Being Aware of Being Aware in the Midst of Experience

Summary

The transcript explores the intricate relationship between awareness and thought. It posits that awareness and thought are not separate entities but are one and the same, with thought being the activity of awareness. The analogy of a movie screen and its images is used to illustrate how thoughts, like the movie, do not obscure awareness but are part of its expression. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing thoughts as mere manifestations of awareness, which can lead to a shift from seeing thoughts as veils to seeing them as revelations of the true nature of consciousness.

Takeaways

• 🧘 Awareness and thought are deeply intertwined; awareness is not separate from the thoughts it observes.
• 🌟 The experience of a thought is the activity of awareness itself, much like a movie is an activity of the screen on which it plays.
• 🔍 Initially, it might seem that thoughts veil awareness, but with realization, thoughts are seen as an expression of awareness, not distinct from it.
• 🌱 The process of becoming aware of being aware is not a practice to be learned but a natural condition that can be recognized.
• 🍽️ Mindfulness is not just about focusing on one thing; it's about experiencing the fullness of the present moment, whether that includes thoughts or not.
• 🌅 Awareness is always present, but it can be overshadowed by our intense focus on pleasurable or uncomfortable experiences.
• 🎥 The analogy of a movie and a screen is used to illustrate how thoughts (the movie) can seem to obscure awareness (the screen) until we recognize they are one and the same.
• 🌈 It's possible to experience thoughts without them overshadowing awareness, similar to how the screen can be seen even while the movie is playing.
• 🌟 The goal is not to avoid thoughts but to recognize them as part of the awareness, thus losing their power to veil the true nature of experience.
• 🌱 The script suggests that with practice, one can shift from experiencing thoughts as separate from awareness to seeing them as an integral part of it.

Q & A

What is the relationship between awareness and thought according to the script?

The script suggests that awareness and thought are not separate entities. During the experience of a thought, awareness is one with the thought. It's the knowing of the thought, and there is no substance to a thought other than this knowing.

How does the script differentiate the experience of awareness with thoughts versus perceptions and feelings?

The script indicates that with thoughts, awareness often seems to be one step behind, recognizing the thought only after it has occurred. In contrast, with perceptions and feelings, it is easier to observe and stand as awareness during the experience itself.

What analogy does the script use to explain the relationship between awareness and thought?

The script uses the analogy of a movie screen and a movie. The screen is both one with the movie and knows the movie, similar to how awareness is one with the thought and is the knowing of the thought.

How can one realize that thoughts are not separate from awareness?

The script suggests realizing that all there is to a thought is the thinking, and all there is to thinking is the knowing or awareness of it. This realization helps to see that thoughts are not objects distinct from awareness but are the very activity of awareness itself.

What does the script imply about the nature of self-awareness?

The script implies that self-awareness is the natural condition of awareness. It is not something that needs to be practiced or achieved; it is already present and only seems to be veiled by our focus on objects other than awareness.

How does the script address the challenge of becoming aware of being aware during the experience of a thought?

The script acknowledges that it can be challenging and suggests that one might initially realize their awareness of a thought as an 'afterthought.' However, with practice or by changing one's perspective, one can become aware during the experience itself.

What is the role of culture in our perception of awareness according to the script?

The script suggests that culture trains us to stand as something other than awareness, leading us to believe we have to practice standing as awareness. However, awareness is our natural condition, and we are already aware; we just need to recognize it.

How does the script relate the experience of eating a meal to the concept of awareness?

The script uses the example of eating a meal to illustrate the difference between being lost in thought while eating and being fully aware of the experience of eating. It suggests that being fully aware of the meal's textures, smells, and tastes is a different, more conscious way of relating to the experience.

What does the script mean when it says 'experience loses its capacity to veil consciousness'?

The script means that when one becomes fully aware and recognizes that all experiences are just knowing, experiences no longer obscure or veil the underlying reality of consciousness. Instead, they shine with the light of consciousness.

How does the script view the practice of mindfulness in relation to awareness?

The script suggests that mindfulness is not just about focusing on the present object of experience but about realizing that all experiences are made of knowing or awareness. It encourages the practice of knowing only knowing in all experiences until it becomes the default state.