Glossary entry for
Higher Self

The term "Higher Self" is used by certain schools of spiritual teaching such as Theosophy, and the Golden Dawn. The "lower self" or ego personality is seen as not being the true self. The ego is trapped by its own desires, forever longing for what it has not got. Once a desire is achieved, new desires spring up in a never ending sequence. Ultimately, the ego personality is considered to be an illusion. Spiritual practices, including meditation, can enable a person to transcend the ego and realise the Higher Self. In this process a person can discover his/her soul, and approach the Divine. To achieve the Higher Self is to live in a state of higher consciousness, which is a major goal of spiritual development and self-realisation.

Contributed by Alan Pert, Sydney, Australia

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