1) Is there a 'me', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever? how about self, is there anything that is separate from everything else?
Short answer: no. no. No.
Long answer: Not really. The self appears to be only a mental blind spot grounded on assumptions.
2) Explain in detail what the illusion of separate self is, when it starts and how it works.
It means to believe that there is a real me, that the thought identity is a real thing, and that I am that, instead of just being the presence in which phenomena can be watched.
The illusion takes form in the mind of a human being when it's young enough to absorb culture like a sponge absorbs water.
3) How does it feel to see this? describe in detail.
It feels spacious. Like there's space to breath, to watch and to simply be.
4) How would you describe it to somebody who has never heard about this illusion but is curious about it.
It's realizing that the I doesn't exist. As a receptacle of identity the I is completely illusory and the root of all personal problems. And discovering the freedom of being whatever you really -and already- are without needing to resort to any identity.
5) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look? was there a specific moment when seeing happened or was it gradual? what exactly happened?
There are so many moments... It's been very gradual, with flashbacks. One of the biggest pushes was recognizing and accepting emotions, as my identity was very shutdown to feel emotion, it was a very shaking experience and a very big eye-opener. Integrating the new way of perceiving with a closer look to the assumptions about me.
