Realitysurfer1111

[BajaJen]

LU is focused guiding for seeing there is no real, inherent 'self' - what do you understand by this?
Self is just a concept. It is empty

What are you looking for at LU?
To learn how to guide effectively. To examine pointers and take note of what seems effective. To read threads and witness points of recognition. To become a guide that helps with crashing the Gateless gate

What do you expect from a guided conversation?
Mutual respect and empathy. Using intuition to sense where someone is at so I can use the best pointers at the best time. I have no expectations but I’m hoping to be patient and kind. To do my best to guide clients beyond the gateless gate

What is your experience in terms of spiritual practices, seeking and inquiry?
I was a seeker for over ten years. My main method was by reading and rereading spiritual books.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how willing are you to question any currently held beliefs about 'self?
11

[Bluejay]

Hello!

I'm Henri.

Since it sounds like you've already crashed the gate. Here are the final questions to answer.

After answering, other guides may submit feedback/questions. If all goes well, you will then be invited into FB groups (for LU and guides).

Let me know if you have any questions :)

Oh, one thing: Remember to use the quote function for each question. Wrap the question in quotes and then answer below it.

Here is an example on wrapping the first question in quotes:

Code: Select all

[quote]1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever?[/quote]

And the questions:

1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever?

2) Explain in detail what the illusion of separate self is, when it starts and how it works from your own experience. Describe it fully as you see it now.

3) How does it feel to see this? What is the difference from before you started this dialogue? Please report from the past few days.

4) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look?

5) Describe how decisions are made & give examples from experience.

Describe intention & give examples from experience.

Describe free will & give examples from experience.

Describe choice & give examples from experience.

Describe control & give examples from experience.

What makes things happen? How does it work?

What are you responsible for? Give examples from experience.

6) Anything to add?

[BajaJen]

1) Is there a separate entity 'self', 'me' 'I', at all, anywhere, in any way, shape or form? Was there ever?

There is no separate 'self', 'me', or 'I' in any way, shape, or form. There was never more than a formless idea of a self.

2) Explain in detail what the illusion of separate self is, when it starts and how it works from your own experience. Describe it fully as you see it now.

In childhood we create a sense of self. Maybe it begins when we learn our names. We grow to believe that we have a locus of control that we call the self. We feel responsible for processes that supposedly lead to outcomes. The self is both a scapegoat and a loved and central aspect of our being. Now it is seen as ephemeral as fleeting thoughts. It was just a conglomeration of thoughts, beliefs, and ideas.

3) How does it feel to see this? What is the difference from before you started this dialogue? Please report from the past few days.

When this was first seen it was felt like a weight had been lifted. Even today there is a sense that life is free-flowing. Before being guided on LU (forget my username) was an avid seeker. It took some time for seeking energy to dissipate but now 'I' no longer seek for some truth to set 'me' free. This releases energy and it seems there is nothing to be gained from seeking.

4) What was the last bit that pushed you over, made you look?

My guide on LU (think his name was Kento) said something and a few days later 'I' could no longer see the self as anything substantial.

5) Describe how decisions are made & give examples from experience.

There was some research that showed the brain lights up before we make a decision. It appears like everything is happening automatically. Everything happens because of everything else. For example, 'I' type without quite knowing what will be said next. Movement happens and then thoughts explain them.

Describe intention & give examples from experience.

Intentions arise from nothing and return to nothing. Sometimes intentions are followed and sometimes not. For example, 'I' forgot my username for this forum and an intention arose to begin a new log in. Unaware that 'I' would need to answer these questions again. When the intention to find a new log on for the forum arose there was no idea of what would follow.

Describe free will & give examples from experience.

Free will is the illusion that an entity known as I can make choices that will define my future. For example 'I' thought I chose my career path but now it seems that it was simply life unfolding. Same with choosing my spouse. It just happened. There could have been no other choice.

Describe choice & give examples from experience.

Choice is the idea that one is choosing from various options. Being presented with a banana and an apple it may seem like 'I' choose the apple. But there are countless factors that contribute to the choice. You cannot identify where the choice to have an apple begins. It seems like everything can be traced to the big bang.

Describe control & give examples from experience.

Control is the idea that there is an entity that shapes life and has a way of changing outcomes. But there is no such thing as control. There is no control over thoughts that arise or movements that are made. Something happens and then we create a story about it.

What makes things happen? How does it work?

It is unknown what makes things happen and don't know how it works. Life just happens.

What are you responsible for? Give examples from experience.

There is no self to be responsible for anything. Sitting here tapping on the keyboard happens with no one typing.

6) Anything to add?

Not sure if this is the best way to come back to the forum. Am already a member of LU Facebook groups for guiding. But thank you for taking time to review these answers. It is appreciated.

[Bluejay]

Thank you for the answers, once again :)

Not sure if this is the best way to come back to the forum. Am already a member of LU Facebook groups for guiding. But thank you for taking time to review these answers. It is appreciated.

Well, let's see how this goes.

[Bluejay]

No questions, so you know the drill. Admin will contact you :)