Did you ever wonder how your personality developed or where your natural intellect and ability to understand things comes from? When we are young, we often mimic those around us, but then at some point, we see, hear, and understand things through our own individual lens, and an independence forms. This happens organically and our personality takes hold despite the influence of people, social environment, and experiences. Our belief system and inner wisdom as to what is true for us, reflects back to the world who we are. This is the vijnanamaya level of our being.
I often think of this as my intuition or deeper wisdom part of myself. We all know when that inner voice is sometimes tapping us on the shoulder. We know it in our gut. Sometimes we ignore it, ruminate on it, or trust it completely. When we take our time before reacting to anything we may do or say, does it line up with that part of ourselves, where it feels right? That level of discernment, confidence, and trust, which is vijnanamaya, allows us to know what is true and false and helpful or harmful. When we sit for meditation, chant, or whatever the practice may be, this maya allows us to observe our thoughts and feelings, to make decisions and reactions from a place of wisdom.
The more we practice, the less we react to external situations. We are clear and connected to our higher wisdom and that reflects in our personality and our relationships.
Namaste,
Chris, Shelly & Maria