Date: 05/24/2025 05/25/2025
Location: Star Ocean Meditation Center
Teacher: Sara
Sitting Meditation
Recognizing the Illusory Nature of the Self Within Concentration
When concentration stabilizes, the sense of “I” loosens. One can observe directly that selfhood is a temporary construction of sensation, memory, and thought. This insight marks a crucial shift from concentration toward wisdom.
1. The Construction of “I” Is Seen
1.Assembled from sensation
Body and emotion appear central.
2.Sustained by memory
Past experience maintains identity.
3.Reinforced by concepts
Language solidifies self-image.
2. Why Concentration Reveals Illusion
1.Fewer external distractions
Space for inner observation.
2.Reduced mental activity
Self-narrative quiets.
3.Stable awareness
Observation remains steady.
3. The Process of Recognition
1.Self becomes observable
“I” appears as a phenomenon.
2.Identification loosens
Engagement weakens.
3.Emptiness emerges
Lack of substance is seen.
4. Common Deviations
1.Rejecting personality
Mistaking insight for erasure.
2.Grasping emptiness
Turning emptiness into identity.
3.Spiritual pride
Illusion of attainment.
5. Skillful Recognition
1.Empty yet functional
Function remains without clinging.
2.Seeing without fixation
No stance is formed.
3.Abiding without display
No need for declaration.
Conclusion
Recognizing the illusory self dissolves fixation, allowing wisdom to unfold naturally.
