Through the lens of the "I"

In this article, we shall once again investigate the "I-thought".

As we have discussed in previous articles, the "I-thought" shapes our overall experience and perception. We think that our lives should revolve around this idea we have of ourselves.

But, who is this "I" that we cherish so much? 

If we are in search of lasting peace and happiness, it is worth investigating this "I-thought". 

The lens

We can say that we tend to see life through the lens of the "I-thought". What is meant by this, is that within our open, free, and unlimited Awareness, this "I-thought" arises. The thought itself has no actual value. Yet, we pay so much attention to this thought. We identify with this thought.

This thought is arising within us, like a wave formed within the ocean. The wave is not separate from the ocean, even though it appears to be something different, and appears to have a 'will of its own'.

Around this "I-thought", more thoughts arise, creating perceptions, beliefs, and discriminations. We see life through this limited lens of a 'separate self'.

This illusion of separation brings about an unhappy experience. 

Behind the lens

If we can identify a wave, we can trace the wave back to the ocean itself, right?

Now, If we can identify that yes, there is indeed an "I-thought" arising, then we can shift our attention to the origin of this thought. We can shift our attention to the Source of this thought. 

This means that instead of looking 'outwards' through the lens of the "I-though", we look 'inwards'. We pay attention to the Real I.

Acknowledging ourSelf as our Pure Awareness, the "I-thought" starts to become transparent. As it dissolves, life is no longer seen through this limited lens. There is an openness, freedom, and an absence of separation.

We cannot identify any distinction between ourselves and the world. There is absolutely no place where the 'me' stops and 'the world' starts. 

We realize that the physical body and its environment are not separate, they never were. We realize that we are the Ocean, in which all the waves are appearing. These waves are not separate from the ocean.

We realize that the universe is 'not two'.

Looking through the lens of the "I-thought" our perception is limited.

Related articles on this blog:

Transparent thoughts - 29 March, 2022

Our own emptiness - 8 March, 2022

Life as an ocean - 21 November, 2021