Acting, Existence and Self-Exploration: The Philosophy of the 'Self' in the Eastern and Western Perspectives

"Who am I?" —This is not just a question entangled in the confines of modern sociology or in the alleys of Western philosophy. In primitive times, when human beings first made eye contact with nature and the universe, this consciousness was awakened. Sociology considers a person's 'self' or identity as a product of society. But in Eastern philosophy, the definition of 'self' is found far beyond social boundaries, in cosmic consciousness. According to the creation story of Kirat Mundhum, when 'Tagera Ningwabhumang' (omnipresent consciousness) first realized its existence, the 'Self' was born from there. According to Mundhum, man is not just a part of nature, but a living continuity of it. On the other hand, the Vedic Sanatan philosophy has considered man's 'self' as the form of the whole world, saying 'Aham Brahmasmi' (I am Brahman) and 'Tattvamasi' (that is you). Our social identity is also like a flowing river, which changes according to time and circumstances. But like a stone at the bottom of a changing river, man's basic consciousness (soul or demand) must always be immovable and original. The only easy way out of the modern-day fake acting, digital disorientation and loneliness is to take off the social masks and return to your natural and original self. Where "being me" or seeking one's identity does not mean looking superior to others or being isolated from society and living alone; Rather, it is a beautiful and living part of all creation and nature.