Attention goes to a thought that "separate self exists" and the self-image especially when interact with people.“it is so easy to be drawn to the thought that "separate self exists" again”- What is it exactly that can be drawn to a thought that ‘separate self exists’?
No. There is no a separate entity 'self', 'me' , 'I'. There wasn't ever a separate entity, either.1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever?
When perceptions happen, thoughts interpret the experiences as "I see, I hear, I smell, I think, I feel". Actually there are only perceptions happening without an experiencer. And thoughts interpret the image of "the body" as "my body" or "me". Because of the above, the illusion of separate self is formed.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 of thoughts has loosened. Before this dialogue started, it was hard to see that thoughts interpret almost everyting: sound, image, taste, sensation, smell and thoughts themselves. Now everything is not as what I thought them were. The beliefs of what things are have loosened.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.
When it has been seen that the body is not as what I thought it was. When eyes close, the body doesn't exist, there are only perceptions happening. When eyes open, this body is just an image, not "me" or "my body" as what thoughts interpret.4) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look?
Things happen by themselves. This body does what need to be done, too. The body's movements may be affected by thoughts, and another thought interprets this condition as " I make decisions, I have intentions, free will, I choose and control". It's only thoughts' interpretations. Actually there is no an entity to do, decide, choose and control anything, or have intentions and free will. There are only thoughts about "decision, intention, free will, choice and control" arise. And the thought of responsiblity may arise, and the body's movement may be affected by this thought, but there is no a separate I to responsible for something.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.
For example, my mother had a physical examination in the hospital, this body did what needed to be done automatically. Sometimes thoughts about "I should be more careful" or "I should be more responsible" arised, and there were some sensations called "tension" arise. Sensations and the movements of this body may be affected by those thoughts, but there is no an entity to have free will to control, choose or decide something.
Nothing to add so far. And thank you for guiding again.6) Anything to add?
Regards,
Ivy
