[PeterMember]

Just read this from Shizen…

“Within the context of our work, differentiation means making finer and finer distinctions. Integration means
finding deeper and deeper unity. Both are aspects of clarity. Although they may seem opposite they’re actually
part of the same process. Subdividing gets you down to the vibrating pixels that are the universal substance of
each sensory event. The whole sensorium integrates into an arabesque of energy: rich, fulfilling, empowering,
and insubstantial. Against that uniform background, finer and finer distinctions can be detected which in turn
break up into an even deeper unifying flow.”

How do we go about subdividing or zooming into these finer distinctions? Is it just a byproduct of continued meditation? Is it a need to increase concentration? Or do we need to actively “do” something to get to these micro details. Goenka also mentioned this in his 10-day course. Roughly how many hours of meditation do we begin to notice this, these insights?

[PeterMember]

Hi Darlene, which books do you recommend?

This one “Patterns of Attachment: A Psychological Study of the Strange Situation”? And which one by Crittendon?

[PeterMember]

What a coincidence. I just found that pdf earlier this week and finished reading it today.

[PeterMember]

Thank you, both answers very informative and profound.

[PeterMember]

Can you elaborate on the “zooming in”, specifically on introspective awareness sensations. When I focus on a particular body part, a subtle sensation will arise within that body part. It typically tick/tocks or pulses. Or sometimes I’ll sense vibrations (tingles, buzzes). Are these all somatic sensory experiences or do they also ultimately visually appear as vibrations as well.

Is my inability to see finer or subtler sensations “zooming in”, due to lack of concentration power? How “micro” can we peer into these sensations? And is it done so just by staying on the meditation objection for an extended period of time. Or do we need to “actively” engage to “zoom in”.

[PeterMember]

Thanks for all the feedback. As of late, I haven’t been sitting in full lotus as much as I used to. I will sit in full once a week or so when I feel subtle dullness surfacing more frequently in my sits. I can sit in full comfortably for about 40-45 minutes. Pain levels do pick up though towards the tail end of the sit (45-60 min). Energy sensations, pulses, and vibrations also increase as well as concentration. I’m assuming, due to equanimity of not expressing the pain, the symptoms manifests as superfluous energy that needs to be expressed via the body.

But yeah, you guys are right. If I use full lotus too often, there are occasional aches in the knee off the cushion, which do subside when I take a break from that posture.

[PeterMember]

Yes my breath sensations are still clear as is my peripheral awareness. I’m fairly mindful in that state. That sounds good, to let the silence be in peripheral awareness. Someone else also mentioned to me to sit in it, observe it, or even inquire it. =)

[PeterMember]

Hi Darlene,

Not sure. My impression of 1st jhana was blissing out in ecstasy. I read that the physical bliss is overwhelming, difficult to miss and difficult to sustain. The closest I’ve felt anything like that is when the area between my eyes flashes and pulses with white light. There’s subtle joy, but not flooding in joy or happiness. Perhaps I have a misconception of the first jhana. I plan to read Jack Kornfield’s book on jhanas soon.

I’m not familiar with “whole body breathing”. I do recall Goenka mentioning being able to sweep/scan the whole body in one breath. Don’t think I’ve experienced that yet.

Sounds like I should just carry on with my practice. I like that, “attention resting as gently as a butterfly upon a flower”. In that deep silent state, it feels a bit dense/heavy, maybe I’ll ease off concentration a bit.

Really appreciate your advice, Thanks!

[Author]

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