Checking up

In this article, we shall look at our method of inquiry. We shall look at the mediums or 'instruments' we use when investigating or inquiring into our True Nature, and we shall check up on whether we are making a breakthrough, or if we are just going around in circles.

The purpose of this article is not to instruct the readers on what to do, or how to do. We can simply consider what is shared, and we can compare it to our own experience. 

The instrument used

To illustrate what we are talking about, let's use an analogy. Let's say, for example, that we want to investigate the surface of the moon from our balcony. See, if we use a microscope for this investigation, our findings will be inaccurate and distorted, because we are not using the right instrument for the investigation. When we use a telescope to look at the surface of the moon, we will be able to obtain much more relevant and accurate findings. This makes sense, doesn't it?

Now, imagine we want to investigate tiny particles of sea sand. If we use a telescope, our findings will again be completely distorted. However, when investigating the sea sand with a microscope, our investigation will be clear and we shall be able to draw accurate conclusions. 

What we want to understand through these simple examples, is that when we are using the incorrect method or 'tool' for inquiry, we will not be able to make accurate discoveries. This is very easy to understand, it is quite obvious.

Now, let's consider inquiring into our own Nature. We are talking about Self-inquiry.

Beyond the mind

As we have mentioned a few times before, we can use the discriminating mind to eliminate what we are not. This process is also known as Neti Neti. We confirm that we are not the physical body, not the thoughts, not the emotions or the mind, etc. We are neither this nor that. This analysis happens in the mind, or through the activity of the mind.

Through this exercise, the process of thought exhausts itself. It becomes clear that any thought that arises, or any concept that is held, is empty and impermanent. Therefore, we can stop paying attention to the mind. If we carry on looking for our True Nature in mind, we shall just go on and on and on, in endless circles, unable to come to a solid realization.

See, the mind has its limitations, and we cannot use a finite medium to explore the Infinite.

At this point, we realize that only Awareness remains, and we use Awareness as a 'medium' to inquire into our True Nature. So, we rest in awareness, we abide in awareness, and we hold or entertain no ideas or concepts. Awareness and ourselves are not two separate things, so we do not have to go anywhere, we do not have to move our attention in any direction. We do not have to move away from what we already are, right here and now.

When we investigate the nature of our Being through awareness, we are sure to come to the realization of who or what we truly are. This, we cannot express in words, so there is no need to elaborate more on this. All we can do is use awareness as the 'gate' to explore the nature of our Being.

To conclude, we want to check up on how we are investigating our Self. Are we caught in mental activity, entertaining more thoughts, ideas, concepts? Are we going around in circles, jumping from one idea to the next, hoping to find an idea that will lead us to peace and fulfillment?

Let's turn inward, let's turn silent, and acknowledge our ever-present, unchanging awareness. Let's rest in awareness, and acknowledge our True Nature.

Depending on what we are investigating, we need to make sure we are utilizing the relevant equipment.
Using thoughts to investigate our True Nature will keep us in endless circles.  

Related articles on this blog: 

Chasing an experience - 09 April, 2021
Removing the space, Part 1 - 06 May, 2021
A path of effortlessness, Part 1 - 16 May, 2021