08 February 2016

Insight

Any of you who are keeping track will know I have been on extended retreats quite a bit recently. Then there are all the retreats Ruth and I lead that are very useful personally as well. So what is the point? Why bother? What comes out of all that?


So back home again now, it seems like time to have a go at sharing an insight, but first




         Thought for the day

               Wherever you go
               The only thing that you experience 
               Is this moment
               This self
                                   
                       Hogan – San,   Zen Master




Maybe it is helpful to reflect upon this  …..

Think of an object. Maybe something you can see in front of you like the computer, a book; any object will do.

Now consider this. Commonly we are aware of objects dualistically. There is what we regard as us, and there is what we regard as the object. “I am aware of the computer.” “I am aware of the book.” There is me, and there is the object. Me and it. Two things. Dualistic.

Now, it is possible to be aware of the object non-dualistically. This is what in some circles is known as meditative absorption. The sense of separation between me and it is transcended, and we experience a sense of oneness.

So next consider your thoughts. Commonly we are aware of our thoughts dualistically. There is what we regard as us, and there is what we regard as the thought. “I am aware of the thought.” There is me, and there is the thought. Me and it. Two things. Dualistic.

Now, it is possible to be aware of our thoughts non-dualistically. This is what in some circles is known as meditative absorption. The sense of separation between me and it is transcended, and we experience a sense of oneness.

So here is the kicker. Next consider your awareness. Commonly we are aware of our awareness dualistically. There is what we regard as us, and there is what we regard as our awareness. “I am aware of my awareness.” There is me, and there is the awareness. Me and it. Two things. Dualistic.

Now, it is possible to be aware of our awareness non-dualistically. This is what in some circles is known to be something that is beyond even meditative absorption. The sense of separation between me and it is transcended and there is just pure awareness.

Getting this theoretically could well be useful.

Getting it experientially could well be extra-ordinary.

Going on retreat helps….

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The 2 major benefits of meditation – what to expect, and how predictable are they?

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Meditation Retreats
Full details of the meditation retreats Ruth and I will lead in 2016 CLICK HERE

4 comments:

  1. Wonderful Ian. Really looking forward to my next retreat with you in March. Thank you for all your wisdom and compassion.

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  2. A great Post.

    Warm Regards,
    John Hamilton

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  3. Hi Ian. Are there any plans for a Mind Body program in Australia in 2016? If not wondering if you can recommend something to me without going 'off soil'. I have not done a previous program with you but have undertaken several in SA presented by one of your students. Kind Regards.

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    1. The Mind-Body medicine programs Ruth and I will present in Australia this year are the follow up programs for people who have done a previous specific cancer retreat at the Gawler foundation's residential centre in Yarra Junction; or who have done a previous program with us, or a cancer program with someone who has trained with us and is aligned with the Foundation.
      Otherwise, there is the 8 day cancer program we will present in Wanaka NZ later in the year - details on my website, and details of other Foundation programs are on their website. Hope this helps :)

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