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We may not be able to describe the state, because it is not only indefinable but also distinct to each person according to his or her preparation, beliefs and awareness. But we can formulate some mental concepts about it, using our buddhi or intellect, since buddhi is the closest in our personality to the soul or the self. So let us try to approach this subject as a mental concept and try to fathom some of its mystery.
Self-realization, as a concept, is simple to understand. We do not experience it because we are unwilling to change ourselves and go against our self-preservation instinct. We do not pursue it because we have such a fear of the known and the uncertain. If we can overcome some of these obstacle, with the grace of Ganesha, we realize that self-realization is an achievable dream.
Self-realization is all about yourself. It is an inward journey that starts with the with the world in which you live to the world that lives within you. It is about becoming a new person by transforming your current identity and your attachment to name and form. The most difficult part of it is that you have to do it entirely by yourself. It is a road that becomes erased immediately as you step forward. So each time a person begins the journey he has to discover it anew. It is a journey without map and without certainty and it is a journey that has to be accomplished without seeking, without ambition and without pride.
But having the concept clearly established in your mind is an important first step. You arrive at this concept by any of the usual means we know such as intuition, contemplation, self-study or seeking the company of enlightened people. Suffering in itself is a great teacher and many come to it through the gates of despair. Self-inquiry is perhaps the best means to look at yourself and ask yourself who you are, what you are and why you are here. As you contemplate upon these simple questions of your existence, at some stage you realize that you are neither your name, nor form, nor the consciousness nor the things that you dearly love and show off. You name does not define. Neither your form. You are not aware of any of these in your sleep. Yet you exist. So there must be something deeper and far more permanent in you that what defines you more than any of the myriad things with which you become so attached.
In the next stage of your progress you will come to know conceptually that which may outlast your body and mind. You may identify it as soul, higher consciousness, as your personal God or as your guru. Whatever it may be, still at this stage this new identity of yours remains a mental concept and you keep flitting between the extremes of your previous and current identities. This is also a crucial stage because here you will face many demons of doubt and temptation to revert to your older self. For many the curiosity ends here because of self-doubt, rigors of practice, and deep attraction for things that are physical and material.
But if you survive and persevere, you new identity as a mental concept transforms into a living reality. You will now look at things from a new perspective. All your doubts vanish as you become more and more convinced of the fact that your older self was not real self, but rather the biggest stumbling block in your pursuit of your real self. Your progress at this stage depends upon the strength of your faith. The stronger your faith the firmer your practice and your willingness to make necessary sacrifices and adjustments to reach your goal.
Self-realization as a concept may not be equal to self-realization as a real experience, just as imagining tasty food is not equal to eating it. However the idea has the ability to move you in the right direction and lead you to your actual goal. In the human world, everything begins as an idea or concept. So is the case with self-realization also. Self-realization is possible by knowing who you are, trying to be who you should be till you really become that which you actually are.