Dear Vivien,

Wow...I didn't realize how non-committal my language was!

There is no evidence of self or there no self?
Is there a self anywhere?

No, there is no self anywhere. There is only a thought of a self.

What is that ‘something else’ that direct experience could be compared to?


There ...

Hi Vivien,

I'm sorry it took so long to reply. I understand what you are saying about the scope of LU, so here are my answers to the 6 questions:

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

There is no evidence through direct ...

Hi Vivien,

This is where I am stuck. I know that I cannot find an 'I' in this body. However, the experience of pain is perceived when something happens to this body and not other bodies. And the experience of pain appears to be perceived elsewhere (not here) when something happens to bodies other ...

Hi Vivien,

I'm giving these questions a lot of thought. I didn't want you to think I wasn't responding. I just need a little more time.

Love,
Daisy

Hi Vivien,

However, does the I-thought or the identification with the I-thought has to go away, or is it enough to see that the ‘I’ is just a thought?

But can identification be found in the actual experience?
What is conditioning in the actual experience?
Can be that ‘identification’ are ...

Hi Vivien,

With which of the 5 senses it “the mind experienced as a flow of thoughts”?
Can this be experienced at all? Or just another thought suggest this?
Can “the mind is experienced as a flow of thoughts” – just be another thought believed?


I cannot sense a mind with the 5 senses. Just a ...

Hi Vivien,

What is the ‘thing’ that has a mind?
How the mind is actually experienced?
What is the ‘I’ that can see that “these are all just thoughts”?


I don't know what would have a mind. I cannot find a container for the mind. The mind is experienced as a flow of thoughts...not actually as a ...

Hi Vivien,

Does the habit of referring back to thoughts about ‘me’ indicate an entity, or a ‘driver’ of any kind in ‘reality’? Or have you merely accepted the apparent implication that language produces that if there is an action then there must be a doer or a driver? Go to the actual experience ...

Hi Vivien,

So, are ‘you’ the 'thing' that decides practising The Work, or decision just happens by itself?

It feels like the thought to practice appears, then other thoughts...yes or no thoughts...appear. Then action happens or doesn't. So, I'd have to say the decision happens by itself...and ...

Hi Vivien,

I have given much thought to thought :-)

Where thoughts come from?
Where are they going?
Can ‘you’ stop a thought in the middle?
Can ‘you’ predict what will be the next thought?
Can 'you' choose not to have painful or negative thoughts?


I cannot find the origin of thoughts. They ...

Dear Vivien,

I have been giving this exercise much attention. If I am in the space of feeling that I am my body, when I search for the 'I', I cannot find it in my limbs or other parts. I asked myself, 'if your arm were cut off, would there be less of a sense of you'. The answer is no. I did this ...

Dear Vivien,

The standard view of 'I', 'me' is that of a person - A body with a mind.
The standard view is that 'I' refers to this body that appears here in awareness. I am this body. Also 'I' have control over this body.
Since 'I' am this body, 'I' see, 'I' hear, 'I' feel etc - I perform all the ...

Hi Vivien,

Thanks for the quick reply! I read your response and the biggest reaction I must admit is one of resistance and slight disappointment.

Many seekers believe that liberation is a completely different state that they are currently having, with some special qualities (happiness, bliss ...

Hi Vivien,

Thank you for agreeing to be my guide. I agree to the ground rules you have listed.

What are your expectations for seeing through the illusion of the self? How will Life change?
How will you change?
What will be different?


Although I don't expect that my daily activities will ...

Hello,

I posted previously asking for Elena to be my guide, however, she may not be available since I have not received a response. I would be grateful if someone would agree to guide me.

I have been a seeker of truth for as long as I can remember. The seeking really took hold of me in the last 10 ...