Isn’t this the irony? To find what can never truely be lost? There is only the discover of Being (I-Am-ness)as a tangible or apprehendable state of awareness. Even calling this a ‘state’ is probably incorrect. Being can be discovered, but it can’t be searched for – for to do so makes absolutely no sense at all.

Well said, Steve. And, the discovery of Being turns out to be finding nothing new at all, and only realizing the presence of (as the Buddhist story goes) the priceless diamond in your own pocket. In my experience it’s precisely when you accept defeat in the search and metaphorically slump and put your hands in your pockets that the truth becomes glaringly apparent.

The notion of ‘effort’ is interesting to me. It would seem that great effort must be used to reach the point where it is realized that effort itself is part of the problem – not only effort in seeking outside of the already present Self, but also the effort in attaching and identifying with the stream of thought forms. This latter being much more subtle and habitual.

Funny business, isn’t it?

Indeed it is, Steve. I think this has to do with whether a distinct independent self is believed in or not. In any view where a unique, independent, long-lasting self is held to be a component then effort is a requirement since “this” is not yet “that”, and “there” is not yet “here.” In the day to day continuance, of course, apparent acting “as if” there is a self is critical for the continuing unfolding of the real.

The central point and message of the realization “paths” though is that really there is no self. Once the release from the self-image occurs then it is seen that you have never taken effort anyways, and that all effort is only perceived as effort within the frame of acting “as if” there is a self. Only selfs perform effort. Which is not to day that effort did not/does not occur, only that you, as you really are, never did any.

Blah, this crap is hard to speak about.

Indeed, it is hard to speak on anything of substantial depth. That is why I commend you on having this blog. With my poor skills I tend to come off egoistic or worse. Such are the limitations of language in talking about these matters. Still, I don’t agree with those who carefully avoid using “I” or “me” and usually end up tongue tied.

The egoic self is seen in its emptiness easily enough. These experiences are neither disturbing or pleasurable. Nor is there any contempt for the ego anymore than an actor would have contempt for his role, or the oasis for its reflection. For whatever reason, it is just the way it is. In this same manner there is no concern or reason to debate atma/non-atma or whether one path or belief is better than another. IMO all beliefs are inherently empty and to be on a ‘path’ implies there is somewhere to go and something to gain. I suppose training awareness to abide in Self could be called a ‘path’, but there is only loss as an outcome.

Thank you for your postings and your patience.

Steve, I’m right with you there on coming of as “egoistic or worse” when trying to speak about this stuff. I have (very deservedly) been called on that, along with many choice names. It’s a humbling experience and a hard lesson. But, one I appreciate.

I also share your lack of agreement with folks who avoid using “I” or “me.” I once read a Buddhist teacher mention this problem. Someone called him on using “I” if it was true that there was no self. He smiled and replied, “That is not a difficulty once you see that the “I”, I mean when I say I is not the same “I” you mean when you say I.” I can’t recall the source, but I think it’s a brilliant way to put it.

Those who would criticize your wording – or anyone’s attempts – have shown their misunderstanding. They have traded an iron cage for a golden one and hold to beliefs of how things should appear. They search for the ‘right’ belief, the right emotional experience – in short, something in the mind that satisfies. They judge the pointing finger but the moon escapes them.

Indeed, Steve. Changes in circumstances will never cut the root of suffering. The way to do that is to come to see what you really already are, which obviously you already are independent of circumstance.

Cheers!