Svadhyayam (Introspection): Sva means “self’ or
“belonging to me.” Adhyaya means “inquiry” or “examination”. Svadhyaya literally means, “To get close to something.”
In this context, it means, to study oneself through meditation or
contemplation.
This aspect has 2 parts: Mimamsa (Reflection) and Svikruta (Acceptance):
Mimamsa (Reflection): All stimuli lead to responses resulting in experiences. The quality of the experience is dependent on awareness of the environment and awareness of the impact of the experience on one's sense of identity. Here, the person not only reviews the situation objectively but
also considers his present experience (do I like this? How do I feel? Why am I
anxious?).
This element is one of the most important aspects of Situational
Awareness as it is the most effective way of increasing jnana (awareness of one's identity).
While it is easy to learn a skill, it requires reflection on the subject to
comprehend its subtleties and their impact on oneself.
Anecdotes, experiences
and situations to help understand…
(Wikipedia extract)
Nelson Mandela was born into a Thembu royal family. His early life was
dominated by traditional Thembu custom and taboo. Growing up, Mandela attended
church services every Sunday with his guardians and Christianity became a
significant part of his life, though he never really gave up his Thembu
heritage. In college, he was a supporter of the British but was rusticated for
protesting against the management. Running away from an arranged marriage, he
moved to Johannesburg where he pursued a career in law where he found himself
attracted to communism. He got involved in South African politics and became
part of ANC, becoming a founding member of ANC- Youth League. He participated
in the anti-apartheid Defiance Campaign. Initially a peaceful protester, organizer
and leader, he worked to unite all non-whites into a cohesive opposition.
Concluding that peaceful solution was not achievable, he began to advocate
violent opposition to apartheid. Imprisoned for 25 years, he was subjected to
privation and torture. Mandela studied Islam in prison. Released, now having worldwide
acclaim and recognition, he transformed to a moderate politician advocating
unity and reconciliation.
- Trace the changes to Nelson Mandela’s thinking and view on life.
- How does Mandela recocile what he wants with what he can get?
- How did he reconcile so many diverse views?
- How did he manage fear?
- Is reflection of experiences structured? Or is it flashes of inspiration?
- What is the impact of reflection on one’s sense of identity?
- What are the changes that one’s sense of identity experiences with each reflection? Is this static or does the sentience of ones identity change with each reflection?
- When does reflection result in a feeling of serenity or balance within us?
- How important is emotional stability in reflection? How does emotional stability change ones sense of identity (jnana)?
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