Who Am I? vs What Am I?

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Ilan Toussieh

I’ve been contemplating “what am I?”, and I thought it was really the same question as “who am I?” Someone told me they are different, and I was wondering if you could clarify how that is so. To contemplate who I am, do I just do the same as when contemplating what I am but switching “who” and “what”? How will whatever the truth is be different for who I am vs what I am? Do I need to get who I am before getting what I am?

Thanks

  • Brendan Lea

    Ilan,
    Because you attended some live workshops here you now know that there is a difference between the who and I and what am I questions. Who, is simply clarifying the one who needs to get enlightened so to speak. Once you grasp "who" you are you can then ask what is my "nature."

    This is not to say that there is some mystical rule in place where you need to ask one question before the other. Since Ramana Maharshi used the "Who am I?" question for everything. Ultimately it doesn't make a difference. Only becoming conscious makes a difference. In any case here is a link to a video that I shot on this question a while back that might help.

    You did good work at the retreat and I hope to see you again soon. This time avoid eating the cactus. ;)

    Brendan