How can there not be a self?

[Dutchman]

Addendum.

During my walk on the beach this AM, I tried to look at this 'place-before-I' and found pretty much the same as I wrote earlier today. It is really the first time I have ever considered this 'before' place. There really is no adequate way to describe it because it doesn't really exist in the conventional sense of the word. Maybe one way to describe it is with the word 'potential'; it can at any time contain something/everything. And, then again, it can contain nothing.

I have to add that I am not really in touch, if that's the right word, with this 'before I' place/space/potential. But, maybe, it's growing on me more and more?

Just sayin'.

[gerhard_pret]

Hi JW,

I do have a request/question. I think I work best with simple, singular exercises. Maybe, if that’s ok with you, we can do this one step at a time? In other words, one exercise, one set of questions. It’s easier for me to go into more depth rather than trying to answer everything you raise. Is that possible?

Fine with me :-)

There is nothing I can see or identify that is there before. All I can say is that the sound, feeling, thought was not there before (or after.) There are no words that can describe what was there before. How do you describe ‘not there’? quote]

Some good observations here. There are no words to describe because it is prior to words and thought. There is nothing to do in this space but to notice and 'be' it. Have another look at this 'space' when you have some time. Please consider the following:

- You noticed that "I / You" has a hard time identifying with it, why is this? Why does this "I" have such a hard time identifying with this space prior to seeing, hearing, thought?
- When you look for an "I" or 'self' something 'personal' in that space, what do you find?

Now, notice the sounds, sights, smells, sensations that arise in this "enormous...open, empty something."
- Is there any gap between the appearing of a sound or sight or sensation and the 'knowing' of it? Can we be aware of that sound or sight even one second prior to it showing up?
- You mentioned that this space is 'open'. Is there any limit to its openness? Can we stop any sound, or sensation from arising in this space?
- When you look for an "I" or 'self' in the sights, sounds, sensations etc. that arises from this great 'open space', what do you see?


Best Wishes

Gerhard

[Dutchman]

Greetings, Gerhard.

Been MIA... Sorry. We were away, visiting some friends.

I am going to take a bit of a breather from LU, if you don't mind. I don't feel I am doing it justice, and your kind counsel is not getting the respect (from me) that it deserves. I am simply not putting in the time and effort and that's not right.

So, please allow me to go away for a bit and reconnect if and when the time allows me the energy. OK?

I so appreciate your help and kindness. My (temporary) departure is entirely due to my inability to commit the time.

Thank you and hopefully 'till soon. JW

[gerhard_pret]

Hi JW,

So, please allow me to go away for a bit and reconnect if and when the time allows me the energy. OK?

That's fine. Take all the time you need. I know that it's not always easy to find the time around work and family responsibilities.

I so appreciate your help and kindness. My (temporary) departure is entirely due to my inability to commit the time.

It's a pleasure. I enjoyed our conversation. You are always welcome here.

Best Wishes

Gerhard