Thoughts, Thinking and Knowing

Summary

The dialogue explores the nature of thoughts and consciousness through a three-stage analogy. Initially, thoughts are observed as separate from the self, like clouds in the sky. The second stage involves realizing that one is the sky, with thoughts as mere clouds within it. The third stage is the profound understanding that there is no separation; thoughts are the sky, and all is consciousness. The conversation guides the listener to experientially investigate thoughts, finding only 'knowing' without an 'it,' leading to the realization of an indivisible whole made of consciousness. This understanding transforms one's perception of reality, shifting from a philosophical concept to a lived experience.

Takeaways

• 🧘 Observing thoughts is the first stage of meditation, where thoughts are seen as separate from oneself, like clouds in the sky.
• 🌌 The second stage is realizing that one is the sky, and thoughts are within oneself, not separate entities.
• 💭 The third stage is understanding that there is no difference between the cloud (thought) and the sky (consciousness), they are one and the same.
• 🤔 The nature of thoughts is explored by 'touching' them, which reveals that they are made of the same substance as consciousness.
• 🎥 An analogy is made to watching a movie, where the screen is the reality of the movie, and similarly, the reality of thoughts is consciousness.
• 🔍 Investigating thoughts experientially leads to the realization that there is no 'it' in thoughts, only the knowing of them.
• 🌟 The concept that there are no such things as separate thoughts is introduced, suggesting that everything is just consciousness.
• 🌱 The practice of 'touching' thoughts is suggested as a way to understand their true nature, which is consciousness.
• 🌐 Once the nature of thoughts is understood, it becomes clear that all experiences—thoughts, feelings, sensations—are manifestations of the same consciousness.
• 🌟 The shift from a philosophical understanding to a lived experience of consciousness is emphasized as a transformative process.
• 🔄 The world, which once seemed to confirm a different view, now supports the new understanding of consciousness as the fundamental reality.

Q & A

What are the three stages of observing thoughts as described in the transcript?

The first stage is observing thoughts as separate from oneself, like a cloud in the sky. The second stage is realizing that one is the sky and the thoughts are within oneself. The third stage is understanding that there is no difference between the cloud and the sky, and that the cloud is the sky.

How does the analogy of the cloud and the sky help in understanding the nature of thoughts?

The analogy helps to illustrate that thoughts are not separate entities but are part of the consciousness, just as clouds are part of the sky. When one realizes this, it becomes clear that thoughts are not 'things' but are manifestations of consciousness.

What does it mean to 'touch' a thought as suggested in the transcript?

To 'touch' a thought means to examine it closely, to experience it directly, and to realize that the thought itself is made of the same substance as the consciousness that is experiencing it.

What is the substance that thoughts are made of according to the discussion?

The substance that thoughts are made of is 'knowing' or 'awareness'. When one investigates a thought, they find that it is not a separate 'it' but is the knowing of the thought.

Why is it important to understand that there is no 'it' in a thought?

Understanding that there is no 'it' in a thought helps to dissolve the illusion of thoughts as separate entities. It leads to the realization that thoughts are just appearances of consciousness, similar to how a landscape is an appearance of a screen.

What is the significance of the statement 'there are no such things as thoughts'?

The statement 'there are no such things as thoughts' emphasizes that thoughts are not solid, independent entities but are expressions of consciousness. It challenges the conventional view of thoughts as 'things' and invites a deeper understanding of their true nature.

How does the process of 'touching' thoughts relate to the practice of meditation?

In meditation, 'touching' thoughts is a practice of mindfulness where one observes thoughts without judgment, allowing them to arise and pass without attachment. This practice can lead to a deeper understanding of the nature of thoughts and consciousness.

What is the role of experience in verifying philosophical ideas about thoughts and consciousness?

Experience plays a crucial role in verifying philosophical ideas by allowing individuals to directly encounter the nature of thoughts and consciousness. Through personal experience, one can confirm or refute theoretical concepts and integrate them into their lived reality.

Why is it suggested to let the recognition of consciousness as the only reality 'sink in'?

Allowing the recognition of consciousness as the only reality to 'sink in' is important for internalizing this understanding deeply. This process helps in transforming it from a philosophical concept to a lived experience that shapes one's perception and interaction with the world.

How does the world change as one's understanding of thoughts and consciousness evolves?

As one's understanding of thoughts and consciousness evolves, the world that once seemed to confirm a different view begins to reflect the new understanding. This shift in perception allows for a more profound and unified experience of reality.

What is the final goal of the process described in the transcript?

The final goal is to live in a state where the understanding of consciousness as the fundamental reality is fully integrated into one's being. This integration leads to a transformation in how one experiences thoughts, feelings, and perceptions, aligning with the recognition of an indivisible whole made of consciousness.