Inquiry and searching

While there are many paths into emptiness, inquiry and searching is for many the most direct route to realization of our true nature. Diligent practice will bring understanding to the meaning of “turning the light around and observing the source”. Once started, keep going, and feel free to contact me for guidance, with questions, or to share practice experience.

Simple

  • Observe the following, gently and relentlessly all throughout daily life, both in and out of formal meditation practice.
    • Who ______? (Hears, thinks, speaks, is looking for “Who”, is the receiver of emotions, has an opinion, wants that, is anxious, etc.)
    • Where does it seem this “I”/receiver is located each time observation is turned upon it?
    • When is the “I”/receiver?

Detailed

  • Bring awareness to current experience.
  • Notice whatever is occurring right now.
    • Hearing, daydreaming, thinking, speaking, looking for ____, having an opinion, wanting, not-wanting, worrying, eating, going to the restroom, etc.
  • Continually search for who it is that seems to be doing, experiencing or receiving whatever is occurring right now.
    • Include searching for where it feels like this person/subject/receiver is located in the mind and body each time.
    • Include searching for when the subject/receiver seems to be occurring.
  • Renew the search whenever possible so that it increasingly includes every part of experience as it takes place.
    • Include sense data as well as thoughts and mental activity.
Luminous Dharma