The Gate

Hi Curupira

OK.

So look for the “self” in the same way we did earlier on in the exploration.

Can you find a separate YOU in any way, shape or form?

Ben

Hi, Ben!

No, definetely there is not a separated "I".

No one inside having thoughts or sensations.

Just "this" happening.

:)

Sounds excellent to me, well done getting through this first step.

From here people generally get to a place where they feel the push to keep progressing, as there are of course more subtler layers of self that can still be running. Some people like to find their own way to keep progressing, if you want I can definitely guide you through the processes that worked for me, however I wouldn’t do it here on this website. So feel free to PM me and I can give you my contact details if you’re not interested to explore deeper levels. Either way I’m here at any time if you have any questions or anything comes up.

I don’t personally agree with this process, however the people who run this website require me to ask you some questions then they gauge your answers. If they think you’re fully through they’ll then add you to the Facebook groups so you can connect with others who have also gone through this process.

So are you ready for the final questions or is there anything else you’d be like to ask first?

Talk soon

Ben

Hi, Ben!

Yeah, there is a feeling about "now what?", so I'll PM you after the questions. :)

I think I'm ready for the questions.

:)

Thanks!

Okay great, here you go:

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) Can you talk about 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?

Please answer with as much detail as possible, when ready.

Hi, Ben!

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

No, no one separated and never was. Just thoughts and sensations.

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 is the feeling and sensation of owning the body, being a separated "me" that lives inside the body. It starts very early, when you are still a child and learn to recognize yourself among others. It is like feeling as an audience to the movie of life, instead of being life itself. Part of the illusion is to believe that you are your thoughts, you are that "little voice" in the head.

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.

Mind is much quieter now. And even when thoughts arise, they are just that, thoughts, nothing more. That's the main difference. The last few days were pretty common, but much less "talking" from the mind.

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

There was nothing that pushed me over, but there was the seeing of what was holding me back. And that was the love for the character, the person. When it was clear that this person, this thinker and doer was just a thought, there was a realization that the idea of this person was holding me back. So... there were some feeling of saying goodbye to a good old and loved friend. There were some tears... and... that's it.

The character, the behavior, actions, preferences are still here, but recognized as what they really are.

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

I don't know how to answer these, besides saying that everything just happens. And that's it. No decision, intention, free will, choice or control, just life "lifeing". When you are still in illusion, it appears that all those are yours to control. But all this "apperance" comes from thoughts, which are just that e nothing more.

I can give a good example: I'm a teacher and, several times, I finish a class and don't even remember giving the class. Everything just happened by itself. This was even more powerfull when I started in this job and was very worried about the classes. After the class I just remembering thinking "what did just happen?" and everything had happened correctly. This was one of the situations thar pointed to me that there was something to investigate about the one thst "do" or "control" things.

6) Anything to add?

Just say a big "thank you" to Ben.

:)

Hi Curupira

Admin are happy with your responses, they’ll be in contact with you shortly to add you to the various groups.

Cheers

Ben