Vipassana Explanations - User contributions [en]

To decide that the question is "why would self exist?"

2026-07-27T14:05:09Z

Mvmacke: Created page with "Very difficult this one. The idea that I am not separate, one with existence, I is an illusion. Very difficult. I see and feel and hear myself, my body is there, so how am I not separate? But I love the question. I want to find out what life is all about, what I am all about. This is a nice question to answer. Let's see!!"

Very difficult this one. The idea that I am not separate, one with existence, I is an illusion. Very difficult. I see and feel and hear myself, my body is there, so how am I not separate? But I love the question. I want to find out what life is all about, what I am all about. This is a nice question to answer. Let's see!!

That's it, that's life

2026-07-27T13:58:38Z

Mvmacke: Created page with "What I understood: I look at myself and I see what I am doing, how I am reacting, how I am feeling, how it makes me feel. That is it, that's life, that's me."

What I understood: I look at myself and I see what I am doing, how I am reacting, how I am feeling, how it makes me feel. That is it, that's life, that's me.

Vipassana Explanations

2026-07-27T13:56:15Z

Mvmacke:

__FORCETOC__

This wiki is an attempt to shed light on the path. For my ([[user:mvmacke|mvmacke]]) path I'm using the Vipassana technique. I've followed Vipassana once in Pune, in the ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) when I was 19. When I was 63 I got introduced to Vipassana again this time [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7QHNvNFfA&list=PLPJVlVRVmhc4Z01fD57jbzycm9I6W054x by S.N. Goenka].

This wiki is my attempt to clarify. First of all, to myself. But maybe also others can benefit and contribute.
== Conditions ==

There are important considerations that are almost a belief but are supposed to be rooted in my wisdom, they are supposed to be anchored in my experience:
* things get better when I am calm ([[equanimity|equaniminous]])
* [[I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings]]
* behavior that is necessary for my [[ego]], is not beneficial for me nor for my environment

== Concepts ==

* [[ego]]
* [[thought]]
* [[feeling]]
* [[sensation]]
* [[attention]]
* [[natural breath]]
* [[consciousness]]
* [[equanimity]]
* [[attachment]]
* [[here and now]]

== the Path ==

If I understand Goenka correctly, I need to:
# train my consciousness by watching my [[natural breath|breath]]
# use my consciousness to become aware of my sensations
# once aware of a sensation, I can train my [[equanimity]] by constantly not reacting to the sensation

This not-reacting to sensations, will liberate me from creating attachments. Attachments create new attachments. Attachments are not good for my calmness (equanimity), distract me from simply being me. Not being calm, not being myself, is less than perfect.

== Questions ==
# [[So why do I keep on clinging to my thoughts?]]
# [[Is there a shift?]]

== Thoughts ==
* [[Things are not what they seem]]
* [[Time is a wrong way of looking]]
* [[We exist only in connection]]
* [[attention]]
* [[Being without thoughts, a new way of being]]

== Toni Packer ==
# [[If it is done with effort, it is ego]]
# [[just see, hear and feel without judgement]]
# [[that's it, that's life]]
# [[to decide that the question is "why would self exist?"]]

Vipassana Explanations

2026-07-27T13:55:09Z

Mvmacke:

This wiki is an attempt to shed light on the path. For my ([[user:mvmacke|mvmacke]]) path I'm using the Vipassana technique. I've followed Vipassana once in Pune, in the ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) when I was 19. When I was 63 I got introduced to Vipassana again this time [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7QHNvNFfA&list=PLPJVlVRVmhc4Z01fD57jbzycm9I6W054x by S.N. Goenka].

This wiki is my attempt to clarify. First of all, to myself. But maybe also others can benefit and contribute.

__FORCETOC__

== Conditions ==

There are important considerations that are almost a belief but are supposed to be rooted in my wisdom, they are supposed to be anchored in my experience:
* things get better when I am calm ([[equanimity|equaniminous]])
* [[I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings]]
* behavior that is necessary for my [[ego]], is not beneficial for me nor for my environment

== Concepts ==

* [[ego]]
* [[thought]]
* [[feeling]]
* [[sensation]]
* [[attention]]
* [[natural breath]]
* [[consciousness]]
* [[equanimity]]
* [[attachment]]
* [[here and now]]

== the Path ==

If I understand Goenka correctly, I need to:
# train my consciousness by watching my [[natural breath|breath]]
# use my consciousness to become aware of my sensations
# once aware of a sensation, I can train my [[equanimity]] by constantly not reacting to the sensation

This not-reacting to sensations, will liberate me from creating attachments. Attachments create new attachments. Attachments are not good for my calmness (equanimity), distract me from simply being me. Not being calm, not being myself, is less than perfect.

== Questions ==
# [[So why do I keep on clinging to my thoughts?]]
# [[Is there a shift?]]

== Thoughts ==
* [[Things are not what they seem]]
* [[Time is a wrong way of looking]]
* [[We exist only in connection]]
* [[attention]]
* [[Being without thoughts, a new way of being]]

== Toni Packer ==
# [[If it is done with effort, it is ego]]
# [[just see, hear and feel without judgement]]
# [[that's it, that's life]]
# [[to decide that the question is "why would self exist?"]]

Just see, hear and feel without judgement

2026-07-27T13:54:48Z

Mvmacke:

This is meditation according to Toni. And not only meditation but a whole way of living! Questions yes but for the rest silence and see / feel / hear the things that I can be aware of, both in- and outside of myself. It is so beautiful because all effort is now gone, all judgement is now gone, everything can be, everything is allowed, everything is accepted. Taking down this wall of judgement and interpretation, allows me to be more in touch with what is around me. In touch so I can discover the truth. The truth so I understand who or what I am. A question that keeps on puzzling me because when I look at myself, I am not sure I understand what I am doing and where I am going.

Just see, hear and feel without judgement

2026-07-27T13:53:32Z

Mvmacke:

This is meditation according to Toni. And not only meditation but a whole way of living! Questions yes but for the rest silence and see / feel / hear the things that you can be aware of, both in- and outside of myself. It is so beautiful because all effort is now gone, all judgement is now gone, everything can be, everything is allowed, everything is accepted. Taking down this wall of judgement and interpretation, allows me to be more in touch with what is around me. In touch so I can discover the truth. The truth so I understand who or what I am. A question that keeps on puzzling me because when I look at myself, I am not sure I understand what I am doing and where I am going.

Just see, hear and feel without judgement

2026-07-27T13:52:49Z

Mvmacke: Created page with "This is meditation according to Toni. And not only meditation but a whole way of living! Questions yes but for the rest silence and see / feel / hear the things that you can be aware of, both in- and outside yourself. It is so beautiful because all effort is now gone, all judgement is now gone, everything can be, everything is allowed, everything is accepted. Taking down this wall of judgement and interpretation, allows me to be more in touch with what is around me. In t..."

This is meditation according to Toni. And not only meditation but a whole way of living! Questions yes but for the rest silence and see / feel / hear the things that you can be aware of, both in- and outside yourself. It is so beautiful because all effort is now gone, all judgement is now gone, everything can be, everything is allowed, everything is accepted. Taking down this wall of judgement and interpretation, allows me to be more in touch with what is around me. In touch so I can discover the truth. The truth so I understand who or what I am. A question that keeps on puzzling me because when I look at myself, I am not sure I understand what I am doing and where I am going.

Vipassana Explanations

2026-07-27T13:38:54Z

Mvmacke:

This wiki is an attempt to shed light on the path. For my ([[user:mvmacke|mvmacke]]) path I'm using the Vipassana technique. I've followed Vipassana once in Pune, in the ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) when I was 19. When I was 63 I got introduced to Vipassana again this time [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7QHNvNFfA&list=PLPJVlVRVmhc4Z01fD57jbzycm9I6W054x by S.N. Goenka].

This wiki is my attempt to clarify. First of all, to myself. But maybe also others can benefit and contribute.

__TOC__

== Conditions ==

There are important considerations that are almost a belief but are supposed to be rooted in my wisdom, they are supposed to be anchored in my experience:
* things get better when I am calm ([[equanimity|equaniminous]])
* [[I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings]]
* behavior that is necessary for my [[ego]], is not beneficial for me nor for my environment

== Concepts ==

* [[ego]]
* [[thought]]
* [[feeling]]
* [[sensation]]
* [[attention]]
* [[natural breath]]
* [[consciousness]]
* [[equanimity]]
* [[attachment]]
* [[here and now]]

== the Path ==

If I understand Goenka correctly, I need to:
# train my consciousness by watching my [[natural breath|breath]]
# use my consciousness to become aware of my sensations
# once aware of a sensation, I can train my [[equanimity]] by constantly not reacting to the sensation

This not-reacting to sensations, will liberate me from creating attachments. Attachments create new attachments. Attachments are not good for my calmness (equanimity), distract me from simply being me. Not being calm, not being myself, is less than perfect.

== Questions ==
# [[So why do I keep on clinging to my thoughts?]]
# [[Is there a shift?]]

== Thoughts ==
* [[Things are not what they seem]]
* [[Time is a wrong way of looking]]
* [[We exist only in connection]]
* [[attention]]
* [[Being without thoughts, a new way of being]]

== Toni Packer ==
# [[If it is done with effort, it is ego]]
# [[just see, hear and feel without judgement]]
# [[that's it, that's life]]
# [[to decide that the question is "why would self exist?"]]

Vipassana Explanations

2026-07-27T13:38:24Z

Mvmacke:

This wiki is an attempt to shed light on the path. For my ([[user:mvmacke|mvmacke]]) path I'm using the Vipassana technique. I've followed Vipassana once in Pune, in the ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) when I was 19. When I was 63 I got introduced to Vipassana again this time [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7QHNvNFfA&list=PLPJVlVRVmhc4Z01fD57jbzycm9I6W054x by S.N. Goenka].

This wiki is my attempt to clarify. First of all, to myself. But maybe also others can benefit and contribute.
__TOC__
== Conditions ==

There are important considerations that are almost a belief but are supposed to be rooted in my wisdom, they are supposed to be anchored in my experience:
* things get better when I am calm ([[equanimity|equaniminous]])
* [[I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings]]
* behavior that is necessary for my [[ego]], is not beneficial for me nor for my environment

== Concepts ==

* [[ego]]
* [[thought]]
* [[feeling]]
* [[sensation]]
* [[attention]]
* [[natural breath]]
* [[consciousness]]
* [[equanimity]]
* [[attachment]]
* [[here and now]]

== the Path ==

If I understand Goenka correctly, I need to:
# train my consciousness by watching my [[natural breath|breath]]
# use my consciousness to become aware of my sensations
# once aware of a sensation, I can train my [[equanimity]] by constantly not reacting to the sensation

This not-reacting to sensations, will liberate me from creating attachments. Attachments create new attachments. Attachments are not good for my calmness (equanimity), distract me from simply being me. Not being calm, not being myself, is less than perfect.

== Questions ==
# [[So why do I keep on clinging to my thoughts?]]
# [[Is there a shift?]]

== Thoughts ==
* [[Things are not what they seem]]
* [[Time is a wrong way of looking]]
* [[We exist only in connection]]
* [[attention]]
* [[Being without thoughts, a new way of being]]

== Toni Packer ==
# [[If it is done with effort, it is ego]]
# [[just see, hear and feel without judgement]]
# [[that's it, that's life]]
# [[to decide that the question is "why would self exist?"]]

Vipassana Explanations

2026-07-27T13:36:30Z

Mvmacke:

This wiki is an attempt to shed light on the path. For my ([[user:mvmacke|mvmacke]]) path I'm using the Vipassana technique. I've followed Vipassana once in Pune, in the ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) when I was 19. When I was 63 I got introduced to Vipassana again this time [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7QHNvNFfA&list=PLPJVlVRVmhc4Z01fD57jbzycm9I6W054x by S.N. Goenka].

This wiki is my attempt to clarify. First of all, to myself. But maybe also others can benefit and contribute.

== Conditions ==

There are important considerations that are almost a belief but are supposed to be rooted in my wisdom, they are supposed to be anchored in my experience:
* things get better when I am calm ([[equanimity|equaniminous]])
* [[I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings]]
* behavior that is necessary for my [[ego]], is not beneficial for me nor for my environment

== Concepts ==

* [[ego]]
* [[thought]]
* [[feeling]]
* [[sensation]]
* [[attention]]
* [[natural breath]]
* [[consciousness]]
* [[equanimity]]
* [[attachment]]
* [[here and now]]

== the Path ==

If I understand Goenka correctly, I need to:
# train my consciousness by watching my [[natural breath|breath]]
# use my consciousness to become aware of my sensations
# once aware of a sensation, I can train my [[equanimity]] by constantly not reacting to the sensation

This not-reacting to sensations, will liberate me from creating attachments. Attachments create new attachments. Attachments are not good for my calmness (equanimity), distract me from simply being me. Not being calm, not being myself, is less than perfect.

== Questions ==
# [[So why do I keep on clinging to my thoughts?]]
# [[Is there a shift?]]

== Thoughts ==
* [[Things are not what they seem]]
* [[Time is a wrong way of looking]]
* [[We exist only in connection]]
* [[attention]]
* [[Being without thoughts, a new way of being]]

== Toni Packer ==
# [[If it is done with effort, it is ego]]
# [[just see, hear and feel without judgement]]
# [[that's it, that's life]]
# [[to decide that the question is "why would self exist?"]]

If it is done with effort, it is ego

2026-07-27T13:31:17Z

Mvmacke:

*Wow, what an insight is that. Everything I do by giving it an effort, is from the mind. Not that the mind is the enemy. The mind is great. It helps me to achieve stuff and to fit in with other people. However, the mind is opposed to being. The mind makes me forget the things around me. Therefore, if I want to go to a state of being, I need to drop all effort. Dropping all effort allows me to be. If I succeed in just being, it is easy for me to be aware. Aware of what is around me. Aware of myself. It is a great feeling that gives me a lot of satisfaction. When I am in a state of being, I hardly want anything and I enjoy being.
*Awareness is supposed to give truth a chance. But that is just a thought. At this moment, I am just aware.
*I just noticed that I make an effort to be aware of my thoughts and feelings. Again an effort! Wrong. This mechanism of what is right and wrong is very subtle to detect. Next phase: nothing is right or wrong, it just is.

If it is done with effort, it is ego

2026-07-27T13:29:48Z

Mvmacke:

If it is done with effort, it is ego

2026-07-27T13:29:28Z

Mvmacke:

*Wow, what an insight is that. Everything I do by giving it an effort, is from the mind. Not that the mind is the enemy. The mind is great. It helps me to achieve stuff and to fit in with other people. However, the mind is opposed to being. The mind makes me forget the things around me. Therefore, if I want to go to a state of being, I need to drop all effort. Dropping all effort allows me to be. If I succeed in just being, it is easy for me to be aware. Aware of what is around me. Aware of myself. It is a great feeling that gives me a lot of satisfaction. When I am in a state of being, I hardly want anything and I enjoy being.
*Awareness is supposed to give truth a chance. But that is just a thought. At this moment, I am just aware.
*I just notice that I make an effort to be aware of my thoughts and feelings. Again an effort! Wrong

If it is done with effort, it is ego

2026-07-27T13:28:02Z

Mvmacke:

If it is done with effort, it is ego

2026-07-27T13:27:40Z

Mvmacke:

Wow, what an insight is that. Everything I do by giving it an effort, is from the mind. Not that the mind is the enemy. The mind is great. It helps me to achieve stuff and to fit in with other people. However, the mind is opposed to being. The mind makes me forget the things around me. Therefore, if I want to go to a state of being, I need to drop all effort. Dropping all effort allows me to be. If I succeed in just being, it is easy for me to be aware. Aware of what is around me. Aware of myself. It is a great feeling that gives me a lot of satisfaction. When I am in a state of being, I hardly want anything and I enjoy being.

Awareness is supposed to give truth a chance. But that is just a thought. At this moment, I am just aware.

If it is done with effort, it is ego

2026-07-27T13:26:57Z

Mvmacke:

Wow, what an insight is that. Everything I do by giving it an effort, is from the mind. Not that the mind is the enemy. The mind is great. It helps me to achieve stuff and to fit in with other people. However, the mind is opposed to being. The mind makes me forget the things around me. Therefore, if I want to go to a state of being, I need to drop all effort. Dropping all effort allows me to be. If I succeed in just being, it is easy for me to be aware. Aware of what is around me. Aware of myself. It is a great feeling that gives me a lot of satisfaction. When I am in a state of being, I hardly want anything and I enjoy being.

----

Awareness is supposed to give truth a chance. But that is just a thought. At this moment, I am just aware.

If it is done with effort, it is ego

2026-07-27T13:25:49Z

Mvmacke:

Wow, what an insight is that. Everything I do by giving it an effort, is from the mind. Not that the mind is the enemy. The mind is great. It helps me to achieve stuff and to fit in with other people. However, the mind is opposed to being. The mind makes me forget the things around me. Therefore, if I want to go to a state of being, I need to drop all effort. Dropping all effort allows me to be. If I succeed in just being, it is easy for me to be aware. Aware of what is around me. Aware of myself. It is a great feeling that gives me a lot of satisfaction. When I am in a state of being, I hardly want anything and I enjoy being.

--

Awareness is supposed to give truth a chance. But that is just a thought. At this moment, I am just aware.

If it is done with effort, it is ego

2026-07-27T13:25:28Z

Mvmacke:

Wow, what an insight is that. Everything I do by giving it an effort, is from the mind. Not that the mind is the enemy. The mind is great. It helps me to achieve stuff and to fit in with other people. However, the mind is opposed to being. The mind makes me forget the things around me. Therefore, if I want to go to a state of being, I need to drop all effort. Dropping all effort allows me to be. If I succeed in just being, it is easy for me to be aware. Aware of what is around me. Aware of myself. It is a great feeling that gives me a lot of satisfaction. When I am in a state of being, I hardly want anything and I enjoy being.
--
Awareness is supposed to give truth a chance. But that is just a thought. At this moment, I am just aware.

If it is done with effort, it is ego

2026-07-27T13:25:14Z

Mvmacke:

If it is done with effort, it is ego

2026-07-27T13:21:13Z

Mvmacke:

Wow,what an insight is that. Everything I do by giving it an effort, is from the mind. Not that the mind is the enemy. The mind is great. It helps me to achieve stuff and to fit in with other people. However, the mind is opposed to being. The mind makes me forget the things around me. Therefore, if I want to go to a state of being, I need to drop all effort. Dropping all effort allows me to be. If I succeed in just being, it is easy for me to be aware. Aware of what is around me. Aware of myself. It is a great feeling that gives me a lot of satisfaction. When I am in a state of being, I hardly want anything and I enjoy being.

If it is done with effort, it is ego

2026-07-22T11:36:03Z

Mvmacke: Created page with "Wow,"

Wow,

Vipassana Explanations

2026-07-22T11:16:34Z

Mvmacke: /* Toni Packer */

This wiki is an attempt to shed light on the path. For my ([[user:mvmacke|mvmacke]]) path I'm using the Vipassana technique. I've followed Vipassana once in Pune, in the ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) when I was 19. When I was 63 I got introduced to Vipassana again this time [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7QHNvNFfA&list=PLPJVlVRVmhc4Z01fD57jbzycm9I6W054x by S.N. Goenka].

This wiki is my attempt to clarify. First of all, to myself. But maybe also others can benefit and contribute.

= Conditions =

There are important considerations that are almost a belief but are supposed to be rooted in my wisdom, they are supposed to be anchored in my experience:
* things get better when I am calm ([[equanimity|equaniminous]])
* [[I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings]]
* behavior that is necessary for my [[ego]], is not beneficial for me nor for my environment

= Concepts =

* [[ego]]
* [[thought]]
* [[feeling]]
* [[sensation]]
* [[attention]]
* [[natural breath]]
* [[consciousness]]
* [[equanimity]]
* [[attachment]]
* [[here and now]]

= the Path =

If I understand Goenka correctly, I need to:
# train my consciousness by watching my [[natural breath|breath]]
# use my consciousness to become aware of my sensations
# once aware of a sensation, I can train my [[equanimity]] by constantly not reacting to the sensation

This not-reacting to sensations, will liberate me from creating attachments. Attachments create new attachments. Attachments are not good for my calmness (equanimity), distract me from simply being me. Not being calm, not being myself, is less than perfect.

= Questions =
# [[So why do I keep on clinging to my thoughts?]]
# [[Is there a shift?]]

= Thoughts =
* [[Things are not what they seem]]
* [[Time is a wrong way of looking]]
* [[We exist only in connection]]
* [[attention]]
* [[Being without thoughts, a new way of being]]

== Toni Packer ==
# [[If it is done with effort, it is ego]]
# [[just see, hear and feel without judgement]]
# [[that's it, that's life]]
# [[to decide that the question is "why would self exist?"]]

Vipassana Explanations

2026-07-22T07:55:51Z

Mvmacke:

This wiki is an attempt to shed light on the path. For my ([[user:mvmacke|mvmacke]]) path I'm using the Vipassana technique. I've followed Vipassana once in Pune, in the ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) when I was 19. When I was 63 I got introduced to Vipassana again this time [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7QHNvNFfA&list=PLPJVlVRVmhc4Z01fD57jbzycm9I6W054x by S.N. Goenka].

This wiki is my attempt to clarify. First of all, to myself. But maybe also others can benefit and contribute.

= Conditions =

There are important considerations that are almost a belief but are supposed to be rooted in my wisdom, they are supposed to be anchored in my experience:
* things get better when I am calm ([[equanimity|equaniminous]])
* [[I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings]]
* behavior that is necessary for my [[ego]], is not beneficial for me nor for my environment

= Concepts =

* [[ego]]
* [[thought]]
* [[feeling]]
* [[sensation]]
* [[attention]]
* [[natural breath]]
* [[consciousness]]
* [[equanimity]]
* [[attachment]]
* [[here and now]]

= the Path =

If I understand Goenka correctly, I need to:
# train my consciousness by watching my [[natural breath|breath]]
# use my consciousness to become aware of my sensations
# once aware of a sensation, I can train my [[equanimity]] by constantly not reacting to the sensation

This not-reacting to sensations, will liberate me from creating attachments. Attachments create new attachments. Attachments are not good for my calmness (equanimity), distract me from simply being me. Not being calm, not being myself, is less than perfect.

= Questions =
# [[So why do I keep on clinging to my thoughts?]]
# [[Is there a shift?]]

= Thoughts =
* [[Things are not what they seem]]
* [[Time is a wrong way of looking]]
* [[We exist only in connection]]
* [[attention]]
* [[Being without thoughts, a new way of being]]

== Toni Packer ==
# If it is done with effort, it is ego
# just see, hear and feel without judgement
# that's it, that's life
# to decide that the question is "why would self exist?"

Being without thoughts, a new way of being

2026-06-03T07:32:46Z

Mvmacke: /* new approach */

== old approach ==
At this moment ([[User:Mvmacke|Mvmacke]] ([[User talk:Mvmacke|talk]]) 08:58, 3 June 2026 (CEST)) I am investigating to control my attention NOT to go to my thoughts. In the past, when I was meditating, I contstantly used the following technique:
* go to silence
* when wandering off to thoughts
* become aware that I am now in my thoughts
* go back to silence

== reaction on old approach ==
This approach created kind of a battle. Thoughts are not allowed. It is not good when I am thinking. May be I did the procedure above very gently, but still there was this condemming of directing my attention to thoughts. Being silent is good, thinking is not good. Also there is belief involved in this. Silence is good because Buddha says so. When we are good, we are in silence. We are not good when we are anxious, busy, thinking. I strongly believe (...) that belief is something I should avoid. Experiencing, learning from what is there, not believing this and this. A belief is just a thought.

== new approach ==
So I am busy now with this new approach. At the core lies: "why does my attention go to thinking?". If I want to investigate silence, why does my attention do something else? Now of course when there is a lot of turmoil, I understand, it is hard not to go to my thoughts (and feelings). But when there is no necessity, when there is time, why not stay with my attention towards silence? So this is, how I talk to myself. I ask my attention why it went to these thoughts? I invite my attention to direct itself to go to silence. So not scanning my body, not towards breathing but simply listening to nothing. And often I succeed. My attention listens to silence. Immediately I notice that my muscles relax. If I am sleeepy, I fall asleep. If I am not sleepy, I feel fulfilled with this wonderful silence. Don't ask me why. I just like silence.

== reaction to new approach ==
the nice part about this new approach is that it gives me the option for a new way of being. Normally I am busy with thoughts. I am right now when writing. I always am, wether asleep or awake, I am always thinking. This listening to silence gives me a whole new way of being. For me it feels that I am passing through this invisible curtain and I enter a whole new world. That is not as exciting as it sounds but it is kind of cool. Yes, I get these fantasies that when listening to silence all kind of beautiful things will happen to me. God can enter, the universe can show me my path, I will get a clear vision on everything, including on who I am and what I should do. Very likely this is all a lot of BS and I should simply continue listening to silence. My being is a wonderful laboratory where I can investigate, explore, find out. This is it for now.

== further reading ==
According to ChatGPT:
"Based on what you wrote, I would not recommend books that emphasize concentration as a struggle against thought. Your reflections sound much closer to inquiry, curiosity, and non-conflict with experience.

A few books come to mind:

1. The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts

This may be the closest match.

Watts repeatedly questions the tendency to divide experience into "good" and "bad," "spiritual" and "unspiritual," "thinking" and "not thinking." He argues that much suffering comes from trying to force ourselves into an ideal state.

What struck me when reading your "old approach" was exactly this: the subtle creation of a controller who tries to suppress thought. Watts would likely ask whether that controller is itself just another thought.

2. The Book of Not Knowing by Peter Ralston

This is a more radical recommendation.

Ralston is relentless about questioning beliefs and assumptions. You wrote:

"A belief is just a thought."

That could almost be a theme from this book.

Rather than accepting what Buddha, science, philosophy, or anyone else says, Ralston encourages direct investigation of experience itself. Your description of your being as "a wonderful laboratory" feels very much in this spirit.

3. Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

If you want a gentle meditation book that doesn't turn meditation into a battle, this is excellent.

Kabat-Zinn treats thoughts as events that arise naturally, not enemies. The emphasis is on noticing rather than controlling.

4. I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj

This is more challenging and mystical.

Many dialogues revolve around a question similar to yours:

What is aware of thought?

Not how to stop thought, but what remains when attention is not captured by it.

Your description of "listening to silence" reminds me of passages in this book.

5. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

Singer focuses on recognizing thoughts without identifying with them.

The book is practical and accessible, and it explores what happens when you stop treating every thought as something that requires engagement.

One observation from your notes:

Your "new approach" sounds less like concentration and more like phenomenological investigation. Instead of saying:

"I should not think."

you are asking:

"What causes attention to become interested in thought?"

That is a fundamentally different question. It turns thought itself into an object of observation rather than an opponent.

For that reason, if I had to choose only one book from this list, I would start with The Book of Not Knowing if your primary interest is investigation and freedom from belief, or The Wisdom of Insecurity if your primary interest is relaxing the struggle and learning to trust direct experience.

The passage where you describe crossing an "invisible curtain" into a different mode of being is also reminiscent of writings by Jiddu Krishnamurti. If you haven't read him, his talks and books might resonate strongly with what you're exploring. He was deeply skeptical of authority, methods, and spiritual ideals, and repeatedly encouraged observing the movement of thought without condemnation."

Being without thoughts, a new way of being

2026-06-03T07:24:37Z

Mvmacke: /* further reading */

== old approach ==
At this moment ([[User:Mvmacke|Mvmacke]] ([[User talk:Mvmacke|talk]]) 08:58, 3 June 2026 (CEST)) I am investigating to control my attention NOT to go to my thoughts. In the past, when I was meditating, I contstantly used the following technique:
* go to silence
* when wandering off to thoughts
* become aware that I am now in my thoughts
* go back to silence

== reaction on old approach ==
This approach created kind of a battle. Thoughts are not allowed. It is not good when I am thinking. May be I did the procedure above very gently, but still there was this condemming of directing my attention to thoughts. Being silent is good, thinking is not good. Also there is belief involved in this. Silence is good because Buddha says so. When we are good, we are in silence. We are not good when we are anxious, busy, thinking. I strongly believe (...) that belief is something I should avoid. Experiencing, learning from what is there, not believing this and this. A belief is just a thought.

== new approach ==
So I am busy now with this new approach. At the core lies: "why does my attention go to thinking?". If I want to investigate silence, why does my attention do something else? Now of course when there is a lot of turmoil, I understand, it is hard not to go to my thoughts (and feelings). But when there is no necessity, when there is time, why no stay with my attention towards silence? So this is, how I talk to myself. I ask my attention why it went to these thoughts? I invite my attention to direct itself to go to silence. So not scanning my body, not towards breathing but simply listening to nothing. And often I succeed. My attention listens to silence. Immediately I notice that my muscles relax. If I am sleeepy, I fall asleep. If I am not sleepy, I feel fulfilled with this wonderful silence. Don't ask me why. I just like silence.

== reaction to new approach ==
the nice part about this new approach is that it gives me the option for a new way of being. Normally I am busy with thoughts. I am right now when writing. I always am, wether asleep or awake, I am always thinking. This listening to silence gives me a whole new way of being. For me it feels that I am passing through this invisible curtain and I enter a whole new world. That is not as exciting as it sounds but it is kind of cool. Yes, I get these fantasies that when listening to silence all kind of beautiful things will happen to me. God can enter, the universe can show me my path, I will get a clear vision on everything, including on who I am and what I should do. Very likely this is all a lot of BS and I should simply continue listening to silence. My being is a wonderful laboratory where I can investigate, explore, find out. This is it for now.

== further reading ==
According to ChatGPT:
"Based on what you wrote, I would not recommend books that emphasize concentration as a struggle against thought. Your reflections sound much closer to inquiry, curiosity, and non-conflict with experience.

A few books come to mind:

1. The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts

This may be the closest match.

Watts repeatedly questions the tendency to divide experience into "good" and "bad," "spiritual" and "unspiritual," "thinking" and "not thinking." He argues that much suffering comes from trying to force ourselves into an ideal state.

What struck me when reading your "old approach" was exactly this: the subtle creation of a controller who tries to suppress thought. Watts would likely ask whether that controller is itself just another thought.

2. The Book of Not Knowing by Peter Ralston

This is a more radical recommendation.

Ralston is relentless about questioning beliefs and assumptions. You wrote:

"A belief is just a thought."

That could almost be a theme from this book.

Rather than accepting what Buddha, science, philosophy, or anyone else says, Ralston encourages direct investigation of experience itself. Your description of your being as "a wonderful laboratory" feels very much in this spirit.

3. Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

If you want a gentle meditation book that doesn't turn meditation into a battle, this is excellent.

Kabat-Zinn treats thoughts as events that arise naturally, not enemies. The emphasis is on noticing rather than controlling.

4. I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj

This is more challenging and mystical.

Many dialogues revolve around a question similar to yours:

What is aware of thought?

Not how to stop thought, but what remains when attention is not captured by it.

Your description of "listening to silence" reminds me of passages in this book.

5. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

Singer focuses on recognizing thoughts without identifying with them.

The book is practical and accessible, and it explores what happens when you stop treating every thought as something that requires engagement.

One observation from your notes:

Your "new approach" sounds less like concentration and more like phenomenological investigation. Instead of saying:

"I should not think."

you are asking:

"What causes attention to become interested in thought?"

That is a fundamentally different question. It turns thought itself into an object of observation rather than an opponent.

For that reason, if I had to choose only one book from this list, I would start with The Book of Not Knowing if your primary interest is investigation and freedom from belief, or The Wisdom of Insecurity if your primary interest is relaxing the struggle and learning to trust direct experience.

The passage where you describe crossing an "invisible curtain" into a different mode of being is also reminiscent of writings by Jiddu Krishnamurti. If you haven't read him, his talks and books might resonate strongly with what you're exploring. He was deeply skeptical of authority, methods, and spiritual ideals, and repeatedly encouraged observing the movement of thought without condemnation."

Being without thoughts, a new way of being

2026-06-03T07:24:01Z

Mvmacke: /* reaction to new approach */

== old approach ==
At this moment ([[User:Mvmacke|Mvmacke]] ([[User talk:Mvmacke|talk]]) 08:58, 3 June 2026 (CEST)) I am investigating to control my attention NOT to go to my thoughts. In the past, when I was meditating, I contstantly used the following technique:
* go to silence
* when wandering off to thoughts
* become aware that I am now in my thoughts
* go back to silence

== reaction on old approach ==
This approach created kind of a battle. Thoughts are not allowed. It is not good when I am thinking. May be I did the procedure above very gently, but still there was this condemming of directing my attention to thoughts. Being silent is good, thinking is not good. Also there is belief involved in this. Silence is good because Buddha says so. When we are good, we are in silence. We are not good when we are anxious, busy, thinking. I strongly believe (...) that belief is something I should avoid. Experiencing, learning from what is there, not believing this and this. A belief is just a thought.

== new approach ==
So I am busy now with this new approach. At the core lies: "why does my attention go to thinking?". If I want to investigate silence, why does my attention do something else? Now of course when there is a lot of turmoil, I understand, it is hard not to go to my thoughts (and feelings). But when there is no necessity, when there is time, why no stay with my attention towards silence? So this is, how I talk to myself. I ask my attention why it went to these thoughts? I invite my attention to direct itself to go to silence. So not scanning my body, not towards breathing but simply listening to nothing. And often I succeed. My attention listens to silence. Immediately I notice that my muscles relax. If I am sleeepy, I fall asleep. If I am not sleepy, I feel fulfilled with this wonderful silence. Don't ask me why. I just like silence.

== reaction to new approach ==
the nice part about this new approach is that it gives me the option for a new way of being. Normally I am busy with thoughts. I am right now when writing. I always am, wether asleep or awake, I am always thinking. This listening to silence gives me a whole new way of being. For me it feels that I am passing through this invisible curtain and I enter a whole new world. That is not as exciting as it sounds but it is kind of cool. Yes, I get these fantasies that when listening to silence all kind of beautiful things will happen to me. God can enter, the universe can show me my path, I will get a clear vision on everything, including on who I am and what I should do. Very likely this is all a lot of BS and I should simply continue listening to silence. My being is a wonderful laboratory where I can investigate, explore, find out. This is it for now.

== further reading ==
Based on what you wrote, I would not recommend books that emphasize concentration as a struggle against thought. Your reflections sound much closer to inquiry, curiosity, and non-conflict with experience.

A few books come to mind:

1. The Wisdom of Insecurity by Alan Watts

This may be the closest match.

Watts repeatedly questions the tendency to divide experience into "good" and "bad," "spiritual" and "unspiritual," "thinking" and "not thinking." He argues that much suffering comes from trying to force ourselves into an ideal state.

What struck me when reading your "old approach" was exactly this: the subtle creation of a controller who tries to suppress thought. Watts would likely ask whether that controller is itself just another thought.

2. The Book of Not Knowing by Peter Ralston

This is a more radical recommendation.

Ralston is relentless about questioning beliefs and assumptions. You wrote:

"A belief is just a thought."

That could almost be a theme from this book.

Rather than accepting what Buddha, science, philosophy, or anyone else says, Ralston encourages direct investigation of experience itself. Your description of your being as "a wonderful laboratory" feels very much in this spirit.

3. Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

If you want a gentle meditation book that doesn't turn meditation into a battle, this is excellent.

Kabat-Zinn treats thoughts as events that arise naturally, not enemies. The emphasis is on noticing rather than controlling.

4. I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj

This is more challenging and mystical.

Many dialogues revolve around a question similar to yours:

What is aware of thought?

Not how to stop thought, but what remains when attention is not captured by it.

Your description of "listening to silence" reminds me of passages in this book.

5. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

Singer focuses on recognizing thoughts without identifying with them.

The book is practical and accessible, and it explores what happens when you stop treating every thought as something that requires engagement.

One observation from your notes:

Your "new approach" sounds less like concentration and more like phenomenological investigation. Instead of saying:

"I should not think."

you are asking:

"What causes attention to become interested in thought?"

That is a fundamentally different question. It turns thought itself into an object of observation rather than an opponent.

For that reason, if I had to choose only one book from this list, I would start with The Book of Not Knowing if your primary interest is investigation and freedom from belief, or The Wisdom of Insecurity if your primary interest is relaxing the struggle and learning to trust direct experience.

The passage where you describe crossing an "invisible curtain" into a different mode of being is also reminiscent of writings by Jiddu Krishnamurti. If you haven't read him, his talks and books might resonate strongly with what you're exploring. He was deeply skeptical of authority, methods, and spiritual ideals, and repeatedly encouraged observing the movement of thought without condemnation.

Being without thoughts, a new way of being

2026-06-03T07:20:33Z

Mvmacke: /* reaction to new approach */

Being without thoughts, a new way of being

2026-06-03T07:13:31Z

Mvmacke: /* new approach */

Being without thoughts, a new way of being

2026-06-03T07:10:04Z

Mvmacke:

Being without thoughts, a new way of being

2026-06-03T07:06:59Z

Mvmacke:

At this moment ([[User:Mvmacke|Mvmacke]] ([[User talk:Mvmacke|talk]]) 08:58, 3 June 2026 (CEST)) I am investigating to control my attention NOT to go to my thoughts. In the past, when I was meditating, I contstantly used the following technique:
* go to silence
* when wandering off to thoughts
* become aware that I am now in my thoughts
* go back to silence

This approach created kind of a battle. Thoughts are not allowed. It is not good when I am thinking. May be I did the procedure above very gently, but still there was this condemming of directing my attention to thoughts. Being silent is good, thinking is not good. Also there is belief involved in this. Silence is good because Buddha says so. When we are good, we are in silence. We are not good when we are anxious, busy, thinking. I strongly believe (...) that belief is something I should avoid. Experiencing, learning from what is there, not believing this and this. A belief is just a thought.

So I am busy now with this new approach. At the core lies: "why does my attention go to thinking?". If I want to investigate silence, why does my attention do something else? Now of course when there is a lot of turmoil, I understand, it is hard not to go to my thoughts (and feelings). But when there is no necessity, when there is time, why no stay with my attention towards silence?

Being without thoughts, a new way of being

2026-06-03T06:58:00Z

Mvmacke: Created page with "At this moment (~~~~)"

At this moment ([[User:Mvmacke|Mvmacke]] ([[User talk:Mvmacke|talk]]) 08:58, 3 June 2026 (CEST))

Vipassana Explanations

2026-06-03T06:53:54Z

Mvmacke: /* Thoughts */

This wiki is an attempt to shed light on the path. For my ([[user:mvmacke|mvmacke]]) path I'm using the Vipassana technique. I've followed Vipassana once in Pune, in the ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) when I was 19. When I was 63 I got introduced to Vipassana again this time [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7QHNvNFfA&list=PLPJVlVRVmhc4Z01fD57jbzycm9I6W054x by S.N. Goenka].

This wiki is my attempt to clarify. First of all, to myself. But maybe also others can benefit and contribute.

= Conditions =

There are important considerations that are almost a belief but are supposed to be rooted in my wisdom, they are supposed to be anchored in my experience:
* things get better when I am calm ([[equanimity|equaniminous]])
* [[I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings]]
* behavior that is necessary for my [[ego]], is not beneficial for me nor for my environment

= Concepts =

* [[ego]]
* [[thought]]
* [[feeling]]
* [[sensation]]
* [[attention]]
* [[natural breath]]
* [[consciousness]]
* [[equanimity]]
* [[attachment]]
* [[here and now]]

= the Path =

If I understand Goenka correctly, I need to:
# train my consciousness by watching my [[natural breath|breath]]
# use my consciousness to become aware of my sensations
# once aware of a sensation, I can train my [[equanimity]] by constantly not reacting to the sensation

This not-reacting to sensations, will liberate me from creating attachments. Attachments create new attachments. Attachments are not good for my calmness (equanimity), distract me from simply being me. Not being calm, not being myself, is less than perfect.

= Questions =
# [[So why do I keep on clinging to my thoughts?]]
# [[Is there a shift?]]

= Thoughts =
* [[Things are not what they seem]]
* [[Time is a wrong way of looking]]
* [[We exist only in connection]]
* [[attention]]
* [[Being without thoughts, a new way of being]]

Vipassana Explanations

2026-06-03T06:53:36Z

Mvmacke: /* Thoughts */

This wiki is an attempt to shed light on the path. For my ([[user:mvmacke|mvmacke]]) path I'm using the Vipassana technique. I've followed Vipassana once in Pune, in the ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) when I was 19. When I was 63 I got introduced to Vipassana again this time [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7QHNvNFfA&list=PLPJVlVRVmhc4Z01fD57jbzycm9I6W054x by S.N. Goenka].

This wiki is my attempt to clarify. First of all, to myself. But maybe also others can benefit and contribute.

= Conditions =

There are important considerations that are almost a belief but are supposed to be rooted in my wisdom, they are supposed to be anchored in my experience:
* things get better when I am calm ([[equanimity|equaniminous]])
* [[I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings]]
* behavior that is necessary for my [[ego]], is not beneficial for me nor for my environment

= Concepts =

* [[ego]]
* [[thought]]
* [[feeling]]
* [[sensation]]
* [[attention]]
* [[natural breath]]
* [[consciousness]]
* [[equanimity]]
* [[attachment]]
* [[here and now]]

= the Path =

If I understand Goenka correctly, I need to:
# train my consciousness by watching my [[natural breath|breath]]
# use my consciousness to become aware of my sensations
# once aware of a sensation, I can train my [[equanimity]] by constantly not reacting to the sensation

This not-reacting to sensations, will liberate me from creating attachments. Attachments create new attachments. Attachments are not good for my calmness (equanimity), distract me from simply being me. Not being calm, not being myself, is less than perfect.

= Questions =
# [[So why do I keep on clinging to my thoughts?]]
# [[Is there a shift?]]

= Thoughts =
* [[Things are not what they seem]]
* [[Time is a wrong way of looking]]
* [[We exist only in connection]]
* [[attention]]
* [[being without thoughts, a new way of being]]

I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings

2026-06-03T06:50:36Z

Mvmacke:

This is a very nice one and at the same time a very difficult one. As someone once asked me, "If I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings, what else could I be?". I have not an answer to the question and the thought seems to be very logical, natural. Of course I am what I think and what I feel. That is me!!

Here I dare to say that I choose to think differently. I think I am not my thoughts nor my feelings. And here comes the why:
# I really like the idea that I am not my thoughts nor my feelings. It frees me from the very compelling nature of thoughts and feelings: there seems to be no escape whenever I think something or when I feel something. How nice it is when all my thoughts and feelings are a choice: "I think this and I feel that but nothing is keeping me from having different thoughts and different feelings." I choose to think in a certain way, I choose to feel something. That choice can be made differently. I am free to choose whatever I want to think and whatever I want to feel. So I think I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings because I like it!
# Buddha tells me so
# Psychology but also embryology show that we are a lot of different things that are working together yet each one of those things is independent from the other things. I consider myself an ecosystem where there is a lot of cooperation but also a lot of independence of the different parts. Whether the parts are thoughts or the parts are cells. There is a lot of reason why we should see ourselves like this. The most appealing one is the fact that we can have conflicting thoughts. If we were one being reigned by a center of control, it is almost impossible to have conflicting thoughts. The Disney movie Inside Out but also my experience in hypnotherapy is teaching me that we consist of independent parts that work together
# I often exercise to replace my thoughts or feelings by other thoughts and feelings. Often thoughts and feelings can be heavy or depressing. Realizing a thought is not helping me, challenges me to have a different thought, not so depressing or heavy. Quite often I succeed in replacing my thoughts by other thoughts. The same goes for feelings: I consider feeling angry or feeling unhappy a choice. I can also choose to feel sympatic or feel happy. Thoughts and feelings are a choice

Domocracy

2026-04-25T20:09:06Z

Mvmacke:

Samen met Marijn Damsma-Blaisse proberen we binnen Volt wat op te zetten rondom democratisch handelen.
Dit is de tweede sessie op 20 mei, die gaat om
"Listening, presence and structure as democratic skills. A practice-based session on attention, outreach and canvassing as relationship-building."
Ik vecht nog enorm met hoe je online redelijk kunt trainen als het meer moet zijn dan alleen informatie. Ik beschouw de volgende lagen essentieel in iedere training:
# motivatie: waarom moet je dit willen?
# skills: hoe dit ik dit?
# transfer: en wat gebeurt er nu na deze sessie
* over het kompas: zeer compleet en erg bruikbaar om inderdaad naar het functioneren van bijna alles te kijken.

Domocracy

2026-04-25T20:06:41Z

Mvmacke: Created page with "Samen met Marijn Damsma-Blaisse proberen we binnen Volt wat op te zetten rondom democratisch handelen. Dit is de tweede sessie op 20 mei, die gaat om "Listening, presence and structure as democratic skills. A practice-based session on attention, outreach and canvassing as relationship-building." Ik vecht nog enorm met hoe je online redelijk kunt trainen als het meer moet zijn dan alleen informatie."

2026 Technology Holiday

2026-03-05T21:16:18Z

Mvmacke: /* Locations to visit */

= Rod, Mike & Marcel go explore UK technology!! =
== Idea ==
The whole idea is that Rod, Mike & Marcel will explore the different places where we can experience the technology that was used for trains, especially the steam trains.
== When ==
We have planned now are train ride with lunch for August 19th 2026

== Where ==
In York

http://www.crosscountrymagazine.co.uk/museums/steam-engines-in-york-explore-the-best-collection-here/

== Locations to visit ==

The National Railway Museum

The York Castle Museum

https://www.steamheritage.co.uk/museums-and-attractions/entry/castle-museum-york

York Steam Museum

https://www.wonderfulmuseums.com/museum/york-steam-museum/

== Locations to sleep ==
== Locations to eat ==
== Travel ==

2026 Technology Holiday

2026-03-05T21:07:13Z

Mvmacke: /* Where */

= Rod, Mike & Marcel go explore UK technology!! =
== Idea ==
The whole idea is that Rod, Mike & Marcel will explore the different places where we can experience the technology that was used for trains, especially the steam trains.
== When ==
We have planned now are train ride with lunch for August 19th 2026

== Where ==
In York

http://www.crosscountrymagazine.co.uk/museums/steam-engines-in-york-explore-the-best-collection-here/

== Locations to visit ==
== Locations to sleep ==
== Locations to eat ==
== Travel ==

2026 Technology Holiday

2026-03-05T21:06:54Z

Mvmacke: /* Where */

= Rod, Mike & Marcel go explore UK technology!! =
== Idea ==
The whole idea is that Rod, Mike & Marcel will explore the different places where we can experience the technology that was used for trains, especially the steam trains.
== When ==
We have planned now are train ride with lunch for August 19th 2026

== Where ==
In York

[[http://www.crosscountrymagazine.co.uk/museums/steam-engines-in-york-explore-the-best-collection-here/]]

== Locations to visit ==
== Locations to sleep ==
== Locations to eat ==
== Travel ==

2026 Technology Holiday

2026-03-05T21:06:38Z

Mvmacke: /* Where */

= Rod, Mike & Marcel go explore UK technology!! =
== Idea ==
The whole idea is that Rod, Mike & Marcel will explore the different places where we can experience the technology that was used for trains, especially the steam trains.
== When ==
We have planned now are train ride with lunch for August 19th 2026

== Where ==
In York

[http://www.crosscountrymagazine.co.uk/museums/steam-engines-in-york-explore-the-best-collection-here/]

== Locations to visit ==
== Locations to sleep ==
== Locations to eat ==
== Travel ==

2026 Technology Holiday

2026-03-05T21:06:04Z

Mvmacke: /* When */

Attention

2025-12-14T09:35:42Z

Mvmacke: Created page with "Ah, attention is may be not such a revolutionary thing but what a great thing it is!! Attention is used to scan through the body, whether it is from Yoga Nidra or the Vipassana technique from Goenka. It allows me to endure pain by strongly focussing on the pain itself. It allows me to cure or control parts of my body. It allows me to love another and let the other feel loved. Attention and love are strongly related if not the same. I am not sure how attention and cons..."

Ah, attention is may be not such a revolutionary thing but what a great thing it is!!

Attention is used to scan through the body, whether it is from Yoga Nidra or the Vipassana technique from Goenka. It allows me to endure pain by strongly focussing on the pain itself. It allows me to cure or control parts of my body. It allows me to love another and let the other feel loved. Attention and love are strongly related if not the same.

I am not sure how attention and consciousness are related. Consciousness does not know any direction, attention does. But for the rest they seem to be the same. It is all about perceiving what is there. The act of looking at something and being aware of that something, also when it is everything.

What a great subject to study further!!

Vipassana Explanations

2025-12-14T09:31:28Z

Mvmacke: /* Thoughts */

This wiki is an attempt to shed light on the path. For my ([[user:mvmacke|mvmacke]]) path I'm using the Vipassana technique. I've followed Vipassana once in Pune, in the ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) when I was 19. When I was 63 I got introduced to Vipassana again this time [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7QHNvNFfA&list=PLPJVlVRVmhc4Z01fD57jbzycm9I6W054x by S.N. Goenka].

This wiki is my attempt to clarify. First of all, to myself. But maybe also others can benefit and contribute.

= Conditions =

There are important considerations that are almost a belief but are supposed to be rooted in my wisdom, they are supposed to be anchored in my experience:
* things get better when I am calm ([[equanimity|equaniminous]])
* [[I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings]]
* behavior that is necessary for my [[ego]], is not beneficial for me nor for my environment

= Concepts =

* [[ego]]
* [[thought]]
* [[feeling]]
* [[sensation]]
* [[attention]]
* [[natural breath]]
* [[consciousness]]
* [[equanimity]]
* [[attachment]]
* [[here and now]]

= the Path =

If I understand Goenka correctly, I need to:
# train my consciousness by watching my [[natural breath|breath]]
# use my consciousness to become aware of my sensations
# once aware of a sensation, I can train my [[equanimity]] by constantly not reacting to the sensation

This not-reacting to sensations, will liberate me from creating attachments. Attachments create new attachments. Attachments are not good for my calmness (equanimity), distract me from simply being me. Not being calm, not being myself, is less than perfect.

= Questions =
# [[So why do I keep on clinging to my thoughts?]]
# [[Is there a shift?]]

= Thoughts =
* [[Things are not what they seem]]
* [[Time is a wrong way of looking]]
* [[We exist only in connection]]
* [[attention]]

We exist only in connection

2025-12-14T09:07:43Z

Mvmacke:

* Here is another insight where I feel strongly disconnected of what is mainly thought: we exist only in connection.
* This is true in a very material way of looking: the air that we breathe, the food that we eat, the environment we use for making the stuff that we need.
* But also at an interpersonal level: some days I hardly see people of interact with them. I start to feel funny. And if I extrapolate that experience, I reach a state in which I do not exist any more. Interaction with other people is so important for our existence. We are because we relate.
* And this relating is quite a warm sensation. We feel for the other person. We feel for other animals. We feel for mother earth, for nature. We exist in this feeling of connection.
* And finally if you look at the bigger picture. There was a time when I did not exist yet. It is because my parents found each other and in my case consciously decided they wanted to have a child. So from the matter around my parents, my mom got pregnant and gave birth. And also one day I will cease to exist. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. I am just this matter in which life started to exist. I am finite. There was a time when I did not exist, there will be a time when I will not exist. The matter around me but also all the personal and energetic around me, is from which I come, in which I am.
* That's why the philosophy that one cannot divide. This wholeness, because when everything exists only in connection, how can we divide? There is no division. The division we make with our minds is good and necessary to survive, to plan, to conquer our environment. But from a higher level it is just survival. Reality is just one thing, looking at it only by making distinctions, does not comply with what we really are.

We exist only in connection

2025-12-14T09:02:39Z

Mvmacke:

We exist only in connection

2025-12-14T08:59:47Z

Mvmacke: Created page with "Here is another insight where I feel strongly disconnected of what is mainly thought: we exist only in connection. This is true in a very material way of looking: the air that we breathe, the food that we eat, the environment we use for making the stuff that we need. But also at an interpersonal level: some days I hardly see people of interact with them. I start to feel funny. And if I extrapolate that experience, I reach a state in which I do not exist any more. Inte..."

Here is another insight where I feel strongly disconnected of what is mainly thought: we exist only in connection.

This is true in a very material way of looking: the air that we breathe, the food that we eat, the environment we use for making the stuff that we need.

But also at an interpersonal level: some days I hardly see people of interact with them. I start to feel funny. And if I extrapolate that experience, I reach a state in which I do not exist any more. Interaction with other people is so important for our existence. We are because we relate.

And this relating is quite a warm sensation. We feel for the other person. We feel for other animals. We feel for mother earth, for nature. We exist in this feeling of connection.

And finally if you look at the bigger picture. There was a time when I did not exist yet. It is because my parents found each other and in my case consciously decided they wanted to have a child. So from the matter around my parents, my mom got pregnant and gave birth. And also one day I will cease to exist. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. I am just this matter in which life started to exist. I am finite. There was a time when I did not exist, there will be a time when I will not exist. The matter around me but also all the personal and energetic around me, is from which I come, in which I am.

Time is a wrong way of looking

2025-12-14T08:50:50Z

Mvmacke: Created page with "There are a couple of insights where my view is opposing the main stream. This is one of them: Time. Life is often considered as one big bucket of drops. Every day is a drop until all the drops are finished and you die. My view however is that there is only one way of looking at what is real: existence. Our focus on time is logical, it makes sense. Whenever we plan and want something, we need some order in time to achieve this. So we think about time a lot: when to do..."

There are a couple of insights where my view is opposing the main stream. This is one of them: Time.

Life is often considered as one big bucket of drops. Every day is a drop until all the drops are finished and you die.

My view however is that there is only one way of looking at what is real: existence. Our focus on time is logical, it makes sense. Whenever we plan and want something, we need some order in time to achieve this. So we think about time a lot: when to do what. In this reasoning we decide what we will do and what we won't do. Makes sense: if you want something, you need some planning.

However, by only considering our lives and ourselves in time, we forget that we are. We get so distracted by time and what we can do with that time, we forget that we are and so are all the things and all the people around us. Simply being is a much more valuable and logical way of looking. Do not get distracted. Simply be and try to find out what that means.

Vipassana Explanations

2025-12-14T08:45:21Z

Mvmacke: /* Thoughts */

This wiki is an attempt to shed light on the path. For my ([[user:mvmacke|mvmacke]]) path I'm using the Vipassana technique. I've followed Vipassana once in Pune, in the ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) when I was 19. When I was 63 I got introduced to Vipassana again this time [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7QHNvNFfA&list=PLPJVlVRVmhc4Z01fD57jbzycm9I6W054x by S.N. Goenka].

This wiki is my attempt to clarify. First of all, to myself. But maybe also others can benefit and contribute.

= Conditions =

There are important considerations that are almost a belief but are supposed to be rooted in my wisdom, they are supposed to be anchored in my experience:
* things get better when I am calm ([[equanimity|equaniminous]])
* [[I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings]]
* behavior that is necessary for my [[ego]], is not beneficial for me nor for my environment

= Concepts =

* [[ego]]
* [[thought]]
* [[feeling]]
* [[sensation]]
* [[attention]]
* [[natural breath]]
* [[consciousness]]
* [[equanimity]]
* [[attachment]]
* [[here and now]]

= the Path =

If I understand Goenka correctly, I need to:
# train my consciousness by watching my [[natural breath|breath]]
# use my consciousness to become aware of my sensations
# once aware of a sensation, I can train my [[equanimity]] by constantly not reacting to the sensation

This not-reacting to sensations, will liberate me from creating attachments. Attachments create new attachments. Attachments are not good for my calmness (equanimity), distract me from simply being me. Not being calm, not being myself, is less than perfect.

= Questions =
# [[So why do I keep on clinging to my thoughts?]]
# [[Is there a shift?]]

= Thoughts =
* [[Things are not what they seem]]
* [[Time is a wrong way of looking]]
* [[We exist only in connection]]

Vipassana Explanations

2025-12-14T08:44:57Z

Mvmacke: /* Thoughts */

This wiki is an attempt to shed light on the path. For my ([[user:mvmacke|mvmacke]]) path I'm using the Vipassana technique. I've followed Vipassana once in Pune, in the ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) when I was 19. When I was 63 I got introduced to Vipassana again this time [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7QHNvNFfA&list=PLPJVlVRVmhc4Z01fD57jbzycm9I6W054x by S.N. Goenka].

This wiki is my attempt to clarify. First of all, to myself. But maybe also others can benefit and contribute.

= Conditions =

There are important considerations that are almost a belief but are supposed to be rooted in my wisdom, they are supposed to be anchored in my experience:
* things get better when I am calm ([[equanimity|equaniminous]])
* [[I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings]]
* behavior that is necessary for my [[ego]], is not beneficial for me nor for my environment

= Concepts =

* [[ego]]
* [[thought]]
* [[feeling]]
* [[sensation]]
* [[attention]]
* [[natural breath]]
* [[consciousness]]
* [[equanimity]]
* [[attachment]]
* [[here and now]]

= the Path =

If I understand Goenka correctly, I need to:
# train my consciousness by watching my [[natural breath|breath]]
# use my consciousness to become aware of my sensations
# once aware of a sensation, I can train my [[equanimity]] by constantly not reacting to the sensation

This not-reacting to sensations, will liberate me from creating attachments. Attachments create new attachments. Attachments are not good for my calmness (equanimity), distract me from simply being me. Not being calm, not being myself, is less than perfect.

= Questions =
# [[So why do I keep on clinging to my thoughts?]]
# [[Is there a shift?]]

= Thoughts =
[[Things are not what they seem]]
[[Time is a wrong way of looking]]
[[We exist only in connection]]

Vipassana Explanations

2025-12-04T06:43:05Z

Mvmacke: /* Concepts */

This wiki is an attempt to shed light on the path. For my ([[user:mvmacke|mvmacke]]) path I'm using the Vipassana technique. I've followed Vipassana once in Pune, in the ashram of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) when I was 19. When I was 63 I got introduced to Vipassana again this time [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz7QHNvNFfA&list=PLPJVlVRVmhc4Z01fD57jbzycm9I6W054x by S.N. Goenka].

This wiki is my attempt to clarify. First of all, to myself. But maybe also others can benefit and contribute.

= Conditions =

There are important considerations that are almost a belief but are supposed to be rooted in my wisdom, they are supposed to be anchored in my experience:
* things get better when I am calm ([[equanimity|equaniminous]])
* [[I am not my thoughts, nor my feelings]]
* behavior that is necessary for my [[ego]], is not beneficial for me nor for my environment

= Concepts =

* [[ego]]
* [[thought]]
* [[feeling]]
* [[sensation]]
* [[attention]]
* [[natural breath]]
* [[consciousness]]
* [[equanimity]]
* [[attachment]]
* [[here and now]]

= the Path =

If I understand Goenka correctly, I need to:
# train my consciousness by watching my [[natural breath|breath]]
# use my consciousness to become aware of my sensations
# once aware of a sensation, I can train my [[equanimity]] by constantly not reacting to the sensation

This not-reacting to sensations, will liberate me from creating attachments. Attachments create new attachments. Attachments are not good for my calmness (equanimity), distract me from simply being me. Not being calm, not being myself, is less than perfect.

= Questions =
# [[So why do I keep on clinging to my thoughts?]]
# [[Is there a shift?]]

= Thoughts =
[[Things are not what they seem]]