>"The process of understanding the Self requires a teacher, at least in the beginning stages."
My question is, why? What does the student gain from this when the path is one of self-study?
My question is, why? What does the student gain from this when the path is one of self-study?
You may argue that all this information can be gleaned by reading a book. At best, this will remain in the realm of theoretical knowledge. Only a person who has treaded along this path can offer some insights into what the Self is and how it may be realized. If you don't like to label this person as a teacher/preceptor, feel free to give him any other name you like.
To tell a person that he's the body and mind requires no knowledge. Further, such ignorance is well established in every individual. The knowledge of the Self is something a person has to discover after being introduced to it via some medium.