Deepening the Practice of Self-Inquiry and Non-Duality

Welcome to this guided practice designed to deepen your understanding of self-inquiry and non-duality. This practice invites you to explore the nature of the “I-thought” as an expression of Brahman or pristine mind. By engaging in this practice, you can cultivate a deeper sense of unity and awareness, recognizing all experiences as manifestations of the same fundamental reality.

Introduction to the Practice

Self-inquiry is a profound method for exploring the nature of the self and its relationship to the broader reality. This practice involves contemplating the question “What is this?” and recognizing that all experiences which arise are mental events and expressions of the pristine mind. It encourages a non-judgmental, open inquiry that allows insights, which are also mental events and expressions of the pristine mind, to arise naturally. Whether you are new to self-inquiry or have been practicing for some time, this approach can help deepen your understanding and bring greater clarity and peace.

Review of Insights for Practice 1: Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara)

Key Insights to Consider:

1. Nature of the I-Thought:

• The “I-Thought” is simply a mental event, a vritti, or a pratyaya.
• Just like waves in the ocean, the “I-Thought” is an expression of the same underlying awareness (pristine mind).

2. Non-Dual Awareness:

• Mental events and pristine mind are not separate; they are one. This reflects the Zen saying, “Not one, not two.”
• Atman (individual self) and Brahman (universal self) are essentially the same. The realization that Atman is Brahman is key to understanding non-duality.

3. Unity of Experience:

• What appears as two (fluctuations of mind and calm mind) is actually one unified experience.
• The fluctuations of mind (vrittis) arise and dissolve in the same awareness, which remains unchanged and ever-present.

4. Witnessing Awareness:

• The witness or the “I” experiencing pure awareness is not the ego but the true Self (Atman), which is equanimously free from attachment and aversion.
• Self-realization involves recognizing this witness and understanding that it is ultimately one with the universal Self (Brahman).

Practice 1: Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara)

1. Find a Quiet Space:

• Sit comfortably in a place where you won’t be disturbed.

2. Focus on the Breath:

• Take a few deep breaths to settle the mind. Allow your breath to become natural and relaxed.

3. Ask the Question:

• Gently introduce the question: “Who am I?” or “What is this I-Thought?” Let the question arise naturally in your mind.

4. Investigate the I-Thought:

• Notice when the “I” arises in your thoughts. Ask yourself, “To whom does this thought occur?”
• Recognize that the one claiming ownership of the thought is itself another mental event. For example, “I am thinking this” or “This is my thought.”
• Observe this sense of “I” and inquire, “What is the source of this I-Thought?”

5. Rest in Awareness:

• When thoughts or answers arise, don’t engage with them. Simply notice them and return to the question.
• Recognize that the “I-Thought” and the thoughts recognizing it are mental events, like waves in the ocean.
• See all these mental events as expressions of Brahman or pristine mind.

6. Deeper Reflection:

• Reflect on the Zen saying, “Not one, not two.” Contemplate how the “I-Thought” and the awareness of the “I-Thought” are not separate.
• Consider how mental events, including the “I-Thought,” arise and dissolve in the same awareness.

7. Allow Space for Insights:

• Give space for insights to arise naturally. There is no need to force understanding; let it unfold in its own time.

8. Conclude with Gratitude:

• End your session with a moment of gratitude for the practice and any insights that may have arisen.

Deepening the Practice of Self-Inquiry:

1. Maintain Awareness of the Inquiry:

• As you contemplate, “What is this?” allow the question to permeate your awareness. Let it be a gentle, persistent inquiry that you return to whenever you notice your mind wandering.

2. Recognize All Experiences as Expressions:

• Continuously remind yourself that all thoughts, sensations, and perceptions are expressions of Brahman or pristine mind. This helps dissolve the perceived separation between the observer and the observed.

3. Stay Present with the Experience:

• Fully immerse yourself in the present moment, observing how thoughts and sensations arise and dissolve. Notice the underlying awareness that remains constant amidst these fluctuations.

4. Allow Insights to Arise Naturally:

• Avoid the urge to intellectually grasp or analyze the insights. Instead, allow understanding to arise naturally as you maintain a state of open inquiry.

5. Embrace Non-Judgmental Awareness:

• Observe without judgment. Whether the mind is active or calm, recognize both states as expressions of Brahman. This non-judgmental awareness fosters a deeper acceptance of your experience.

6. Integrate the Zen Question:

• When you ask, “What is this?” apply it to everything in your experience—thoughts, sensations, emotions, the sense of self. Allow the question to deepen your sense of curiosity and openness.

7. Rest in the Awareness:

• When moments of clarity or stillness arise, rest in that awareness. Recognize that this stillness is not separate from the fluctuations but the very ground of all expressions.

8. Periodic Reflection:

• Take moments during and after your practice to reflect on your experiences. How does the inquiry feel? What insights are emerging? How is your sense of self transforming?

9. Practice Consistently:

• Regular practice is key. Set aside dedicated time each day to engage in this inquiry, allowing the depth of understanding to gradually unfold.

10. Conclude with Gratitude and Dedication:

• End your sessions by expressing gratitude for the practice and any insights gained. Dedicate the merit of your practice to the benefit of all beings.

Conclusion

By maintaining this approach, you’ll be able to deepen your realization of non-duality and experience the unity of all expressions with the pristine mind. Let me know how the practice goes and if there are any specific experiences or questions you’d like to explore further.

Practice Reinforcement

1. Self-Inquiry:

• Continue with self-inquiry by keeping the focus on witnessing the source of the “I-Thought” and recognizing it as an expression of Brahman.

2. Regular Reflection:

• Spend a few moments each day reflecting on your true nature as an expression of Brahman. This regular contemplation can deepen your realization.

3. Mindful Awareness:

• Practice mindful awareness in all activities, noticing how each moment is an expression of the same underlying reality.

Reflection Points:

• Who or what is the I-Thought?: Reflect on your experience of the “I-Thought” during your practice. How does it feel to inquire into its nature?
• Non-Dual Awareness: Contemplate the unity of mental events and pristine mind. How does this realization impact your sense of self and awareness?
• How does recognizing thoughts and sensations as expressions of Brahman impact your sense of self and awareness?
• What insights arise when you inquire, “What is this?” in relation to your current experience?

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