Not I, Not other than I: The Life And Teachings Of Russel Williams

by Russel Williams

Becoming Still An Exercise in Stillness I have been trying to change gradually for a long time but it’s as though I know the script but can’t put it into action. The medicine is there – I look at it but I don’t take it, or I just take a little bit of it, even though I know it is good for me. You need the practice of being still. Here’s an exercise you can play with – and I mean play, without being too serious: Take a look at any part of your body – a finger or a toe, anything at all. Take a look at it and note that it’s separate from the you that is looking. Now take a look at the table… It’s also separate from the you that is looking. So is your body any different to that table? In both cases, you’re really looking at an object, whether it is animate or inanimate. Now, have a look at your thoughts. They may be pleasant, unpleasant, whatever they may be – but are they you? No. All we have is a process that is going on, that’s producing thoughts, good, bad or indifferent. But no part of it is you. From this, one has to draw the obvious conclusion that what is me is the looker, the one who is watching, the consciousness. If I were honestly conscious would I be thinking these thoughts? Would I need them if I were fully conscious of what I am looking at? Would I need to think about it? Now, if you examine the nature of that which is looking, the consciousness, I think you will find that in all circumstances, whatever it is viewing, it is serene, untroubled, at peace. So, in th...