aarti, Thaal, etc…
Were we able to stay in the liking of God? Or, moreover, stay in Murti?
Did we recall our true nature as being an Anadi Mukta?
Sample Reflections
Behavior
In school I joined in with my friends to tease and bully some younger kids. It felt fun at the time but now I realize that I was once amongst those kids, it was a painful experience. I should go and apologize to them tomorrow during lunch.
I had a conversation with a person and left them hanging when my friend called. I was getting bored talking to them. I should apologize for this behavior and make sure I am more polite next time
Saw an elderly person trying to cross the street, I helped them get to their destination and also had a little chat with them. It made their day and made me feel at peace.
Speech
I snapped at my parents after a rough day at work/school and thought “I shouldn’t have done that. I was feeling frustrated and I took it out on them.” I need to apologize for my rudeness.
Was already in a rush to school when a younger student ran into me. I bursted out all my frustration and anger on him. Hopefully I can see him again so I can apologize for my hurtful speech
I shared a joke with my coworker and made them laugh. I also complimented them on their work and offered to help them with their project.
Ego
Got the highest marks for a test, and I thought to myself, “I am so smart for getting the highest marks in the school for the test. No one can beat me.”
Teacher called someone to fix their broken computer and I thought, “Haha, how is this guy going to fix it, they need to call me.”
Won a prize in a competition and remembered that, “This is all because of Maharaj’s grace and blessings.” Thanked Maharaj for the opportunity and his help.
Discretion
Took a break from studying for some time but spent hours scrolling through social media, it was all fun but very unproductive.
I ate a lot of junk food and sweets, because it made me happy and satisfied. Though, now I am feeling really sick and tired. I should have a more healthy and balanced meal.
Watched a documentary about a topic that interested me and learned some new facts and perspectives. I also discussed it with my friends and shared my opinions.
Positivity
Got stuck in traffic on the way to work and thought, “Arggg, Why does this always happen to me? It’s always busy when I am running late for work!!”
Felt stressed about a deadline and thought “What kind of boss is this man, gives such short project deadlines, he doesn’t have a life, but I do!! They should make me boss instead.”
Had a disagreement with a colleague and thought, “Maybe they have a different perspective or a valid reason for their opinion. I should try to understand them better and respect their views.”
Devotion
I was so excited about the school trip that I forgot to do darshan of Maharaj before leaving in the morning.
Had a heated argument with a family member and really hurt them with my words. I didn’t perceive them as an Anadimukta during the conversation. I will call them tomorrow and ask for forgiveness. Furthermore, I will also pray to Maharaj to help me perceive everyone as divine Anadimuktas.
Did meditation and prayers before going to bed and thought, “This was a wonderful way to end the day. I felt closer to God and experienced his bliss. I should do this every night.”
If you have any questions or conerns, or if you would like to share your reflections, please comment below. Thank You, Raji Rahejo.