> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/awareness-and-self-inquiry/introduction-to-self-inquiry.md). # Introduction to Self-Inquiry A gentle introduction to asking questions about identity, awareness, and the sense of self. Self-inquiry is the practice of looking directly at the experience of “I” rather than relying only on ideas about who we are. It is not an intellectual puzzle that must be solved. ## A simple inquiry Sit quietly for a moment. Notice a thought. Ask: **“This thought is known. What knows it?”** Then notice a feeling. Ask: **“This feeling is known. Does the knowing itself have the same shape, age, mood, or history as the feeling?”** Do not rush to answer. The value of inquiry is often in the looking itself. ## What self-inquiry is not It is not: * denying your personal history * pretending problems do not matter * escaping relationships or responsibilities * forcing a mystical experience * repeating an answer such as “I am awareness” without examining experience The inquiry becomes useful when it increases clarity, humility, steadiness, and compassion in ordinary life. ## Related guidance * [Awareness & Self-Inquiry](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/awareness-and-self-inquiry) * [Mindfulness and Awareness](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/awareness-and-self-inquiry/mindfulness-and-awareness) * [What Is Nondual Mindfulness?](https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/awareness-and-self-inquiry/what-is-nondual-mindfulness) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://knowledge.theholisticcare.com/knowledge/awareness-and-self-inquiry/introduction-to-self-inquiry.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.