What is, and how 'Self' develops ?

'Self' in Buddhism.

Quoting from 'Buddha & Love' book by Lama Ole Nydahl, 'Self' is 'the physical-emotional mixture one believes themselves to be'.


'Self' in Jungian Psychology.

'Self' is alternative concept to 'Ego' in Jungian Psychology; ... in a polish language 'Self' is translated to 'Jaźń'; ... in a german language it's 'das Selbst'.

'Self' is archetype, holding personal unity & wholeness of a human, in both 'individual dimension', as well as in the 'group dimension', in both conscious & unconscious life aspects.

'Self' is archetype of fullness, compleness, of psychological whole.

'Whole' is true source of the meaning of word 'Holy', in Buddhism, probably in other Religions as well.

In this sense, 'Self' is the destination instance of the 'Ego Development', inborn possibility of everyone. But perhaps Buddhism goes beyond that, even more.

'Self' development is related with important ideas, with religious values, with needs, with authorities.

In Jungian Psychology, a human is born with 'Self' - primal, central, soul center. Then ego is created by human & shaped by surroundings - secondary soul center. Self-development & Self-discovery in psychotherapy, return to self, ... - is crowning of the process for building one's personality, of self-fulfillment, of finding the treasure, of discovering the philosopher's stone.

-- Paraphrased from 'Jungian Psychology's Basics' book by Zenon Waldemar Dudek.


See also, if You wish: Jungian Archetypes.


'Individuation' in Jungian Psychology.

Dynamic relation between 'ego' & 'Self', is in Jungian Psychology explained as ego-Self axis.

There's mention of 'individuation', development where:
- 'inflation' occurs when 'ego' closes to 'Self'.
- 'alienation' occurs when there's loss of bond with this archetype or with other archetype(s).

When one tries to develop Self, unavoidable are illusions, fascinations & disenchantments.

-- Paraphrased from 'Jungian Psychology's Basics' book by Zenon Waldemar Dudek.


See also, if You wish: Individuation Archetypes (Jungian).

My development plans for next 4-5 years.

About.

My way includes Buddhism, Esoterics, Arts & Sciences.

i need Art, Esoterics & Buddhism to overcome inner obstacles needed to develop in Sciences, to create my Technology.

i need Art, Esoterics & Buddhism to find Love, i think.

My plans for next 4-5 years therefore include focusing on Buddhism, Esoterics, Martial Arts (as needed by Esoterics) & a little of work (as a psychotherapist), and a little of other ways as well.

Creating Technology will occur later probably, even if parts of it will happen sooner.


Wishes.

May all beings have happines and causes of happiness,

May they be free from suffering and the cause of suffering,

May they always experience true happiness, which is totally free from suffering,

May they remain in the great equanimity, which is beyond attachment and aversion.


Mantras.

OM MAHAKALAYE SOHA
OM A RA PA CA NA DHIH
OM MANI PEME HUNG

OM AMI DEWA HRI
OM KALACHAKRA SOHA

OM AH HUNG BENZA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG

SHAMARPA CHENNO

KARMAPA CHENNO

Namaste, blessed be.

Tools for Inner Development - Imagination and Visualization.

Introduction.

During a Buddhist practice - for example during meditation or study - one sees, imagines, visualizes Buddha forms.


Imagination & Self-Criticism.

It's easier to accomplish a goal - for example finding work - when one does not drag himself into depression with detrimential thoughts.

Instead of thinking of oneself as of a 'loser incapable of finding any work', one should regularly imagine oneself as capable person.

But it's not about positive thinking & unrealistic beliefs - these can result in psychological problems if carried too far.

In Diamond Way Buddhism we try to act as Lamas or Buddhas until we become one. We imagine ourselves as possessing Buddha Qualities, while at the same time being aware that it's just an opening, that realistically we are not so developed as of yet.


Visualization.

During meditation we visualize Buddha forms with their attributes.

Buddhist symbolics is rich, spiritual, and deeply wise on many levels.




Mahakala for example carries a knife that severs all what hinders, a skull-bowl with ego's blood and more.

Visualizing this helps us to keep in mind many Mahakala aspects at the same time, to coordinate our activities & thinking.

This reminds us how we should be, what is important for Mahakala activity, and with practice can be a skillful way of keeping attention & focus on being as Mahakala in all of his aspects.

-- Paraphrased & summarized parts of 'Introduction to Kalachakra' by Alexander Berzin.