In finding ourselves in a place where we feel lost and cut off, we search for home. When we are dilligent enough and sincere in our search, we find that we never left home. The question 'who am I?' does feel like a passphrase that goes beyond an intellectual quest for answers. It goes so beyond the question that when we find the answer, we are shocked. Our shock may be because the clues were there all along. It may also be apparent that what's left revealed is the Mystery.
From Sayings of the Desert Fathers (Apophthegmata Patrum): Abba Poemen said to Abba Joseph: Tell me how I can become a monk. And he replied: If you want to find rest here and hereafter, say in every occasion, who am I? and do not judge anyone.
When in life's constant wave of distraction, I forget who I am, I find rememebrance through the exploration of this question.
Oh, the portion in the Christian scriptures I was trying to remember, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!"
We never left home. But can the proof really be in this question? You'd have to say for yourself.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit seyekuyinu.substack.com