One of the more important steps that is needed to investigate and realize the truth is to start with the question, “Who am I?” As an inquirer who wants to clear the path to enlightenment, knowing who you are is a critical fact to understand. There are several methods to investigate, and one among those is the “Peeling Method”.

In this method, we must imagine peeling an onion; we keep on peeling the onion until finally nothing is left. One imagines the body to be made up of layers just like one wears layers of clothing above the body. Now imagine peeling the body, virtually, of course. First, we peel the physical layer of the body. It starts with the epidermis – the outer layer of the skin that protects the blood from oozing out, followed by the peeling of tissues, muscles, and bones until the entire physical body is peeled. Obviously, this peeling method is virtual, and it requires imagination without which we cannot imagine peeling the body. Next, we peel the breath layer, which is the second layer – the layer that constitutes not just breathing as the name implies, but the five systems: respiration, circulation, digestion, excretion, and reproduction. All these together may be imagined as that subtle, second layer of the body below the first physical layer of the skin, muscles, and bones.

After virtually peeling the first two layers, one finds the third layer that can be referred to as the mind layer. It constitutes the faculty of thought, memory, and intellect. Without this layer, there would be no human being, and so, it is necessary to virtually peel the mind layer to discover what is within. Various philosophers may use different methods to understand this virtual peeling. Some peel four layers and some peel five layers, but in the end, on peeling the mind layer, there is the layer of the ego.

Finally, what is left after virtually peeling the physical body, the breath layer, the mind-layer, and the ego? Nothing – just the pure energy that gives life to the human being and holds everything together! The moment this energy departs, life leaves the body, and it becomes dead. Then, we are not the layers anymore, but just a mass of flesh and bones. We know because the energy in the body escapes from all the layers leaving us dead. Therefore, it is this energy that leaves the body that is us–our true self.

The various layers of the body that we peeled are only layers that surround the energy that is truly us, which is our life. To support this method and understand it better, let us ask a silly question. What is a car? By itself, can we call the engine the car? Or can we call the door, the seats, the steering wheel, the windows, the mirrors, the petrol tank, or the wheels – can we call any of them “Car”? All these are the components that when put together appear as the car. If it is so easy to understand the car and its components, why should it be so difficult to understand the body? The car needs electrical wires to wire it up. Furthermore, after connecting everything to the ignition, what if the gas from the tank does not flow to the engine? Will the car start or move? It will be dead. Similarly, the body is wired as we have discussed above too and it needs the energy to give life and keep it functioning. It needs the mind layer, the breath layer, and the physical layer along with the final layer–the energy within–to give life to the body. Together, all these appear to us as the human body.

Just like none of the parts of the car when dismantled can be called a car, so also none of the body parts can be called “Me” independently. The only difference is having a source of energy– the life that sparks it.

Realization helps us know that we are that spark. It is the spark that is the beginning of the birth of the human body, and it is the spark that departs, causing death. Without the spark or energy, the body is nothing.

Ask more, Investigate further and Realize the truth to find true meaning in your life.