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Q re: 4th frame of reference? (Vipassana)
conradcook
Veteran
I'm applying for a Vipassana 10-day retreat (http://www.dhamma.org/), and have been working through the process myself so that when I'm finally able to put myself in front of a teacher I can make good use of the opportunity.
And of course it's very difficult.
The first three frames of reference I more or less understand. The body as a frame of reference -- ok. The arising of feelings as a frame of reference -- watch them come and go -- ok. Watching your train of thought as it churns along -- kinda odd; never done it like that before; but ok.
But backing up that last step, to where you're watching the substance of mind itself? I've been puzzling over that for a week or more. What does that mean?
I finally tried it today, and it worked. Or something happened, anyway. It's difficult to verbalize, but I became very aware of what on other occasions I've called "the crystalline structure of space." (For lack of a better term.)
But it was also kind of scary. It was as if the "substance of my mind" wasn't real interested in being looked at naked like that. Sort of like I was looking at a girl taking a shower...
Perhaps the process is felt to be threatening to my sense of self?
Anybody ever get this? Any notions?
Buddha bless,
Conrad.
And of course it's very difficult.
The first three frames of reference I more or less understand. The body as a frame of reference -- ok. The arising of feelings as a frame of reference -- watch them come and go -- ok. Watching your train of thought as it churns along -- kinda odd; never done it like that before; but ok.
But backing up that last step, to where you're watching the substance of mind itself? I've been puzzling over that for a week or more. What does that mean?
I finally tried it today, and it worked. Or something happened, anyway. It's difficult to verbalize, but I became very aware of what on other occasions I've called "the crystalline structure of space." (For lack of a better term.)
But it was also kind of scary. It was as if the "substance of my mind" wasn't real interested in being looked at naked like that. Sort of like I was looking at a girl taking a shower...
Perhaps the process is felt to be threatening to my sense of self?
Anybody ever get this? Any notions?
Buddha bless,
Conrad.
0
Comments
Good luck!