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[Canfora]

I’ve gone back (several times a day) to ways of keeping in the present, and there’s no self there.

Can a self appear in the past or in the future? Other than the present, where can the illusion be seen?
I know that I sound like the great oracle but can you see what I'm pointing to? :)

[MikeB]

Other than the present, where can the illusion be seen?

Nowhere.

M

[Canfora]

Is this moment ok as it is?
Do you see there is no self?

[MikeB]

Yes, and yes.

[Canfora]

If it's 100% clear there is no self, do you want to answer the LU 6 final standard questions? That way I could see if there is something unclear that we should look at.

[MikeB]

Yes, please.

[Canfora]

Here they are, Mike. Take your time with them and answer from your experience. Don't forget to give some examples in Q5, please :)

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

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.

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.

4) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look?

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.

6) Anything to add?

[Canfora]

Wondering what is going on,
S

[MikeB]

Taking my time, and stuff's happening.

M

[Canfora]

Yes, stuff happens. You don't need to answer all the questions at once. One or two at a time would be fine. Or we can keep walking if there are any issues appearing - in this case just let me know what they are.
Take care, Sandra

[MikeB]

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

No.

Was there ever?

I used to assume that there was.

More to follow.

M

[MikeB]

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 belief that this psycho-physical human being is governed by a resident entity. A belief instilled in early childhood and reinforced by social necessity from then onwards.

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.

Quite strange, like spending part of the time in a parallel universe.

4) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look?

Brief spells of focussing on present-moment experience whilst managing to avoid getting caught up in thoughts.

5) Describe decision, intention, free will, choice and control.

All nouns labelling illusory believed-in actions of the “self”.
What makes things happen?The hand opens, the cup drops and bounces with a soft sound. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfD1OsP-Bv8

How does it work?

How does what work? I don’t understand the question.

What are you responsible for?

There’s no “I” to be responsible.

6) Anything to add?

Once again, thanks for your help.

Mike

[Canfora]

Hi Mike, thank you for your answers! I'm going to invite other guides to take a look at them. They may or may not make further questions. Take care, Sandra

[Canfora]

Mike, some questions from other guides:

You quote this article: http://www.wildmind.org/.../the-empty-r ... giarist...
One of the main points in the article is that there is no "self" that is let go of. It is the "illusion" that there is a self that is let go of.

Has this distinction been seen? Is fear/anxiety/aversion present when looking at this distinction?

Quite strange, like spending part of the time in a parallel universe.

What do you mean by parallel universes?

[MikeB]

You quote this article: http://www.wildmind.org/.../the-empty-r ... plagiarist...
One of the main points in the article is that there is no "self" that is let go of. It is the "illusion" that there is a self that is let go of.

Has this distinction been seen?

It has.

Is fear/anxiety/aversion present when looking at this distinction?

No.

What do you mean by parallel universes?

Lost in everyday thoughts and stories, the world seems to be a certain way. But with present focus, and without clinging to thoughts and stories, it doesn’t.

M