Beacon: Association
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| Beacon: Association | |
|---|---|
| Credo | Unlearn the Self |
| Lenses | Nonduality Nonself Decentering Witnessing Interconnectedness Generosity Other-Centeredness The Headless Way |
Overview
Association, one of the three Beacons of Everyday Enlightenment, invites us to explore the interconnected nature of existence, recognizing that all phenomena are deeply interwoven and interdependent. This aspect of the path is about unlearning our default dualistic perspectives and embracing the wisdom of nonduality.
Central to this practice is the process of Unlearning the Self, which involves deconstructing our habitual perception of the self as a separate, independent entity. By observing the transient nature of thoughts, feelings, and sensations that constitute our sense of self, we begin to understand our identities as dynamic processes, not static entities. This shift in understanding can liberate us from the confines of self-centered concerns and anxieties, promoting a sense of peace and interconnectedness.
In addition, Association encompasses a range of related concepts, including "Nonduality," "Nonself," "Decentering," "Witnessing," and "Interconnectedness." Each of these concepts further elaborates on the understanding of reality as nondual, highlighting different aspects of this profound wisdom.
By incorporating these insights into our daily lives, we can gradually awaken to the truth of nonduality, developing a more harmonious and comprehensive understanding of our existence. The ultimate goal of this practice is to realize the profound interconnectedness of all things, leading us to a state of deep peace, empathy, and understanding.
Credo: Unlearn the Self
Unlearning the Self is a profound exercise within nondualism. Rooted in the teachings of various philosophical and spiritual traditions, it proposes a transformative understanding of the self as not distinct or separate from the rest of existence. This process helps to shatter the illusion of the self as an independent entity, which is a common misconception nurtured by our everyday experiences and societal conditioning.
In practical terms, Unlearning the Self means letting go of the idea that 'you' are a separate, standalone entity. This involves a shift in perspective where you begin to see yourself as a dynamic process intimately interconnected with the world, rather than a fixed being. Observing the thoughts, emotions, and experiences that constitute our notion of self can help us understand their transient and dependent nature.
To apply this to your life, you can engage in mindfulness practices that foster self-observation. These practices help you notice the arising and passing away of thoughts, feelings, and sensations, thereby highlighting the ephemeral and dependent nature of the 'self'. As you continue this exploration, you will likely start to notice how your concept of self changes and evolves based on your interactions and experiences.
The end goal of incorporating Unlearning the Self into your life is liberation from the suffering caused by attachment to a fixed, separate self. Recognizing the 'self' as a fluid, contingent process can lead to greater peace and happiness, as it allows you to let go of self-centered concerns and anxieties. It also fosters a sense of unity and interconnectedness with others and the world, promoting empathy and understanding. Ultimately, Unlearning the Self is a profound journey of self-transcendence that paves the way for the realization of nonduality - the understanding that all of existence is deeply interdependent and unified.
Primary Lenses of Association
Lenses, in the context of the Beacons of Everyday Enlightenment represent more specific concepts and practices through which we can understand the rich meaning of each Beacon. There are Primary Lenses, which are the most commonly understood and most robust meditative concepts, and there are Other Lenses which are a collection of other closely related ideas for that Beacon. The Lenses of Association highlight crucial aspects that illuminate our path to unity, providing a nuanced understanding and application of nondual principles.
Nonduality
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| Lens: Nonduality | |
|---|---|
| Beacons | Association |
| Landmarks | Observe Duality and Connectedness |
Nonduality, or "not-two", refers to a state or experience in which there is no distinction between the subject and object, or the self and the external world. It implies a sense of oneness and a realization that there's no separation between you and everything else. Importantly, this includes thoughts and emotions. Nonduality is an essential part of Association as Unlearning the Self includes unlearning the way we perceive subject and object.
Nonself
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| Lens: Nonself | |
|---|---|
| Beacons | Association |
| Landmarks | Observe Impermanent People |
Nonself is a concept that contends there is no unchanging, permanent self or essence in any phenomenon or being. In practical terms, this means understanding that our identity or "self" is constantly changing and is composed of various components such as our body, feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness. The concept of nonself can be practiced by observing the ever-changing nature of thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without clinging to any of them as defining your "self". The objective of realizing nonself is to alleviate suffering, as clinging to a concept of a permanent self can lead to dissatisfaction when that self inevitably changes.
Decentering
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| Lens: Decentering | |
|---|---|
| Beacons | Association |
| Landmarks | Observe Emotions From Outside |
Decentering refers to a cognitive process in which one views one's thoughts and emotions as temporary events in the mind, rather than as reflections of the self. Essentially, it's about having a detached awareness where you're observing your thoughts and feelings from a distance without becoming entangled in them. This can be practiced by noticing thoughts and feelings as they arise and acknowledging them without judgment. Remember that thoughts and feelings are not facts and they don't define who you are. The end-goal of decentering is to gain a greater sense of calm and control over your emotional responses, leading to increased psychological flexibility and well-being.
Other Lenses
The other lenses of Association are additional ways of exploring and expanding our quest to Unlearn the Self.
Witnessing
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| Lens: Witnessing | |
|---|---|
| Beacons | Association |
| Landmarks | Extended Witnessing Have Experimented with Witnessing |
Witnessing is a practice where one observes their own mind, thoughts, and emotions from a detached perspective. It's like being a neutral observer or "witness" to your own experiences, without judgment or attachment. This can be practiced in everyday life by consciously paying attention to your thoughts and feelings as they arise, without getting swept up in them. By becoming a "witness" to your own mental processes, you can gain a greater understanding of yourself and your reactions to different situations. The ultimate goal is to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-understanding, leading to increased control over your thoughts and emotions.
Interconnectedness
Interconnectedness is the understanding of the fundamental links and relationships between all phenomena. It points to the truth that everything is interconnected and interdependent, making the notion of an isolated 'self' a limited perspective. Practically, this means seeing oneself as part of a larger whole, acknowledging how our actions affect others and the world around us. By maintaining a mindful awareness of the effects of our actions and recognizing the interconnected nature of existence, we can foster a more compassionate, considerate way of living. The end goal of understanding interconnectedness is to foster a greater sense of responsibility, compassion, and kinship with all forms of life, contributing to personal growth and a more harmonious society.
Compassion
Compassion involves feeling deep empathy for those who are suffering and a strong aspiration to alleviate their pain. It's not merely about sympathy, but also entails active involvement in relieving suffering wherever and whenever possible.
Generosity
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| Lens: Generosity | |
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| Beacons | Association |
Generosity is the practice of selfless giving often through acts of charity and kindness. Taken further, and put in the context of the Beacon of Association, practicing Generosity means developing wisdom, contentment and freedom from suffering. As such, Generosity is a perfect way to supplement your practice of Non-Seeking and Non-Attachment. Generosity also becomes easier and more natural as we practice Other-Centeredness and Interconnectedness.
Sympathetic Joy
Sympathetic Joy is about sharing in the joy and happiness of others. It's an antidote to feelings of envy or jealousy, allowing one to delight in the good fortune and success of others just as if it were their own. This joy is pure, devoid of any selfish desire or expectation for personal gain.
Other-Centeredness
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| Lens: Other-Centeredness | |
|---|---|
| Beacons | Association |
| Landmarks | Try Out Other-Centeredness |
Other-Centeredness, the opposite of egocentrism, involves considering the well-being and perspectives of others as equally important as one's own. It emphasizes a compassionate and selfless approach to interacting with the world and recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings. This idea is central to concepts like Loving-Kindness and Compassion.
The Headless Way
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| Lens: The Headless Way | |
|---|---|
| Beacons | Association |
| Landmarks | Try Headlessness While Walking |
The Headless Way is an established school of thought that aligns very closely with the goals of Everyday Enlightenment - it is recommended to fully explore this concept and incorporate it into your understanding of both Nonduality and Mindfulness.
In a nutshell, The Headless Way starts by experimenting with your perception of your own head and face and unlearning some illusions about the center of consciousness. Experiencing The Headless Way means experiencing and understanding important truths about who you truly are, the nature of your own consciousness, and your relationship to the universe as a whole, and the present moment in space and time.
Resources
- Sakshi (witness), Vedanta (mind) - "... this table is an object of experience to my eyes. My eyes and the body are objects of experience to my mind. And my mind is an object of experience..."
- Prakāśa, the self-reflexive nature of awareness - "... in the process of being aware of any object, consciousness also illuminates itself at the same time..."
- Nondualism - ""not-two" or "one without a second""