Waking up
Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2025 2:59 pm
LU is focused guiding for seeing there is no real, inherent 'self' - what do you understand by this?
Basically theres no identity in anything, that everything happens by itself. Thought creates the illusion of a self by thoughts referring to other thoughts, or sensations, feelings etc. but the assumed experiencer of these things isn’t present in the way we assume. Awareness is impersonal but intimate so we mistake it for a self.
What are you looking for at LU?
Im looking for help clarifying my blind spots on this, theres some sort of stickiness or resistance somewhere that I can’t identify. I mean even that is just a belief made of words, but It feels as if the no self thing is seen somewhat but that it requires memory somehow, not that forgetting creates a self, but if I’m constantly forgetting and living as if there is one it amounts to the same. Certainly there is suffering, so that aspect is confusing. And I wouldn’t say that I’m free of it by any means or even that no self is crystal clear during those times.
What do you expect from a guided conversation?
Some sort of guidance to keep me focused, question assumptions I don’t realize I’m making, unearthing whatever it is that’s keeping me stuck. There’s something about using another person as a sounding board that helps clarify intent.
What is your experience in terms of spiritual practices, seeking and inquiry?
Lots of years of awareness practices along the lines of Rupert spira and John wheeler. Lots of more traditional stuff too; mantra, body scanning breath following etc. I’ve definitely done inquiry as well, and I do believe I’ve had some clarity, but I don’t know. Something feels like it’s missing, but I’m not sure what.
On a scale from 1 to 10, how willing are you to question any currently held beliefs about 'self? 11
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Basically theres no identity in anything, that everything happens by itself. Thought creates the illusion of a self by thoughts referring to other thoughts, or sensations, feelings etc. but the assumed experiencer of these things isn’t present in the way we assume. Awareness is impersonal but intimate so we mistake it for a self.
What are you looking for at LU?
Im looking for help clarifying my blind spots on this, theres some sort of stickiness or resistance somewhere that I can’t identify. I mean even that is just a belief made of words, but It feels as if the no self thing is seen somewhat but that it requires memory somehow, not that forgetting creates a self, but if I’m constantly forgetting and living as if there is one it amounts to the same. Certainly there is suffering, so that aspect is confusing. And I wouldn’t say that I’m free of it by any means or even that no self is crystal clear during those times.
What do you expect from a guided conversation?
Some sort of guidance to keep me focused, question assumptions I don’t realize I’m making, unearthing whatever it is that’s keeping me stuck. There’s something about using another person as a sounding board that helps clarify intent.
What is your experience in terms of spiritual practices, seeking and inquiry?
Lots of years of awareness practices along the lines of Rupert spira and John wheeler. Lots of more traditional stuff too; mantra, body scanning breath following etc. I’ve definitely done inquiry as well, and I do believe I’ve had some clarity, but I don’t know. Something feels like it’s missing, but I’m not sure what.
On a scale from 1 to 10, how willing are you to question any currently held beliefs about 'self? 11
Admin note for Pens: You can only see answers in your thread when you’re logged in. Please check your thread while logged in — you have a reply from a guide!