...as a result of pursuing various activities, such as,
1. Mowing the grass (while mind wanders around)
2. Taking a shower (while mind wanders around)
3. Working on self improvement (which usually reinforces the idea that there is a self being improved)
4. Contemplating existential questions triggered by curiosity
5. Persistently remaining conscious of "I am" (Niz)
6. Self inquiry (Ramana)
7. Noticing
8. ATA in any of its various forms (numerous sages)
I would say that the odds are much greater if mind is ignored (as in #4-#8) in favor of directly looking at THIS, inquiry into THIS, or silently being THIS.
I'm not into exploring the intellect. In my experience it isn't necessary. Silent contemplation, or ATA, alone, will ultimately lead to a complete re-ordering of existing knowledge and self-realization. If one becomes still, all ideas eventually drop away, and only the truth remains.
I know that BK recommends questioning thoughts as a methodolgy, but I've met lots of people who have done "The Work" and remain confused and stuck in the intellect. I suggest shifting attention away from thoughts because people are less likely to stay lost in the labyrinth of the intellect.
#4 and #8 are probably the most often used approaches. The Niz approach doesn't appeal to many people, and Ramana's self inquiry (Who am I?) is like running into a brick wall for most people, and therefore given up as too difficult. Most of the folks I'm familiar with who have awakened were using a combination of #4 and #8.
1. Mowing the grass (while mind wanders around)
2. Taking a shower (while mind wanders around)
3. Working on self improvement (which usually reinforces the idea that there is a self being improved)
4. Contemplating existential questions triggered by curiosity
5. Persistently remaining conscious of "I am" (Niz)
6. Self inquiry (Ramana)
7. Noticing
8. ATA in any of its various forms (numerous sages)
I would say that the odds are much greater if mind is ignored (as in #4-#8) in favor of directly looking at THIS, inquiry into THIS, or silently being THIS.
I'm not into exploring the intellect. In my experience it isn't necessary. Silent contemplation, or ATA, alone, will ultimately lead to a complete re-ordering of existing knowledge and self-realization. If one becomes still, all ideas eventually drop away, and only the truth remains.
I know that BK recommends questioning thoughts as a methodolgy, but I've met lots of people who have done "The Work" and remain confused and stuck in the intellect. I suggest shifting attention away from thoughts because people are less likely to stay lost in the labyrinth of the intellect.
#4 and #8 are probably the most often used approaches. The Niz approach doesn't appeal to many people, and Ramana's self inquiry (Who am I?) is like running into a brick wall for most people, and therefore given up as too difficult. Most of the folks I'm familiar with who have awakened were using a combination of #4 and #8.
