Seeing what is

[InspireMe54]

LU is focused guiding for seeing there is no real, inherent 'self' - what do you understand by this? My understanding is that i, like all sentient beings and every thing around us, on the planet, the universe etc am an expression of Divine Consciousness

What are you looking for at LU? Perhaps a sort of validation or, at least, a conversation that will enable me to see beyond the limitations of the mind. There is the knowing that this Higher Consciousness already exists in me and is waiting to be unveiled fully. As I write this, I see that that's the part of me that's encouraging further exploration so that there is a complete understanding that will allow me stay present consistently.

What do you expect from a guided conversation? What I would wish for from a guided conversation is the capacity to be skilfully assisted into resting in the state of Awareness , not just from time to time, but as the constant state that I know is available to me when I let go of whatever baggage I'm still holding onto unconsciously.

What is your experience in terms of spiritual practices, seeking and inquiry? As I child I in an Irish Catholic family, I was deeply spiritual. I loved to attend church and prayed daily. I took delight in everything around me- my glass was, and still is, always more than half-full. While getting drawn into more mundane life experiences over the years- relationship, bringing up beautiful family, work and addiction, I searched for the deeper meaning of life and found zen Buddhism and then Tibetan Buddhism which were like a balm for my soul in their ability to answer questions that other religions could not . I have been blessed to meet with wonderful teachers from all walks of life and for the past two or three years have been drawn to advaita vedanta . Through this I came across the Nothing Conference Nonduality Archive and your work.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how willing are you to question any currently held beliefs about 'self?
10

[Life]

Hey, Machiel here I will be your guide cause can clearly see where your coming from and can point you to seeing things for yourself so you won't need any religion or teaching anymore. So let's just start and see where we'll end up.

So first let's get some things clear:

If you haven't already read the disclaimer, please read it now and just confirm to me that you have read it. Here is the link.

http://liberationunleashed.com/disclaimer-2/

Also please read “Liberation Unleashed is not …” in the FAQ’s of LU. Here is the link.

http://liberationunleashed.com/about/faq/#faq-1041

Some housekeeping guidelines:

1. Post at least once a day, or every second day. If you need more time, or are unable to post for several days, just write a quick post on your thread to let me know please.

2. There is no one judging answers given, so please be 100% honest in your answers and inquiry.

3. This exploration is based on actual experience (AE) - smell, taste, sound, sensation, color and observed thoughts. Long-winded analytical and philosophical answers are best avoided and may even hinder progress. This is not a self-improvement process. There is no ‘self’ to improve.

4. Put aside all other teachings, philosophies, rituals, practices, books/reading and so on for the remainder of this investigation. Really put all your effort and attention in to seeing this reality, as it is. If you have a daily meditation practice, it is fine to continue that but is not necessary for this exploration.

You're doing a lot. Can you let go of most of it for a while?

Technology is not perfect and sometimes there is a glitch which can wipe out your responses. It is advisable that you copy and paste questions asked into Word, answer them there and then copy and paste them to your thread. Always save a copy of what you have done, it will save time in the long run!

To begin with, so that we both become aware of what your expectations are about this exploration. In your own words (not from actual experience, but just honest answers), could you please answer the 4 following questions:

How will life change?
How will you change?
What will be different?
What is missing?

Throughout this exploration I would like you to answer all questions that I have written in blue text. Please answer all questions even if I miss using the blue text.

Please answer questions individually, remembering to use the quote function to highlight the question being answered.

Below is a link to the video with instructions on using the Quote Function. Please watch it. Use the PREVIEW button to make sure your text looks right before you hit "SUBMIT."

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=660

What would you like for me to call you?

Please tell me what time zone are you in so I know when to best talk to you?

I'm in CET.

Looking forward to working with you!

Sincerely,
Machiel

[InspireMe54]

If you haven't already read the disclaimer, please read it now and just confirm to me that you have read it.

Done. Have also read Liberation Unleashed is not …

1. Post at least once a day, or every second day. If you need more time, or are unable to post for several days, just write a quick post on your thread to let me know please.

Forgive me but I'm not great on Technology and don't quite understand what 'my thread' is. Also what do i post?

you're doing a lot. Can you let go of most of it for a while?[

Hi Machiel. I'm not sure what you mean 'I'm doing a lot'. If you're referring to what brought me to non-duality, what I wrote was a condensed history of how I got here. Right now I'm concentrating on letting everything go and just being.

How will life change?

More clarity and living from a deeper truth.

How will you change?

Probably not a great deal- being more present and awake

What will be different?[

I imagine remaining in a state of presence for longer periods until that's all there is.

What is missing?

Nothing is missing- just the unveiling of it.

What would you like for me to call you?

Philomena

Please tell me what time zone are you in so I know when to best talk to you?

I'm in GMT

Looking forward to working with you!

Me too. Thank you for your time. Philomena

[Life]

Hey Philomena, thank you for your answers and also questioning what is unclear keep doing that if something I ask is unclear please ask, I will too if something in your response is unclear to me.

Done. Have also read Liberation Unleashed is not …

Ok great.

Forgive me but I'm not great on Technology and don't quite understand what 'my thread' is. Also what do i post?

Not a problem, with thread is meant the topic our conversation takes place in. One of the guides used to have the forum name or called pointing "Untying tangled threads" but that on a side note. Well after you thoroughly look in direct experience in your day-to-day life at what is asked to do you give a ruthlessly or just very honest answer.

Hi Machiel. I'm not sure what you mean 'I'm doing a lot'. If you're referring to what brought me to non-duality, what I wrote was a condensed history of how I got here. Right now I'm concentrating on letting everything go and just being.

That is connected to 4. You are probably already doing a lot on your spiritual path, so the question is if you think you are going to be able to let all of that go for the time of this process so you can truly focus on this direct looking else it will not work. Doing one thing thoroughly is better than doing all kinds of things. So again can you let go of all the other things your doing can we agree on that?

[InspireMe54]

So again can you let go of all the other things your doing can we agree on that?[/quote

Indeed we can. I agree.

[Life]

So thanks again good to be clear on those things, so the next point is the most important thing to be clear on and will be repeated if necessary.

Direct or Actual Experience is only:

Seeing
Hearing
Feeling (Sensation, not emotion. Emotion is Sensation plus made-up thoughts & labels)
Tasting
Smelling
Thoughts Arising (but not their content)

Please let me know if you are clear about this or if you would like any further clarification?

[InspireMe54]

Direct or Actual Experience is only:

Seeing
Hearing
Feeling (Sensation, not emotion. Emotion is Sensation plus made-up thoughts & labels)
Tasting
Smelling
Thoughts Arising (but not their content)

Please let me know if you are clear about this or if you would like any further clarification?

Absolutely clear. Six instruments in the orchestra of experience.

[Life]

Sorry to go back to the beginning but I forgot to say something about your expectations, I saw that you wrote that you expect to be more present and Aware for longer periods of time. To be clear this is not what this direct looking and pointing is about. It is important to let go of every expectation you have about this, try to step into this with a fresh attitude, don't mix it up with other teachings you have been doing. So can you let go of all your expectations about this before we go further?

[InspireMe54]

So can you let go of all your expectations about this before we go further?

Yes Machiel. I can let go of all expectations. Thank you for the reminder .

[Life]

So can you let go of all your expectations about this before we go further?

Yes Machiel. I can let go of all expectations. Thank you for the reminder .

Okay, then we can go further with direct experience and labeling daily activities.

Here's an exercise that I would like you to try as many times throughout the day as you can. Label daily activities simply color/image, sound, smell, taste, sensation, thought.

So for example, when having breakfast, become aware of:

Seeing a cup, simply = image/color
Smelling coffee, simply = smell
Feeling the warmth of the coffee cup, simply = sensation
Tasting the coffee, simply = taste
Hearing the spoon stirring the coffee, simply = sound
Thought about drinking the coffee, simply = thought

Just break down daily activities into these categories (which are all Actual/Direct Experience) and report back with lists EXACTLY like the one above. Same order, everything.

Post several of your own observations in a list *exactly* like the one above, please.

Refer to the green list of Actual/Direct Experience in the prior post if that helps. Those are the only items any experience can be.

[Life]

Hi Philomena, how are things going? Any questions about the exercise? Best to keep things going it is an exercise that need not take longer than a day. If there is something else I would love to hear it. Don't feel rushed though if you need some more time that is ok.

Be well, Machiel

[InspireMe54]

Hi Philomena, how are things going? Any questions about the exercise? Best to keep things going it is an exercise that need not take longer than a day. If there is something else I would love to hear it. Don't feel rushed though if you need some more time that is ok.

Hi Machiel. Thank you for your message. I spent most of yesterday doing the exercise mentally but hadn't noted it on paper ( so as to speak). Thank you for reminding me. Here is a little of my experience yesterday.

With thanks, Philomena

Seeing a dog simply = image/colour, texture
Touching the dog, simply = sensation
Feeling the softness of the dog's coat. simply = sensation
Hearing the dog bark simply = sound
Thinking about feeding the dog. simply= thought
Feeling the temperature and texture of the spoon to prepare the dog food , simply = sensation
The odour of the food. simply= smell
Watching the dog eat. simply= sight

[Life]

Hi, Philomena, thanks for the reply. Very nice already a whole experience with the dog. Maybe you can expand a bit on the list and add a few at the time you are here typing on computer or phone, just about what your seeing in the moment, a little varying.

[InspireMe54]

Hi, Philomena, thanks for the reply. Very nice already a whole experience with the dog. Maybe you can expand a bit on the list and add a few at the time you are here typing on computer or phone, just about what your seeing in the moment, a little varying.

Approaching the computer, simply = movement/sensation
Feeling feet on the floor simply = sensation
Sitting on the chair & noticing body on the chair simply = sensation
Fingers on the keyboard, noticing the letters. simply = seeing, sensing
Thinking about the experience I am experiencing through this exercise. simply= thought
Hearing the sounds of tapping on the keys. simply= hearing
Hearing & Feeling the breath entering & leaving the body. simply= hearing/ sensation
Looking at the screen and beyond the screen. simply= seeing
Feeling inside and outside of my body. simply= sensing

Many thanks for your time Machiel. :)

[Life]

Hi, Philomena, thanks for the reply. Very nice already a whole experience with the dog. Maybe you can expand a bit on the list and add a few at the time you are here typing on computer or phone, just about what your seeing in the moment, a little varying.

Approaching the computer, simply = movement/sensation
Feeling feet on the floor simply = sensation
Sitting on the chair & noticing body on the chair simply = sensation
Fingers on the keyboard, noticing the letters. simply = seeing, sensing
Thinking about the experience I am experiencing through this exercise. simply= thought
Hearing the sounds of tapping on the keys. simply= hearing
Hearing & Feeling the breath entering & leaving the body. simply= hearing/ sensation
Looking at the screen and beyond the screen. simply= seeing
Feeling inside and outside of my body. simply= sensing

Many thanks for your time Machiel. :)

Alright exactly like that.

Now, let's take that a little farther with this next pointer:


The actual direct experience of an apple.

Have a look at an apple (or any fruit you like.) If you have a ‘real’ apple, you can use it for this exercise or if this one doesn't show on your screen, you can Google for a picture of an apple.


When looking at an apple, there's color; a thought saying ‘apple’; and maybe a thought saying, "I'm looking at an apple."

What is known for sure? Color is known and thoughts are known.

What about the content of thoughts, what they describe?

Actual experience does not refer to thoughts ABOUT something…because that is only just more thought.

Actual experience is sound, thought, color, smell, taste, sensation and the fact of thought arising, but not its content.

Is there really an ‘apple’ here, or only color and a thought ABOUT ‘apple’?

Can ‘apple’ be found in actual experience?

While these thoughts are known, what they talk ABOUT can't be found in actual experience.

This is what is meant by "looking in actual experience." What you know for sure, and, is always here.

Taste labeled ‘apple’ is known
Color labeled ‘apple’ is known
Sensation labeled ‘apple’ is known (when apple is touched)
Smell labeled ‘apple’ is known
Thought about/of an ‘apple’ is known

However, is an apple actually known?

Have fun and let me know what you find out.

Remember that it is essential to be relaxed doing the exercises. Straining and stressing and thinking too much about it will prevent SEEING. You can't make the thoughts go away that is not what I am saying either, just ignore them, see them for the stories they are with no substance in direct experience.