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Nonduality Highlights: Issue #4411, Saturday, October 29, 2011
Questioner: When asked about the means for self-realisation, you
invariably stress the importance of the mind dwelling on the
sense 'I am'. Where is the causal factor? Why should this
particular thought result in self-realisation? How does the
contemplation of 'I am' affect me?
Maharaj: The very fact of observation alters the observer and the
observed. After all, what prevents the insight into one's true
nature is the weakness and obtuseness of the mind and its
tendency to skip the subtle and focus on the gross only. When you
follow my advice and try to keep your mind on the notion of 'I
am' only, you become fully aware of your mind and its vagaries.
Awareness, being lucid harmony (sattva) in action, dissolves
dullness and quietens the restlessness of the mind and gently,
but steadily changes its very substance. This change need not be
spectacular; it may be hardly noticeable; yet it is a deep and
fundamental shift from darkness to light, from inadvertence to
awareness.
- Nisardagatta Maharaj, from I Am That, posted to The_Now2
In order to rediscover nowness, you have to look back, back to
where you came from, back to the original state. In this case,
looking back is not looking back in time, going back several
thousand years. It is looking back into your own mind, to before
history began, before thinking began, before thought ever
occurred. When you are in contact with this original ground, then
you are never confused by the illusions of past and future. You
are able to rest continuously in nowness.
- Chogyam Trungpa, from The Sacred Path of the Warrior,
posted to DailyDharma
Before you begin meditation take several slow, deep breaths. Hold
your body erect, allowing your breathing to become normal again.
Many thoughts will crowd into your mind, ignore them, letting
them go. If they persist be aware of them with the awareness,
which does not think.
Zen Master Dogen, posted to Distillation
Learn to watch both your experience and your reactions to your
experience. This process of observant attention and witnessing
will enable you to see that your fundamental and essential sense
of identity exists as an unchanging point of Awareness within the
heart of all changing conditions and circumstance.
This Awareness is grounded in the present moment and never exists
outside of Now. It is always accessible and never exists
somewhere other than Here. It is the immediate and undeniable
Center of who you imagine yourself to be.
Reside in this Center, and realize that the essence of this
Awareness is not separate from That which manifests before,
around and within you.
- Metta Zetty
Do your work in the world, but inwardly keep quiet. Then all will
come to you. Do not rely on your work for realization. It may
profit others, but not you. Your hope lies in keeping silent in
your mind and quiet in your heart. Realized people are very
quiet.
- Nisargadatta Maharaj, posted to ANetofJewels
Pay attention.
Trust Life.
That will be enough.
- Metta Zetty