Hey everyone,
Good news, this Sunday we will all see everything exactly as they are, be able to see with the eyes of non-self, inter-being, impermanence and realize Nirvana! Hahaha, just playing, I mean, maybe. that could happen, it is possible, but that will not be my intent (despite what the brain wants). The reality of insight isn't something conveniently packaged into a concept that the brain can comprehend intellectually (concepts by definition can only point us in a direction). However, the good news is that understanding certain things on an intellectual level can help pave the path to a deeper realization; and that insight comes effortlessly as a natural byproduct of practicing Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration (along with many other aspects of the Noble 8-fold path) :)
So this Sunday, we will dive into Right View, talk about our experience with practicing with it, and help us to relax into being in tune with these deep understandings of reality. Maybe for just a moment, we can remove the human filter and see with our real eyes. For homework, until then, I invite you to spend at least 5 minutes imagining that you suddenly have amnesia (forget how to speak, read, write, label things, etc.) and all that you know is that you are not from this planet; that you are from another planet in another dimension where you didn't previously have eyes. I highly encourage you to spend at least 5 minutes of silent sitting meditation with your eyes closed to prepare for this experiment. Closing your eyes for the sit will symbolize the instant you experience the amnesia and the 5 minutes of sitting will symbolize what life is somewhat like on your home planet (wearing ear-plugs can help too but not necessary) :) Enjoy!
_/|\_ Nick
practicing mindfulness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh