Beacon: Association
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
The Lenses of Association highlight crucial aspects that illuminate our path to unity, providing a nuanced understanding and application of nondual principles.
Nonduality
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. It's the essence of pure experience without divisions. Practically, nonduality can be incorporated into your life by cultivating mindfulness and awareness in every activity. This might include observing thoughts and emotions as passing events or recognizing the interconnectedness in all phenomena. The ultimate aim of realizing nonduality is to comprehend the inherent unity of all things, which can lead to a profound sense of peace and interconnectedness.
Nonself
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
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.
Unity
Unity refers to the concept of oneness, the underlying reality that all forms and phenomena are interrelated and interconnected. This signifies that you are not an isolated entity but are connected to the wider universe in complex and profound ways. Unity can be fostered by practicing compassion, empathy, and understanding, and recognizing the impact of your actions on others and the world around you. The ultimate goal is to foster a deeper sense of connection and belonging, which can lead to greater compassion, empathy, and harmonious living. However, beyond even these worthwhile goals, Unity is about placing all conscious experience on the same equal footing, including all of what we call existence, with the final realization being that consciousness is not part of existence, but rather that existence is within consciousness.
Other Lenses
The other lenses of Association are additional ways of exploring and expanding our quest to Unlearn the Self.
Self-reflection
Self-reflection is the practice of paying attention to and analyzing one's own thoughts and emotions. This involves being mindful of your mental processes and experiences, and reflecting on their origins and impacts. Self-reflection can be practiced through activities such as meditation, journaling, or simply taking the time each day to reflect on your experiences and feelings. The objective is to better understand yourself, to improve emotional self-regulation, and to make conscious decisions about your life based on your insights.
Witnessing
Self-awareness
Self-awareness refers to the ability to recognize oneself as an individual, separate from the environment and other individuals. In the context of mindfulness, it points towards a keen ongoing attention to one's internal states - thoughts, emotions, and sensations. To cultivate self-awareness, consistent mindfulness practices are key. Observing your thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment during meditation, recognizing them as transient and not as defining your entire self is a way to apply this concept. The end goal of developing self-awareness is a more nuanced understanding of one's own mental processes, leading to decreased reactivity, enhanced emotional regulation, and supporting overall mental well-being.
Mental Objectification
Mental objectification is an understanding that treats mental events like thoughts, feelings, and sensations as objects that can be observed, rather than aspects of one's identity. In practical terms, this means seeing thoughts as temporary occurrences in the mind, not as inherent parts of the self. By routinely practicing mindfulness and meditation, one can begin to 'objectify' thoughts and feelings, creating a mental distance that allows for observation without attachment. The ultimate goal of understanding mental objectification is to reduce the identification with transient mental events, leading to increased mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Pure Experience
Pure experience is the state of direct, unmediated perception and awareness. It's when the division between the experiencer and the experience fades, leaving just the raw, unfiltered experience. By engaging in mindful practices like meditation, one can strive to reach this state of pure experience - observing the world directly, without the filter of concepts or preconceived notions. This understanding moves us beyond the duality of subject-object perception towards a more holistic, integrated understanding of reality. The end goal of cultivating this understanding of pure experience is a state of unadulterated, direct perception that can lead to profound insights and a deep sense of interconnectedness with the world.
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.