The Path of Awakening
The discipline of Self-observation requires us look honestly into our behavior, looking to see both the positive and negative aspects that make up our personalities. In other words, one has to be non-judgmental and be detached, observing what is and not what one wants to see. But talking about self-observation and doing it are two different things. Self-observation has to be active, not a passive exercise.
Spiritual discrimination (vivaka) is the practical day-to-day work and to record your observations keeping a daily journal is very helpful. The first thing that has to be accomplished is learning detachment. Detachment is necessary because in order to see correctly you have to be able to separate from it. If you are not detached, then your ego or ‘I’ is stilled glued to the thought or feeling. The best way to start is to divide up your personality characteristics into 3 categories such as listed below;
1) those that help my spiritual development,
2) those that hinder,
3) those that are neutral and don’t affect my spiritual development.
Now let’s look at some examples to help you get started. Let’s begin with the tendencies that help our spiritual development.
1) meditating daily, maintaining a regular discipline
2) studying spiritual literature, not just reading, but studying
3) keeping a positive learning attitude
4) being helpful to others
5) enjoy nature, art, and diverse cultures.
6) refraining from negative emotions, such as anger, envy, jealousy.
The above is just a general outline that many aspirants to the Path follow. The next step takes you deeper. For instance; my meditation, is it correct? Am I observant of my wondering mind, do I get caught in dreams, even fall asleep? You have to be honest here. Do I recognize these tendencies, and do I do anything to overcome them?
These are just some of the questions you have to ask yourself and truthfully assess the situation. Otherwise, although you meditate, it might be stagnant. It is important to question, and be critical of your own efforts, don’t always think that what you are doing is good.
Spiritual discrimination (vivaka) is the practical day-to-day work and to record your observations keeping a daily journal is very helpful. The first thing that has to be accomplished is learning detachment. Detachment is necessary because in order to see correctly you have to be able to separate from it. If you are not detached, then your ego or ‘I’ is stilled glued to the thought or feeling. The best way to start is to divide up your personality characteristics into 3 categories such as listed below;
1) those that help my spiritual development,
2) those that hinder,
3) those that are neutral and don’t affect my spiritual development.
Now let’s look at some examples to help you get started. Let’s begin with the tendencies that help our spiritual development.
1) meditating daily, maintaining a regular discipline
2) studying spiritual literature, not just reading, but studying
3) keeping a positive learning attitude
4) being helpful to others
5) enjoy nature, art, and diverse cultures.
6) refraining from negative emotions, such as anger, envy, jealousy.
The above is just a general outline that many aspirants to the Path follow. The next step takes you deeper. For instance; my meditation, is it correct? Am I observant of my wondering mind, do I get caught in dreams, even fall asleep? You have to be honest here. Do I recognize these tendencies, and do I do anything to overcome them?
These are just some of the questions you have to ask yourself and truthfully assess the situation. Otherwise, although you meditate, it might be stagnant. It is important to question, and be critical of your own efforts, don’t always think that what you are doing is good.
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