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yogani
USA
5205 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 06 2024 : 7:36:11 PM
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Hi All,
Someone asked recently if the inquiry, "Who is suffering?" would be enough to end suffering, and also expressed doubt that asanas and "energy practices" could accomplish the same.
I am posting my answer here in case it may be helpful to anyone having similar questions.
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Hello,
Yes, the inquiry, "Who is suffering?" will lead to the end of suffering. However, there is a prerequisite for that to be most effective, which is the rise of abiding inner silence, or what we call "the witness," cultivated in daily deep meditation. Inquiries released in abiding inner silence we call "relational," where their fruition will manifest from within stillness. Inquiries in the mind, in thinking only, we call "non-relational," and their effect will be limited, building layers of concepts identified with (attached to) in the mind, which do not lead to an end of suffering, rather, often to more suffering. So cultivating abiding inner silence via daily deep meditation is very important, fundamental to the cessation of suffering, and to all spiritual progress leading to freedom in this life.
You can find more on this in the Self Inquiry book, Deep Meditation book, Liberation book, and other AYP books.
And yes, you are right that asanas and "energy practices" alone will not bring an end to suffering. They have a supporting role to play on a path of "full scope yoga," as covered in the AYP writings.
The Buddha said suffering is the result of attachment to the inevitable ups and downs in this life. Cultivating our transcendent abiding inner silence, our true self, is the way to move beyond habitual attachment, making life progressively more joyful and productive. Then the answer to "Who suffers?" becomes apparent. Only identified/attached awareness in mind suffers. Abiding inner silence (witness) does not, regardless of circumstances in the mind, body, or outer environment. It is not an intellectual concept. It is a lived reality, cultivated through daily practice.
I hope that offers some clarity on your question, and any specific concerns you may have. If you go step by step through the AYP lessons and books and, most importantly, take up daily deep meditation, then you will see through direct experience how the reduction in suffering occurs. The AYP writings, and other resources like classes and retreats, are designed to support self-directed practitioners, covering every aspect of practice and experience.
Wishing you all the best on your path.
The guru is in you.
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Christi
United Kingdom
4487 Posts |
Posted - Oct 13 2024 : 12:06:00 PM
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"Who is suffering?"
