From Self-Investigation to Self-Abidance

Summary

The transcript explores the concept of awakening and enlightenment through the metaphor of recognizing one's true self, akin to King Lear realizing he is John Smith. It outlines a two-step process: first, the recognition of being awareness itself, and second, understanding the inherent qualities of this awareness, such as peace and fulfillment. The speaker emphasizes that awakening is not an extraordinary event but a simple recognition of one's true nature, accessible to all. The discussion also touches on the practices of self-inquiry and self-abidance as methods to achieve this realization.

Takeaways

• 😌 The concept of 'waking up' in meditation is akin to the lucidity of recognizing a dream while asleep, and it signifies a deeper awakening to the nature of reality.
• 🧘‍♂️ Enlightenment or awakening involves a two-step process: first, recognizing one's true self ('I am awareness'); second, understanding the inherent qualities of that awareness.
• 👤 The initial recognition of being 'John Smith' rather than 'King Lear' is a metaphor for realizing one's true identity beyond roles and identities.
• 🌟 The inherent qualities of awareness include peace, imperturbable stillness, and fulfillment, which are not immediately apparent but become evident through deeper inquiry and abidance.
• 🔍 'Atma Vichara' or self-inquiry is a process of exploring one's experience to recognize the unchanging awareness amidst changing thoughts and feelings.
• 🧘‍♀️ Self-abidance is the stage following self-inquiry, where one rests in the awareness of being aware, allowing the qualities of awareness to reveal themselves.
• 🌱 The transition from self-inquiry to self-abidance is not a clear-cut line; it's a fluid process where one may oscillate back and forth.
• 🌈 Enlightenment is not an extraordinary experience but a simple recognition of one's essential nature, which is available to everyone but often overlooked.
• 🌟 The sense of lack and disturbance that drives much of human behavior begins to evaporate as one abides in the nature of awareness, leading to a profound inner transformation.
• 📚 The script emphasizes the importance of not mistaking the cultural and exotic associations with terms like 'enlightenment' for the actual experience, which is a quiet recognition of one's being.

Q & A

What is the first step in the process of awakening or enlightenment as described in the script?

The first step in the process of awakening or enlightenment is the recognition of oneself as awareness, which is the underlying presence behind all thoughts and feelings. This involves noticing that while thoughts and feelings come and go, the awareness that perceives them remains constant.

How is the second step of the awakening process different from the first?

The second step in the awakening process is the recognition of the nature of awareness itself, which includes qualities such as inherent peace, imperturbable stillness, and fulfillment. This step is about resting as awareness and abiding in its innate qualities, rather than actively exploring or inquiring as in the first step.

What is the significance of recognizing the inherent peace in awareness?

Recognizing the inherent peace in awareness is significant because it puts an end to the fear of death and the sense of impending disappearance. It is an acknowledgment of the ever-present nature of awareness, which is a fundamental aspect of our being.

How does the recognition of awareness as unlimited impact our sense of lack?

The recognition that awareness is unlimited helps to dissolve the chronic sense of lack that often motivates our actions and desires. This realization brings about a sense of fulfillment and an end to the feeling of deficiency that is commonly experienced.

What is the role of self-inquiry (Atma Vichara) in the process of awakening?

Self-inquiry, or Atma Vichara, plays a crucial role in the awakening process by prompting individuals to explore their experiences and recognize the constant presence of awareness behind all transient thoughts and feelings. It is an active phase of investigation that leads to the recognition of one's true nature as awareness.

Can you explain the concept of 'self-abidance' as it relates to the awakening process?

Self-abidance refers to the phase in the awakening process where one rests in the recognition of their true nature as awareness. It involves ceasing the active inquiry and simply being or abiding as awareness, allowing its qualities to become more apparent and impressionable.

Why does the script suggest that the terms 'awakening' and 'enlightenment' are not always used?

The script suggests that the terms 'awakening' and 'enlightenment' are not always used because they carry cultural connotations and expectations from Eastern traditions that may lead to misunderstandings. These terms are often associated with extraordinary experiences, whereas the recognition of one's true nature is a simple and ordinary realization.

How does the script differentiate between the experiences of ordinary people and spiritual figures like Ramana Maharshi, Jesus, or the Buddha?

The script clarifies that there is no privileged access to the nature of one's own mind for spiritual figures like Ramana Maharshi, Jesus, or the Buddha. They did not have a more direct or greater access; rather, they were single-pointedly focused on recognizing their true nature, just as anyone can.

What is the significance of the phrase 'I am awareness' in the context of the script?

The phrase 'I am awareness' signifies the fundamental recognition of one's true nature as the underlying consciousness that perceives all experiences. It is a pivotal realization in the process of self-inquiry and self-abidance, leading to a deeper understanding of one's being.

How does the script describe the transition from self-inquiry to self-abidance?

The script describes the transition from self-inquiry to self-abidance as a natural flow where the active exploration and recognition of awareness lead to a resting state where one simply abides in their true nature. This transition is not always clear-cut, and there can be a back-and-forth movement between inquiry and abidance as one's understanding deepens.

What is the practical advice given in the script for someone seeking to engage in self-inquiry and self-abidance?

The practical advice given in the script is to engage in self-inquiry by exploring one's experiences and recognizing the constant presence of awareness. Once this recognition is clear, one should rest in self-abidance, being aware of being aware, and allowing the innate qualities of awareness to emerge and impress themselves upon the individual.