Of a gentle, generous, and compassionate being, we say that they show themselves to be “human,” or that they behave with humanity; such a person is called a humanist; another works in the humanitarian field, for they feed and care for others.But when faced with deplorable behavior—cowardice, corruption, betrayal…—we also say, with a sadness tinged with understanding: “Alas, it’s human!”
The double meaning of this word, at times praiseworthy and at other times pejorative, reveals the dual nature of that complex being called man.
1 - What is ‘me’ ?
He who says, “I, I…”—does he always truly know of whom he is speaking? When he says, “I am…” (sick or healthy, unhappy or happy), “I want…” (money, a car, a woman), “I have…” (such a desire, such a taste, such an opinion), he believes that it is really a question of himself. And that is precisely where he is mistaken. As human beings have never analyzed themselves deeply in order to know their true nature, they constantly identify with this “I,” represented by their physical body, their instincts, their desires, their feelings, and their thoughts.
But if they now seek to rediscover themselves through study and meditation, beyond all appearances they will succeed in discovering that their true self merges with God Himself. For the reality is that there does not exist a multitude of separate beings, but a single Being who works within all His creatures, who animates them and manifests Himself through them, even without their knowledge. When they come to feel this reality, human beings will draw nearer to the divine Source from which they all have their origin.
Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov, Daily Thoughts 2016, August 20
2 - Become aware of our impulses.
Everyone has their own temperament and, according to their nature, they like certain things and dislike others—that’s normal. Having desires and impulses is understood; there’s no doubt about it—everyone is driven by instinctive forces. Whether they come from the stomach, the intestines, or the sexual drive, there is always something pushing us. But is that a reason to just give in?
If a person does not bring in a higher element—called intelligence, self-mastery, willpower, character, light—which is there to control, guide, and direct, one can safely predict that they are heading straight toward disaster.
That is why, when faced with any impulse that passes through you, you should ask yourself: “Let’s see, what will happen if I give in to it?” Of course, as long as your consciousness is not awakened, there are still many things that can bring you pleasure—that’s understood. But those pleasures will turn into suffering, bitterness, and regret. Whereas the joys of a wise and enlightened person remain pure gold.
You should not deprive yourself of joy or pleasure, but rather understand their nature and replace them with joys and pleasures that are better, purer, nobler, and more beneficial.
Complete Works, Volume XXI (1984 edition), October 11
3 - Discernment
In my lectures, I have often dwelled on this very important question of the two natures of the human being: the lower, instinctive nature, which I have called “the personality”; and the higher nature, the divine nature, which still lies dormant within each of us because we have never taken the trouble to develop it, and which I have called “individuality.”
These two natures exist within a person, so intertwined that it is not always possible for them to discern which one is expressing itself. And often, when they believe they are acting with honesty and integrity, it is in fact their lower nature they are following, and they behave like an animal.
If, nowadays, disorder and selfishness have become the norm, it is because most people consider it natural to follow their lower nature, which is always eager to have its own way and to satisfy all its whims at the expense of others… as if it alone existed in the world.
Izvor n° 206, A Philosophy of the Universal, Chapter VIII
4 - Personality
Is it true that we constantly have a demon on our left and an angel on our right, as we are sometimes portrayed? Well, I believe they are there—but in what form is another question. What is certain is that we possess two natures with truly opposing tendencies: one that pulls everything toward itself, and the other that is broader, more generous, impartial, impersonal.
When we examine the first, we of course find it has some qualities, but if we take it as our guide, the results are catastrophic in every respect, because it is selfish in its decisions, harsh in its judgments, without love, without wisdom. It demands, it claims, it insists; it wants to swallow everything, dominate everything; it is nervous, vulnerable, touchy—it has every flaw. Yet here is the thing: it is like a very rich old grandmother who possesses all the treasures, who holds the keys to the chests and cupboards; and so, to keep her satisfied, we agree, we yield, we make concessions, and in the end she always prevails. (…) The personality possesses the underground riches, the raw materials: instincts, appetites, passions, desires. It is strong and powerful. Its only fault is that it makes everything converge toward the lower self. Otherwise, it is very capable, very skillful, very cunning, and it has more than one trick up its sleeve. It is not entirely bad, because in its egocentrism it preserves, maintains, and increases a person’s possessions; but what it lacks is moral awareness, scruples, true religion, charity, generosity, sacrifice, gentleness. It is still very close to the animal world.
C. O., volume XI, chap. II
5 - Individuality
Individuality, on the contrary, possesses all qualities, all the most celestial, most radiant, most marvelous possibilities. Everything that is generous, great, noble, and truly spiritual is inspired by it. Yet it is still an unknown, unexplored reality: there are not many examples, books, or works of art on this subject, nor models to guide humans toward it. It remains distant; human beings do not manage to adapt to its language or understand it. That is why this nature—so rich and magnificent—remains the privilege of a very small minority of beings, whom the majority regard as unbalanced, disturbed, or… sun-filled!
O. C., vol. XI, chap. II
Individuality never ceases to give, to gush forth, to radiate. It wants to help, enlighten, and support. It thinks only of projecting something of itself. It does not try to hold on to what it possesses, and it does not become irritated if someone comes to take it. On the contrary, it is happy to see that through it others are nourished, refreshed, and illuminated. Its fundamental quality is to shine, to radiate like the sun. And moreover, all virtues are in reality nothing other than a radiance—a projection of light from the center toward the periphery.
Synopsis n° 1, II, 4
6 – A job still unknown
The religious, the philosophers, the scholars have not paused to shed light on these two natures that we all possess… I have read many books, traveled to many countries, met many people, and unfortunately I have found that those in the highest positions, the greatest intellects, the greatest thinkers do not know when they are acting from the personality and when they are acting from the individuality. They have no clear notions, no criteria, no measures; they think that everything that comes from them is right and magnificent simply because it is they who say it, think it, desire it. But they do not know how to observe themselves; they do not analyze at all what slips into them that is heterogeneous, strange, or even diabolical.
When one begins to study and observe oneself, what does one find? One realizes that the two natures are mixed, intertwined, and that a person is not always enlightened enough to discern which one is driving them, and thus most of the time they allow themselves to be carried away in the vehicle of the personality. Yet the personality is a very poor master, but an excellent servant: it must be used, set to work, and drawn upon, for it is active, energetic, tireless, and immensely rich. If, through constant self-analysis, a person manages to give greater and greater freedom to the divine nature so that it is this nature that continually manifests and leaves its mark and imprint everywhere, then that person becomes a divinity: it is they who free themselves, who govern, who determine the situation, and the personality obeys.
O. C., vol XI, chap. XXII
7 - Strategies
Beware of the personality. It makes you believe that by listening to its reasoning, by following its advice, you will be happy; and it’s true—you will at first have a few small satisfactions, but shortly afterward the plank will be pulled away and you will fall to the ground. The personality is a master at putting on performances and getting you into its vehicle. It is very learned—so learned that it can bring down the stars to persuade you, with formidable arguments, that you can give in to all your bad tendencies. And it will convince you, because within it there are scholars and artists: it is not alone, it represents an entire world. It can even go very far in charm and seduction. It knows how to sing, dance, write poetry, look at you with love. But its aim is to enslave you and devour you. Why is it so attractive? To better ensnare you!
Synopsis No. 1, II, 2
What problems the coexistence of our two natures—higher and lower—creates for us each day! When our higher nature encourages us to behave honestly and make efforts, we must also be careful that the lower nature is not informed, otherwise it will come and create obstacles. It is a principle of strategy: generals who devise battle plans do not display them everywhere, because if the enemy knew of them, it would prepare a response. In the same way, when the higher nature makes divine plans, it must protect them from the maneuvers of the lower nature. But while the lower nature must remain ignorant of what the higher nature is doing, the higher nature, on the other hand, must keep watch over the lower nature to thwart its traps, for it is constantly busy plotting dubious schemes. It is therefore necessary to keep our higher nature constantly awake, so that it observes what is happening and intervenes when needed to restore order.
P. Q. 2019, November 9
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