Seeing through the self illusion: This blog is about spiritual awakening using the concept of the 10 fetters as described by Buddha. The first step is to see through the self illusion – the streamentry.
Streamentry Community Gathering Xanten
What a weekend… We came together from all corners of Germany (and even from Ireland!) – full of anticipation, curiosity, and maybe a touch of nervousness. And then: so much warmth, so much familiarity, so much real connection. We sat by the lake, explored the Roman excavation site, indulged in delicious food at Petersilchen – …
Am I Awareness? – About a Subtle Difference on the Path to Awakening
Advaita ends at the recognition of pure being – the seventh fetter.
In the ten fetters model, the journey continues: What is the subtle experience of “I am”?
Discover the difference between Advaita and the ten fetters and explore a practical exercise for investigating the eighth fetter.
Where does the sense of self arise?
If the sense of self is still there, but cannot be localized when you look for it, you have already come a long way.
Now it’s a matter of looking again and again to see where the sense of self arises.
Is there a moment when you notice that no self can be found?
Focus your attention on the sense of self. Where does it appear to be perceived?
The self is the object of inquiry, and you are looking at it directly. Is there really a self to be found there?
- Can you perceive a self right now?
- If so, where can you find it?
Focus your attention on the self.
If the search is frustrating because you can’t find anything, you know you’re really looking.
1st question
You want to realize that there is no real, separate, inherent “self” – what do you mean by that?
Final questions
The thing about the final questions in Liberation Unleashed is that they can actually be answered once the self illusion has been intellectually understood. The Shift, is the best indicator that the self illusion has been seen through. So if you can answer the final questions and they have been confirmed positively, but you have not had a shift, the self illusion is most likely not seen through.
So take another close look:
Is there still a feeling somewhere:
I say that!
I think!
I do this!
I decide!
I control!
I move the body!
These are my feelings!
I experience the world!
No connection
Things happening in the world and feelings arising, but there is no connection, no next step, they are not supposed to “lead somewhere”, they are just there.
written from a client who is currently investigating desire and aversion
Are you ready?
Are you ready for the inquiry into the fetters? It takes curiosity, honesty, focus, priority, continuity, openness, will.
If it feels like goodbye, it feels right
It’s about the truth and nothing else. And if it feels like goodbye, then it feels right. It’s about letting go of everything. And there’s nothing that can save you. Because there is no you. It’s the illusion of this you that says goodbye.