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 experience of a 'self', 'me', 'I' anywhere or any time.
2) Explain in detail what the illusion of separate self is, when it starts and how it works from your own experience. Describe it fully as you see it now.
The illusion of separate self is just a thought that appears to overlay direct experience. For example, direct experience right now is hands typing. However, a thought arises 'I am typing' which superimposes an 'I' on the experience. But the 'I' cannot be sensed through the 5 senses. It is just a thought arising that is believed.
From the perspective of the separate self, it would seem that my parents taught me at an early age that I was separate, and I believed them. However, from the perspective of direct experience, there is no separate self, and therefore no 'others' or 'parents' so all that has happened are thoughts arising that either reinforce a sense of a separate self or question that sense. The origin of these thoughts is unknown...they just arise.
3) How does it feel to see this? What is the difference from before you started this dialogue? Please report from the past few days.
There seems to be much more clarity regarding reality and illusion since these discussions began. Interestingly, there seems to be slightly less fear thoughts (as related to the safety of the body) then before the discussions. Also dreams include thoughts about the seeing through of the self. There is a sense of openness and peace from this clarity.
4) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look?
The idea of noticing a thought as a thought versus getting lost in the content (i.e. believing the thought) was a pivotal distinction.
5) Describe decision, intention, free will, choice and control. What makes things happen? How does it work? What are you responsible for? Give examples from experience.
Decision, intention, free will, choice, and control are all concepts that can exist only in the presence of a separate self. With the realization of no separate self, it is seen that these concepts are just thoughts that can reinforce the sense of a separate self. For example, the right thumb just hit a the space bar on the keyboard. To say that a decision was made to do this would require an 'I' that would decide. Through direct sensing, however, no 'I' can be found...without a decision-maker, there can be no decision. Just body moving. With no separate self, there is no such thing as responsibility. The question 'What are you responsible for?' is an erroneous question, because it assumes a separate 'you'.
6) Anything to add?
This investigation has been extremely helpful. I look forward to more discussions (through the FB groups, perhaps) that will shed light on other questions that arise--such as the one mentioned in the previous e-mail. Gratitude is arising for this venue to reach clarity!
Love,
Daisy
