Guide needed for Gate excursion

[Choppy]

Is there any THING (i.e. a being, entity, personality), outside of the awareness of experience?

What would you say, based on direct experience only, if I told you that 'self' is just a label we put on certain experiences, and it has no existence outside of experience?

There is no being, entity or personality to be found anywhere. But there is awareness of things happening.

A label of self is a useful tool to function in this world. It can only be seen together with certain thoughts/experiences in the current moment.

There's sensations of a high fever and sore throat, hopefully it will move away soon.

[Paulo]

There's sensations of a high fever and sore throat, hopefully it will move away soon.

No kidding, same here! Huddled under a heavy blanket sweating it out for the past two days :-(

So, in light of recent experience, and responding ONLY from that experience -

Have you seen through the illusion of self as a SEPERATE entity?

Paulo.

[Choppy]

Have you seen through the illusion of self as a SEPERATE entity?

Paulo.[/quote]

Whenever i try direct looking to find a separate being/entity or personality. There's nothing to be found. That is undeniable proof that there's nothing to be found.

So yes, i suppose i have seen through the illusion of self.

[Choppy]

Direct looking = Direct experience. I always mix 'em up.

[Paulo]

I'm going to ask you a number of questions which I would like you to answer in your own time and your own way, maybe one per day, or all at once if you feel so inspired. Answer ONLY from your own experience, and from what's happening HERE and NOW. I will catch up with you once you have responded to all questions -

1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever?

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.

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.

4) How would you describe it to somebody who has never heard about this illusion but is curious about it. 




5) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look?

6) Do you decide, intend, choose, control events in Life? Do you make anything happen? Give examples from your experience.

7) Anything to add?

[Choppy]

1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever?

No, there has never been a separate entity, 'self', 'me', or 'I' anywhere to be found. And it has never existed in any way other than a thought-form.

I'll aim at doing one or a few questions daily.

[Paulo]

Thanks Alex, I look forward to your responses.

Paulo.

[Choppy]

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 illusion of separate self is believing that the body and mind is a separate entity from the rest of the universe. It starts at a very young age; identifying with thoughts that has an "I", "me" or "my" attached to them. This is the main cause of suffering and believes one is in control of life. That "I'm" a doer that has a choice when it comes to decisions, looking, hearing, smelling, thinking and touching. There's never been a doer or such a thing as control. Life as a whole has nothing behind it which is creating it. Life is simply happening by itself, and it is aware of itself. Observing how life unfolds is the key to freedom from identification with form. Everything arises and disappears, there's nothing to hold onto.

[Choppy]

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.
[/u][/b]

Before this dialogue started I was much more obsessed with choices, feelings and thoughts. Throughout the progression of this journey more attention has been shifted towards the current moment; to what truly is. There is more joy and peace due to seeing how there's no control over life, I just have to sit back and enjoy the show as it unfolds. When feelings such as irritation, disappointment and anger appear I'm at most times able to see it for what it is, and there's no unnecessary acting on them. As a concept of self, I'm calmer and more relaxed when troublesome things arise. Thoughts that previously took away all my energy is now allowed to be until they disappear. Life in general has not changed, everything still occurs as previously have, the difference is in how it's viewed, and with less attachment to it.

[Choppy]

4) How would you describe it to somebody who has never heard about this illusion but is curious about it. 



[/u][/b]

I actually tried to explain it to my girlfriend, she's never been interested in the spiritual realm at all. The nature of existence just isn't for everyone, yet. I tried to gently tell her about how there's no control. That thoughts arise and disappear without a thinker behind them. She didn't like that, since she believes that choices in life shape her life, that she's in control of what happens.

I tried a couple of exercises with her from the "enlightening quote app", and they seemed to work somewhat well, but if the other person shows no interest, then it's difficult to make any progress.

But this site has a very good way of introducing people to the illusion of "I".

[Choppy]

5) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look?

Ultimately it was through the questions in this thread, i can't really recall what the question was, but it made me take a good hard look at direct experience. The truth revealed itself for a short period, it was a real eye opener. Although post-experience thoughts have come and gone that has tried to conceptualize the experience i had into something ordinary and insignificant. But i know what it was, and it was simply wonderful!

[Choppy]

6) Do you decide, intend, choose, control events in Life? Do you make anything happen? Give examples from your experience.

"I" don't decide, intend, choose or control anything in life. I'm simply an observer to what happens; it's like watching a movie, shapes come and go. There's nothing to add or change, just be here and experience it all. Movement, touch, smelling, hearing and sight all function on their own, there's nothing that can be done except to accept them. Life's a game, without a player.

[Choppy]

7) Anything to add?

Not at the moment, no.

Are these answers sufficient, or shall i elaborate?

[Paulo]

Thanks Alex, and yes, those answers are just perfect. I especially like your comment -

Life's a game, without a player

The next step is for me to share this thread with other guides to see if they have any further questions for you. This part of the process may take a little while, but I will keep you updated as we progress.

With love, Paulo

[Paulo]

Hi Alex, our guides have come back with a question for you in regard to the response to Question 6 -

I'm simply an observer to what happens; it's like watching a movie, shapes come and go.

Is there really an 'I' there observing what happens? If so, what is it that's observing this observer?

Paulo