The Gate

Hi John! Yes, a few questions at a time does make it easier, so I'll start now.

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?

Not any more, not since I began with the questions here. And there never was a 'me', an 'I', which does feel strange to say because it feels analogous with someone who used to be in love with a character on TV...that person does not actually exist! The 'self' I thought I was never existed! All is ONE, no separation.


2) Explain in detail what the illusion of separate self is, when it starts and how it works.

The illusion comes because of the body and its 'separation' from other bodies. Thoughts arise in 'different' bodies and so it appears that we are all separate. I used to think that thoughts could be 'claimed' by the mind, but then realized that there was no-one to do the claiming!

3) How does it feel to see this? describe in detail.
Seeing all of this is a liberating sensation since I no longer 'own' thought. I am awareness, I am thought, it is all the same thing, no distinctions. Awareness IS. Thought IS. The same thing with different labels, which creates illusion of separateness.

4) How would you describe it to somebody who has never heard about this illusion but is curious about it.

I would have difficulty describing it to someone who was new to the concept. I would probably ask the questions you asked me, but over a period of time.

Thanks John! I'll do a little more tomorrow when I get back.
Best wishes, Yaz

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?

It was a gradual process that took years, though until I was asked the questions here seeing was sort of intellectually understood. The questions made me experience the truth.

6) When you say "I", what are you referring to?
The body, as I doesn't exist.

7) Is there an experiencer experiencing, or is there only experience?

Now, everything just is. Life just is. Awareness, thought, experience is all the same thing, no divisions. In that context I 'see' that there is no experiencer, only experience.

Back later John!

8) Actually look. Does experience belong to the body, or does the body belong to experience?

The body IS experience, it is awareness, it is experience.

9) What did you experience at the moment you awoke?

I felt as if the walls had fallen away. I had always had a feeling of being trapped in my body, trapped within this mind because of thoughts that were 'stuck' to me!! But with all these questions, I feel as if I've broken free. Of course I was never trapped, but I had to experience it through the questions.


10) Describe your experience in the hours and days following awakening.

Since then, I do not worry about thoughts that 'arise'. I do not worry about what occurs, and when things 'go wrong', I use the words 'it is happening' but to not make it personal. When, for example, someone failed to deliver what they promised the other day, I knew that 'they' didn't do it. Instead It was done. I see no 'person' in the body, and what was done was done. I saw no division between us. If I close my eyes, there are no divisions between any of us because I see no body. Thoughts arise and experience takes place. The body is the thoughts, the experience. No-one does anything to anyone.

Thank you John. Have a good weekend!

Hi Yaz,

Thank you for your full responses to the questions! :)

I've just sent you a PM, so when you have a moment, if you could check your Private Messages.

With my warmest wishes,
John