RDA 7 Steps Journal

#262

RDA 7 Steps Journal — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 17:21:36 +0000

It is a gross error to misidentify with the body and then make the body behave as if there is no world. This attempt to force behavior without any shift in identification will only result in additional suffering.

Practice shifting attention from the belief in the world as real to awareness of present-being. Let the body be natural, in harmony with attention.

#261

RDA 7 Steps Journal — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:24:25 +0000

To say “I the person am aware of I the Self” is like saying “I the Halloween costume am aware of I the person.” Such a statement is evidence of insanity.

#260

RDA 7 Steps Journal — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:20:32 +0000

Self is the core of life, not that which comes after. Identifying with that which comes after, that which is temporary, is the cause of all suffering. From the position of true “I”, there is nothing to suffer; there is only ongoing, ever-being, pure grace-love.

Watch the tendency to identify with elements other than the core. When this tendency is noticed, shift attention to awareness of present core being.

#259

RDA 7 Steps Journal — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:16:05 +0000

The core of life before mind, senses and world are added is true life, eternal life, reality and ever-present Self.

#258

RDA 7 Steps Journal — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:14:37 +0000

While the world appearance continues and there is still some attachment to the body, one does well to practice Self-inquiry, Self-watching and Self-awareness. That which one watches when practicing Self-watching is reality. Reality is enduring. The unreal will fade from sight, but with eyes keenly focused on reality, one will not notice the fading of illusions unreal.

#257

RDA 7 Steps Journal — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:11:32 +0000

Which is wisdom? To listen to the mind, which pays attention to the world as if it is reality, or to rest peace-centered in the heart without a thought for the world?

If one is not clear on the answer to this question, try asking again this way:

Is it wisdom to sit peacefully amid calm waters and still beauty or is it wisdom to run frantically chasing shadows desired while hiding from shadows feared?

#256

RDA 7 Steps Journal — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:20:50 +0000

What does attachment to body have to do with attachment to mind, and therefore illusion? It is a simple triad.

Attachment to body implies “I am vulnerable and need protection.” Mind responds by answering, “I am your protection,” as it spins its threat and protection stories. From those stories the entire illusory world is formed, and the perception “I need protection” continues.

To be free of this cycle, do not accept the idea “I am the body.”
Practice Self-inquiry and Self-watching in order to firmly awaken awareness of Self.

#255

RDA 7 Steps Journal — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:13:58 +0000

This is a request for happy, surrendered commitment:

Surrender to the heart by being established in the practice of Self-inquiry and Self-watching until the illusion that anything else could exist or be has died completely and only knowledge of reality remains.

#254

RDA 7 Steps Journal — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:11:20 +0000

Immersed in being, one finds nothing else;
The idea that something other than being could be does not exist.

#253

RDA 7 Steps Journal — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:09:38 +0000

Being by itself is freedom.
By itself means with no conceptualization added.