What am i?

[Idk]

LU is focused guiding for seeing there is no real, inherent 'self' - what do you understand by this?
There is no self that has control over the reactions, thoughts, actions etc. So in my understanding, nothing the body does can be claimed by a “self". Everything happens on its own, without anyone deciding whether it will happen or not. This is basically my theoretical understanding

What are you looking for at LU?
To be free from idea that there is someone who controls the process. I’ve had an experiences of just being, without a “self” controlling everything. It was a cool and calm feeling, but it quickly vanished, so i would like to make it permanent this time. And also it would be great to have a guide who could help me by asking the right questions. I’m open to practices as well, but i think theoretical work, especially inquiry through questions, would be better for me

What do you expect from a guided conversation?
To be honest, i’d prefer it to be as quick as possible, i don’t really like long drawn-out conversations. For me 3-5 months feels a bit too long. Ideally, would be great to understand the concept and reach the “enlightenment” so to speak, or more likely “freedom” within a month or so. 2 months would also be fine for me

What is your experience in terms of spiritual practices, seeking and inquiry?
I’ve been in theoretical phase for a bit too long, but even in this period, i had a few moments when i had an understanding of what i really am. Maybe not fully, because it was without a "work" behind that, just a few minutes/hours of knowing that there is no one to be found when you look for the “self”. And about a year ago, i started practicing meditation regularly for a few months, (around 2 or 3) and it really helped me understand life on a slightly deeper level. And because of meditation, i kinda started to look into the concept of "self" , but after i moved to a dormitory, i quit meditating. Even tho i started again about a month ago, i don’t practice as often as i used to. And recently, i started to observing the feeling of “self”. For example, I try to notice where the feeling of self is located in my body. where is the true core of it. And i started to realize that its not only separated, but its most power is in the actions that "i" do. To explain it better, i just want to make an example: when i look at the “self” i usually see that its not so When I observe the idea of the separate "self" without any interaction with people, like just sitting quietly, it feels much weaker and almost not noticeable. It becomes stronger when I’m talking to someone or thinking about things, because the concept of "self" is a mental concept. I know its kinda obvious, but i started this practice just a few days ago. So thats where i am right now

On a scale from 1 to 10, how willing are you to question any currently held beliefs about 'self? 8

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[Anastacia42]

Hi,

And also it would be great to have a guide who could help me by asking the right questions. I’m open to practices as well, but i think theoretical work, especially inquiry through questions, would be better for me

I give almost nothing but practices, because theories are only made up thoughts. Also we have no control at all over how long it takes. None.

Here are a couple of things while you wait for a guide more suited to you.

The *idea* of "self" is a lie feeling of contraction plus the lie thought of a "self." That's it.


Awareness is not a "self."

This will make no sense at all to you until you drop all thinking and actually see it. Until then It is all concepts.


"Enlightenment is an accident. Meditation makes us accident prone."

Sunryu Suzuki


We cannot predict it and we cannot make it happen. We can only practice the conditions in which it is more likely.

This frustrates the mind because it wants everything to be linear and logical and step-by-step, but this is not. It is non linear and unpredictable.

The quicker you drop the expectation of linear predictability, the quicker you create the conditions for seeing no self.

Above all, do not *believe* anything. Just LOOK

Much love& good luck

[Idk]

Oh okay, thanks!

[Noro]

Hello Idk,

Would you like to continue with this thread, I would be happy to guide you.

Best wishes,

Rowena

[Idk]

Hi Rowena!

Would you like to continue with this thread, I would be happy to guide you

Yes, absolutely

[Noro]

Hello,

Great to hear back from you. Please let me know what I should call you.

1. Here at LU we assist in the exploration of the idea of the separate self. This is a guiding based on experience that brings a shift in perception and is not a debate. It directly points to what IS through the use of exercises, questions and dialogue. What is expected from you is to LOOK carefully to what is being pointed at. It is this simple LOOKING (not thinking) that brings a shift in perception.

2. Here, we are LOOKING directly into the experience of the senses, which is actually here and now, with the thinking stripped away. It is also known as Direct Experience (DE) or Actual Experience (AE). In this way, we are aiming to discover what is truly happening without the story we tell ourselves. For this process to work you have to answer with 100% honesty, and not relying on thought, imagination or memory - just reporting your direct experience. That would also mean leaving spiritual teachings, philosophies and science away during the inquiry. If you have a meditation practice, please feel free to continue with it as usual – it might come helpful.

3. Please read the following documents from LU *carefully* and let me know if you have any reservations or doubts regarding them:

http://www.liberationunleashed.com/register/disclaimer/

and "Liberation Unleashed is not …” in the FAQ’s of LU.
http://liberationunleashed.com/about/faq/#faq-1041


4. Please make sure that you are subscribed to your thread. In the top left corner, next to "Post Reply" there is an icon that looks like a spanner. When you click on it there is a menu where you can select “Subscribe topic’. Click on it once. (To be sure that you are subscribed just refresh the page and if you click again should show “Unsubscribe topic”.)

6. Please answer all questions individually, not in a bundle, as this will assist us both in having a clear dialogue. Also it is advisable that you copy and paste questions asked into Word, answer them there and then copy and paste them to your thread. It will save you time in the long run, if a glitch in the system wipes out your answer.

7. When replying to a question it makes it a lot easier to follow the enquiry using the 'Quote Function' to highlight the questions and answers. Here's a video link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fAToDNh9hQ

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.

For the sake of the intensity of the inquiry let’s try to stick to a daily conversation. Of course, life happens, so if you need more time, please let me know. And I will do so as well.
What time zone are in? I am in Belgium which is CET
If you're okay with everything so far, we can start.


STARTING THE ENQUIRY: EXPECTATIONS

First things first, let’s get your expectations out on in the open. Only fear and expectations can prevent clear seeing of no self.

1. What do you think will be different when you realize there’s no separate self?

2. What do you expect to happen as a result of this?

3. What do you want not to happen?

4. What are you hoping for?

5. What seems to be missing in your life right now?

Warmly,

Rowena