...is simply looking or listening (or feeling, etc) in silence. There are no thoughts at all. If a thought appears, mind recognizes the thought and shifts attention back to what can be seen or heard. Eventually, (after thoughts have been repeatedly left behind in favor of direct perception) there is only alert attention perceiving "what is."
"What is" includes thoughts, if they are present, but if they appear, they are dropped in favor of direct perception. ATA is initially pursued under the illusion that "someone," a "me," is purposefully directing the activity. After this illusion collapses, it is seen that there was never anyone other than Source--THIS--doing anything.
ATA is the way little children interact with the world. They spend most of their time interacting with the world directly through their senses. They spend a miniscule amount of time reflecting ABOUT the world, as compared to adults.
ATA, as a practice, is purposefully shifting to how little children see and experience the world--non-conceptually. After the "purposeful" illusion collapses, then it no longer matters whether thinking is present or not, and there is non-abidance in mind. The illusory "me" is then no longer present; there is only THIS. It is realized that THIS was always the fact and that there never was a "me" in any sense. We say that this event (the collapse of the illusion) is waking up from the "dream of me."
If, while looking at the world, thoughts arise, attention is removed from the thoughts and re-focused upon what can be seen. This is done again and again until direct perception can be sustained without the interruption of thoughts. Initially, thoughts are seen to be "the enemy," but if pursued long enough, this idea also collapses and is seen as a misconception.
"What is" includes thoughts, if they are present, but if they appear, they are dropped in favor of direct perception. ATA is initially pursued under the illusion that "someone," a "me," is purposefully directing the activity. After this illusion collapses, it is seen that there was never anyone other than Source--THIS--doing anything.
ATA is the way little children interact with the world. They spend most of their time interacting with the world directly through their senses. They spend a miniscule amount of time reflecting ABOUT the world, as compared to adults.
ATA, as a practice, is purposefully shifting to how little children see and experience the world--non-conceptually. After the "purposeful" illusion collapses, then it no longer matters whether thinking is present or not, and there is non-abidance in mind. The illusory "me" is then no longer present; there is only THIS. It is realized that THIS was always the fact and that there never was a "me" in any sense. We say that this event (the collapse of the illusion) is waking up from the "dream of me."
If, while looking at the world, thoughts arise, attention is removed from the thoughts and re-focused upon what can be seen. This is done again and again until direct perception can be sustained without the interruption of thoughts. Initially, thoughts are seen to be "the enemy," but if pursued long enough, this idea also collapses and is seen as a misconception.
