The Gate

Hi Rali :)

What is “taken as reality” in direct experience?

Just what appears. Sensations, seeing, hearing, smelling, touching and thinking.

Is there someone taking thought as reality?

No. All appears by itself.

Is there an act of taking?

No.

A taker?

There isn't.

When a thought feels real, is a real-maker found?

No.

When sensation feels personal, is an owner found?

No.

Or is “believed,” “real,” and “personal” another layer of thought-description?

Yes, exactly.

Now take one sticky thought
What makes it feel real? Sensation? Familiarity? Certainty? Repetition? Emotional charge? A mental image?

I looked at "this isn't working for me". There was an immediate body-map tension and a familiar sensation. Where was also a sense of certainty, but I think certainty also comes from thought being followed by familiar body-map sensations. 

What is “familiarity” in direct experience?

Thought is followed by a sensation. Then thought says this has happened before, this is familiar.

What is “certainty” in direct experience? Is it anything more than sensation, strong thought, emotional charge (stronger sensation), and a thought saying “this is true”?

That's all.

The key cut is: Does any of that prove an “I”?

No :)

Does familiarity prove a self?

No.

Does certainty prove truth?

No.

Just check… When thought feels real, is the one it refers to found?

There isn't.
Thank you.
Love:
Lilla

Hi Lilla

Beautiful!!
So let's review where we are at with the following questions.
What has changed and what hasn’t in normal everyday living?
What is the biggest difference from before starting this conversation?
Has anything been gained? Has anything been lost?
Is seeking still going on? If so, what exactly is still being sought (and by whom)?
Is there any confusion at all or anything you would like to address?
Is there any expectation of a special experience? A final shift? Certainty? Bliss? No more thoughts? No more emotional ups and downs? Permanent peace?
Can you say with a big fat YES, it is clear what the illusion of a separate self is?

Love
Rali