An unexpected incident may spark this realization suddenly in our thought process. It may sound bizarre but this may happen in both good and bad situation. A prolonged pain arising from any reason, for example, may cause a feeling that something is wrong with certain part or system of the body. In this situation, the condition of a body is analyzed by our mind as an observer. In a healthy body, mind is so much conditioned to the body that it fails to function as an observer. The moment the mind becomes the observer of the body, the realization of soul separate from the identity of body begins to surface.

Curiously, our family experience with important members also presents many such situations to recognize our true self. For example, a parent normally considers a child as an extension of its own existence. A child, therefore, is showered with unconditional love and affection. But, as the child grows into a juvenile and a young person, the relationship start drifting. The child appears to assume an independent personality underscoring elements of deep differences with the parents in the approach towards life. The gradual change in the behavior gives the impression as if the child is indeed a different soul, who was till only yesterday a mere extension of the family.

Sometimes, this realization of the existence of soul comes as a sudden reminder when observing gross incidences of the births and the deaths of near and dear ones. Similarly, witnessing natural disasters like earthquake, accidents and similar such fatal incidence, one generally finds solace in the fact that bodies have died actually – not the souls.

Whatever is the reason, the realization of the true identity of self remains uncertain. This, in turn, conveys the sense that the initial realization of true self is indeed a matter of destiny to a great extent. However, it is certain that early is this realization, better it is for an individual. An early spiritual initiation gives a head start for a person who is seeking release from life bondages in this life time only.