"In many spiritual traditions, repeatedly asking yourself the question 'Who am I?' or a variation such as 'Who is carrying this body?' is the central practice offered for awakening. Teachers like Ramana Maharshi and great Zen masters from China and Japan have used the repetition of this simple and profound question to guide students to discover their true nature. In the end, it is a question we must all ask ourselves. Without being aware of it, you take many things as your identity: your body, your race, your beliefs, your thoughts. Yet very quickly with sincere questioning, you will find yourself sensing a deeper level of truth.
"While the question 'Who am I?' can be asked alone in your own meditation practice, it can also be done with a partner. One of the most effective ways to inquire into this question is to sit together with another person and ask this question over and over, letting the answers deepen as you go on.
"To do this, let yourself sit comfortably facing a partner, prepared to meditate together for thirty minutes. Decide who will ask the question for the first fifteen minutes. Look at your partner in a relaxed way and then allow the questioner to begin asking the question 'Who are you?' Let the answers from the person responding arise naturally, saying whatever comes to mind. Once an answer has been given, after a brief pause, the questioner can ask again, 'Who are you?' Continue asking this question over and over for a full fifteen minutes. Then you can switch roles, giving your partner equal time.
"As this question is repeated, all sorts of answers may arise. You may first find yourself saying, 'I am a man' or 'I am a woman' or 'I am a father,' 'I am a nurse,' 'I am a teacher,' 'I am a meditator.' Then your answers may become more interesting: 'I am a mirror,' 'I am love,' 'I am a fool,' 'I am alive,' or whatever. The answers themselves do not matter, they are part of a deepening process. Just keep gently listening for an answer each time you are asked. If no answer arises, stay with that empty space until one comes. If confusion, fear, laughter, or tears arise, stay with them too. Keep answering anyway. Keep letting go into the process. Let yourself enjoy this meditation.
"Even in this short time your whole perspective can change and you can discover more about who you truly are."