No, there is no separate 'self' and there never was one.1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever?
2) How does it feel to see this?
Physically, there is a slight tingling and buoyant energy around the heart. There is also a sense of contentment with the realization that labels of 'self' are only thoughts about a fictitious character.
Reality hasn't changed but experience is marked by the lack of engagement with thoughts of a separate 'self' (i.e. no blaming or praising thoughts of 'self', when they appear). There is also a decrease in anxiety and fear related to the illusion of a separate 'self'. And actually, it feels quite silly to entertain ideas of a separate 'self'.What is the difference between 'now' and from before you started this dialogue? Perhaps give a report from the past few days (weeks?)
Before this dialogue, the belief of no separate self was a combination of thoughts supported by scientific findings and religious dogma, it was not experience. Over the course of this dialogue, opportunities were presented to find an inherently existing 'self,' in the direct experience. Initially, the 'self' was thought to be a combination of the mind and body, in the present moment. However, when examining direct experience moment to moment, over the past weeks, no separate self was found.
Examining the expectation of a 'self' realizing that there is no self is what led to awareness that lacks a separate self.3) Was there a last bit that pushed you over? Made you look and realise? Perhaps something that was mentioned, or something that you looked into yourself?
