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Development of Self-Understanding Through Guidance to see outside himself, with the result that his Consciousness becomes reactionary. Instead of living the creative life of active consciousness, the individual tends to degenerate into the comparatively mechanical behaviour of reactionary consciousness. Thus, he drifts into being influenced by others' behaviour toward him rather than rising into analysing his own behaviour. The wisdom of Selfrealized Souls in this respect has been aptly epitomized in just three words -LOOK WITHIN YOURSELF. Indian philosophy has always emphasized AtmaVishleshan or Atmabodh. Jain Philosophers have suggested the specific technique of Prekshadhyan for the purpose of systematically looking at oneself, starting right from the body and then proceeding higher. Perhaps Jesus Christ had reflected this state of Self-understanding when he could project it into understanding the cruel behaviour of others, by saying "O God! forgive them because they know not what they are doing". Yogeshwar Krishna had to exhibit his own Virat Swaroop with his self-understanding.
Psychologists have tried to explain this phenomenon in a more concrete manner. Says Lindgren with reference to self-understanding in teachers “The human being whom the teacher is closest to is himself.... It is one thing to study a catalogue of the devious ways in which people avoid anxiety and responsibility through the little psychological tricks they play on themselves. It is another to discover the same interesting quirks in our own behaviour... There is a feeling of acceptance and respect for others that comes with Self-understanding."
An individual launching on this path of Self-understanding may initially need a jerk to awaken him from his slumber. He needs Guidance to arouse Selfawareness in him. Or, if some Self-awareness has started sprouting in him, he may need a helping hand to guide him towards goal of Self-understanding. (6) Relation with Guidance:
Such a jerk, or helping hand to the needy individual who may be insensitive towards the dynamcis of his own behaviour, has to come from a Wise Guide. The role of a Guru the teacher, in awakening the pupil and leading him towards the light of knowledge is too well expounded in our culture to be repeated before this august group. The need for guidance/assistance in a journey from immaturity to maturity is the law of life. The functioning of this law can be observed in the developmental activities of all living organisms - even with respect to their existence and maintenance needs. For attaining the highest goal of humann life, viz., Self-Realisation, Self-Understanding, is absolutely necessary. The essential role of such Guidance in Sadhna in any aspect of life has been adequately propouned in our culture in the saying. Without the guidance of Guru, - who should be a personification of Knowledge, it is not possible to achieve Self
H.C.Lindgren: Education Psychology in the Classroom; “Psychology of the Teacher": Johan Wiley & Sons Inc.N.Y.P.527
January-March 1993
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