The Bhagavad Gita talks about three levels of understanding ourselves.
The first is knowing what one is supposed to do (Swadharma). Swadharma is a term from sva: proper and dharma: law, duty in Hinduism. According to the Gita, Swadharma is to act in harmony with one’s inborn nature for oneself and society.
The second is knowing our natural tendencies (Swabhav). Swabhav is a term for one’s nature. Swabhav refers to Sattva Guna, Rajas Guna and Tamas Guna. By disassociation from the modes, our real nature is invoked.
The third level is deeper. It is the soul (Swarupa). Swarupa is one’s true nature. It is sva and rupa.
One’s soul is always the same, no matter what changes happen in one’s life. And when one can understand the everlasting connection between one’s soul and the divine, one finds constant peace.
Aim Hrim Klim