The Field and The Knower
The Field and The Knower
“There is suffering.”
Suffering and Shadows
Suffering is inevitable. This is not a pessimistic view but a reality observed by every major spiritual tradition, especially Buddhism. The Buddha’s first noble truth declares,
“There is suffering.”
From birth to death, through sickness, aging, loss, and death, suffering weaves its way into every facet of existence. Physical suffering is one thing, but mental suffering—anxiety, despair, fear, loneliness—torments the modern person in ways far more subtle and pervasive.
As the Buddha stated,
“Attachment is the root of suffering.”
The constant identification with thoughts, emotions, and desires perpetuates the mental anguish that many try to avoid or suppress. Yet, no amount of material wealth, relationships, or fleeting pleasure can shield anyone from this suffering.
The mind, with its endless cycles of craving and aversion, guarantees it. The shadow is growing—whether through personal loss, global crises, or the internal battles of the mind, suffering is at our doorstep.
However, we are not powerless. Non-attachment is the key. But non-attachment is not about being numb; it is about anchoring yourself so deeply within that the external storm cannot shake your inner core.
Meditation and self-reflection become the foundation of this inner strength. As the Buddha taught,
“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”
But to cultivate this inner peace, you must practice it rigorously.
Building a strong anchor point in meditation is essential to minimize suffering. This anchor is what prevents the mind from being swept away by the inevitable hardships of life. Non-attachment requires consistency, not just intellectual understanding.
It is a practice of letting go, not just of material things, but of identification with the ego self. The Bhagavad Gita states:
“When a man gives up all desires that enter his mind and when he is satisfied within himself by himself, then he is said to be steady in wisdom.”
Prepare yourself. Suffering will come, but through a steady practice of non-attachment and meditation, you can develop the resilience to endure it. “Pain is certain, suffering is optional,” said the Buddha.
The shadow of suffering will always be present, but you are not defenseless. Strengthen your anchor.
We must first accept that we are bound by the ego. The mind, though often revered as our greatest asset, can also be our greatest obstacle. It isn’t as flawless as we might think.
There is no shame in acknowledging this. In fact, true strength lies in openly confronting the parts of ourselves we prefer to hide—the shadow aspects that shape much of our suffering.
The shadow, in all its forms, is something we all carry within us. Whether it’s unprocessed emotions, unresolved trauma, or traits we reject in ourselves, the shadow is a powerful force. Denying it only strengthens its hold. As Carl Jung famously said,
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
It’s not about pretending the shadow doesn’t exist or feeling ashamed of it. It’s about bringing it to light through awareness. The moment you acknowledge your shadow is the moment transformation can begin.
We should make it a habit to look at our shadows, to accept them as part of who we are, without judgment. This is your divine work—the work of turning darkness into light.
Transmuting the shadow is not only a personal duty but a collective one. By working on yourself, you work on the world.
Acceptance of misery is key, but it doesn’t mean succumbing to it. Instead, it means working actively to make the world a little less miserable. You begin by making yourself whole.
Reflect on this:
“We all carry shadows within us. To claim otherwise is either a lie or a sign that one remains unconscious of their deeper self—this simply means the initiation has yet to occur.
The moment of initiation is when the veil lifts, revealing these shadows for what they are. Once this happens, the choice is yours:
Will you manipulate the world through the shadow’s influence, or will you undertake the sacred work of transmuting that energy and healing it?”
The shadow is not your enemy. It is a teacher, waiting for you to recognize its lessons. To work with the shadow is to embark on a path of deep alchemy—the alchemy of the soul.
When you face it, you transform ignorance into wisdom, darkness into light, and separation into unity. This is the real work. This is the journey toward liberation.
Now, ask yourself: What shadow resides within you? What have you been avoiding, or what are you too afraid to face? It’s time to look within, to see the shadow for what it truly is, and begin the work of transmuting it.
This is not only your personal task but an essential part of your existence. You may also see these shadows reflected in others. Rather than reacting or trying to control them, strengthen your own inner anchor.
Give them space to grow, just as you give yourself space to evolve. Non-attachment is essential. Accept and observe the shadow, whether it is within you or in others, with the light of consciousness.
Allow it to be seen without judgment or identification. This is one of the ways true transformation and healing can take place.
If it feels appropriate, have a conversation with yourself or with the other person about the shadow. Do this with the intention of reducing suffering and bringing awareness, accepting that suffering is part of life. The goal is to alleviate misery, not to add to it.
The aim is not to judge, but to bring awareness to the shadow, so that both parties can move toward growth and transformation.
The Anchor
The body is the field, and the Self is the knower of the field. The goal of life is to understand this distinction. Through knowledge, discernment, and consistent practice, one can minimize suffering, though complete liberation is not possible in this world.
The aim is to reduce suffering as much as possible, while recognizing the inherent limitations of human existence.
Understanding the Field and the Knower
“The body is the temple of the soul, but it is perishable, transient, and subject to decay.”
“The self is neither born nor does it die; it is eternal and changeless.”
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches that identifying with transient mental states creates suffering. The knower is awareness; it is not the content of awareness.
Command
Understand that you are not your thoughts, emotions, or body. You are the witness to them. Do not confuse your identity with your field of experiences.
Mastering the Modifications of the Field
Desires arise within the field. They are impermanent and bring suffering when pursued without discernment. As stated in the Bhagavad Gita (13:6):
“Desire, aversion, pleasure, and pain—these are the modifications of the field.”
From Stoicism:
“It is not events that disturb people, but their judgments about them.”
The same principle applies to desire. The unwise pursuit of pleasure leads to dissatisfaction. The wise see through its fleeting nature.
Desire-driven behavior leads to maladaptive patterns. Mindfulness-based practices help detach from the automatic responses to pleasure and pain. This is necessary to cultivate inner peace.
Command:
Observe your desires without acting on them. Understand their temporary nature. Practice detachment by focusing on long-term well-being rather than short-term gratification.
Dissolving Ego and False Identity
The ego is an illusion within the field, a false construct that creates a sense of separation between you and others. It thrives on attachment to your personal identity, leading to suffering.
The Bhagavad Gita (13:7) teaches the importance of freeing yourself from egoism by recognizing the inherent flaws of life—birth, death, aging, disease, and pain.
Understanding these realities helps to weaken the ego’s grip and reduces the suffering it causes.
The Upanishads teach that ego is the illusion (maya) that keeps the self bound to the cycle of rebirth. The Isha Upanishad states:
“He who sees all beings in his own self, and his own self in all beings, loses all fear and attachment.”
By practicing the ability to see yourself in others and others in yourself, you begin to dissolve the boundaries the ego creates. This shift in perspective reduces attachment because you no longer view yourself as separate and distinct from others.
When you see the interconnectedness of all beings, the desire to control, fear, and attachment naturally diminishes, as you realize that you are part of a larger whole rather than an isolated self.
In Freudian psychology, the ego mediates between the self and reality, but it is a limited and conditioned construct. Identifying too strongly with the ego leads to neurosis and anxiety. Liberation from the ego is necessary for mental clarity and fulfillment.
Command:
Stop identifying with the ego. Understand that it is a false construct. Practice seeing yourself in others and others in yourself. This reduces attachment, fear, and desire for control.
Cultivating Non-Attachment and Equanimity
Non-attachment is the foundation of self-mastery. The Bhagavad Gita (13:9) emphasizes detachment from sons, wife, and home, and remaining even-minded in both pleasing and unpleasing events.
I understand this may seem like a controversial topic, but with time and experience, one realizes the truth of this. No one is the owner of anything or anyone. You and others don’t own each other. One can be a guardian, helper, or lover, but never the owner.
Non-attachment doesn’t mean abandoning your duties. As the Bhagavad Gita teaches,
“You are qualified simply with regard to action, never with regard to its results. You must be neither motivated by the results of action nor attached to inaction.” (2:47).
You must fulfill your responsibilities, but without becoming attached to the outcomes or letting your ego dictate control over others.
Just reflect on how often your own ego plays you, pushing you to control someone else’s outcome, driven by the desire for validation, power, or ownership. This creates endless suffering, for yourself and others.
It’s better, in fact, to not get married and have children. This, too, may seem controversial, but time will teach you the value of this realization.
The institution of marriage, in its traditional sense, stopped working long ago and often leads to more suffering due to attachment and expectations. If you are not married, don’t rush into it. Non-attachment is far easier to cultivate when you’re free from those societal pressures.
However, if you are already married and have children, that is your place. You are exactly where you are meant to be. Your dharma now is to perform your duties as a spouse or parent, but with non-attachment.
Love them deeply, but without clinging to the idea that you control their paths or that they belong to you. You are a guardian, not an owner. In this way, you can minimize suffering and perform your duties with clarity and peace.
This is not to say that you should avoid relationships altogether. Instead, learn about life, the human psyche, and your own inner workings before entering into relationships.
Relationships built on societal constructs like marriage, often tied to control, ownership, and outdated expectations, are no longer compatible with the new age of consciousness.
The relationships we need now are based on mutual understanding, where two individuals come together as mature adults, free to explore boundaries with respect and consent.
Non-attachment does not mean withdrawing from the world. It means participating fully, but without the baggage of ego-driven desires, fear, or unconscious patterns.
Engage with life, with people, and with relationships, but do so without the shadows of ownership, insecurity, or control. Understand that life is transient, that nothing is permanent, and that this very transience is what gives life its depth and beauty.
Approach everything with maturity and conscious awareness. Don’t let your unresolved shadows play you. Instead, shine the light of consciousness on your actions and relationships.
Realize that no one owns anyone—each person is sovereign unto themselves within the greater unity of existence. In that understanding, there is space for real love, trust, and growth.
Mature relationships are those that promote personal and spiritual growth without judgment or control. They are relationships built on understanding, mutual support, and respect.
They are free from guilt, fear, lack, and the chains of societal dogma or state-owned powers. These are the relationships worth nurturing—the ones where two souls walk together in love, not out of obligation, but out of a deep and conscious choice to grow alongside one another.
The Bhagavad Gita aligns with the teaching of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus:
“Some things are up to us, others are not.”
Focusing on what we can control, and that is your inner strength, your anchor with the Self, the non-attachment, cultivates equanimity.
Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) share a common emphasis on being present and accepting reality without becoming overly attached or reactive to it.
- Mindfulness involves being fully aware of the present moment, observing thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment. Instead of trying to avoid or control uncomfortable feelings, mindfulness encourages us to simply notice and accept them, which prevents overreaction or becoming overwhelmed by them.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) takes this a step further by not only encouraging acceptance of the present moment but also fostering psychological flexibility. This means the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, even when faced with distress or discomfort. ACT encourages people to commit to actions that align with their values, even in the face of challenging emotions.
Both approaches highlight the importance of not clinging to the moment or trying to change what is out of your control.
Instead, embracing the present without resistance promotes emotional resilience—the capacity to recover from difficulties and face challenges without being emotionally drained.
In essence, this acceptance creates a mental space where you can respond to life’s difficulties more effectively, without becoming rigid or overly attached to outcomes, thus fostering well-being.
Command:
Remain detached from both success and failure. Do not let external circumstances disturb your inner peace. Accept life as it comes, and act with wisdom rather than reactivity.
Seeking Knowledge of the Self
True knowledge is understanding the nature of the Self and the field. The Gita (13:11) states:
“Constancy in knowledge of what relates to the Self, perceiving the purpose of knowledge of reality—this is knowledge.”
The Self represents the eternal soul, the pure consciousness within us, while the field refers to the physical body and the material world, including our mind and senses.
The Gita teaches that it is essential to know the difference between these two: the unchanging Self and the ever-changing material existence.
In verse 13:11, Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of constancy in this knowledge—meaning, keeping a steady awareness of the true nature of the Self without getting confused by the distractions of the material world.
This steady knowledge helps us stay grounded in our spiritual understanding and not be overly attached to the temporary nature of life.
The verse also talks about understanding the purpose of seeking this knowledge. True knowledge isn’t just about collecting facts or ideas; it’s about knowing why we are seeking this understanding in the first place.
It could be to achieve inner peace, spiritual growth, or liberation. When we understand the purpose of knowledge, we can apply it meaningfully in our lives.
The Upanishads emphasize that liberation comes from the knowledge of the Self (Atman) and its unity with Brahman. The Chandogya Upanishad proclaims:
“Tat tvam asi” (“Thou art That”)—the individual self is the universal Self.
Psychological research shows that self-awareness and introspection are key to mental health. The practice of reflection and meditation allows one to separate from automatic thoughts and reactions, fostering deeper understanding.
Command:
Pursue self-knowledge relentlessly. Engage in meditation, self-reflection, and study of sacred texts. Seek to understand your true nature beyond the body and mind.
Surrender and Devotion
Surrendering to a higher power dissolves ego and liberates the self. The Gita (13:10) encourages unswerving devotion to the divine through exclusive yogic discipline.
The concept of surrender is echoed in the Upanishads and mystical traditions. In the Bhagavad Gita (18:66), Krishna says:
“Abandon all varieties of dharma and just surrender unto Me. I will deliver you from all sins; do not fear.”
It is important, however, to create your own sense of devotion to the divine, one that resonates with your heart. Stay away from any form of dogma or rigid structures that limit your spiritual expression.
Instead, focus on the essence of devotion—connecting with the divine beyond rituals of guilt or obligation. True surrender comes from the purity of intention, not from external rules, allowing you to cultivate a relationship with the divine that is freeing and uplifting.
Surrendering control is a central tenet in many therapeutic models, including those based on mindfulness. Letting go of the need to control everything reduces anxiety and fosters psychological well-being.
Command:
Surrender your ego and sense of personal control to the higher Self. Practice devotion, not just through rituals, but through the total renunciation of personal desire and attachment.
Seeing the Unity in All Beings
The wise person sees the Lord equally present in all beings. The Gita (13:27) states:
“He who sees the Supreme Lord as situated equally in all creatures, not perishing when they perish, he sees.”
The Upanishads declare:
“Sarvam khalvidam brahma”—all this is Brahman.
This teaching asserts the oneness of all existence. Division is an illusion born from ignorance. “Verily all this is the Brahman”. It is considered to be the sum of all Veda and Vedanta.
Empathy and compassion are central to psychological health because they allow us to connect deeply with others and recognize the shared human experience of suffering.
When we truly understand that all people experience pain, challenges, and emotional struggles in various forms, it opens the door to genuine connection.
This shared awareness reduces feelings of isolation and helps dissolve self-centeredness, which often comes from believing our suffering is unique or greater than others’.
By recognizing that suffering is universal, we are more inclined to help each other rather than add to the burden of suffering through judgment, indifference, or harmful actions.
When we extend compassion, we break the cycle of hurt and negativity, creating space for healing and support.
Instead of perpetuating suffering, we can actively work to alleviate it—both in ourselves and in others—by fostering understanding, kindness, and solidarity.
This simple act of helping each other creates a ripple effect, contributing to the collective well-being of humanity.
Command:
See the divine in all beings. Treat everyone as an extension of yourself. Understand that all distinctions—race, gender, status—are superficial. Only the one Self exists in all.
The Hermetic Path
In the Hermetic philosophy, the universe is seen as a living mind, where all beings are interconnected, and everything happens for the purpose of spiritual evolution.
This world is not simply a place to live out mundane experiences; it is a sacred school for the soul, designed to help us elevate to our higher selves.
The journey of life is one of learning, unlearning, and transmutation, as we are continually presented with opportunities to grow, transcend, and evolve.
At the core of Hermetic teachings is the principle of mental transmutation—the ability to transform lower states of consciousness into higher ones.
Just as alchemists turn base metals into gold, we are called to transmute our inner shadows into light, integrating them into our consciousness for healing and growth.
These shadows, often the source of our suffering, are not meant to be rejected or hidden but embraced as stepping stones to higher awareness.
The 21 shadows listed are common aspects of human experience, deeply rooted in the ego, which can distort our perception and disconnect us from our true divine nature.
These shadows—such as pride, fear, anger, shame, and jealousy—are invitations to reflect on the parts of ourselves that need healing.
By working on them, both within ourselves and recognizing them in others, we begin the process of inner alchemy.
Here are 21 shadows you can choose to work on, and the higher virtues they can be transmuted into, each holding the potential for healing and growth:
1:
Pride – The illusion of superiority, masking insecurity.
Transmute into: Humility – Recognizing the divinity in all and honoring equality.
2:
Fear – The false belief that we are separate from the source of all.
Transmute into: Courage – Trusting in the unity and protection of divine energy.
3:
Anger – Unresolved pain, waiting to be acknowledged.
Transmute into: Forgiveness – Letting go of pain and embracing understanding.
4:
Jealousy – A projection of our own sense of lack.
Transmute into: Contentment – Recognizing abundance and celebrating others’ success.
5:
Shame – The feeling of being unworthy, disconnected from divine love.
Transmute into: Self-Worth – Embracing the unconditional love of the divine.
6:
Guilt – Holding on to past actions, preventing healing and forgiveness.
Transmute into: Self-Forgiveness – Releasing the past and allowing healing.
7:
Control – The desire to dominate, fearing the flow of life.
Transmute into: Surrender – Trusting the natural flow of the universe.
8:
Greed – The endless craving for more, masking inner emptiness.
Transmute into: Generosity – Finding fulfillment in sharing and giving.
9:
Arrogance – The refusal to see others as mirrors of ourselves.
Transmute into: Open-mindedness – Recognizing wisdom in all beings.
10:
Self-Doubt – The shadow of not trusting in one’s own divine power.
Transmute into: Confidence – Trusting in your inner divinity and purpose.
11:
Addiction – The compulsive escape from facing deeper emotions.
Transmute into: Self-Mastery – Cultivating discipline and emotional awareness.
12:
Judgment – Projecting one’s own fears and flaws onto others.
Transmute into: Compassion – Understanding and accepting others as they are.
13:
Victimhood – Holding on to the belief that life happens to you, not for you.
Transmute into: Empowerment – Taking responsibility for your own growth and choices.
14:
Laziness – Avoiding responsibility, shying away from one’s potential.
Transmute into: Motivation – Embracing your role in life’s unfolding and your soul’s work.
15:
Narcissism – Excessive self-focus that leads to emotional blindness.
Transmute into: Empathy – Expanding your awareness to include others’ experiences.
16:
Self-Sabotage – Acting against one’s own best interests due to fear of success.
Transmute into: Self-Commitment – Stepping into your full potential without fear.
17:
Perfectionism – The constant pursuit of flawlessness, masking fear of inadequacy.
Transmute into: Self-Acceptance – Recognizing your inherent worth as a divine being.
18:
Resentment – Clinging to old wounds, refusing to forgive.
Transmute into: Release – Letting go of past hurts to create space for healing.
19:
Apathy – Disconnection from emotions, preventing true engagement with life.
Transmute into: Passion – Reconnecting with your emotional truth and living fully.
20:
Over-Identification – Confusing the ego’s desires with the soul’s purpose.
Transmute into: Soul Alignment – Listening to the deeper calling of your higher self.
21:
Intolerance – Refusing to accept diversity, rejecting the interconnectedness of all beings.
Transmute into: Unity – Embracing the divine in all forms and recognizing our oneness.
The process of transmutation is simple but requires deep commitment. First, we must acknowledge the shadow without judgment
In Hermetic thought, the law of correspondence reminds us that everything outside is a reflection of what is inside. As the Kybalion states,
“As above, so below; as within, so without.”
When we are triggered by anger, jealousy, or judgment in others, it’s not simply an external issue. These emotions are signposts, reflecting shadows within us that need attention.
If we find ourselves disturbed by another’s behavior, it is an opportunity to look within and see where those same traits may reside in our own psyche. The external world becomes a mirror for our internal state.
The work begins by recognizing these shadows. Through self-awareness and acceptance, we can begin to transmute them.
When we realize that these negative traits often stem from fear, insecurity, or the sense of separation from divine love, we can bring compassion and understanding to these parts of ourselves. This is how we begin to dissolve the ego’s hold.
The Hermetic principle of mentalism teaches us that,
“The ALL is mind, the Universe is Mental.”
Our thoughts shape our reality. Therefore, through the power of intention, meditation, and reflection, we can transform our shadows.
Understanding that these traits are not our true selves but are expressions of unresolved wounds allows us to step into our higher nature—the Higher Self, which is the part of us that is connected to divine wisdom and love.
Another Hermetic principle, the law of polarity, teaches that extremes can be balanced. Nothing is fixed, and opposites can be reconciled. Pride can be transmuted into humility, anger into forgiveness, and apathy into passion.
Every shadow contains within it the potential for its opposite virtue. By working with the energies of our shadows, we can transform what appears negative into a higher, more refined state of being.
This work is not just for personal evolution. When we transmute our shadows, we contribute to the collective awakening. The law of vibration teaches us that everything is energy. As we elevate our own vibration by healing the shadows within, we uplift those around us as well.
We begin to see the world and others through the lens of empathy and understanding, rather than judgment or fear. This creates ripples of healing that affect our relationships and communities, making us living examples of what it means to transcend the ego.
Remember, this world is a classroom—a place where the soul evolves by learning lessons of love, wisdom, and unity. By acknowledging and working on these 21 shadows, you not only elevate yourself but also help others along their path.
When you rise beyond the ego, you embody the divine light within, and in doing so, you fulfill your soul’s purpose of evolving and returning to oneness with All.
Once you overcome your shadows—not by eliminating them, but by bringing the conscious light of awareness to them, accepting them without judgment, and understanding universal laws such as the law of karma—you begin to embody true freedom.
When you understand your shadows, they no longer control you. With this realization comes the ability to live in alignment with your higher will. As Aleister Crowley wrote,
“Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will.”
This means living your life in harmony with your true purpose, guided by love, but always under the direction of your soul’s higher will.
We all have limitations and shadows; this is part of being human. Take it easy on yourself and understand that all paths lead to the same destination. The journey is the true gift, not the destination. Enjoy the process of growth, of learning, and of evolving into your true self.
“All religions are true, but all are imperfect in their own way. All paths lead to God.”
The journey is not easy. In fact, it is the most difficult task one can undertake in this lifetime. But it is also the only truly worthwhile endeavor.
To stay on the path of growth and self-mastery, to continue following your bliss and not stray from your purpose, is the greatest achievement.
There will be moments of exhaustion, times when you feel lost or overwhelmed. But know that there are places to rest, points along the journey where you can rejuvenate your spirit before continuing on.
Keep moving forward. No matter which path you choose, as long as you are aware of your shadows and walking consciously, you are on the right path. The journey itself is the most noble pursuit, leading to true fulfillment and inner peace.
You will get everything, anything you desire, but you must be ready on that level of consciousness. Don’t worry—you are exactly where you are supposed to be.
Life gives you every moment as an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep going, and trust the process.
If there’s only one point you take from this guide, let it be this: Relax, breathe, observe, and don’t get entangled. Everything will be revealed to you in time. Good luck, and enjoy the show.
Cosmic Comedy
Relax, breathe, take a seat,
Life’s a show, and you’re front row elite.
Want it all? Well, here’s the deal,
Gotta vibe high, make it real.
Don’t rush, you’re on track,
No need for panic or a heart attack.
Lessons come, like popcorn pops,
Just keep watching—no sudden stops.
The universe winks, gives a clue,
But only when you’re ready for something new.
So sit back, don’t miss the fun,
The show’s just started, it’s just begun!
