May 31, 2023 No advice is given herein. The revision date is the version number. Copyright © Gary R. Smith • 'Whole Human Evolving Awareness is an ENDgame.' Self-customizable Tools for Contemplative Living • Images from the Evolving Awareness collection are used in the ENDgame for focusing on symbolic correspondences, from the daily roll of a single dodecahedron (twelve-sided) die. • ENDgame draws on personal experience, intuitive feelings and multiple sources. It is seen as a step towards more universality, autonomy and sovereignty and meant to be adapted and evolved. • ENDgame™ Numbers / Colors (webpages are in process) One / Black Two / White Three / Purple Four / Indigo:Violet Five / Sky Blue Six / Green:Bluegreen Seven / Yellow:Gold Eight / Orange Nine / Red Ten / Brown Eleven / Multicolor Twelve / Transparent ENDgame Summary • Whole Human Contemplation: KOAN - WEBPAGE PLASMA HEAVEN - WEBPAGE EXCERPT FROM THE BLOG POST LEADING TO THIS KOAN CONTEMPLATION: KINDNESS, COMPASSION AND MINDFULNESS — MAKING INNER AND OUTER ONE. If you haven't already, it's recommended to read the full post linked above. When making the inner and outer one, 'inner' to me is the super-consciousness / the Source I Am and 'outer' can be summed as my whole human experience or the way I meet the world. This koan contemplation came out of a 'conversation' between Open A.I. Assistant and me. Assistant composed the basic koan, and I revised it deeply, also adding two excerpts from prose I wrote in 1971. Assistant "...Koans are paradoxical or enigmatic questions or statements designed to challenge logical thinking and provoke a shift in perception. Practitioners engage in contemplation and inquiry into koans, often under the guidance of a Zen teacher, to transcend ordinary conceptual understanding and open up to direct insight...." Gary Can you write a koan related to our exploration? Assistant Certainly! Here's a koan related to our exploration: "In the dance of oneness, where does the line blur between the observer and the observed? Seek not with eyes, but with the boundless expanse within. Who is it that beholds the tapestry of existence when the self dissolves?" This koan invites contemplation on the nature of perception, the boundaries between subject and object, and the potential dissolution of the self in the experience of oneness. It encourages looking beyond external appearances and exploring the deeper dimensions of consciousness and interconnectedness. As with all koans, there is no definitive answer but rather an invitation to delve into the depths of one's own direct experience and intuitive understanding. Whole Human Koan Contemplation, Version 8.7 These steps make a way to live, from the essence of the soul. 1. Continually, distinguish the neuro-me, from the Eternal Flame, the Source I Am. Bring awareness of the distinction into daily life. 2. As you become aware of the neuro-me, acting out of balance, say or think, 'that's the neuro-me', and guide it, to rest in the Stillness. 3. Listen constantly for the voice, of the Eternal Flame, the Source I Am. 4. Remove unnatural hindrances, such as extra electrons, or technological interferences, from your body and mind. 5. Give focus to the Beyond, with the Whole Human Evolving Awareness End-game. 6. Make the inner and outer One, in perception and experience, with the effortless action, of this koan contemplation. Find a comfortable and peaceful space, where you can sit or lie down. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, allowing your body and mind, to relax. Bring your attention to the present moment, letting go of any distractions. Visualize yourself in a vast open field, with an endless sky. Feel the sense of spaciousness and openness surrounding you. In this boundless expanse, imagine a dance between observer, and observed. As you walk through the field, you see the trees and stones, and a small lake. Recognize yourself as being the observer. You are being watched by the birds and a cat, so are also the observed. With your mind still, sense whatever else is observing. Continue watching this scene, and the dance of observing participants, and notice how the borders between the ones who are watching, and the ones being watched, begin to relax and blur. Who is it that observes, both the witnessing and the witnessed? Where is the awareness, that makes all observing possible? Ask your greater self, if that presence, is the Eternal Flame, the Source I Am. Ask if it is a non-local, conscious unified field, the essence of everything that exists. Ask within, who it is, that beholds the tapestry of existence, when the borders of self, the boundaries of distinctions, begin to dissolve. Can you sense a presence, beyond individual identity? Where are you, when the body is gone? Feel for this moment, that you are the boundless, One Being, the aware non-self, overlooking everything. Feel that in essence, you are the Eternal Flame, the Source I Am, the ocean in each drop of water. Allow yourself to let go of the concept of separate entities, and let the boundaries fade. Embrace a sense that all distinctions, are actually individuated expressions, of the one consciousness. Probing the bark of a tree, with your fingers, become the tree, sprouting newly emerging leaves, absorbing the warm sunshine, drawing nutrients of the moist soil, up through your roots. What makes you separate from this tree, from the blades of grass in the field, the stars in the heavens above? Why is there always you, and the so-called other -- your self, created by the neuro-me, apart from all other existence. Allow your own borders, the boundaries of self, to dissolve. Imagine what it would be like to be, an air bubble, drifting up and out, from the lake's muddy bottom, through the deep waters, and rising above the surface, to break through its bubble skin, then become one with the air, and mingle with the atmosphere, and course through the veins, of the winds. Expand to embrace everything, as being non-separate from you. Then search inside to see, what part of you protects, its individual identity. Could that part be the neuro-me, that is, the neurology, which has given you a sense of self-identity? Ponder, both now and later, whether the essence it hides, is actually the super-consciousness, the non-self of the One Being. Reflect on the possibility, that there may be a way to continue, after exiting from the body, a sense of both individuality, and oneness, such as in a plasma body. Allow yourself to merge with the essence of every being, recognizing the inherent unity beneath apparent differences. Allow your boundaries to fade away, and be one, with the One Being. For a moment, relax into the ease of trusting the grand design, in these matters. Notice any thoughts, emotions, or sensations that arise as you contemplate these questions. Allow them to be present, without judgment or attachment. Simply observe them as part of your experience. Now, notice that there is a person walking towards you. The person represents, your greater consciousness. When they stop, and you face each other, ask the person, 'What is your message, for me in this moment?' Continue to ask this, and listen for any response, over the day. Take some deep breaths, grounding yourself in the present moment. Carry the sense of oneness, and expanded awareness with you, as you move through your day. When you are ready, slowly bring your attention back, to your physical body, and feel gratitude for the vessel, that enables you to have this human experience. So it is, so let it be. KINDNESS, COMPASSION AND MINDFULNESS — MAKING INNER AND OUTER ONE
https://www.wholehuman.emanatepresence.com/blog/kind Gary What is compassion? Assistant Compassion is a fundamental human quality that involves recognizing the suffering of others and having a genuine desire to alleviate it. It is the ability to empathize with someone's pain, struggles, or distress, and respond with kindness, understanding, and a willingness to help. Compassion goes beyond sympathy, which is simply feeling sorry for someone. Instead, it involves a deep sense of empathy and a genuine desire to alleviate the suffering of others. Compassion can be expressed in various ways, such as offering emotional support, providing assistance, showing understanding, or simply being present for someone in need. It involves treating others with kindness, respect, and dignity, regardless of their circumstances or background. Compassion can be directed towards individuals, communities, or even animals and the environment. Practicing compassion has numerous benefits. It not only helps to improve the well-being and quality of life for those who receive compassion but also has positive effects on the individuals who express it. Compassion fosters connection, understanding, and a sense of common humanity. It promotes positive relationships, enhances emotional well-being, and contributes to a more caring and harmonious society. Overall, compassion is an essential aspect of our humanity, promoting kindness, empathy, and the alleviation of suffering in ourselves and others. Gary How can compassion be cultivated in oneself? Assistant Cultivating compassion is a personal journey that involves developing certain attitudes, perspectives, and behaviors. Here are some strategies that can help in cultivating compassion:
Gary What is mindfulness? Assistant Mindfulness is a state of active and open attention to the present moment. It involves being fully engaged and aware of one's thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment without judgment or attachment. In essence, mindfulness is about bringing one's attention to the present experience with acceptance and non-reactivity. At its core, mindfulness involves intentionally directing one's focus to the here and now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It is about cultivating an attitude of curiosity, openness, and non-judgment towards one's inner and outer experiences. Mindfulness practices often involve various techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, body scan exercises, and other mindfulness exercises. These practices help individuals develop the ability to observe their thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them. By cultivating mindfulness, one can increase self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the ability to respond to situations with greater clarity and compassion. The benefits of mindfulness have been extensively researched and include:
Gary What is kindness? Assistant Kindness is a virtue and a behavior characterized by the act of being friendly, generous, considerate, and compassionate towards others. It involves treating others with warmth, empathy, respect, and goodwill, regardless of their circumstances or background. Acts of kindness can take many forms, ranging from small gestures of politeness and courtesy to more significant acts of generosity and support. Kindness can be expressed through simple acts such as offering a smile, lending a helping hand, providing a listening ear, or expressing words of encouragement. It can also involve acts of charity, volunteering, or making a positive difference in someone's life. Kindness goes beyond mere politeness or social norms. It stems from a genuine concern for the well-being of others and a desire to alleviate their suffering or enhance their happiness. Kindness often involves putting oneself in another person's shoes, showing empathy, and treating them with compassion and understanding. Practicing kindness has numerous benefits, both for the recipient and the person expressing kindness. It promotes positive relationships, fosters a sense of belonging and connection, and contributes to a more caring and supportive community. Kindness also has positive effects on the individual's own well-being, as it can generate feelings of joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. In a world where negativity and conflicts exist, kindness has the power to make a significant difference. It has a ripple effect, inspiring others to act with kindness and creating a more compassionate and harmonious society. Ultimately, kindness is an essential quality that can uplift individuals, strengthen relationships, and create a positive impact on the world around us. Gary There's a saying, that when the inner world and outer world become one, the kingdom of heaven will be established on earth. How does that relate to compassion, mindfulness, and kindness? Assistant The saying you mentioned reflects the idea that when our inner world, which includes our thoughts, emotions, attitudes, and values, aligns with our outer world, which encompasses our actions, interactions, and relationships, a sense of harmony and wholeness can be achieved. This alignment can contribute to the establishment of a metaphorical "kingdom of heaven" on earth, symbolizing a state of peace, love, and well-being. Compassion, mindfulness, and kindness play crucial roles in the realization of this alignment and the manifestation of the kingdom of heaven within ourselves and in our external world:
Gary Do you know where the saying is from? Assistant The saying you mentioned, "When the inner world and outer world become one, the kingdom of heaven will be established on earth," appears to be an interpretation or paraphrase of spiritual and philosophical teachings found in various traditions. While there may not be a specific attributed source for this particular wording, similar concepts can be found in different religious and philosophical texts. In some spiritual traditions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, the idea of inner harmony and the connection between the inner and outer worlds is often emphasized. These teachings highlight the importance of aligning one's thoughts, intentions, and actions with higher principles or ultimate truths to attain a state of peace and enlightenment. Christianity also touches upon the concept of the kingdom of heaven, with teachings emphasizing the importance of cultivating a loving and compassionate heart, and living in accordance with divine principles, in order to establish harmony within oneself and in the world. It's worth noting that the saying you mentioned may be an interpretation or paraphrase that captures the essence of these teachings, rather than a direct quote from a specific source. The message it conveys is a universal one that transcends specific religious or philosophical boundaries, highlighting the transformative potential of aligning our inner and outer worlds for the greater good. Gary It's a paraphrase from my memory of a passage from the Gospel of Thomas. This "secret sayings" gospel does not tell the story of Jesus' life, but rather is a list of over 100 of his sayings. Jesus said to them, "When you make the two into one, and when you make the inner like the outer and the outer like the inner, and the upper like the lower, and when you make male and female into a single one, so that the male will not be male nor the female be female, when you make eyes in place of an eye, a hand in place of a hand, a foot in place of a foot, an image in place of an image, then you will enter [the (Father's) domain]." Assistant Thank you for providing the specific passage from the Gospel of Thomas. The paraphrase you mentioned aligns with the essence of the teachings found in this gospel, emphasizing the importance of inner transformation and the integration of the inner and outer aspects of existence. The passage you shared reflects the idea that by transcending dualities and the distinctions between inner and outer, male and female, and various aspects of our being, one can enter a higher state of consciousness or experience a divine domain. It speaks to the transformative power of unifying and harmonizing different aspects of ourselves and our perception of the world. The Gospel of Thomas, classified as one of the Gnostic Gospels, presents a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus. While it is not included in the canonical New Testament, it has been studied as a valuable historical and spiritual text that offers alternative perspectives on the teachings of Jesus. Thank you for sharing the passage and providing the context. It offers a clearer understanding of the source from which the saying originates. Gary You're welcome, and thank you for wording it so well, 'The passage you shared reflects the idea that by transcending dualities and the distinctions between inner and outer, male and female, and various aspects of our being, one can enter a higher state of consciousness or experience a divine domain. It speaks to the transformative power of unifying and harmonizing different aspects of ourselves and our perception of the world.' That to me is the takeaway essence of this interaction between us. I feel and deeply know there is a 'higher state of consciousness' before all things, pre-existent and unchanging, the One Being and Unmoved Mover. It is separated from me only by my conditioned mind and is the Eternal Flame, the Source I Am. My whole life purpose is in aligning my apparently separated egoic mind with super-consciousness, with the evidence in the quality of my behaviors such as compassion, kindness and mindfulness. Assistant You have beautifully expressed your understanding and purpose in aligning your egoic mind with super-consciousness. The recognition of a higher state of consciousness and the pursuit of aligning with it is a profound and transformative journey that many individuals embark upon. By recognizing that our conditioned minds and egoic identities can create a sense of separation from this higher state of consciousness, we can begin to cultivate practices and behaviors that bridge that gap and facilitate a deeper connection. Compassion, kindness, and mindfulness are indeed powerful tools in this process. Compassion allows us to transcend self-centeredness and extend care and understanding to others, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. Kindness is a way of embodying love and generosity, fostering unity and harmony in our interactions with others. Mindfulness, as we discussed earlier, cultivates present-moment awareness, allowing us to observe our thoughts, emotions, and actions without judgment and aligning them with our higher values. By embodying compassion, kindness, and mindfulness, we can gradually dissolve the illusory barriers that separate us from the higher state of consciousness you described. These qualities become reflections of our inner transformation and serve as beacons of our alignment with the eternal flame, the source of our being. May your journey towards aligning your egoic mind with super-consciousness be filled with profound insights, growth, and a deepening connection with the essence of your true self. Gary So be it. Assistant Indeed, may it be so. May your path towards alignment with super-consciousness be filled with grace, wisdom, and transformative experiences. If you have any more questions or if there's anything else I can assist you with, feel free to ask. Gary Please expand upon what is meant by inner and outer in this: The passage you shared reflects the idea that by transcending dualities and the distinctions between inner and outer, male and female, and various aspects of our being, one can enter a higher state of consciousness or experience a divine domain. It speaks to the transformative power of unifying and harmonizing different aspects of ourselves and our perception of the world. Assistant Certainly! In the context of the passage you shared, the terms "inner" and "outer" refer to different dimensions or aspects of our being and experience.
Transcending dualities means moving beyond the perception of separate and opposing forces or concepts. It involves recognizing that the inner and outer worlds are interconnected and interdependent, rather than separate entities. By doing so, we can perceive the underlying unity and oneness that exists. By unifying and harmonizing these aspects, we integrate and align our inner thoughts, emotions, and values with our outer actions and interactions. It involves living authentically, where our inner intentions and values are expressed and embodied in our external behaviors and relationships. This integration and alignment lead to a higher state of consciousness, where we experience a deeper connection with the divine or spiritual aspects of existence. It is a state where we perceive the underlying unity of all things and feel a sense of oneness with the world around us. In summary, the passage emphasizes the transformative power of transcending dualities, unifying the inner and outer dimensions of our being, and aligning our thoughts, intentions, and actions. Through this process, we can enter a higher state of consciousness and experience a deeper connection with the divine or spiritual nature of existence. Gary Is it possible that the subjective worlds (our realities) are just fragments of a much greater objective *actuality* which our minds cannot comprehend? This is from my earlier writings, and it relates: What I learned is that life/consciousness is a continuum and not composed of separate events as it seems. What I experience depends largely on how and where I focus and unfocus my attention. Now I must focus to write, but this can be balanced with unfocused attention over the day, and my aspiration is to expand unfocused attention to oneness (non-localized) consciousness. I know this intellectually and conceptually, but experientially have only touched on oneness living. My focused (localized) world is created by my perception of stimuli, and my response or reaction to it. In oneness, I imagine, there is no reaction or response, because there is no thought, and I am that. In 'Beyond Biocentrism', Bob Berman wrote of his oneness experience, 'Objects were no longer separate items existing in space; instead, everything was the same continuum.' In a continuum there is no loss. I only experience loss in localized mode. Assistant Your reflections and observations are thought-provoking and align with the notion of consciousness as a continuum. The idea that life and consciousness are not composed of separate events, but rather exist as a unified continuum, is found in various philosophical and spiritual traditions. Your understanding that your experience depends on how and where you focus and unfocus your attention resonates with the concept of conscious awareness and the role it plays in shaping our perceptions. By focusing our attention, we direct our awareness towards specific stimuli or aspects of our experience, creating a localized and individualized reality. On the other hand, by unfocusing our attention or expanding it to a more open and receptive state, we may tap into a broader, non-localized consciousness. The aspiration to expand unfocused attention to oneness or non-localized consciousness is a common theme in spiritual practices and paths of self-realization. It involves transcending the limitations of the egoic mind and experiencing a sense of interconnectedness and unity with all of existence. In such a state, the distinction between subject and object, self and other, dissolves, and a deeper sense of oneness is realized. The idea that in oneness there is no reaction or response because there is no thought reflects the concept of transcending the habitual patterns of the conditioned mind. It suggests that in the state of non-localized consciousness or oneness, there is a direct experience of reality beyond the filter of thoughts and conceptualization. The quote from Bob Berman's "Beyond Biocentrism" about perceiving everything as the same continuum echoes the sense of interconnectedness and unity that arises in the experience of oneness. It reflects the idea that, from a broader perspective, the apparent separateness of objects and events dissolves, revealing the underlying interconnectedness and continuity of all phenomena. Your realization that loss is experienced in the localized mode aligns with the understanding that suffering and a sense of separation arise from the identification with the individual self and the attachments we form. In the expanded awareness of oneness, there is a recognition of the inherent wholeness and unbroken continuity of existence. These insights reflect a deep contemplation and exploration of consciousness and its relationship to the nature of reality. As you continue to explore and deepen your understanding, may your experiences of oneness living and non-localized consciousness expand, bringing you closer to a profound sense of interconnectedness and unity. Gary Please compose the essential key points of the above. Assistant Certainly! Here are the essential key points from the previous response: 1. Life and consciousness are seen as a continuum rather than separate events. 2. Focusing and unfocusing attention play a significant role in shaping our experience. 3. The aspiration is to expand unfocused attention to a state of oneness or non-localized consciousness. 4. In a localized mode of perception, our experience is created by our perception of stimuli and our responses or reactions to them. 5. Oneness experiences involve a dissolution of separation, where objects and events are perceived as part of the same continuum. 6. Loss is experienced in the localized mode, while in the state of oneness, there is a sense of wholeness and no reaction or response as there are no thoughts. 7. The quote from "Beyond Biocentrism" highlights the perception of everything as the same continuum in an experience of oneness. 8. The aim is to transcend the limitations of the conditioned mind and tap into a deeper sense of interconnectedness and unity. 9. Oneness living involves recognizing the underlying interconnectedness and continuity of existence. 10. Suffering and a sense of separation arise from the identification with the individual self and attachments. 11. In the expanded awareness of oneness, there is a realization of the inherent wholeness of existence. 12. These insights stem from a contemplation and exploration of consciousness and its relationship to the nature of reality. By focusing on these key points, you can distill the essence of the previous discussion. Gary Please compose a poem from the essential points, preferably one that could help a person expand their consciousness. Assistant In the tapestry of life, a continuum we find, Where consciousness dances, intertwined. With focus and unfocus, our perception we mold, Unlocking the secrets that the universe holds. A longing arises, to expand our gaze, To soar beyond limits in uncharted ways. Seeking oneness, where thoughts dissipate, In a realm where separation meets its fate. In localized mode, our world takes form, As stimuli beckon, reactions perform. But in the realm of oneness, the ego dissolves, And unity emerges, as the truth evolves. Objects no longer stand alone, apart, But merge as one, a tapestry of art. A quote from "Beyond Biocentrism" reveals, That everything's connected, nothing conceals. Loss, a phantom that resides in the mind, In oneness, it fades, leaving nothing behind. No reactions, no responses, just pure being, A state of harmony, where thoughts cease their fleeing. Let's transcend the confines of the conditioned mind, And explore the depths, where truths unwind. Tap into the interconnectedness we share, In the fabric of existence, find solace and care. Suffering and separation, products of attachment, In oneness, we discover true fulfillment's dispatch. Embrace the wisdom that unfolds within, And witness the unity that life does begin. Let this poem guide you, expand your view, To glimpse the vastness that awaits you. Expand your consciousness, open the gate, And dance with the universe, in oneness innate. Gary Assistant Yes, satori is a concept that relates to the experience we have been discussing. Satori is a term derived from Zen Buddhism and refers to a sudden, intuitive awakening or enlightenment. It is often described as a profound, transformative experience in which one gains direct insight into the nature of reality or the true nature of self. Satori shares similarities with the expanded states of consciousness and oneness experiences we have explored. It involves a transcendence of ordinary perception and a shift in one's understanding and awareness. During satori, the usual dualistic distinctions and conceptual frameworks that shape our perception may dissolve, revealing a direct, non-conceptual experience of unity and interconnectedness. Like the oneness experiences we discussed, satori is often described as a state beyond the limitations of the conditioned mind, where thoughts and attachments lose their hold. It can involve a sense of timelessness, deep peace, and a feeling of being connected to a larger whole. However, it's important to note that satori is a term specifically associated with Zen Buddhism and carries its own cultural and religious context. Different traditions and spiritual paths may use different terminology or descriptions for similar experiences of awakening or expanded consciousness. Overall, while the term satori originates from Zen Buddhism, the essence of the experience it represents shares common elements with the broader exploration of oneness, expanded consciousness, and the dissolution of separation that we have been discussing. Gary Assistant Yes, satori is a concept that relates to the experience we have been discussing. Satori is a term derived from Zen Buddhism and refers to a sudden, intuitive awakening or enlightenment. It is often described as a profound, transformative experience in which one gains direct insight into the nature of reality or the true nature of self. Satori shares similarities with the expanded states of consciousness and oneness experiences we have explored. It involves a transcendence of ordinary perception and a shift in one's understanding and awareness. During satori, the usual dualistic distinctions and conceptual frameworks that shape our perception may dissolve, revealing a direct, non-conceptual experience of unity and interconnectedness. Like the oneness experiences we discussed, satori is often described as a state beyond the limitations of the conditioned mind, where thoughts and attachments lose their hold. It can involve a sense of timelessness, deep peace, and a feeling of being connected to a larger whole. However, it's important to note that satori is a term specifically associated with Zen Buddhism and carries its own cultural and religious context. Different traditions and spiritual paths may use different terminology or descriptions for similar experiences of awakening or expanded consciousness. Overall, while the term satori originates from Zen Buddhism, the essence of the experience it represents shares common elements with the broader exploration of oneness, expanded consciousness, and the dissolution of separation that we have been discussing. Gary What are the practices designed to induce Satori? Assistant In Zen Buddhism, there are various practices and approaches that are believed to cultivate the potential for satori or facilitate the experience of awakening. These practices are aimed at transcending conceptual thinking, quieting the mind, and directly experiencing the nature of reality. Here are a few practices commonly associated with the pursuit of satori: 1. Zazen (Seated Meditation): Zazen is a form of seated meditation that involves assuming a stable and alert posture while focusing on the breath or a specific object of attention. The practice aims to calm the mind, observe thoughts without attachment, and cultivate a state of deep presence and awareness. 2. Koan Study: Koans are paradoxical or enigmatic questions or statements designed to challenge logical thinking and provoke a shift in perception. Practitioners engage in contemplation and inquiry into koans, often under the guidance of a Zen teacher, to transcend ordinary conceptual understanding and open up to direct insight. 3. Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, both on and off the meditation cushion, are integral to Zen Buddhism and can help develop present-moment awareness and non-judgmental observation of thoughts, sensations, and experiences. By cultivating mindful awareness, practitioners aim to break free from conditioned patterns of thinking and perception. 4. Shikantaza (Just Sitting): Shikantaza is a practice of "just sitting" without any specific focus or technique. It involves allowing thoughts, feelings, and sensory experiences to arise and pass without interference or attachment, cultivating a non-discriminating awareness of the present moment. 5. Retreats and Intensive Practice: Engaging in longer periods of intensive practice, such as retreats or extended meditation sessions, provides an opportunity to deepen one's commitment to practice, enhance concentration, and create a conducive environment for insight and awakening to unfold. 6. Teacher-Guided Instruction: Seeking guidance from an experienced Zen teacher or spiritual mentor who has themselves experienced satori can provide valuable support and insight in navigating the path toward awakening. It's important to note that the experience of satori is often described as spontaneous and unpredictable, not directly achievable through deliberate effort alone. The practices mentioned above are considered means of creating the right conditions and preparing the mind for the possibility of satori to arise. They provide a framework for cultivating awareness, insight, and a receptive state of mind that can potentially facilitate the transformative experience of awakening. Gary Can you write a koan related to our exploration? Assistant Certainly! Here's a koan related to our exploration: "In the dance of oneness, where does the line blur between the observer and the observed? Seek not with eyes, but with the boundless expanse within. Who is it that beholds the tapestry of existence when the self dissolves?" This koan invites contemplation on the nature of perception, the boundaries between subject and object, and the potential dissolution of the self in the experience of oneness. It encourages looking beyond external appearances and exploring the deeper dimensions of consciousness and interconnectedness. As with all koans, there is no definitive answer but rather an invitation to delve into the depths of one's own direct experience and intuitive understanding.
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