The Gate

Is there more you would like to explore here Simon?

Thank you,
John

In the past week, everything has become very clear to me. Before that, even though I saw that there was no me, there was still confusion. Since I let go, it all fell into place.

So to answer your question: no, except if in your judgement there is reason to explore further.

Thanks.

In the past week, everything has become very clear to me. Before that, even though I saw that there was no me, there was still confusion. Since I let go, it all fell into place.

So to answer your question: no, except if in your judgement there is reason to explore further.

Thanks.

Cool. Be lovely to hear more about the 'becoming clear' experiences. What happened? What's different now than prior to becoming more clear? Some examples from everyday life would be great.

Cheers Simon!

/John

In the past week, everything has become very clear to me. Before that, even though I saw that there was no me, there was still confusion. Since I let go, it all fell into place.

So to answer your question: no, except if in your judgement there is reason to explore further.

Thanks.

Cool. Be lovely to hear more about the 'becoming clear' experiences. What happened? What's different now than prior to becoming more clear? Some examples from everyday life would be great.

Cheers Simon!

/John

The becoming clear was in the realization that the experiences I was having, were still self-related experiences. Even though I had seen that there is no self, the mind created experiences. Not sure why, but it happened. And it kept feeding the me-illusion. I had seen through it and it seemed like the mind wanted to keep it alive and put me back to sleep, so to speak.

So I needed to let go of literally everything for a moment. And I was left with what is. Which in my current experience is being totally empty and existence just being there.

Like right now, I'm just typing. Accurate would be, there is typing going on. Clicking is being heard. Words are seen. It just happens, I don't know how, but it just does.

That's what it's like right now.

The becoming clear was in the realization that the experiences I was having, were still self-related experiences. Even though I had seen that there is no self, the mind created experiences. Not sure why, but it happened. And it kept feeding the me-illusion. I had seen through it and it seemed like the mind wanted to keep it alive and put me back to sleep, so to speak.

So I needed to let go of literally everything for a moment. And I was left with what is. Which in my current experience is being totally empty and existence just being there.

Like right now, I'm just typing. Accurate would be, there is typing going on. Clicking is being heard. Words are seen. It just happens, I don't know how, but it just does.

That's what it's like right now.

Thanks Simon. I know 'the mind' is a turn of phrase, but what does it point to? Does it seem like there is a mind separate from you somehow? Is there a mind in the moment?

Thank you,
John

Just like the self, the mind doesn't actually exist. The word points to something fictional. When you say that something goes on in your mind, there is something going on. Maybe you see images, maybe you talk to yourself. Those are there. But this thing called a mind isn't. There isn't some kind of "bubble" in which the things that are considered to be inside the mind take place.

Simon,

Just like the self, the mind doesn't actually exist. The word points to something fictional. When you say that something goes on in your mind, there is something going on. Maybe you see images, maybe you talk to yourself. Those are there. But this thing called a mind isn't. There isn't some kind of "bubble" in which the things that are considered to be inside the mind take place.

So with no mind to talk of, where can Simon be?

Thanks,
John

Nowhere. There is no place Simon can be.

Hi Simon,

Nowhere. There is no place Simon can be.

Thank you. Could you give the immediate, what-shows-up responses to each of the 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) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look?
5) Describe decision, intention, free will, choice and control. What makes things happen? How
does it work? What are you responsible for? Give examples from experience.
6) Anything to add?

Best wishes,
John

Thank you. Could you give the immediate, what-shows-up responses to each of the questions...

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

No. Absolutely not.

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.

It is the idea that there is a separate "thing" called a self. It's the me, I, Simon, etc. showing up in thoughts, with the assumption that it refers to something that exists. That creates a problem. A confused mind and human being with a lot of problems and incorrect perceptions.

It starts in childhood where one is taught "This is you". It's something that's been trained in and never questioned. And based on that training, the illusion becomes very elaborate as one grows older.

3) How does it feel to see this? What is the difference from before you started this dialogue?

It's freeing. And surprisingly quiet. It's not a huge realization, just seeing it and going "oh, ok, so that's it".

Before seeing it, I was leading a very restricted life inside my head.

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

The first time I saw it was while listening to an audio Armstrong posted in our thread. After that there was some confusion. The final step was when I let go and just felt empty, in a good way. And it just makes sense.

5) Describe decision, intention, free will, choice and control. What makes things happen? How
does it work? What are you responsible for? Give examples from experience.

No one is responsible for anything, since there is no one. In my experience, things just happen. There really are no decision, intention, free will, choice and control. Those were illusions as well. From experience, the reason I'm typing this now, is because it just started happening. And right now it is occurring. In a free flow.

6) Anything to add?

Only that one of the wonderful side-effects is an enormous increase in the quality of sleep. :)

Thanks Simon - be back shortly. /john

Alright, thanks.

Hi Simon, have sent you a PM (private message). /John

Hi John,

Got it and replied. Thanks a lot!

Simon