How to do self inquiry? some questions

[ItO]

Hi everyone, I have some questions about self inquiry in response to this week's video.

 

In the video Leo described 2 perspectives on how is it mid self inquiry:

1. Finding that inner emptiness, when the mind is quiet and there's no thought, concept or feeling, and holding on to that.
2. Putting awareness on the awareness itself. 

 

How do they relate? How is it the same thing?

I think I'm kind of know how to do the second one, though I'm not sure. Because for me everything becomes a bit clearer and more alive, there's a sense of wonder and it feels new (to be aware that you can be aware). But then again, isn't it a kind of feeling? sensation, perception, whatever. No emptiness for me. 

How do I know that I'm in the right direction? 

I'm a little down lately because Leo keeps talking about those who spend decades in fruitless practices..

 

Thank you!

[Leo Gura]

@ItO They are the same.

Awareness is nothing. Nothing is not inner. It is omnipresent. It feels like its inner because that's what ego has done with it: appropriated it to construct a sense of self.

As you do self inquiry that sense of emptiness will stop feeling like it is inside the head/body. It will spill out into the world.

[ItO]

5 minutes ago, Leo Gura said:

As you do self inquiry that sense of emptiness will stop feeling like it is inside the head/body. It will spill out into the world.

The thing is that I don't feel emptiness, so I'm in doubt if I'm in the right direction at all.

I'm not sure If I understand what I need to do exactly. As you stated in the video, it is very important to do it correctly. 

 

Is putting awareness on awareness enough? How do I know that I do it right?

Is what I described above (wonder, newness, sharpness) look like putting awareness on awareness? Or is there another trap that I missed?

 

Thank you very much!

[Elisabeth]

I'm in a similar boat. When watching the video, self-inquiry made some sense to me for the very first time. Before, I would not get anything out of the "who am I?" question, because I would get stuck on some particular feelings. 

This time, when looking for the I, I think I managed to keep my mind focused on the inside without a thought a few times for maybe two three seconds, and during these periods of time I started to physically tremble. I take it as a sign of being onto something. @Leo Gura

[zambize]

I would just recommend starting with questions like "what is existance" "who am i" followed by complete surrender.  No making anything up, no need to imagine anything, for me this results in a lot of the awareness in my head to kind of vibrate faster and feels like my brain is clicking into place, and then some energy is released and a block feels like it was removed.  You dont have to expect anything or try and make anything happen, ask the questions and surrender to the universe, the rest just kind of unfolds 

[Leo Gura]

Self-inquiry is supposed to be a struggle. Of course you are doubtful and confused. That cannot be helped. The only thing that can ultimately clear up the confusion is awakening.

You must do the inquiry and struggle through all the doubts and emotional issues which will inevitably arise.

Awareness/emptiness isn't really felt, it is awared. We use the word "feeling" colloquially. Strictly speaking it is not a feeling. But feeling is much closer than thinking or imagining.

[Vitamine Water]

Putting awareness on awareness is enough. Your mind is trying to figure stuff out with all sorts of questions and interpretations. It does that automatically, which is okay  

It doesn't know, so it's searching for answers. 

When awareness is aware of itself, there is no mind present. In this "state" the mind has nothing to interpret or to be aware of, so it's silenced!

Feelings, sensations, perceptions are all mind stuff.

My advice would be to do more meditation, to become more familiar with the state of "awareness is aware of itself"

Hours and hours of meditation. 

Also, don't search for emptiness. You're not gonna find it with the mind. How can emptiness be somewhere? How can EMPTINESS be something or somewhere? IT'S EMPYYYY!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Don't search for it. Searching is done with the mind. Sit down, calm the mind, and rest in this state. This is emptiness. It really is easier than your mind thinks it is. There is no experience or perception in emtiness. 

But in the end, what do I know. I'm a seeker, just like you are. It might go deeper and deeper. Listen closely to Leo's vid. 

I hope my view shines a little light on your questions. Im already typing way too much. Bless you mate. 

<3

 

 

 

Edited December 25, 2018 by Vitamine Water