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Instructions
Sit quietly and close your eyes. Let your body and mind settle.
Turn your attention inward and ask: "Who am I?"
Don't answer with your name, roles, or descriptions. Those are labels, not what you truly are.
Ask again: "Who am I?"
If thoughts arise, ask: "Who is aware of these thoughts?" Turn toward the questioner.
If sensations arise, ask: "Who feels this?" Turn toward the one who feels.
Every answer that arises is something you're aware of, and therefore cannot be the ultimate you. Keep turning toward the source of awareness.
You may find nothing—an emptiness, a silence, an openness. Rest there. This nothing is not a problem; it may be closer to your true nature than all the things you thought you were.
Don't try to figure this out intellectually. Let the question work on you. "Who am I?"
What remains when all identifications are released?
Steps Overview
- 1Settle into stillness
- 2Ask "Who am I?"
- 3Don't answer with labels or descriptions
- 4When thoughts arise, ask who is aware of them
- 5When sensations arise, ask who feels them
- 6Turn toward the source of awareness
- 7Rest in whatever remains