Serenity Now

[Bananafish]

Hi Alan. :)

Yes, this is a question worth investigating.

Another point is, as you wrote, what is it in direct experience?
Then you have to see what is here and now.

So, if I told you to describe what is here and now, what would it be?
Isn't it that, unconsciously, you're complicating it with any thought or belief?


Please try to find an expression that best suits your discovery.

And please note that there is no single exact word that perfectly describes it;
that would be rather impossible.


Warm regards,

Bananafish

[Arjuna1]

Hi Kento,

Regarding inquired into THIS VERY THING:

Another question that points to the same place is:
What is typing a reply? Another point is, as you wrote, what is it in direct experience?

Direct experiences while typing a reply included:
the experience of color (laptop screen)
the experience of sound (laptop fan)
the experience of sensation (fingers contacting keypad)
None of these experiences are evidence of a "self" typing a reply. Typing a reply is just happening.

Then you have to see what is here and now.

Now, there is a memory (thought) of previously typing a reply.

So, if I told you to describe what is here and now, what would it be?

An openness awareness to experience.

Isn't it that, unconsciously, you're complicating it with any thought or belief?

Yes. Giving attention to thoughts and beliefs, takes attention away from direct experience.

Alan

[Bananafish]

Great ofservations as usual, Alan! :)

Giving attention to thoughts and beliefs, takes attention away from direct experience.

And what is it that is giving attention?

What is "attention" if you don't think about attention?

[Arjuna1]

Hello Kento,

Giving attention to thoughts and beliefs, takes attention away from direct experience.

And what is it that is giving attention?

Awareness is attention.

What is "attention" if you don't think about attention?

Attention is always ever present... it "is". Thought experience attaches the label "attention" and tells a story about it, but unlike the transient nature of a thought experience and/or any experience, awareness is constant.
Experience exists and is dependent on awareness (attention), but awareness is independent of experience.

This story that Alan is a finite "self", continues to crumble.

Oh my, tears of joy are flowing!!!

Sincerely,

Alan

[Bananafish]

Hi Alan. :) It's a sheer pleasure to see someone freeing oneself
with joy ... what a touching experience!

Awareness is attention.

Attention is always ever present... it "is". Thought experience attaches the label "attention" and tells a story about it, but unlike the transient nature of a thought experience and/or any experience, awareness is constant.
Experience exists and is dependent on awareness (attention), but awareness is independent of experience.

Can you replace the word awareness with other words?
Does the name have to be "awareness"?


Please investigate what you call "awareness,"
and choose a most precise name to describe it.


Warmly,

Bananafish

[Arjuna1]

Kento,

Does the name have to be "awareness"? Can you replace the word awareness with other words?

Here
Now
Familiar
Knowing
Intimate
Being
Everything
Dimensionless
Oneness

Please investigate what you call "awareness,"
and choose a most precise name to describe it.

I am awareness!!!

Sincerely,

Awareness

[Bananafish]

I am awareness!!!

:)
Are "I" and "awareness" separate?

[Arjuna1]

Hi Kento,

Are "I" and "awareness" separate?

There is just awareness. There is no "I" experience.

Sincerely,

Alan

[Bananafish]

Hi Alan. :)

What about when you make nice cup of coffee and enjoy a sip of it?
Is it "just awareness"?

[Arjuna1]

Kento,

What about when you make nice cup of coffee and enjoy a sip of it?
Is it "just awareness"?

While sipping coffee, there is the direct experience of taste, smell, and sensation along with awareness of these direct experiences.

I'm trying to stay with direct experience and stay out of my minds habit of hypothesizing. I have direct experiences of color, sound, taste, touch, thoughts, emotions. These experiences would not be recognized were it not for awareness. Back to you question "Are I and awareness separate?". Can a thing know itself? If no, then "I" and "awareness" must stand separate so that one can experience the other. If yes, then they are one in the same.

Not sure if I am explaining myself coherently. Please keep pointing.

Thanks,

Alan

[Bananafish]

Hi again! :)

These experiences would not be recognized were it not for awareness.

Is this 100% true?

Could you say that this description is coming from your direct observation of
what is here and now?


What comes up if you say "These experiences would be recognized without awareness"?
Do you need something called "awareness" to stand in the middle of the experience itself?


Please clap your hands and see which one is a more precise description of it:

1. There was awareness of the sound of the hand clapping.
2. Clap!


Warm regards,

Kento

[Bananafish]

By the way, please don't believe in anything I write.
The important thing is to test and verify it for yourself. :)

[Arjuna1]

Kento,

These experiences would not be recognized were it not for awareness.
Is this 100% true?

No. I have no direct experience to confirm 100% that this is true.

Could you say that this description is coming from your direct observation of
what is here and now?

No, That description was tainted with a story I told myself.. probably read or heard that somewhere and thought it made sense.

What comes up if you say "These experiences would be recognized without awareness"?

Great! Simple, direct, honest, pure.

Do you need something called "awareness" to stand in the middle of the experience itself?

No! The experience is directly experienced.

Please clap your hands and see which one is a more precise description of it:

1. There was awareness of the sound of the hand clapping.
2. Clap!

#2. Of course! So obvious!!!

Really appreciate your guidance. Keep on pointing, please.

Regards,

Alan

[Bananafish]

Alan,

What do you further guidance for?
Is there anything you want to enquire?

Please tell. :)

[Arjuna1]

Hi Kento,

What do you further guidance for?

I don't know. This enquiry has been very eye-opening. I will continue direct experience as I go through the days ahead. I went back and reviewed our posts, and re-read the comment stating, "I feel like I am a separate self. That belief has been destroyed via the direct experience exercises. Story telling is still happening, but at least I am aware of it.
Experience is it! There's no need to believe, ponder or try to verbalize. Experience is!

Is there anything you want to enquire?

Well, it is was not what "thought story" said it would be:) No holy ghost explosion... yeah that's what was believed to be experienced. It is very subtle, but profound. Let experience be.

Sincerely,

Alan