getting started

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4.--The object hidden in a picture comes the closest for me. It seems impossible to see until you see it and then it becomes impossible not to see it.

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5.--Like most problems mine was self-inflicted. I made "looking" very complicated. I envisioned peering inside my skull somehow (which never worked). A video on LU indicated that looking was just looking (like for car keys). It worked! I envisioned Harold's body standing completely alone and saw not only no "I" or "me" but realized there couldn't be. No feeling of accomplishment, more like, Well duh!

[Metta777]

I will submit your answers and let you know as soon as possible. Regards, Metta :-)

[Metta777]

Hi Harold, Great answers. Another guide did have one more question. Now being aware that there is no separate self, how do you see others? Are there any others? <3 Metta

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To be honest I have enough problems making self-lessness my default setting. This no-self state is not yet known automaticly. Attention to looking leads to realization that there is no me, but, the mind has not let go yet. I could give you the answer your'e looking for but it wouldn't be heart-felt or experienced. Harold

[Metta777]

Thank you, Harold for your honesty. Perhaps think on this, " Emptiness is form and form is emptiness. " If all is conditioned arising, it just happens. Then all have nor can find identity within. Thoughts ,feelings and perceptions are empty. They arise based on prior conditioning or direct experience. There are streams of conditioned arisings only.
When the thought of no-self comes up is there fear? If so where in the body does it seem to be centered? Feel your breathing coming from your nostrils. There is reality, existence, just not in the way you were conditioned to believe. Seeing is part of the journey, through the gateless gate, but when considering the condition of all, no blame,no praise arises. Are there still labels for self and others? Keep looking, you are doing well. You, being used just for the sake of communication. Luv, Metta

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I never have understood the Heart Sutra completely, here's where I am at now--all phenomenon (including thoughts) that are perceived by awareness are empty (finite, illusionary, dependent) while emptiness can not be perceived it is the medium (space, silence,stillness) that alllows phenomenon to appear or be.
No-self doesn't cause fear but remember I'm at an age where no-self will occur one way or another in the not too distant future anyway. Dying before dying sounds like a great idea so, no fear.
As to self and others--looking I can see we all have bodies which are temporary. We all have personalities that are contrived, we all have a sense that we exist although most of us don't know as what. Harold

[Metta777]

Hi Harold, I am not so young myself , :-) , 63. I am not sure contrived is the right word, then it sounds like something someone decided to do or had control over. Remember there is no actual doer. There is just the conditioned arising of thoughts,feelings, perceptions, etc. It is not planned. As for dying, it is not the end at all, people see it that way due to the death of perceived self or ego. Do you have any questions Harold ? Anything that is felt as if it is not clear? Warmly , Metta

[Metta777]

As for the Heart Sutra we can chat about that if you like off here. Metta

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You have taken no-self from being a theory I believed in to a fact that can be observed. In ten years of study and practice this is the first time I realized what all those fingers were pointing at. Thank you for your time and knowledge. This new perspective of no-self is very different than the one conceived by my mind. This means that all opinions, beliefs, and concepts need to seen for what they really are. This also changes "awareness" from belonging to "me" to being a result of "no-self" and belonging to "no-one". "Resting as awareness" has a new meaning and I intend to spend time there. I feel the need to think less, do less, and be quiet more. Thank you so much and have a wonderful Christmas. I will keep you in my "favorites" in case I have a question. Hugs, Harold

[Metta777]

Thank you, Harold and if you would like to be a guide after passing you may. Also there is an aftercare group. You have a lovely holiday also. Affectionately, Metta

[Metta777]

Congratulations Harold!! You will be added to our confirmation list. Your color will be changed and you will be in aftercare. If no one contacts you, please let me know. Thanks, Metta.

[Metta777]

http://liberationunleashed.com/nation/v ... ?f=6&t=696 Here is a link to the Lu groups that you may join, as I said you will be contacted for the aftercare group to deal with any residual questions or concerns you might have. :-) Metta