The Gate

Hi Magdalena,

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

There is no separate I anywhere, there never was.

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 the separate self arises when a thought arises, we ascribe it to an 'I'. So every thought that pops up reinforces the illusory self. Choices and decisions are made like a thought popping up and we then ascribe it to an 'I' making it. The body moves and we ascribe it to an 'I' moving the body. It probably starts before 2 years old when I child begins to know its name.

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.

As far as I remember, I do not have self referential thoughts, but maybe it further diminished with spiritual practices in the last 2 decades. During the Finders Course, I recognised that there is only the seeing and hearing and there is no seer or hearer. However, I still felt I was making decisions and have control. Then a couple of exercises helped me to see that 'I ' had no control over thoughts, choices and decisions. The more I look for the controller, the clearer it is that I have no control.
It seems like I already have some recognition that there is no self, but the last elements became clearer with your help. So it wasn't a big shift but an incremental shift. So now its more often that I see my body moving like on auto and life is just unfolding.

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

The exercise looking for the controller.

5) Describe
- decision,
- intention,
- free will,
- choice and control.

Decision - as in the 2 drinks exercise, attributes of the options pops up from past experiences and cultural influences, then thoughts arise about relative merits. Finally a preference pops up and a decision is made. There is no one making the decision.
Similarly, for intention, free will, choice and control, we mistakenly perceive an 'I' doing them. But in truth, life is just unfolding and there is no one having intention, free will, choice and control.

What makes things happen? How does it work? Give examples from experience.

Wow that's a big question. All I can see is life is just unfolding. My habits, past experiences, social and cultural conditioning leads to thoughts popping up that might affect the unfolding and how life shows up. Thoughts popping up like in the 2 drinks exercise.

What are you responsible for? Give examples from experience.

As there is no I, there is no one to be responsible for anything. Life is just happening and unfolding.

6) Anything to add?

Seeing more clearly that there is no 'I' that controls, has lead to less contraction, more ease, more spaciousness and more allowing of life to just unfold.

Many thanks for your pointing. With gratitude.

Alan

Thanks for your answers, Alan. They will now be shared with other guides, who may or may not have extra questions for you.

Hello Alan,

It appears that the Gateless Gate has been crossed, but is there a Gate? And is there anyone to cross it? And is this an end, a beginning, or both? 😉

There have been no more questions for you, which means that your name will soon be turned blue. Look out for an admin message about the various options available to you now, such as joining our Facebook groups, and other matters.

Feel free to explore the private LU forum you will be able to access once your name has turned blue, join in any group discussions on FB, or make use of LU online support groups run by senior guides free of charge.

There are three of those, and they meet on Zoom – do contact the organisers for extra info, links and schedules:
1) Vince runs one on Wednesdays and weekends. Contact: vinceschubert@gmail.com
2) Luchana and Lubo run one on Thursdays. Contact: Luchana at luchanauzunova@gmail.com
3) Ilona holds a monthly meeting. Contact: admin@ilonaciunaite.com


It's been lovely talking to you. See you on the other side. 🙂🙂🙂

Hi Magdalena,

Thank you so much for helping me in this endeavour. I look forward to working on the other fetters.

With much gratitude and love,

Alan