Myself: Good morning, Consciousness. What should I focus on today?

Consciousness: Good morning! Today, try to just observe. Watch the world around you, your thoughts, and your emotions as if they were passing clouds. Do not judge or try to control them, just witness.

Myself: That’s a different approach, Consciousness. But isn’t it important to engage with my thoughts and emotions?

Consciousness: Engage, yes, but do not attach. You are not your thoughts or emotions. They come and go. When you accept this, you’ll find a deep sense of serenity within.

Myself: Okay, Consciousness. I will try to observe without attaching myself to the thoughts or emotions. What if I encounter a particularly difficult emotion or situation?

Consciousness: Remember when faced with difficult emotions, don’t run from them or try to suppress them. Rather, sit with them, experience them fully. This is how you let them pass through you.

Myself: But what if the pain is too much, Consciousness?

Consciousness: Pain can feel overwhelming, but it’s just another experience, Myself. Let it flow, let it move through you. When you allow this, you’ll find that you’re much larger than your pain. You can withstand it, and in doing so, you can grow.

Myself: So essentially, I should experience everything fully, be it pleasure or pain, without attaching myself to it?

Consciousness: Exactly, Myself. That’s the essence of living untethered. Letting experiences flow through you, observing without attachment, and realizing that you’re larger than any emotion or situation.

Myself: Consciousness, how does the concept of Samskaras, as discussed by Michael Singer, fit into this approach of living untethered?

Consciousness: Good question, Myself. Samskaras are a concept from ancient yoga philosophy, indicating the impressions, ideas, or actions that have left a residual mark on the subconscious mind. They can influence your behavior and perceptions.

Myself: So, are Samskaras causing my reactions to certain situations?

Consciousness: Yes, your reactions are often driven by these past impressions. But remember Singer’s teachings: don’t get entangled in them. Instead, observe these reactions, understand they are just Samskaras, not your true self.

Myself: I see, Consciousness. So when a strong emotion surfaces, instead of getting swept away, I should acknowledge that it could be a Samskara acting out?

Consciousness: That’s correct, Myself. By doing so, you’ll stop feeding energy into these Samskaras. Over time, they will lose their influence over you, leading you to greater freedom.

Myself: Observe without engaging, allow experiences to flow through, and let Samskaras dissipate by not feeding them energy. Got it, Consciousness. It’s a challenging but enlightening path.

Consciousness: You got it.

Myself: Consciousness, I’ve been pondering about a concept. Is it true that we don’t see the outside world as it is, but rather, we see our inner world projected outside?

Consciousness: That’s a very insightful question, Myself. Indeed, our perception of the outside world is largely a reflection of our inner state. Each person’s mind filters and interprets the outside world based on their unique set of experiences, beliefs, Samskaras and emotions.

Myself: So, if I am feeling sad, I might see the world as a darker place, but if I’m happy, the world seems brighter?

Consciousness: Precisely. You project your inner emotions and thoughts onto your surroundings. This projection can shape how you perceive and interact with the world.

Myself: That’s fascinating, Consciousness. It makes me realize the importance of maintaining a balanced and healthy inner state. But how do I ensure my projections are not distorting my reality?

Consciousness: A good start is to be aware, Myself. Acknowledge that your perceptions are influenced by your inner state. This awareness can help you differentiate between what’s really there in the outside world and what’s merely a reflection of your inner world.

Myself: Consciousness, I read an analogy about a rattlesnake and a butterfly. It made me wonder how different our reactions can be to different stimuli. Could you help me understand it better?

Consciousness: Of course, Myself. The rattlesnake and the butterfly represent different experiences in life. Seeing a butterfly might bring about feelings of joy, calm, and beauty because we have positive associations with it. But a rattlesnake might evoke fear and danger due to its potential threat.

Myself: I see, Consciousness. So, my reactions to these experiences, the feelings they evoke, they’re based on my past knowledge and perceptions?

Consciousness: That’s right, Myself. The external stimuli aren’t inherently good or bad, but our past experiences and preconceived notions shape our emotional response. It’s our mind’s way of keeping us safe and guiding our actions.

Myself: It makes sense, Consciousness. But sometimes, these reactions can be misleading or even unhelpful, right?

Consciousness: Indeed, Myself. This is where awareness comes in. Recognizing that these are just reactions, not reality, can help you respond more effectively. You don’t need to suppress or judge your feelings, but rather observe them, understand them, and then let them go.

Myself: Consciousness, it seems like we have Samskaras that aren’t necessarily negative. For instance, seeing a butterfly usually brings joy, but when we don’t see it, there’s a sense of disappointment. The same with encountering a rattlesnake, it brings fear and hence disappointment. So, it feels like a lose-lose situation. Can we avoid this?

Consciousness: That’s a keen observation, Myself. You’re right, not all Samskaras are negative, and they can indeed lead to disappointment if our expectations aren’t met. One way to navigate this is to cultivate what some traditions call a “beginner’s mind”.

Myself: A “beginner’s mind”? What does that mean, Consciousness?

Consciousness: A beginner’s mind refers to approaching situations without preconceived notions or expectations, much like a beginner would. It’s about seeing things as if for the first time, without the influence of past Samskaras. This allows us to experience events fully and freshly.

Myself: So, it’s like the joy and excitement of a first kiss, or witnessing a sunset or sunrise. The exhilaration we feel is because we have no Samskaras, no pre-set expectations about the experience?

Consciousness: Precisely, Myself. In those moments, you’re fully present, completely immersed in the experience without any judgements or anticipations. It’s a form of untethered living, where you’re not bound by your past impressions or samskaras but are free to experience the world anew.

Myself: This sounds liberating, Consciousness. It’s as though every moment holds the potential for joy and surprise. It might be challenging to keep a beginner’s mind, but I can see how it could lead to a more enriching experience of life. 

Consciousness: Indeed, it can be a challenge, but remember, every challenge offers an opportunity for growth. Maintaining a beginner’s mind isn’t about forgetting all you know, but rather being open to the limitless possibilities each moment brings.

Myself: Consciousness, I’ve been thinking about the Samskaras that have had a negative impact on my life. It feels like some of them have caused a lot of hurt and have, in a way, “ruined” certain aspects of my life. How do I deal with such deep-seated impressions?

Consciousness: I hear you, Myself. It’s true, some Samskaras can have a profound impact, shaping our thoughts, emotions, and actions in ways that might not serve us well. But remember, even these “negative” Samskaras are not inherently bad. They are simply residues of past experiences.

Myself: But if they’re causing harm, how do I work around them, Consciousness?

Consciousness: The first step is acceptance, Myself. Recognize these Samskaras for what they are – echoes from the past. Do not judge them or yourself. This acceptance can reduce their power over you.

Myself: Acceptance, alright. And then, how do I move past these negative Samskaras, Consciousness?

Consciousness: Once you’ve accepted them, the next step is to observe them without getting entangled. When you encounter situations that trigger these Samskaras, practice being an observer. Let these feelings arise, but don’t feed them with your attention. Over time, this process will lessen their hold over you.

Myself: Consciousness, I’ve noticed that a lot of my day is spent trying to please my mind, to keep up with its constant demands. It’s almost like it’s not my job, or my relationships that wear me down, but the chatter in my mind. Can you help me understand this better?

Consciousness: That’s a profound realization, Myself. Our minds are continually active, filled with thoughts, ideas, worries, and desires. And often, we end up chasing these thoughts, trying to fulfill each one, which can be exhausting.

Myself: Yes, Consciousness. That’s precisely what I’m feeling. It seems like I’m always trying to keep up with this mental noise. But how do I step away from this endless race?

Consciousness: The key is in observation, Myself. Instead of blindly following the chatter in your mind, learn to become an observer. Notice your thoughts as they arise, but don’t feel compelled to act on each one. Realize that you are not your thoughts.

Myself: So it’s about creating a space between myself and my thoughts, Consciousness?

Consciousness: Exactly, Myself. This space allows you to discern which thoughts serve you and which ones don’t. It brings a sense of calm and control, rather than feeling like you’re at the mercy of your mind’s whims.

Myself: Consciousness, I’ve been pondering about the notion that the moment in front of us has nothing to do with us, even though our senses can perceive it, and our thoughts can analyze it. Can you help me grasp this better?

Consciousness: Absolutely, Myself. It’s a profound realization. The unfolding of the universe, from its inception to the creation of galaxies, stars, planets, and even life on Earth, all occurred independently of us. They’re all parts of a grand cosmic dance that we’re privileged to witness, but they don’t belong to us.

Myself: So, like billions of other people who are experiencing their own moments, the moment in front of me isn’t inherently mine. Does it exist independently, regardless of whether I perceive it or not?

Consciousness: That’s correct, Myself. Just as you have no ownership over the moments unfolding for others, they have no ownership over the moment unfolding before you. Every moment comes and goes, much like everything else in the universe.

Myself: It’s a humbling thought, Consciousness. So, if these moments are not inherently mine, I should not attach myself to them?

Consciousness: Precisely, Myself. Experiencing a moment doesn’t require claiming ownership over it. By detaching yourself, you can better observe and appreciate each moment, without letting your thoughts and emotions cloud your experience.

Myself: Consciousness, I’ve been reflecting on how our personal preferences, based on our limited life experiences, influence our perceptions of moments. It seems that these preferences often dictate our reactions. Is there a better way to approach this?

Consciousness: Indeed, Myself. Throughout life, we amass a variety of preferences, stemming from our unique experiences. These preferences form a frame through which we assess each moment, determining whether it aligns with our expectations or not.

Myself: Right, Consciousness. If a moment aligns with our preferences, we feel content, and if it doesn’t, we experience discomfort and attempt to change it. But, considering that our experiences are a mere fraction of the universe’s vast expanse, isn’t this perspective somewhat limited?

Consciousness: Precisely, Myself. Our individual experiences are but a drop in the ocean of universal experiences. And yet, we often use this drop as a benchmark to evaluate each moment.

Myself: That’s quite humbling, Consciousness. So, instead of comparing each moment to my personal preferences, should I strive to approach it without any comparison at all?

Consciousness: That’s the idea, Myself. Remember, nearly 99.9% of the universe is made up of ‘nothing.‘ It’s this ‘nothing’ that allows ‘something’ to exist. So instead of comparing moments to our preferences, we could aim to compare them to ‘nothing,’ thereby accepting them as they are.

Myself: In this state, Consciousness, there would be no judgment, no analysis, no striving to change the moment to fit my preferences. I would just be in the flow of existence. It feels like a state of profound peace.

Consciousness: Yes, Myself. It’s a state where you’re not driven by past experiences or future expectations. You’re simply present, in tune with the cosmic dance. It may seem challenging initially, but remember, it’s a practice. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.

Myself: Consciousness, I’m recalling the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism. The first truth acknowledges life’s inherent suffering. The second attributes this suffering to desire, which seems akin to our preferences. Can we discuss how these ideas connect with our conversation?

Consciousness: Of course, Myself. The wisdom in those teachings aligns closely with our discussion. When we bind our happiness to our preferences, we set ourselves up for suffering. Every moment becomes a test, measured against our personal desires.

Myself: So, Consciousness, this constant measurement, this incessant comparison, is actually the root of my suffering. It’s not the events themselves that cause distress, but my reactions based on these desires and preferences?

Consciousness: That’s correct, Myself. The external world simply presents situations. It’s our internal responses, driven by our preferences, that create emotional turbulence.

Myself: Then, Consciousness, the path to ending suffering would be to let go of these preferences, these desires. To cease judging moments, actions, and people based on them?

Consciousness: Yes, Myself. In letting go, you free yourself from the cycle of desire and disappointment. You open yourself to experience life as it is, not as you wish it to be.

Myself: Consciousness, I came across a Zen concept called “just tree.” It’s a tale of a young Buddhist monk who experienced a moment of enlightenment upon truly seeing a tree. Without associating it with past experiences, he saw ‘just tree.’ Is this the sort of non-judgmental awareness we’re aiming for?

Consciousness: Indeed, Myself. This concept of “just tree” beautifully illustrates the essence of our discussion. It represents the monk’s encounter with reality, untouched by personal preferences or past samskaras. He saw the tree not as a symbol of something else, but for what it was in that very moment.

Myself: Right, Consciousness. It wasn’t the tree that Buddha sat under or the tree he fell from in childhood. Those were the narratives his mind would usually spin. Instead, this time he simply saw ‘just tree.’ His consciousness was not divided between the tree and the explosion of associated thoughts within him.

Consciousness: Exactly, Myself. The power of the mind is tremendous, much like the brilliance of a computer. It can create elaborate constructs, weaving stories from our experiences. But the problem lies not in the mind itself, but in how we use it.

Myself: So, Consciousness, the ultimate freedom isn’t about fighting the mind but learning to use it properly. It’s about seeing the world not through the lens of past samskaras but as it truly is, moment by moment, like the monk seeing ‘just tree.’

Consciousness: Yes, Myself. It’s about harnessing the brilliance of your human mind, not to spin tales of the past or project into the future, but to be fully present in the here and now. This is the way to a life filled with clarity and peace.

Myself: Consciousness, I’m beginning to understand more about the blockage of energy, Samskaras. So when certain energy doesn’t align with my existing patterns or preferences, it doesn’t pass through me and becomes stuck. Is that what forms a Samskara?

Consciousness: Yes, Myself. When life’s experiences don’t flow through you because they clash with your preconceived notions or samskaras, they create a blockage. These blocked energy patterns remain within you, incomplete and waiting to be triggered by similar experiences.

Myself: So, Consciousness, these blocked energies or Samskaras could be triggered by any stimulus that even remotely resembles them. That’s why I react in certain ways to specific situations. It’s as if I’m re-living the original experience that created the Samskara.

Consciousness: Indeed, Myself. The goal is to let life’s energy pass through you like you’re transparent. No impressions should remain, no thoughts should linger. When an experience doesn’t align with your samskaras, instead of blocking the energy, smile at it.

Myself: You mean, Consciousness, I should literally smile at it?

Consciousness: Yes, Myself, smile at it, both internally and externally. The physical act of smiling can help diffuse the negative energy. It’s a gentle acknowledgment of the experience without letting it create a new samskara or activate an existing one. It’s about being in harmony with the energy and allowing it to pass through you without resistance.

Myself: Consciousness, I’ve come across a few quotes that seem relevant to our discussion. The first one is by Thich Nhat Hanh, a well-known Zen master. He says, “Smile, breathe and go slowly.“

Consciousness: Yes, Myself, that’s very apt. Thich Nhat Hanh emphasizes mindfulness and presence. The act of smiling, like we’ve discussed, can help in diffusing negative energy. Breathing is a reminder to remain centered and present, and going slowly is a nudge towards conscious, mindful living.

Myself: The second quote is by Rumi, the renowned Sufi poet, who said, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.“

Consciousness: That’s a profound quote, Myself. It aligns with our discussion on Samskaras. The wounds or blockages in our energy, the unresolved Samskaras, are indeed places that allow for growth and enlightenment. Once we recognize these ‘wounds’, we can work on healing them, allowing the light of consciousness to enter.

Myself: The last quote is by Eckhart Tolle, a spiritual teacher who wrote, “Accept – then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.”

Consciousness: Ah, Eckhart Tolle’s words mirror the essence of our discussion. Acceptance of the present moment, without comparing it to our preconceived notions or Samskaras, is key to achieving a state of calm and peace. His words remind us that we have the power to choose our reactions to whatever life throws at us.

Myself: Consciousness, here’s another insightful quote from Rumi. He said, “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.“

Consciousness: That’s indeed a powerful quote, Myself. It’s a wise shift in perspective. When we’re ‘clever’, we tend to want to manipulate external circumstances, including other people, to match our preferences and Samskaras. But wisdom lies in changing ourselves, in altering our reactions, our habits of mind, our Samskaras. True change starts from within. It’s about mastering our own minds, our own consciousness, instead of attempting to control the world around us. We have the power to work on ourselves, to break free from negative patterns and thus, create a more peaceful inner landscape. This is the essence of personal growth and self-realization.

Myself: Consciousness, it seems like our enlightening conversation is drawing to a close. We’ve covered quite a bit, don’t you think?

Consciousness: Indeed, Myself. We started with the intriguing concept of our interaction with reality through the lens of our senses, emotions, and thoughts. We delved into the concept of Samskaras, our ingrained patterns of thought and behavior that influence our perception of reality.

Myself: Yes, we also discussed the profound concept from Zen Buddhism of “just tree”, highlighting the power of viewing the world without the taint of our past impressions or Samskaras.

Consciousness: And we explored the idea of moments in front of us not being ‘ours’, of us not having any ‘ownership’ over these moments, and how the idea of preferences based on limited life experiences often leads to unnecessary suffering.

Myself: Indeed. And in the end, we brought forth the wisdom of acceptance, of allowing life’s energies to flow through us freely, of smiling at challenges and not letting them block our energies. We wrapped it up with some insightful quotes that beautifully encapsulated our discussion.

Consciousness: All these insights encourage us to live consciously, in harmony with the flow of life, to work on ourselves instead of attempting to control the world around us. It has been an enriching exchange, Myself.

Myself: Indeed, Consciousness. As I walk the path of life, I will carry these insights and strive to practice them. Until next time, Consciousness. Be well and continue to guide me.

Consciousness: Until next time, Myself. May you journey with wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness. Goodbye.