Yes, agreed, especially when answering questions like this which are in response to a direct question about 'you'!!It is very hard to answer questions without using the pronoun « I ». It is a manner of speaking and should not be taken as an admission that there is a separate sense of self. When I am aware of a commentary (or perhaps more strictly speaking, when there is an awareness of a commentary), that is the form in which the commentary takes - as of one part of « me » is talking to another part of « me ».
Is there a self that can grip?
Please take a closer look at this; what is actually happening in direct experience when the label such as "gripping" is used:No, but that doesn’t mean that there is never a sense of being gripped by something.
Where would a 'something' be found?
Is it absolutely clear from your experience, not just intellectually, that there is no separate self entity?
Was there a particular moment when this was seen, or was it a gradual seeing?
How did it happen for you?
Yes, for each of us the assumption/illusion of there being, or there having ever been a separate self entity is seen through differently. The to and fro of checking in direct experience will continue for as long as it does, until there is no more need for 'proof' from direct experience.There was not a particular moment of seeing this, no. But my experience of looking inside and trying to answer your questions has not revealed any self, or the room for any self, so to that extent there is an experiential back up or corroboration to an intellectual stance.
Is a separate "I" necessary for something called 'responsibility' to take place?
Yes, agreed, and this, ("responsibility still appears to be a valid thing to consider and take on board") either happens or doesn't happen.No, I am saying that responsibility is usually linked to an individual self taking that responsibility, but even though there is no separate « I » responsibility still appears to be a valid thing to consider and take on board.
Is there a separate, autonomous 'you' that is responsible for triggering someone's upset?
Yes...... and, for the sake of this inquiry,No. But in acknowledging that an act of ours has been unskilful and has caused hurt, we are in effect taking responsibility for it, are we not?
is there ever an actual someone to acknowledge and take responsibility that can be found?
It doesn't mean that that doesn't appear to happen, just not in the way we have been conditioned to think about it.
Is this clear?
What needs to work out how 'this' works? Please say more about this.
Understood. There are thought processes happening that loop round and round trying to land somewhere and for the thought "I understand" to appear... Thought processes at work !! :)I am just trying to say that it is very difficult understanding the concepts of causation and responsibility. It is perhaps more than just intellectual interest as it could help to inform our thoughts and actions.
Now, for a direct question Kim,
once you have answered the questions above, would 'you' like 'us' to continue the inquiry?
Are there still thoughts arising about wanting more proof?
Is there anything missing that is wanted or needed?
Warmly,
Rowena
