Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Alleys, Backstreets and Internet Enlightenment

In addition to email work, I currently guide on one of those free forums named in the link bar above.  And right now, I'm noticing a trend. It's one of Inquiry Laziness. 

It appears that a guided inquiry into whether a separate self exists can make it seem as though the so-called process is just a wee bit too easy. 

It's a case of not believing in the quality of the cow what with all that free milk...

If you recognize yourself in that paragraph above, I don't mean that to insult.  But I do mean to shake you up.

Ok, I'm going to lay aside all of that nondual or enlightenment speak and put this in plain, everyday language.

Listen.

A guide or teacher will not and cannot give you a shortcut or free pass by convincing you that there is no separate self.  The inquiry has to be done in its entirety, and it has to be done, ironically, by this supposed "You".  What's more, to do this direct inquiry, you need to be hungry for finding out what's TRUE, not thirsty for what Feels Good.  I'm not sure this is news, but looking to have a guide or teacher 'teach you no self' just plain doesn't work.

Philosophical debates with the guide, by the way, are absolutely POINTLESS.  The reason for this is that debates are of the mind, and the mind's basic function is to create a chasm between understanding and imagination.  That chasm IS the illusion of separation.  And you've got to know by now that in this inquiry, the mind and its tools are the very last weapons you should be wielding. 

TRUST your guide not to give you a shortcut, but to figure out how to kick you in just the right place to get you started in finding your own way.  Because all they're trying to do is to get YOU to look for yourself.  We have no special powers or ability or insight that you don't currently have.  Right now. I'm not kidding.  None. 

All we can ever do is to show you how to hold up a mirror and try like hell to get you to notice what's not in it.  Once you do, the next task is to stop you from turning away from your own absence.

If you're working with a guide or teacher who is repeatedly and stubbornly asking you to examine your own direct experience, then you've found something worthwhile.  Stick with your direct perceptions, the findings of your senses.  And when the 'Yes, BUT' thought comes in to contradict what's been directly experienced, know it's the mind.  Take a breath.  Don't go for what looks like an easy out by turning to the guide or teacher to remove that doubt for you. 

You've got to do it all by yourself. 

Where is the "yeah, but" coming from if not other than thought?  Those thoughts are little protests against the truth, born solely of conditioning.  Good ole conditioning, the comfortable quilt that snuggles thought into the grooves of memory, is what prompts the 'yeah, buts'

In the face of your findings, They Lie. 


Ok, shall we let the nondual comments begin?  ;)

With love,
Delma



photo credit:  Taking the Backstreets by Quiddative on DeviantArt

8 comments:

  1. You are absolutely right that the work has to be done by the seeker. I think (at least in my case) it has been difficult to really understand what "direct experience" is. That may sound idiotic and unbelievable, but I have really struggled to distill the looking down to only the senses. I recently had a guide on LU and I ended the discussion because, while I was being completely honest in our exchange, I was struggling with direct experience. Delma, I have read your posts on LU and also all of your blogs. The way you communicate is very clear and I have gotten tremendous value from your --- for lack of a better word -- exercises. I would very much like to be guided by you and I promise to give you my very best. My name on LU is Ego ByeBye and my true name is Elizabeth. I would be very grateful if you would consider my request!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will post a thread for you in the forum.

      Delete
    2. I should warn you.... I can be a tough guide and am generally short in my responses. In other words, I will make you do all the work. Are you certain you're up for that? ;)

      Delete
    3. Yes, a thousand percent. Thank you so much!!!

      Delete
  2. "Don't go for what looks like an easy out by turning to the guide or teacher to remove that doubt for you."

    You've rumbled the little me!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Delma,

    I recently signed up at LU and after reading your posts and your blog I would really like you to direct my self-inquiry.

    I completely agree with your comments regarding the nature and importance of self inquiry and also agree that the person doing the self inquiry should do pretty much all the work. I would like to be that person.

    If you're interested in guiding me on LU, please see my August 1 thread named "Please help me liberate my "self" (a guide request)" with username "Merge".

    Thanks!
    Gus

    ReplyDelete

thanks for the thoughts...