“The true self,” as one Buddhist teaching poetically explains, “is the hardest force of nature to tame.” Think about that for a moment. This isn’t about scaling mountains or taming wild beasts. It’s about something even closer to home: the untamed power within you, the boundless potential waiting for you to align with it. This is the spiritual odyssey of connecting with your True Self.

But what does the True Self even mean? Let’s cut through the abstraction. At its core, the True Self isn’t a distant, mysterious entity. It’s intimate. A beloved presence within. Imagine an experience so profound it feels like being seen and loved by the universe itself—a connection that evokes safety, grace, and the undeniable warmth of homecoming. This is the "I-Thou" relationship Martin Buber spoke of, the deep intimacy between you and the divine essence of existence. And yes, it’s available to you.

The Beloved Within: More Than a Concept

Your True Self isn’t an abstract idea to analyze; it’s something to experience. Buddhist teachings describe it as the "beloved." Not in a sentimental sense, but as a recognition of our intrinsic connection to something larger than ourselves—a kind of cosmic love.

This relationship is the antidote to modern alienation. When you tap into this "other," you find yourself held, known, and embraced. It’s not just about self-discovery; it’s about learning to relate to this deeper, luminous part of you with reverence and curiosity.

As Jung might frame it, the True Self exists at the heart of the “ego-self axis.” It’s not about destroying the ego but creating a bridge to something greater. Sound lofty? Maybe. But the practice is grounded in something surprisingly simple: effort and observation.

The Skill of Connection

Effort matters. This isn’t about sitting in blissful ignorance, waiting for enlightenment to drop into your lap. It’s about intentional, skillful practice. Observing the ebb and flow of your thoughts. Recognizing the stillness beneath the chaos.

There’s an elegance in this effort. Like tuning an instrument, you refine your ability to notice the mind’s inherent luminosity. This isn’t some mystical fluff—it’s the radiant clarity that cuts through distractions and desires, revealing the purity that’s always been there.

As one teaching puts it, this luminous attunement allows us to experience the "inseparability of stillness and movement." Imagine the calm at the eye of a storm. That’s the kind of presence we’re talking about—poised, powerful, and unshakeable.

The Dragon Rider Within

Here’s where it gets wild. The energy of the True Self isn’t just serene; it’s fierce. Ancient traditions liken it to a dragon—a potent force of existence that can be exhilarating and overwhelming all at once. This isn’t a gentle stroll through the park. It’s a full-bodied encounter with the raw, untamed energy of life itself.

To ride this dragon, discipline is essential. Think of it like mastering an unruly steed. Without skill and balance, it’s chaos. But with dedication, you harness this force, becoming what one teaching calls “a great dragon rider.” This is not a metaphor for control. It’s about alignment—moving in harmony with life’s intrinsic power without being consumed by it.

Why It Matters

This journey isn’t just for monks in faraway monasteries. It’s for anyone brave enough to confront the paradox of being human and godlike at the same time. When you connect with your True Self, you tap into a wellspring of love, grace, and resilience. You stop being at war with yourself. Instead, you become an active participant in the dance of existence.

This is the developmental task of a lifetime: integrating the infinite into the finite, the divine into the human. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Because when you ride the dragon of your True Self, you’re not just surviving—you’re soaring.

Takeaway Action Steps:

1. Start with Observation: Spend five minutes daily noticing the arising and passing of thoughts without clinging or resisting. The goal? Cultivate stillness.
2. Practice Loving-Kindness: Turn inward with the same warmth you’d offer a beloved. This primes the relational aspect of connecting with your True Self.
3. Develop Discipline: Engage in a consistent mindfulness practice. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, or another form, show up daily.
4. Honor the Energy: Recognize when you feel overwhelmed by life’s intensity. Instead of resisting, explore how you might flow with it. Discipline turns chaos into creative force.

Glossary of Key Terms

• True Self: The inherent, unchanging essence of being, often described as a luminous, pure, and blissful force of existence.
• Relational experience: The dynamic interplay between the relative self and the True Self, characterized by intimacy, connection, and a sense of being seen and held.
• Right effort: Conscious and dedicated action taken to align with the True Self, including introspection, mindful observation, and ethical conduct.
• Luminous attunement: The cultivation of the mind's inherent clarity and alertness, allowing for insightful knowing and the perception of the True Self's presence.
• Dragon rider: A metaphor for the individual who learns to harness and integrate the powerful force of the True Self, symbolized by a dragon.
• Kundalini: A potent energy often depicted as a coiled serpent residing at the base of the spine, representing the transformative power of the True Self.
• Ego inflation: An overidentification with the True Self, leading to a sense of personal superiority, possessiveness, and distortion of its true nature.
• Integration: The process of harmoniously uniting the relative self with the True Self, resulting in a balanced and fulfilling life.