Glossary entry

Permanent Personality

The continuing self-aware identity connected with the experience of successive incarnations.

Short explanation

The Permanent Personality is the continuing self-aware identity that receives and carries the experience of successive incarnations. It is connected with the three Permanent Atoms and with the gradual transformation of experience into wisdom. It should be distinguished carefully from Individuality (Soul) and Spirit-Ego-Self.

Meaning within the teaching

The lessons distinguish the Permanent Personality from both the Present-day Personality and the three Permanent Atoms. “Permanent” refers to continuity of self-aware identity and experience; it does not mean a fixed or unchanging character.

Important distinctions

It is not the Present-day Personality.
It is not one of the Permanent Atoms.
It must not yet be treated as automatically identical with Individuality (Soul), Soul-Self or Spirit-Ego-Self.

Related terms

Present-day Personality — the current incarnational expression.
Permanent Atom — connected with the continuing record but not identical with the Personality.
Introspection — relates to the recognition of the present expression.