Thank you so much Rali for the time you have spent with me. Each time I received one of your posts I was touched by your heart, your generosity, and your clarity. I have hugely enjoyed the process (even though it was challenging at times!!) and have learned much more than ever expected. Someday when ...

LK :-)

Dear Rali,

How does the separate self arise?

The separate self is a thought illusion of no substance. The thought arises without instigation, for no reason.

What is the difference between normal looking and direct looking?

Normal looking is thought focused. Direct looking appears as non ...

Dear Rali,

1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever?

No, I don’t see a separate self at all, anywhere. I don’t see one in the past either (which would be thought anyway).

2) Explain in detail what the illusion of separate self ...

Dear Rali,

Thank you for reading my answers and your detailed response. I am looking forward to looking again with fresh eyes. I have houseguests here for a few more days so I won’t be answering right away.

Much love
K

Dear Rali,

This was part enjoyable and part challenging, but not for anybody.

1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever?

No there is not a separate self, was not ever, but I once believed there was.

2) Explain in detail what ...

Dear Rali,

I can feel into what you're saying, and have started catching resistances when they come up. Hoping to incorporate that into my regular practice in some way as well.

Thank you for being willing to keep looking with me when it feels confusing. Surely there will be something(s) and I ...

Dear Rali,

Before the next thought arrives...
Is anything lacking?
Nothing lacking now!

Is anything asking to be different? Or is there simply this?
No/simply this

I'd like to ask you a couple of simple questions.
When you look now, is there any doubt that a separate self cannot be found ...

Dear Rali,

Is there ever anything other than direct experience?
No. Everything is DE, its only mind saying its not DE when attention is in thought.

Isn't that too simply what is appearing?
Yes

What exactly is it that believes the story?
Looks like nothing believes the story.

Has anything ...

Dear Rali,

When difficult emotions arise, can the stories be put aside for just a moment?
Yes, when I remember to. Reactivity is much less than it used to be, but not with my stickiest stuff.

Before there is fear, protector, vulnerable part, universe, or healing... what is actually here?
Just ...

Dear Rali,

Can fear actually think?
Ha ha, you got me, NO.

Or is that another story appearing afterwards?
Definitely a story

Can fear itself be found?
Not found.

Or are there simply sensations, together with thoughts describing them as "fear"?
Yes, that. Mind interprets sensations as ...

Dear Rali,

I am very touched by your latest note. I read it before surgery and felt stronger. Brilliant.

Suppose the fear could speak. What is it trying to do for you? What is it protecting?
It is trying to alert me to danger, trying to protect the body. I guess I can be grateful for that. It is ...

Dear Rali,

Good stuff in your message, as always, thank you.

When a thought appears...What exactly is this "believing"? Can believing itself be found?
No

Does believing have a shape?
No

A location? A colour? Or is "believing" another label describing what seems to happen?
When there is ...

Dear Rali,

Thank you for your patience. My Internet is out so I will attempt to send those via Cell. Not a topic I want to ponder at a Wi-Fi café!

has anything changed?
No, nothing has essentially changed. Seems when I am stressed I habitually contract into mind more, getting clogged up in ...

Dear Rali,

The alarm triggers around death as answered here are mostly over other peoples and animals death. Even one’s I don’t know. My own is not as triggering.

What exactly is "death" in direct experience?
Seeing (or knowing) body not inhabited, initially. Then chest and throat feeling ...