The Boundless Self
Riffs on Wisdom Teachings (1 of 10)
For self is a sea boundless and measureless.
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Welcome to my ninth series on Life Cheat Sheets, Riffs on Wisdom Teachings. During this series we will explore some of my favorite wisdom teachings. Each article will begin with a thought-provoking passage then I will riff from there - sometimes telling interesting stories, sometimes exploring questions or contradictions that arise, and sometimes making fun connections to other texts, beliefs, or philosophies. At least that is what I think will happen! I guess we will find out as we go.
On Self-Knowledge
To begin, I’d like to start with a passage from Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, first published in 1926 (now in 100 languages). I remember quite clearly my father-in-law Walt introducing me to Kahlil Gibran saying this was his favorite author and book. In my twenties when I first read the tiny book of teachings I didn’t “get it.” But the text speaks quite loudly to me now three decades later. At Walt’s funeral, some years ago already, he requested that the teaching on death be read from this powerful little tome. But for now, a passage on Self-Knowledge seems an appropriate place to begin this series on Wisdom Teachings. This passage between a man and the prophet is a bit heady, but don’t worry, I’ll summarize it a bit before moving on.
And a man said, Speak to us of Self-Knowledge.
And [the prophet] answered, saying:
Your hearts know in silence the secrets of the days and the nights.
But your ears thirst for the sound of your heart’s knowledge.
You would know in words that which you have always known in thought.
You would touch with your fingers the naked body of your dreams.
And it is well you should.
The hidden well-spring of your soul must needs rise and run murmuring to the sea; and the treasure of your infinite depths would be revealed to your eyes.
But let there be no scales to weigh your unknown treasure; and seek not the depths of your knowledge with staff or sounding line. For self is a sea boundless and measureless. . . .
In short, these this passage provides advice to the questioner’s request: Speak to us of Self-Knowledge. The Prophet explains that self-knowledge is within your heart where it resides in silence, beyond words, beyond form, beyond measurement. We yearn to make the invisible visible, by hearing, seeing, or touching it. (This is where ears thirsting and fingers touching come in.) And while it isn’t measurable, Self-knowledge will make itself known.
Notice that the prophet doesn’t say Self-knowledge is found in a self-help book, a religion, an article in Life Cheat Sheets (LOL), or with a degree in philosophy. Everything you need to know is within you. It’s already there. It is present, not latent: PRESENT. The sticky part is that, although it is always available and present, it can also feel elusive.
There is something profoundly simple about self-knowledge: it can only be found within you.
Go Within
There is something profoundly simple about self-knowledge: it can only be found within you. I remember some years ago really getting this. A podcast I had been listening to pointed out how often we find ourselves going anywhere and everywhere EXCEPT to our inner knowledge. We find ourselves going to others for their advice: should I do this or that? Buy this one or that one? Move here or there? Stay married or divorced? From little things to big things, we can spend so much time looking for the answers outside of ourselves when the truth is that the truest answer is within you. In fact, you are the only one who truly knows which jacket is the best, whether or not you wish to stay or move, or to remain married or end it.
The thinking mind questions; the heart KNOWS.
Other wise voices have put it this way (I’m paraphrasing): The thinking mind questions; the heart KNOWS. What does this mean exactly? As a simple example, think about a moment when you just “knew” something. It could be as easy as knowing the best route to the grocery store. When you Know, you don’t question. You don’t need to inquire of anyone else. The truth is, the heart knows far more than directions to the grocery store. When you are operating from that well-spring of self-knowledge you also know who you are or, why you’re here on this planet, and what to say or do in any given moment for the benefit of yourself and others. So you see, as the prophet says, “Your hearts know in silence the secrets of the days and the nights.”
Trust that Feeling
I have come to relate self-knowledge to intuition or that “feeling” that I get. And over time I have learned that I can trust that “feeling,” At first it was hard to trust because it doesn’t always make logical sense. For example, I might be about to leave for a quick jaunt to the store when I get a feeling I should take an umbrella. “But I don’t need an umbrella,” I might think to myself. “It’s not raining!” So, I don’t take the umbrella. I go to the store and all is well, but I run into a friend of mine who suggests we go for coffee. By the time I’m heading home a few hours later, the rain is looming. And by the time I get home there’s a downpour.
Now this whole incident isn’t at all useful unless I remember that I had had that feeling about taking the umbrella. Maybe the next time I should “listen to myself,” I might say. Over time, the trust that I built with that well-spring of self-knowledge has provided much guidance and comfort. How are you benefitting from your Knowing?
Boundless and Measureless
The prophet explains that our usual means to understand will arise - to thirst, listen, and touch. But really if we can come into silence of the heart, its treasure will bubble to the surface as a “well-spring” rises “murmuring to the sea.” In other words, I am an ever-evolving being. Just when I think I have myself figured out, a new challenge will arise and I will be stretched to learn more or change or adapt my thinking. There is no end to discovering who I am, much like a sea that is boundless and measureless. Somehow, I am reminded of the imagery of endless fractals. If you’ve not seen computer-generate fractals, you’ll love them! Imagine a kaleidoscope on steroids.
There’s more where that came from
Gibran’s short but potent book, The Prophet, touches upon a myriad of topics including: self-knowledge, parenthood, work, leisure, love, and death. It is a book to savor and reread often. If you have five minutes each morning as you drink your coffee, read this rather than your news feed. You will be feeding your soul! Like Walt, it is now one of my favorite wisdom books of all time.
What are your favorite wisdom teachings? Leave a comment here.
References
Gibran, Kahlil. The Prophet. Pan Books, 1991.
Trippy Everything. “[NEW 2023] Sacred Geometry in Motion: Mind-Blowing Fractal Visuals for Divine Connection [4K].” Youtube, 31 March 2023.
You can find all of my series in the archives:
Adulting 101 Coupons: A Gift from your Parents
Partnering 101: A Deep Dive into Leaving Kindly
Me-Time: Self-care in the time of Covid
Reasons for Hope
From Fog to Flow
With a Grateful Heart
Lessons in Life School
Life Cheat Sheets
Riffs on Wisdom Teachings
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All photos by © Brenda Brayko 2023 unless otherwise credited.
Don't laugh but I just read Two's Company in a week. It was full of wisdom. Suzanne Somers has 15 other books. She started with a book of poetry. $3 and on clearance for less. We had Gibran in our house too. I may reread it.