jazz
Full Member
Posts: 197
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Post by jazz on Dec 31, 2010 9:13:02 GMT -5
So I've been meaning to do some contemplation and self inquiry and I was wondering how to go about it.
Say I ask "what's my true nature?". Am I supposed to use my mind here, as in thoughts, or am I just supposed to be open, honest and intentional and "hold the question", so to speak?
I know this is probably very beginners question, and I suspect that you will answer in riddles like "who wants to know", hehe...but would you say that contemplation/self inquiry is an important thing to do on the path to self realization?
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Post by zendancer on Dec 31, 2010 10:00:41 GMT -5
So I've been meaning to do some contemplation and self inquiry and I was wondering how to go about it. Say I ask "what's my true nature?". Am I supposed to use my mind here, as in thoughts, or am I just supposed to be open, honest and intentional and "hold the question", so to speak? I know this is probably very beginners question, and I suspect that you will answer in riddles like "who wants to know", hehe...but would you say that contemplation/self inquiry is an important thing to do on the path to self realization? Just hold the question and remain silently aware. Contemplation is important to those who are drawn to do it. It is often helpful if you do this while walking in nature.
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Post by therealfake on Dec 31, 2010 12:27:50 GMT -5
So I've been meaning to do some contemplation and self inquiry and I was wondering how to go about it. Say I ask "what's my true nature?". Am I supposed to use my mind here, as in thoughts, or am I just supposed to be open, honest and intentional and "hold the question", so to speak? I know this is probably very beginners question, and I suspect that you will answer in riddles like "who wants to know", hehe...but would you say that contemplation/self inquiry is an important thing to do on the path to self realization? Hi Jazz, Some teachers will tell you that there is really nothing to do, even though it feels like a search is necessary. Your ego will fully accommodate you, if you feel the urge to find the truth outside of you, or even through self inquiry. If you read the post on the main board, the walk, it seems that after giving up the search and becoming empty, things start to happen all on there own. I believe that's what happened anyway, as one Satsang teacher explained it, he let go of all his spiritual knowledge and a void or emptiness was created. When that happens and you can meet that emptiness head on, grace rushes in to fill it. That emptiness that some folks feel afraid of and resist, is actually not empty at all, it just seems empty because they're still identified with the body. One day we will all feel the pull of that emptiness and all's that's required, will be a small amount of courage to meet it. Another teacher said, to quietly keep hold of your awareness and feel your presence wherever you go, no matter what you do. Things will unfold as they should, or that's what the teachers say anyway TRF
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Post by robert on Jan 1, 2011 15:26:07 GMT -5
trf is correct about the walk. everything simply fell away that day because i had stopped any kind of search. i was simply trying too hard. and yet i want to mention what nasargadatta used to remind his students that they still needed to do their homework(as he put it) my ego still wants to creep back in and bang some pots and pans every now and then but at least i can sense it coming and watch it as it rises. so to answer you yeah do some work but don't become defined by the work. robert
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