Photo by Takuin Minamoto
Question of the Week: 8-25/8-31
I have read the blog for some time, and I have a question. Do you have any certainty? I mean, sometimes you say, “Im not saying it is or it isnt, or that its right or wrong.” Is this because you just want others to see the solution for themselves, or is it that you really have no way of knowing? I dont know if thats the right question, but I think you know what I am saying, right?
I do believe I understand what you are asking. There is no certainty here, although it may be difficult to come to that point. Let’s see if we can do that.
It is not as if I want you to have any particular solution. After all, if you had the solution, what would you do with it? If I tell you it is definitely a certain way, and you accept that, and you believe it, what will happen?
If you believe it, and want to live life in that way, you have to solidify it into something that is done; an effort one must pursue in order to have something at the end.
So then, it becomes a certainty for you. And who is it that will hold onto this certainty? Who is residing within that can grab this thing, strangle it, and force a way of living out of it? Do you understand the question? You may say, “This is certain. I feel it and know it!” But for whom is this certain?
Don’t tell me, “It is certainty arising in the One,” or whatever else people have a fondness for repeating. Have you gone there? Have you seen it for yourself? If you have not, why just accept what one says is true? Why accept it is oneness, or whatever? See it for yourself, and see what happens to that certainty.
Is there certainty? (Or security?)
Find out. Go there now and tell me what is there. Of what are you certain? You may say a great number of things. But all of this certainty is dependent upon the person that is seeking it.
I am not saying it is right or wrong, or that it doesn’t – or shouldn’t – happen. It is obvious that these things go on within human beings. We just need to look into the world and see what is happening. But why is this search for certainty necessary? Don’t answer. Just go inside and see what is there within you.
Now, if you go within, and if one should happen to see what is there, what will you do? Please do not make something out of it! Don’t make it another noose to hang yourself from. Just see it.
I am not saying that you will see this movement and it will fade away. I am not saying that this will quiet your mind and set you free. And I am certainly (PUN) not trying to sell you on the idea of how anything works.
Just be quiet. See it, and be quiet. Questions may arise, but do not use that as an excuse to re-solidify into a conclusion. No, this organism must be free from conclusion. Otherwise you are dead. You will stop seeing, and start believing.
Sit with the questions, as they come. See these movements as they arise.
Just be quiet.
19 Comments
Thats a brilliant photograph,,,what and where is it???
Excellent. I know that for myself, as I sit with all of this stuff, I find all certainty going out the window. I am certain of nothing.
Someone said to Adyashanti that she felt like if she really let it all go she would be in “free fall” just falling through time and space with nothing to hold on to, no ground. She said, “Is that okay?” Adya replied, “of course it is. That’s how I live every second. Nothing to anchor to.”
@Uzma
I was in Toyama at a convention center. On each floor, close to each of the entrances, were displays of miniature dioramas. With some effort, I managed to take many good shots of those pieces.
This photo is from that series. I took a number of photos that day, and most of them can be seen on my flickr account.
@Tom
I wonder how she said it? I mean, in what tone of voice, facial grimace, etc. I am always interested in hearing these things from others.
In many cases these things are described in an almost negative way. People imagine what this state must be, building up an image of what may or may not be there.
It is beyond all of that, of course, but you can hear the person’s underlying belief through their words. Sometimes it is almost like a strong smell that is unmistakable.
I wonder what she did with the answer she was given?
Takuin — I am happy to have found your site. I look forward to exploring it in more depth. My sitemeter thingy showed that I had a visitor from Japan recently. Could it have been you, I wonder?
Although I have not read it in a long time, this post inspired me to recommend “The Wisdom of Insecurity,” by Alan W. Watts. I think one could safely substitute “Uncertainty” for “Insecurity.” A great book, well worth reading, in my opinion.
I do think the question raised in your post is a good one. At the same time, I wonder: What do we mean by “certainty?” What does it really mean “to know” something? And, from where comes the *need* for such certainties? Seriously digging into these questions offers the possibility for much insight.
Too often, people resort to “who is it being certain?” meaning: there is really no one to be certain. While that may be true, in a certain sense, it is also a bit esoteric and cryptic. Better, I think, to dig into our own assumptions about the concepts we use, and how and why we use them.
Indeed, the path to awareness, freedom, enlightenment, whatever you want to call it, is the very process of questioning the illusions of our conditioned existences. What does that mean? It means questioning our own beliefs, certainties, and assumptions. Especially when it comes to the word-concepts (like “certain”!) we take for granted without ever having *really* questioned where they come from, and why we use them the way we do, and why we are so attached to them.
Although this process takes a great deal of effort, it is well worth it.
Obviously, this goes along with, and says the same thing (in a different way) as Takuin’s advice: go within, and see for yourself.
@Robert
Thanks for stopping in, and thanks for the great comment.
The question of certainty is an important one, and if one goes deeply into it, it can clearly be seen.
None of this is a mystery, whether it is “to know,” “what is knowing,” “where does this need come from,” and so on. But people seem to make something out of it based on what they believe might happen.
In other words, they do not go there to see for themselves. Instead they make up a story about what might or might not happen.
This is clearly seen in something as silly as, “Fear of the Unknown.” If one goes into that very statement, it will unravel and tear itself apart. But, it seems, people do not do this.
“Who is being certain?” does seem esoteric or cryptic, but only to a mind that is trying to see it through knowledge. And knowledge cannot touch what goes on there. The mystery arises when human beings make up stories about what is there, without having ever touched what is there.
Thanks for the great discussion, Robert. I look forward to seeing you here again.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Takuin. I think I brought up the whole “Who is it that’s trying to be certain” issue because I see this on a lot of “spirituality” blog sites, and I think that while it is correct, and can often be a good approach, it can seem too esoteric to those who might be in the beginning of their “journey of self-awareness.” (It’s kind of humorous, I think, that it’s hard to talk about any of this stuff without using what many see as new-agey, hippie terminology…:))
I think that many people are still too trapped in their own ego-selves, their own self-identity, to really be able to benefit from that kind of approach (at least initially; though, to be sure, everyone has their own path, and it may be perfect for some). That’s why I think it can be beneficial to start by focusing on concrete things that are right there in front of us, such as our beliefs, our assumptions, and so on. The process of honestly questioning those (what I call the illusions of our conditioned existence) can, I think, rightly be described as “the path” itself.
And thank you for the great discussion, as well.
@ Robert
I have often thought about this. In some way, it is unfair to even say anything at all.
In a mind that searches, what can it do with all of these things? All of this endless bliss, pure awareness, no-self stuff that it hears about?
It doesn’t want to stop, it doesn’t want to sit with the words, going into them to see what is really there. It wants to make something out of it. It wants a system or a path to follow. It wants to be told what to do.
But this is possibly the most elusive part of the whole thing. It thinks by following, it can somehow be free. I am not saying it is right or wrong, but one needs great care and energy to take these things to the end.
What we do on these blogs may actually keep people stuck. Haha. Who knows?
That is why I always say Listen to everyone, but follow no one.
Be curious and find out!
Yes! And why I always say: see for yourself.
Which is why such people only get so far, or nowhere at all–they’re too stuck in their own selfish desires and their childish delusion that life is about getting what you want, (what your ego-self wants/craves/thinks it “needs”).
This is the point of questioning. Questioning authority. All authority. Including the authorities from which the concepts by which you live get their meaning/validity/invalidity. One can ignore this, but they will never get around it. Why? Because this is how it works. How can you know if that’s true or not? Go there and see for yourself.
Nothing worthwhile is ever accomplished by simply “wanting” it. If that were the case, then one could be a world-class violinist by simply wanting it to be so.
Whether it’s mastering a musical instrument, or the process of (self-) awareness, making progress isn’t about what one wants/desires (even when it comes to quantity and quality of work required), it’s a matter of doing the work, making the right efforts. If one does so, if one makes such efforts, progress will happen. No work/effort, no (real) progress.
Again, the only way to “know” is to do, and see for yourself.
@Robert
Certainly for progress in the physical world, some sort of effort is needed. For musicians, learning scales, chords, arpeggios, sight reading, etc., takes time, even for passable ability. Never mind about mastery.
Although I see no effort as such in liberation, and I cannot imagine the process you mention. That is not to say that it is wrong or right. It might be subtle meanings within the words we use.
takuin – Yes, I do think it might be partly a matter of semantics. But, personally, as a musician myself, I see many more similarities than differences between mastering an instrument and mastering ourselves (to put it one way).
I often use the word “effort” to describe what one does in “letting go.” The effort required in letting go, and staying let go. So, it’s not a matter of “exertion,” per se, but rather the effort one puts into practice of any kind—mindfulness, commitment, attention, etc. The kind of “effort” one often puts into the practice of meditation, for example. One could easily substitute “non-effort” for “effort” or “work,” as long as it does not become apathy, or sloth. This concept is subtle, and hard to get without actually experiencing that subtlety in one’s own practice. I imagine many who do formal meditation will get it, since it is very difficult to “just sit.” To do so, to do it “well,” “expertly,” requires the kind of “non-effort”/”effort” I describe above.
As for the processes I talk about, well, there’s no way to fully describe it all succinctly, at least not without delving into the kind of semantical issues here being discussed. Some will get it immediately, others not so immediately, and, I imagine, some not at all. This is why I am posting material from my own personal notes on my website, so people can consider the idea/material themselves.
One last thing about “effort.” I got the the point where “work” no longer seemed to fit, mostly because in our society (the USA), “work” has a generally negative connotation. So, sometimes I use “effort” instead. Of course, any word can take on a negative connotation for anyone, and this is why I always recommend not becoming attached to word-concepts, but rather questioning them, to the point one feels comfortable “using” them without being attached (to them).
I suppose all we can do is get as close as possible to one another. From there, we may be able to walk together.
I read a lot of blogs of this type lately (and am sometimes, like now, vain enough to contribute). I stuff words and concepts into my awareness and then meditate, trying to go beyond them. I am addicted to thinking, trapped in a maze of my own making. At least that’s how it feels when I’m taking it all, and myself, way too seriously.
I realize no one can walk me to the door, only try to point the way. But with soooo many people pointing……… Ah, my frustration is showing through. Lately my attention has been on intention, the intention of knowing/being stillness, but even that involves a concept of stillness which I realize must be false. What’s a boy to do? I’ve heard that all the Buddhas sit with me, that every one who has ever wakened has traveled a similar path.
So why write this? Sympathy? Am I trying to get up the nerve to ask advice? Maybe my ego just needs to be out there so it can feel like it’s at least trying to be a better ego. It is said that when the student is ready the teacher will come. But will the student have the wisdom to recognize him/her? One can only hope. I trust I have not wasted any one’s time with this rambling. Peace to all.
Eric,
It is not vain at all. Hell, I chose my own name as the url for this site, so who is vain?
If you are into inquiry, then have a go at this:
The first question is, What is the difference between the concepts and the one stuffing the concepts?
Stay there before going on to, Is it possible for the creator of the concepts to go beyond them?
I hear your frustration, but really, there is nothing you can do. There may indeed be similar paths, but don’t look for the similarities, copy them, and then try to live by them. If there is such a thing as “right living,” it has nothing to do with what one believes is right.
Forget about other people pointing to wherever. They cannot be sure what is right for you. They may say, “I merely point out the door,” but they could be wrong. That is not to say you shouldn’t listen, but there is absolutely no reason to follow.
That is certainly said. But is it wisdom for one to expect another to show the way? Is it wise to live a long life, waiting for someone else to set you free? I am not saying you do any of this, Eric. I am just exploring this subject.
In this phenomenal world, if someone has a particular skill, and you want to have that same skill, you go to them and ask questions. Or you buy a book, DVD, take a course, or whatever. But who on this earth can be the judge of what is happening within you from moment to moment? Certainly, things can be explored, and if there are two or more people, this kind of discovery can go in unexpected directions. But ultimately, it is Eric that must see what is within the organism named Eric.
It might be disconcerting to see this, but don’t trust that feeling. You will never know, unless you are there. And even then, you will never know.
I see this as an exciting time for you.
Thank you Takuin. I have enjoyed every post that I have read by you, including this one. I must apologize for my previous tone; it came off a little whiny and needy.
The frustration is real though. It stems from the fact that many years ago, say around 1971, I found The Silence and have not been able to experience it since. That’s a long time to be thirsty! And yet part of the Knowledge that was retained was the realization that space/time does not exist. So I know intellectually that the experience is eternal, outside of time and therefore ongoing. Indeed, that all of this is not real. Only perceived.
Back then there was precious little literature on what I experienced and certainly no blogs. Computers only existed on Star Trek! Long story short, I believe I scared the crap out my ego, and then spiraled down with the help of alcohol and other drugs. Not all bad though ’cause here I am with a deep understanding that, despite outward appearances, we are all Light and never not connected to source. Oh, but I crave the Bliss of floating in that place where my story, and the fear and isolation that created it, are gone. No, not just gone, never were! That’s what was trying to come through yesterday, that deep longing to be myself again. Doesn’t it sound absurd when put that way? How can one not be their self?!
So thank you for listening and responding. The kindness always comes through, and that alone is a help. I will continue to sit, hopefully with a little more patience each time, and wait for that Grace when thought stops and I can once again be who I Am.
Peace to all.
Eric — I have been reading your comments with interest. It’s nice to see comments so well expressed and well written.
I think I understand where you’re coming from. There are many bumps and roadblocks and missed signposts on this path. In fact, that’s very natural. The good news is that the source of them all are, ultimately, right there in front of (within) you. They are in your own selfish desires (remember that craving Happiness is still craving, and sets up the same kinds of roadblocks as any other craving), and your own fears, assumptions and so on. That’s good news because that means you don’t have to look anywhere else for the solutions to your own issues/problems/confusions.
As for teachers, no matter what a teacher says or does, the true “teacher” is one who expresses that what really matters is what you think, what you do. (For what it’s worth, I, personally, never had a “teacher/guru,” and do not believe that they are necessary for everyone.) A true teacher never makes it about them, their teachings, “their” way. Never. Anyway, ultimately, there is really only one “way,” and that way is from within. (That is “the” way to which any real teacher, like The Buddha, will point.) This is true for all of us. Eventually, you may find what many call your “inner guru.” I like the Buddha’s teachings a lot. He (is said to have) taught “Be your own refuge.” There is a lot of wisdom in that. It is also extremely challenging when one really takes it seriously. And to show my point, the truth of that is something I came to see for myself. One does not “believe” and “follow” teachings/ideas/theories, but rather sees the truth (or falsity) of them for themselves. In a very real sense, that, in itself, is “the” way.
We find Happiness, Reality, Enlightenment in the absence of our illusions. Therefore, it is wise to focus on your own illusions, your own cravings. Where do they (really) come from. Follow the threads. This takes effort (see previous comments above). While some may be able to “sit away” their illusions, I think that most of us need to make the “right efforts” to examine them to the point where we truly see the truth of them. Understanding leads to letting go. Letting go leads to freedom, Happiness.
If you’re looking for a book (and I personally feel that reading the thoughts, ideas, etc. of others can be extremely helpful) I might suggest “Awakening the Buddha Within,” by Lama Surya Das. Of course, this is not all about “Buddhism.” I also found much similar wisdom in the work of Hume, Spinoza, and Nietzsche. Anything that stimulates thought/exploration is good.
Either way, keep on keepin’ on, as they say. You can get where you’re going, if you persevere and commit to your own path. Just don’t be surprised if it leads to to places you weren’t expecting to go.
Eric,
I wonder…does your frustration arise from having lost the silence? Or does it arise because you desire to get it back?
Part of the problem might be, there is far too much information on awakening. And I am not sure that any of it can be trusted. Not because there is anything wrong with it, but what will you do with the knowledge that is presented? Try and build something out of it? Isn’t that what you’ve already done? (Not YOU personally, Eric.)
Thanks for all of your wonderful comments.
You have given me much to ponder. The insights you have shared are welcome and I feel will be very helpful. The questions you asked, though, are the real meat and have me inquiring new directions. My meditations of late have been filled with a lot of “who’s” and “whats” but now you’ve got me asking “why”. What is the motivation; why do I seek awakening. I refer to an earlier observation of my ego just wanting to be a better ego, and that is part of it. But my heart also tells me it is right to want it.
I was about to say that I’m trying to find my own path then realized I am already on it! How could I not be. As to my frustration, it seems to me that is just my ego wanting things to be the way it wants them to be and not accepting the way they are. So I’ll work on acceptance, forgiveness, and inquiring into motive. Oh, there will still be a “who” in there; who is facilitating the motive(s)? Who is following those cravings of bliss? After all, the One I am looking for IS the bliss.
By the way I read “sitting #3″ earlier this morning. I found it challenging in all the right ways. Thank you, Takuin, for all your comments.
Peace to all.
Eric,
If you think it is right, then go for it. Put all of your heart into it. Go into it in order to find out what is really there; not to validate what you may believe to be there.
I look forward to hearing about all that may happen.
One Trackback
[...] In 2 Deep observations on the road home… « Happiness is Rising Knowing or Unknowing August 28, 2008 It’s curious how blogging can reveal layers worth exploring. While I wrote Confidence, Takuin explored uncertainty in Are you Certain? [...]