Are you ready for the inquiry into the fetters? It takes curiosity, honesty, focus, priority, continuity, openness, will.
Are you ready to be 100% honest with yourself?
Without honesty towards everything that comes up, it doesn’t work. Are you ready to be honest about your experience, your experience, even if it means that it is not what you would like it to be?
Are you willing to prioritize the inquiry of the self illusion?
The inquiry of the self illusion thrives on dynamism and continuity. You should have the leisure to deal with it on a daily basis. It would be a hindrance if you had to divide your attention because you are studying for an exam, for example.
Are you ready to question all your ideas and assumptions about awakening and forget all teachings for the time of the inquiry?
Are you even ready to give up all belief? To drop all concepts? To let go of any identification as a spiritual seeker, as a Buddhist – as whatever you think you are, as whatever you identify with?
No gurus, lamas, teachers, dharma, retreats, satsangs, nonduality talks, bondage groups…. Also put aside all spiritual and Buddhist books. Just like videos or audios. Everything that deals with the topics of enlightenment and awakening in general and with self illusion, noself, nonduality, advaita, etc. in particular should be put aside for the time of the inquiry.
Are you ready to fully engage in the inquiry of your own experience?
Only your own experience matters here. Forget everything you have ever read, heard and learned. Try to leave out all assumptions and expectations.
Are you prepared not to leave the process you have started, even if unpleasant feelings arise?
Because that will happen… Working with the 10 Fetters is not a feel-good or wellness program. No self-care or optimization. You won’t always feel good during and afterwards. This is not about mindfulness, self-love or higher consciousness.