Outer eyes
Cannot see themselves.
The inner eye
Is its own reflection.
When we look, we can see many things, but the eyes cannot see themselves without the help of a mirror. We are not used to introspection. Although the followers of Tao say to look within to gain self-awareness, we will be confused if we use the attitudes formed by looking with our eyes.
That is why it is important to make a clear distinction early on. Do not try to understand yourself with the attitudes of physical seeing. Look within using inner vision.
For centuries, people of many different cultures have referred to “the mind’s eye,” or “the inner eye,” or “the third eye.” These are all indications that there is a separate way of looking within. In meditation, it is important to discover and utilize this mode of introspection. We must go beyond thought, go beyond visualization, go beyond imagination and actually open a part of the mind that most people leave dormant. This inner eye has a location, buried deep in the brain. When it is opened, it is our way of receiving more subtle experiences than we receive in our physical states. Perhaps looking and seeing are misleading terms, after all. We don’t necessarily “see” images through this inner eye: We gain direct awareness that is beyond this image.
I woke up a little before 4 this morning, layed therte for a couple of minutes wondering why I was awake. Then came the all-too-familiar in California rumble of an eartthquake, followed by a very brief jolt.
So why did I wake up before this happened? Well, after this long in California, you just sort of know these things are coming. Somehow. How, I don’t know.
Awareness is just like that. If you could explain it, it wouldn’t be what it is. It is sort of knowing without knowing, being aware of awareness itself. When I meditate, I just try to let everything I’m thinking about move out of the way, and see what I’m really aware of.
I don’t think most people are aware. They think they are, but they don’t notice what goes on around them. It’s amusing sometimes to watch people, see what is happening in their lives, know what is going to happen, and then see it unfold. And they say, “Well, I just didn’t know what he was like!” “Well, I never say THAT coming!”. Sometimes, you want to explain things to them, but you know it won’t do any good. They just get mad if you do. So, you shut up, and watch, and are amused by it all.
Awareness. Yes, it’s interesting, and fun.
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