CedarTree

Welcome

I could have wrote that way better. Empty of Self - Awareness.

According to traditions of Zen like Gyobutsuji Zen Monastery in America, Theravada (Thai Forest), Dzogchen, and other Buddhist traditions maybe Empty of Self Awareness. I know Shoryu Bradley, a Zen master likes to use the classic Zen phrase "Can not be defiled".

I was listening to a Dharma Talk by Shoryu Bradley, the abbot of Gyobutsuji Zen Monastery in America a day or so ago and there was a certain point that stood out: The world that is always there when we let go of our idea of what it is, and let it manifest through our own life. It is actually the world of impermanence and lack of independent existence. It is the world of emptiness. This world in which all things give and receive together as one body without being concerned about individuality or universality. Simply expressing life. Other names for this world are "Nirvana", "Indra's Net", "Emptiness", "The network of inter-dependent origination", Pure land Buddhists may call it "Amitabha Buddha's Compassion", Some of us might call it "Grace" or simply "Life". - Shoryu Bradley Maybe individuality and universal are moved beyond in some way. Not negated? It would be interesting to hear how this is formalized though if that is at all possible.

I think you are getting at what I am saying. It is true that maybe there is no experiencer just experience and life lives through you but there is a vantage point of individualism/specificity. That is this interesting dynamic I am trying to delve into and draw out content.

Welcome

Welcome!

I am going to put my vote in. Mod team you guys run an awesome fun forum Regular members are wicked cool! & Most of the general community has some great discussions. Keep up the awesome job guys!

Welcome!

An individual from another forum said: I think sometimes in our singular focus on Anatta we don't delve into the meaning and dynamics of "Individualism" and or "Specificity". I guess in an abstract way I am opening up those topics for discussion and the communities wisdom around it

Now you've done it... Self, Buddha-nature, Tathagatagarbha, it's all on the table now.....

Welcome friend!

Many know that I follow Soto Zen in particular the tradition that emphasizes Zazen; Gyobutsuji Zen Monastery in America & Antai-ji in Japan. However I do have a background in Theravada and as of late a very keen interest in the Tantric traditions. Below is an excerpt from one of my favorite Suttas. It is directly from the Pali Canon and about as Theravada as you can get. Tidbit of wisdom = Bahiya was recognized later in the Theravada tradition as the one that had achieved arahantship the fastest. A third time, Bāhiya said to the Blessed One, "But it is hard to know for sure what dangers there may be for the Blessed One's life, or what dangers there may be for mine. Teach me the Dhamma, O Blessed One! Teach me the Dhamma, O One-Well-Gone, that will be for my long-term welfare & bliss." "Then, Bāhiya, you should train yourself thus: In reference to the seen, there will be only the seen. In reference to the heard, only the heard. In reference to the sensed, only the sensed. In reference to the cognized, only the cognized. That is how you should train yourself. When for you there will be only the seen in reference to the seen, only the heard in reference to the heard, only the sensed in reference to the sensed, only the cognized in reference to the cognized, then, Bāhiya, there is no you in connection with that. When there is no you in connection with that, there is no you there. When there is no you there, you are neither here nor yonder nor between the two. This, just this, is the end of stress."[2] Through hearing this brief explanation of the Dhamma from the Blessed One, the mind of Bāhiya of the Bark-cloth right then and there was released from effluents through lack of clinging/sustenance. Having exhorted Bāhiya of the Bark-cloth with this brief explanation of the Dhamma, the Blessed One left.

You are on point lately

I think experimentation is really important in some ways too. I know that Spending time in various traditions, lineages, and understandings has helped me clarify my main practice and begin I think to truly delve into it. Though I do think at a certain point it's time to knuckle down and get this whole liberation thing going

welcome friend :)!

Hardcore meditation like a life lived by Zazen as is done at Gyobutsuji Zen Monastery in America, Or dedicating oneself to Anapanasati at an Ajahn Chah monastery for winter retreat. Or living and practicing extreme noting/mindfulness as is done in the Mahasi lineage at Panditãrãma Or delving into unfathomable Jhana at Pa Auk Monastery. These will greatly change you. Heal, enlighten, there are a lot of outcomes. Done respectfully and properly speeds up this whole liberation practice. One life time.

Oak I think there is a practice in practicing by ones circumstances Hope you always bear fruit.

I like the "Let it be" very Zen

I will speak from a Theravada/Zen perspective. Joining the breath with your mind sounds to a very classic intermediate to advanced technique that seems to happen naturally in Anapanasati. Although I am not qualified to give you advice past this I would think the references to "Third Eye" is relating to beginning to explore the deeper Jhana's and or Awareness. I will echo what some of the fellow Buddhists have mentioned here which is to consult a qualified meditation specialist Traditional schools such as Theravada, Tibetan, & Zen are probably your best but you will have to learn the language they speak in or you may not be able to accurately describe yourself or have them accurately guide you.

We are conditioned beings, but who knows what is possible.

Welcome

That would be Zazen as the lineage I follow

Totally agree

Welcome, nice to meet you too