Points To Consider For Those Interested In Recognising True Nature.
The How of Recognition
Recognising true nature is not about mental strain but openness and correct interpretation of experiences, dismantling misconceptions. This is not a journey of mind and body purification; it's the recognition of the true nature of experience as it is.
The idea that we must repeatedly remind ourselves of our true nature is unfounded. As direct path teachers of non-duality point out, a single sincere inquiry into true nature can lead to lasting understanding. However, our experience of the body-mind can take a lot longer to catch up with this recognition, and therefore, practices that open and relax the body-mind help us perceive it in alignment with our understanding of true nature.
Halting thought is neither possible nor required. Welcoming all experiences with indifference is the way.
Contrary to the belief that recognition of true nature requires extensive preparation, it transcends time and space, making it spontaneously accessible in an instant. Trusting inner experience is key. Effective guides aim to direct you to this promptly and make themselves redundant quickly. This having been said, recognition can involve facing fear, and support is beneficial. If we systemise it, we are in danger of creating authority processes which disempower individual recognition.
The What of Recognition
True nature is singular and unstratified despite the mind's wish to classify and mystify it. We should not let the mind dictate our perception of consciousness. This is a recognition of the beautiful, 'super-ordinary' nature of experience, not a search for the extraordinary.
Recognising true nature is not unscientific, but science explores the observable and cannot fully comprehend the unobservable. Recognition fits with much scientific understanding, and our experience of living from it confirms its truth.
Recognising true nature relaxes the body-mind, although conditioning, trauma, and physiological issues may prolong defensiveness. Yes, it's likely the Buddha got upset sometimes and behaved egotistically, and being calm is missing the point. The ego is merely a mental process aiding survival. We don't have to irradicate it. The real question is whether we view ourselves as a separate consciousness.
We do not need to be dogmatic about what true nature is. We simply need to humbly acknowledge that we have no convincing evidence that it is limited to our mind and body and test living as if it is not.
The Why Of Recognition
The recognition of true nature is without cause and serves no worldly purpose, though initially, it may be sought to find relief from psychological distress. However, once recognised, the value of this recognition lies in the being of it and the love, truth, and beauty inherent in our true nature. From that perspective, it is without purpose.
Love
Freyja