The Nature of Beliefs
Beliefs are mental constructs that shape our perceptions and experiences. They are active elements that influence how we see ourselves and the world around us. Beliefs feed the believer’s illusion of a separate self that has a life of their own.
The Believer and Self-Awareness
Around the second year of life, it is said that children begin to recognize themselves as they gain a sense of the self as an object. The realization that one’s body, mind, and activities are distinct from those of other people is known as self-awareness. Over time the social environment and other agents of authority teach the child about it’s identity. These teachings are internalized as beliefs and consolidated and nurtured throughout life. The sense of self becomes like second nature and has become a transparent belief, seen and embraced as a given fact.
Nurturing and Deconstructing Beliefs
Beliefs can be nurtured and re-enforced through repetition, validation, and the avoidance of contradictory information. Conversely, they can be deconstructed and dissolved through introspection, critical thinking, and exposure to new perspectives. For those striving to alleviate suffering, foster a sense of connection with ‘all,’ and break free from the constraints of the perceived separate self, understanding these mechanisms can be profoundly enlightening.
Rethinking the Separate Self
Before we hastily dismiss the notion of a separate self, it’s crucial to consider the possibility that our world is constructed from concepts and beliefs. What might happen if we retro-engineer these models to see what lies beneath? By examining and deconstructing our beliefs, we might uncover deeper truths about our existence and the nature of reality itself.