87 Awareness of Awareness (4)

Spring 2012 Shamatha Retreat

We expand upon the two methods given by Panchen Lama Rinpoche of managing incoming thoughts: in the first, after flicking an arrow of thought, what remains in its place is awareness—a knowing devoid of thought. It's as if you get your own built-in dzogchen master. Phet! In the second method, letting thoughts arise and evaporate, you begin to perceive all thoughts, your body, and awareness itself as empty and identityless. It is said, while in between sessions, one should act as an illusory being. Though we dismiss thoughts as unwanted, we must be thankful for they provide the whetstone with which we sharpen the stability and vividness of our awareness. When people and events of the outer world come and go just as thoughts, we can be grateful too for their contribution to our practice.

Silent meditation at 30:20

Q&A at 55:41
* Distinguishing between awareness of awareness and settling the mind in its natural state.
* Introspection in awareness of awareness.
* When the distracting thought is a mantra.
* Defining locality in awareness of awareness.
* Resting without thoughts and a subtle thought stream.
* Awareness (vidya) vs. consciousness (jñana, vijñana) vs. mind (citta).
* Subject and object in awareness.