What is "self-realization"

also self realization, 1839, from self- + realization.

n. 1 The fulfillment of ones own ability or capacity. 2 The direct experience of being, in relation to one's inner nature as an unbounded creator of one's reality.

n. the fulfillment of your capacities [syn: self-fulfillment, self-realisation]

Self-realization is a self-awakening.

Self-realization may also refer to:

• Self-Realization Fellowship, worldwide spiritual organization founded by Paramahansa Yogananda
• Atman jnana, the Hindu concept of self-knowledge as the self realizing it is identical with Brahman
• God-realization (Meher Baba), a state of self-realization described by Meher Baba
• Psychosynthesis, an original approach to psychology that was developed by Roberto Assagioli
• Liberation from samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth (reincarnation), called Moksha in Hinduism

Self-realization is an expression used in psychology, spirituality, and Eastern religions. It is defined as the "fulfillment by oneself of the possibilities of one's character or personality."

In one overview, Mortimer Adler defines self-realization as freedom from external coercion, including cultural expectations, political and economic freedom, and the freedom from worldly attachments and desires etc. Paramahansa Yogananda defined Self-realization as "the knowing — in body, mind, and soul — that we are one with the omnipresence of God; that we do not have to pray that it come to us, that we are not merely near it at all times, but that God’s omnipresence is our omnipresence; that we are just as much a part of Him now as we ever will be. All we have to do is improve our knowing."