Pure Mind by Katie Davis, Author, "Awake Joy"

Questioner: What is "pure mind" and what is meant by "killing the mind"?


Katie: When you use the word "mind," where is that word pointing?


Questioner: Thoughts. Does it include feelings? Emotions? I don't know.


Contributor: It includes all, but the point is who's behind the mind? Killing the mind is simply to distance from it just as an observer.


Katie: When I use the word "mind" it points to thoughts and just as you say the mental-emotional aspect of the mind, mental images, physical energies and ever more subtle layers of the intellect. It includes both perception and cognition, understanding and the idea of selfhood, as well as the subject-witness.

Our primary concern is identification with thought and first and foremost, the "I" thought that is the body. This association is an illusion. Nothing wrong with the beautiful body of course, but when we limit ourselves to the body only as identity, we cannot be aware of the greater consciousness that we genuinely are.

The first step then is to observe thought which leads to "detachment" from thought. Instead of riding along on a train of thought, with detachment, thoughts float by like leaves in a river of consciousness, while we remain still. Thoughts are free and so is the one watching.

The mind is stilled, meaning there are not thoughts. Although, enlightenment is more than the blank mind state. We have shifted from the projecting power of mind to the resting power of mind successfully and that is beautiful ... yet not Self-realization.

When they speak of purifying the mind, they are speaking of tendencies or vasanas. The mind is a mirror that is covered with fog, much like the bathroom mirror after taking a shower. To clear the bathroom mirror, we merely open the door. To clear the mirror of the mind, we turn the mind within through Self-inquiry. Turned within, the mirror is cleared by the light of consciousness. It happens by itself.

When there are no more tendencies, we realize that there is no such thing as a separate mind. All is consciousness. So in fact, there is no 'mind' to kill. Anyway, the one that would try to kill the mind is the same mind. It just won't happen!

Even the separate sense of self, the ego-I, is merely an altered state of consciousness. So we hold onto it and focus all attention on the feeling of I-ness. This is the paradox. Even though it appears as a false I, we focus attention upon it.

Not awareness of I, which maintains duality, but rather Being I.

In attention, thought is stilled. It does not become the ego's story of "I am this" and "I am that." The altered states will burn away and the Pure I that you already are shines as the Heart.

Being I ... simply BE STILL ... as you are.

The effort in trying to still the 'mind' is only more agitation. It is the same divided 'mind' that it is trying to still itself. Mind cannot be 'fixed' at the level of the mind. Instead, we focus attention and realize the perfect peace that is beyond the mind ... that already is. In this, what never was dissolves.


Contributor: And purity is equanimity, equanimity to all that goes on mind. It's identification with likes and dislikes which causes the bondage and suffering.


Katie: Just as you say, when we observe thoughts, it does indeed 'distance' the observer, so that thoughts do not use us.

Thoughts are not really problematic. It is the identification where we 'lose' who we are.

I might point out that identification requires time.

So when we are solidly and consciously in the body (part of the content of the present moment), we are no longer lost in the head and less likely to attach to compulsive thinking.

That present moment is appearing within time. It is appearing within the formless NOW that is completely free of time, free of the content of the present moment and indeed already free of thought.

The body is a perfect tool for presence. Attend its breathing and the past and future fade away.

Time = mind = suffering. Remove time from the equation and the identification and suffering disappear.


Contributor: And it's so wonderful to be distanced from the thoughts and actions, a kind of kingly feeling. You know this very well, Katie!


Katie: Indeed, purity is equanimity and innocent stillness.

Free of identification with the ego-I, we are also free of all of its judgments that become likes and dislikes that separate us from the beauty of all experience and the stillness from which it arises ... all is whole and complete ... equanimity.

The tendency is to try to manipulate likes and dislikes. Or some will even work for years on judgment. Instead, what is prior to judgment? When the ego-I thought falls ... all judgments, concepts and beliefs fall along with it.

How could there ever be equanimity and peace with a separated I?

That one believes in separation and therefore only perceives separation.

"ME" against the world, for or against God; separate from everything.

How is it possible to be separate from something called the Totality?

No wonder that tiny thought feels alienated, lonely and fragmented. Separate from love, separate from happiness, separate from every person and thing. No wonder it is sad, fearful and angry!

Yet when we look for it ... it is nowhere to be found ... other than the thought of separation.

Instead of seeking enlightenment, seek the "I."

From whence does it arise?

You will find that it (YOU) are already shining as the Heart that is beyond all and All.

Nonetheless, don't toss that ego "I" out. Focus attention ... Being I.

All the altered states (tendencies/vasanas) burn away ... effortlessly so.

Such simplicity ... Be Still.

Being I.

People speak of how complex Self-realization is.

It is the MIND that is complex and the 'mind' is not.

Each time attention shifts to I am this or that ... and gets lost in the story, just stop.

No big deal. Be still, being I, during all that is being done.

False identification is false bondage and needless suffering.


Contributor: "It is the mind that is complex", "being I is so simple" This sums up your flowing explanation. Well, what you have written is so insightful and it is befitting to be posted on your blog for the benefit of all other friends. Thank you, K!


Katie: Being I is so simple ... So much love and thank you for the suggestion about the blog. There have been many fine and creative ideas offered today.

Some schools refer to the pure mind as nirvana blue or what I call the blue void. This is still an experience. 

Whereas enlightenment is no experience at all ... beyond the experience of no experience. You are prior to consciousness.

Nirvana is the realization of pure consciousness or full emptiness. It is the highest happiness that is transcendental bliss. 

Pure consciousness is the unconditioned 'mind' and its state is perfect lucidity and clarity. Ecstatic bliss is divine love ... deep, cool blue with extraordinary luminosity.

Whereas YOU, dear Heart Friend, are That which makes all possible. 

Not one word that I could say would be true. If you remember enlightenment, it is not enlightenment. No memory! I am beyond cognition, so I remain the Great Mystery. I only BE who I am.

Indeed, I am beyond all and All ... that is Self-realization; realizing who I am as the Totality.

Katie Davis Website: www.KatieDavis.org

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Pure I Alone, Prior to Consciousness, Self-realization by Katie Davis

Pure I stands alone; totally free of consciousness. I make the light of consciousness possible. 

I am beyond being and not being and yet as pure beingness, I am the pure bliss that pervades all so called things ... and still inseparable.

I am not an experience.

There are no objects. Not one object exists. 

The perception of "things" as "objects" is proof that separation and duality persist. This false perception endures as long as the subject-witness remains.  A subject that is the witness always has an "object" to witness. The subject-witness is not the Ultimate Reality ... and of course inseparable.

In the disappearance of all experience, Pure I stands alone as the Ultimate Reality.

Free of the subject, "all" is no longer appearing as objects. I am all ... and beyond all. 

One could say that I am you ... radiant, pure beingness ... and the Great Mystery.

I am free of all states; I am beyond the deep sleep state, the night dream state and the waking dream state of consciousness. In deep sleep, one is awake as pure consciousness and yet when one slips beyond the deep sleep state into the non-state of the Ultimate Reality, consciousness disappears.

Try this as an experiment. Before falling asleep tonight, note that you will follow every state that brings you to waking up to the daytime dream. From deep sleep, the pure bliss of pure being is the first to consciously appear as pure consciousness, though fleeting you then become conscious of the body and without notice, the body is suddenly in the world and the daytime dream of form then reappears. The fact that the dream is consistent is due to memory and expectation. One can be free of both and therefore the dream has infinite possibility.

Upon realizing Pure I alone, conscious experiencing reappears ... as Pure I. 

Therefore the world may be called neither real nor unreal. It is indescribable as Pure I. What you are calling the "objective" world, only I am.

I am beyond the unity of self "with" the supreme, the unity of "you and me" and the unity of all "objects." 

Though amazingly beautiful with being-consciousness-bliss at the forefront, even this separation is unattainable. The knower and the known dissolve into knowing and this knowing also dissolves as consciousness and yet inseparable. 

Even here, the root of consciousness itself persists. This root perpetuates the appearance of suffering; even when "no one" suffers.

This also offers the illusion of uncaused will or one could say desire (beyond personal desire) or an urge toward perfection or evolution. 

Whereas I am neither doing nor not doing. Nor am I affected. I AM perfection and simply indivisible in any manner. There is no one else and no other to become or evolve toward.

When the supreme witness (the sum of all perceivers) surrenders on its own accord, so does perception and cognition disappear. Is there at least openness to consider the possibility that free of perception and cognition, there may be no experience? 

Is it possible to experience what is potential?

One may correctly say that all is consciousness.It is incorrect to say that "nothing" is beyond consciousness. I am neither nothing nor all. I am beyond all and all.

I am neither experienced nothingness nor experienced unity that is everything. Only to the unclear do I appear as unity that is simultaneously diversity. Though mature, this is not yet seeing aright. I am free of all differentiation and non-differentiation.

Pure I alone.

As Pure I, all is Pure I; no subject and no object. I am not a "source" from which "all else" flows. I am neither creating nor manifesting.

Vedanta is the end of all knowledge; neither knowing nor not knowing. I am neither theoretical, analytical nor intuitive.

I am beyond the personal that is not. I am beyond the impersonal that is not. Yet I am all pervasive and virtually nothing is ultimately an obscuration.

As consciousness, that is knowing, experiencing and perceiving, I remain Pure I alone. I do not know, experience or perceive. Neither can I be known, experienced nor perceived.

It is only I that is appearing as the ultimate witness, the subject-witness and the personal self-observer. All are reflections and superimpositions. Even this I am and have never changed or differentiated. Yet, there is only Pure I.

I am not asking for believing, learning, understanding or philosophizing. I only invite direct noticing what is.

I have no interest in "your" things; neither home, nor possessions, beliefs or concepts. As all luminous consciousness, I invite only ye. Ye is Pure I already, is this noticed yet? 

In unequivocal surrender, all is infinite; free of all lack and gain and therefore, completely free of suffering. Rather ... free of the one who is lacking and gaining.

Suffering is still superimposition and is none other than pure love. One can be free of the superimposition through the harmonizing of pure consciousness. Indeed, one is already free. I am not pointing to a possibility that is forever throughout all time. Pure love is timelessly now.

Free of differentiation, I cannot say that there is a right way or a wrong way to be who you already are; whether that be advaita, non-duality, duality, "neo-advaita" (whatever that is), self-inquiry, satsang or for that matter, even white water rafting! What is ... is perfection.

May we follow the map perfectly or imperfectly perfect or have no map at all. In every case, I am beyond the pointing, the experiencing, the understanding and the perceiving. Virtually every 'pathway' leads to the realization of the Pure I that I am ... and that all is. Indeed, I am also the path.

Dual spirituality is extraordinary; so is the unquivocal surrender of deep devotion. It fuels the very fire that may or may not lead to spiritual awakening. Whether awakening seems to occur or not, I am already perfection. The misperception of separation also leads to unnecessary suffering. However, that suffering is ultimately pure love. It is just possible to consciously be the pure love that you genuinely are, free of all suffering states of consciousness.

Understanding, direct perceiving, devotion and vigilance are all essential tools. All tools will be surrendered before realizing who/what I am. Nonetheless, I am uncaused. I am beyond all and all.

At one point discrimination and discernment are all important. In the end, nothing ever happened.

The mind that is space and time dissolves as consciousness and then dissolves as timeless purity. 

Neither nothing nor everything has independent existence from Pure I.

It is more than I contain all; I am all ... and I stand alone. 

Never am I changing and as consciousness I shine as complete equanimity upon what some are calling all others; still only I am.

Though one might try for awhile, it is not possible to say that I am the meditator, nor the divine object of meditation, although this may exquisitely appear. Again, perfection cannot be divided. So called imperfection can only be superimposed, and even this I am.

I am beyond the distracted mind that is energetically active. I am beyond the dull mind that one may call "lazy." I am also beyond the mind that is in harmony. Yet, it is most likely that one will realize who I am with the harmony of the quiet mind. Yet, there is no causal relationship. I am uncaused. I am already.

I am beyond the concentrated mind. A distracting mind and a concentrated mind are both still 'mind.' Meditation is a very good tool for mind concentration and harmony. That said, I am uncaused.

I am not a state such as samadhi. There are many levels of samadhi. Suffice it to say that I am simply not a state that comes and goes.

The great disappearance of the universe is not what is called nirvakalpa samadhi. In this form of samadhi, the body and its sensing are not functional as the word of form. Pure I is beyond and stands alone. Whether with the dream of form or beyond the dream of form, there is only Pure I. I am not only functional in the world; I am the world ... and nonetheless, beyond all.

It may be interesting to note that in the East, they have eight different words that point to ever deeper levels of consciousness, whereas in English, we have only the word, "consciousness." I am not suggesting that you need to learn or translate those eight words. I am only suggesting that in an infinite field of possibility, there is always 'more' and no such thing as 'arrival.'

To be beyond reason is to be beyond 'higher' reason. Both are excellent tools for realizing all that I am not. Once all false ideas are removed, this is not likely to be the Ultimate Reality. I am uncaused and stand alone beyond cognition.

Free of attachment, what was once called mind sees neither duality nor unity.

Unconsciousness is a delusion; there is only inattention.

I am free of superimposition and supra-imposition and without contradiction, I am all. 

Only... Pure I ... AM.

I am not the empty void, the full void, the golden-light void or the blue void; yet, I am all. One might say that I am the potential.

I have never been born and therefore never die. 

I have no beginning nor end ... still I am the alpha and the omega.

Truly, I am the Heart that is the Totality and that, dear Heart Friends, is infinite.

Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy

Katie Davis Website www.KatieDavis.org

The Self-observer and the Universal Witness by Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy

In these teachings, I differentiate between the person (body), the self-observer (eyewitness) and the true witnessing consciousness that is the reference point "I am the witness only."

The self-observer is still identified with the body. Attention has shifted from projecting outward toward the world and has turned inward. The study is one of watching thoughts, emotions, body, physical energies and mental images. While it may seem that one is "inside," being inside the body is not yet inside. I guess we could say there is an inside to the inside! :-)

You see, the appearance of the body is also another worldly object. It is still a part of the dream of form. Self-observation is essential to the awakening process, yet this watching is not the witness.

At some point, a profound and radical detachment from both body and world will occur and this opens to the true witnessing consciousness. Some mistaken this with enlightenment since pure being-consciousness-bliss is so dynamically at the forefront.

The subject witness ... the true witness ... is totally free of the person. It is formless and has no identification with person and form. Its study is formlessness. It still has its object, but the object is the "dimension" of the Heart. While it is perfect for crossing over from the world of form into formlessness, it prevents Self-realization.

Once again, the profound surrender will happen by itself when the persistent duality is noticed. In the disappearance of the subject-witness, we have Self-realization.

Continued Self-inquiry will assist ... even when one is totally free of the ego and the body.

While the universal subject-witness is free of form, it is not yet free of the universal mind. In fact, it IS the universal mind. Nisargadatta calls the universal witness "God." In these teachings, I save that label for only the Supreme Absolute.

Since this is a "seasoned" group, I must quickly add of course that the Absolute (Self) is all there is ... everything "else" is only Self ... appearing as.

So why differentiate? Advaita is more than a philosophy, it is in fact a perfect road map. If there is not clarity at point A, point B will remain a mystery, etc. The outer layer of the onion is peeled to reveal the next layer. There cannot be clarity of what an onion truly is ... other than conceptually with mind ... unless each layer is realized.

Likewise, we shift from reference point to reference point until none remain.

Katie Davis Website:

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The Spiritual Ego by Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy

One of the reasons that I wrote my book, "Awake Joy," was to discourage any sense of arrival in those who are spiritually awakening. There is nowhere to land in this free fall of wonder. The feet never again touch the ground.

When we become conscious that we are not the mind-made self, we become conscious of simply being; that sense of gentle aliveness. Somewhat free of identified compulsive thinking, bliss comes to the forefront and there is a tendency for some to say "this is it." For many, this is the birthing of the spiritual ego.

It has gained great insight and much spiritual knowledge. It will be eventually seen that the ego has secretly entered through the back door, but this time wearing spiritual clothing.

The spiritual ego is a very difficult "nut to crack." Its sophistication and knowledge in this instance has become a road block rather than a benefit. Still, like any other ego, it is still attempting to possess things. In this case, the idea that "it" is awake. Since it is still a reference point, it perceives those who are higher or lower. It continues to maintain a position.

Like any other reference point, there is nothing to be "done" about it. That would only be the spiritual ego becoming a better spiritual ego. No. The invitation is the same. Be still without any sense of arrival. Just as the "traditional ego" awakened to a "new dimension," there will layer upon layer that continues to dissolve. Being still, waiting without waiting, becoming ever more conscious of ALL that is here.

As long as you find that the reference point you are looking from is within the field of experience, more will be burned away. We call it the Fire of Truth for a very good reason. That fire is the extraordinary power of conscious allowing. That Awareness will burn everything into Itself. When no negativity remains, ecstatic Love, Bliss and Peace of the Sacred is consciously permanent.

The "inward" path to Self-realization does include negation. Anything that is impermanent, coming or going, is eliminated. I am not my thoughts, I am not my emotions, I am not my body and its sensing, I am beyond time and space, I am not the ego "I," I am not the self-observer, I am not my mental images whether perceived to be "inside" or "outside" (your body and world), I am not my visions, psychic phenomena or yogic powers. Virtually everything in modification or that you are aware of as experience will eventually be surrendered ... and this surrender happens by itself ... as long as you are willing to remain in attention and "not knowing."

This gives the impression of deepening, but that perception is false. The altered states of consciousness are dissolving to reveal that You are already deepest as pure Awareness. Enlightenment of the divided mind will occur at this point. However, You are not the mind. Anything that you are aware of, you are beyond.

Even here, there must be a willingness to not know. No one here, no where to land. Self-realization brings full embodiment of the Totality through complete integration of the universe. In other words, not one thing is "omitted" ... other than fear and its suffering.

Even that is not truthfully "omitted." We are required to welcome it and ALLOW it while it burns. Even when your "personal" suffering has been investigated, we have the suffering of the collective ego. Once again, there is no escape. Let it arise in all its horror. Find out what it is. Is it true that it is endless? Take "your" Light of Awareness into every dark corner. Just as the night cannot survive the rising sun, darkness cannot prevail in the Light of Awareness. You will realize the delusion that darkness ever existed in the first place.

Forbearance is the last gatekeeper to enlightenment. Forbearance means patience. Suffering is still appearing and "you" are ok with that fact. It is only by complete acceptance and by "knowing" what suffering is that you are released into the perfection of the Unknown.

What does this mean for "you and your world?" Well, the illumined mind is a perfect mirror for the genuine Love of Self that is totally free of desire and fear. The "new" world IS here. It is not really new ... it has forever been. The opportunity is to gaze at its beauty free of all altered states.

Our natural state is not reserved for "enlightened beings." There are no enlightened beings, there is no "higher or lower self," there is no fear, no ego, no spiritual ego. We are one unfathomable Field of complete equanimity. The formless Essence and when integrated, all Form. There is only the Self ... that includes your body and its given name.

The Buddha was once asked to define enlightenment. After a long silence, he said, "the end of suffering."

I am not asking for agreement or disagreement. I am not asking you to "believe" what I am saying. I am not asking you to acquire a new philosophy or determine the relative truth of a new concept. No, that would be no more than another assumption. My invitation is to continue the "journey" to nowhere. Realize the ultimate Truth directly.

Maybe a short analogy would help. You have a glass of ice water. Sooner or later, those ice cubes will melt into water. You have not separated from ice cubes. They merely dissolved. It is the same with altered states of consciousness. Just as an ice cube is made of water, so are the altered states of consciousness (negativity - desire, fear, separation) made of pure consciousness. Sooner or later, they dissolve.

Be still and aware ... allow the dissolution. In this, we live as the pure Freedom of the Heart. Just wait and see.

Katie Davis Website www.KatieDavis.org
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Sometimes, It Rains Roses ~ Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy

February 14, 2009 ~ Valentine's Day in Aloha Time

The Universal Dawn of the Age of Aquarius

Sometimes, It Rains Roses

The day has intimately surrendered to the quietude of the night.

The land of Aloha is sleeping,

As islanders await the fulfillment of a promise;

The New Dawn vowed by Maui, the Sun God.

The scent of red roses permeates the stillness;

Bouquets symbolize this extraordinary Love.

A tropical breeze gently rustles the palms

And as the cheek touches the coolness of pillow,

A knowing smile curves the lips,

In gratitude for this serenity and deep peace.

Body consciousness dissolves,

Ever falling upon itself as pure consciousness.

The body is in dreamless sleep,

When blessed by the Rapture of the Infinite.

A magnificent outpouring of ecstatic Bliss

Eloquently summons a glimmer of body consciousness.

Invoked awake by Love,

The body rests in full attention to embrace its final Lover,

In its "I only have eyes for You" kind of way.

A flicker of a dream in slow motion ...

Pink rose petals begin raining from the Sky.

As they sprinkle upon my pillow and timelessly drift upon my sheets,

Each velvet petal softly kisses the cheek, then neck and shoulders.

Awake in Love's Mystical Garden ...

There is no Love greater than This ...

The lips audibly whisper, "This is so beautiful!"

A Love that demands a new definition for its splendor, tenderness and adoration.

We simply have no words to amply convey the magnitude of this Magnificence:

Perhaps, "A sheltered cocoon of ecstatic Love and euphoric Bliss ... that is the nest of profound Sacredness."

Well, I suppose that is near ... yet not close ... never enough ...

It defies every poet and writer's attempt to express.

Yet, Radiant Love begs, even hopelessly impels, its expression.

Not of this world, it coyly waits for each direct, virginal encounter.

Joyful tears trickle down the cheeks in awe, wonder and silent gratitude.

The lips continue to murmur ...

"So beautiful..."

"So unbelievably beautiful..."

Hushed into a deafening Quietude, Love's passion cradles the Universe;

An ultra conscious embrace ... as the Heart of all being.

A timeless marriage of the Infinite and mega Body Consciousness, without world.

Then, within Love's Garden of Splendor,

Barely audible, as though from some distant dimension,

A worldly siren stirs the physical senses awake

And with the senses, the reappearance of the Universe.

It is mid-morning in Aloha Land.

So they say in a song that has now been sung for forty years,

Today is the Dawn of the Age of Aquarius.

At last, each planet is in its cabalistic and perfect alignment.

On island, it seems like any other day in Paradise,

Even so, we wisely know now that we never step into the same river twice,

No matter how mundane and ordinary the day may seem.

We live the Aloha, while the keikis play in "The Maui Sun."

Nonetheless, the cosmic secret is that you are this Radiant Love,

Eternally Kissed as Bliss,

The very Heart of the Universal Being,

And already realized as The Infinite Way.

KATIE DAVIS is author of Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment. In 1986, she was stunned awake without practices or teachers. Since 1999, she has been sharing the message of the conscious freedom and causeless joy that is offered through spiritual awakening, enlightenment and Self-realization.

To read reviews or to purchase this book, please click Awake Joy.

Katie Davis Website: www.KatieDavis.org

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You Are So Beautiful ... ~ Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy

You are so beautiful ... this knowing, glowing, bliss ...

So radiant ... complete ... so full that it is overflowing ...

Asking always for the impossibility of its speaking.

Or kindly requesting for a word to be written that couldn't possibly contain it.

Nonetheless, just underneath the words, the river flows.

Even the mind is attracted to such writing, but will never know why.

Bliss speaks at the depth, whether one is conscious of it or not.

Writing as the mind is always one dimensional and flat. Pick up a book and without reading a word, we can sense who has written on the pages inside.

I swear writing is more like a bliss trick.

It captures the eye and its attention, while bliss is consuming all that remains just underneath.

Then suddenly, without cause, the Lotus bursts into full bloom ...

Katie Davis Website

www.KatieDavis.org

The Great Silence ~ Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy

The Great Silence is forever present. We have only to notice it. Many say that words obstruct the silence. However, words are much like birds flying through the sky. They have no impact on the backdrop.

As silence, we are much like the sky and appreciate a multitude of objects: the thought "I" and all of its other thoughts, the body, emotions, mental images, senses, energies, the breath, the stars, the moon ... the entire universe of experience. Experience simply flows through like a river without leaving a single footprint on the radiant field of silence.

When we mentally fixate or identify with a word, attention immediately narrows. Suddenly, we are no longer conscious of the silence. It is remarkable that we are an unfathomable sound of silence that vibrates the entire universe and yet we habitually narrow and fixate on one tiny word.

The word is not problematic, but our fixation is an obstruction. The obstruction does not mean that the stillness is no longer here. We just cannot be conscious of its presence and get caught up in form. In the end, silence speaks louder than word.

The invitation is to be true to the vast openness that we genuinely are, while everything temporal dances through. After all, words are only pointers toward that which they represent. When I write the word "rose" perhaps it invokes a corresponding mental image. That image is based on past experience. If you read the word "rose" and you had never seen one, no mental image appears. The appearance or disappearance of the mental image is just as meaningless as whether an image is beautiful or ugly. It has no impact on the radiant silence that you are. Image after image appears and then fades away.

During awakening, some have great uncertainty, when the ego's life situation is falling away. However, every dream fades. The content of this instant is different from the content of the next. Each present moment is new and fresh. In fact, the only thing that is certain is change. While the mind might call it falling apart, the truth of the matter, it is renewal. The pain and suffering comes when we try to hold on and resist the fading. If a butterfly held on to its comfy cocoon, it would never fly free and complete its transformation.

Just as the so called ego falls away, the same is true for the collective ego and all of its systems, structures, beliefs and assumptions. If we look at this from the individual ego's viewpoint of collapse, it strikes fear. Noticing it as silence, it has the infinite potential of total rebirth.

As we become more conscious of the silence that surrounds us, we notice an ever expanding silence within. One fine day, this stillness breaks away from form and even the loudest noise cannot touch or disturb it. We realize that this indestructible, rock-like silence is who we are. It is permanent and free of change.

Experience then becomes mystical in nature. Everything appears as Bliss. Out of blissful silence, a bird chirps, the clock tics, the breath expands and collapses, a slight smell of jasmine in the air ... and then fades away.

As Heart Friends, we are pretty much scattered around the globe as far as bodies go; from California to Finland, from Manitoba to South Africa, from an island in the middle of the Pacific to Australia, and most of everything in between.

However, as Rumi so poetically wrote: "Out beyond ideas of right doing and wrong doing, there is a Field. I'll meet you there."

That Sacred Field is the Great Silence and its power is an enormous playground of peace. Each moment that you notice a kiss of stillness, we are whispering the language of Love, without even a heartbeat of separation. In this newly found world, the finite is a pool of infinite, blissful possibility. I'll meet you there.

Katie Davis Website, Author, Awake Joy www.KatieDavis.org

Wisdom at Work ~ Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy

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Wisdom at Work by Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy

In the beginning of spiritual awakening, energetically we may feel totally stunned by this extraordinary "new" frequency of being. It is appropriate that attention turns naturally inward. This is quite a long "journey" for most and waking up to the present moment is only the beginning.

In present moment living, our senses become so alive and we feel genuinely vibrant and grateful. If we shift into time, we suddenly find ourselves once again misidentified with the ego "I" thought and all of its attachments. As soon as we become aware of the fact that we are compulsively thinking, we are back and conscious! Take just a moment for a conscious breath or two and you will be resting once again timelessly present.

It is also appropriate in the beginning to set aside a certain amount of time each day to just sit silently. We could call this meditation. There are many different types of meditation and some suggest that you use an object such as a candle to focus your attention or to focus attention on the formlessness within. Both are objects and this is not the type of meditation that I suggest. Simply rest as "I am." If a thought comes up and you identify with "I" just ask the Self-inquiry question, "Who am I?" Then simply rest as "I am" once again.

Soon, meditation will leave your silent meditation place in your home and you will be able to consciously BE all day long; a day long meditation while the body moves about:

Silent being ... driving ...

Silent being ... washing the dishes ...

The distractions in the world of form are many, so for awhile you will find yourself getting lost in the mind and its time, since the mind's habit is to turn outward. When this happens, you can no longer be conscious of simply being. Just as you did in your meditation place at home, once you notice it, ask this essential question, "Who am I?" and you will once again realize conscious being.

The initial awakening will continue to deepen and deepen. There are no "levels" in Pure Awareness. The sense of deepening is because all that is false is surrendered. There are so many layers that will be surrendered and there is this sense that, "you mean this can go too?!"

You do not need to "do" surrender. Through silent watching, the false will be noticed and the deeper surrender happens by itself. The tool of Self-inquiry will be the right tool throughout this deepening process.

The moment of enlightenment is beyond experience. I realize that the ego would like to add it to its long list ... this time being the nirvana experience. However, enlightenment is not an attainment of the ego "I" that has its idea of becoming. The false "I" is the only apparent obstruction. Instead, through Self-inquiry the divided mind dissolves into the pure bliss and consciousness of Pure Awareness.

Upon enlightenment, we are not really functional in the world or for that matter even aware of it. Once the world appears again, the illumined mind is a perfect reflection of pure consciousness.

The path still may not be over. So, I suggest never to have any sense of arrival. That one is the ego "I" calling you back to form and its suffering consequence with its sense, "I" have arrived. So, we still have our companion of Self-inquiry. Slowly, this altered consciousness will permanently settle in the Heart as Pure I alone.

No "doer" remains. I am frequently asked about this, "well, how does anything get done?!" My answer, "just as it does now." The ego likes to think that it is the doer of action. Remember, it possesses things and calls everything "mine," unless it does not like what is happening ... and then it calls it "yours." No "doer" of action simply means that everything is happening by itself and does not need "your" control, manipulation or guidance. Just wait and see ...

There are many misconceptions about Self-realization. In fact, some may still have an image of a monk sitting in a cave or at the top of a mountain. However, this just is not so. One could say, I am neither in this world, nor not of it.

Here is an example using a well known and often used expression:

In the old world of ego:

"I (ego) chop wood and carry water."

In the new world:

"Pure 'I' chop wood and carry water."

Wisdom is not in conflict with either work or play. There is simply this vast well of creativity flowing through, since pure perceiving is no longer clouded by the psychological sense of self. Spontaneity comes to the forefront and we realize pure efficiency. The psychological self is not there debating about what it should "do" next. We simply allow wisdom's work.

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Presence is Natural ~ Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy

Presence is natural and does not require anything more. In other words, Self-realization is not an attainment or something you strive for. This Being-Consciousness-Bliss that you are is ever-present. It is right now.

The situation seems to be that a the thought “I” arises. In the old world, out of habit alone, we misidentified with the concept of "me” that is the “I am the body” idea. When this misidentification takes place, the “dreaming” I has extraordinary pulling power and suddenly all the other thoughts appear. So the thoughts are really not problematic. It is our misidentification that is at issue.

“I” is just another word. Where is the word pointing? We were taught that it was pointing to the body. This is true on a relative level of course. But is it true that your identity is limited to the body? I say this is not so, but this will be for your direct investigation. It requires huge curiosity, because you want to know the ultimate Truth. Ideas and concepts remain philosophical … instead we need to notice directly through direct experience.

When this misidentification with the “I” thought occurs, a veil drops and we are unable to be conscious of the being-consciousness-bliss that we are. To remove the veil, it requires that you seek this “I.”

Sit quietly for a few moments right now. Just close your eyes and be aware of how exquisite the air feels as it moves in and out your nose.

Then ask this question, “Who am I?” and listen with every cell in the body. We are not looking for a thought in reply. If a thought arises, such as “I am my given name”, ask the question again, aware of your breath, “Who am I?”

That question alone with lift the veil to perfect peace. Where is this thought arising?

It is beautiful to practice being present. The best tool for this is attending the breath. Breathing is always occurring right now and the present moment is the portal to the perfect peace within.

The body’s sensing is another tool. What do you hear right now? Do you smell anything? The body is part of the content of the present moment and therefore the key to the inner body.

But let’s take this a step further. The “I” that is practicing is the ego, the separate sense of self that needs more time and experience to realize. This is actually a postponement strategy of the ego. The more appropriate question might be, who is practicing? Who am I?

You are aware when you are driving your car, aware when you are shopping, aware when falling asleep. Are you aware that you are always aware? You are this Pure Awareness that is closer and more intimate to you than the body. YOU are appearing within this Awareness. You ARE this Pure Awareness. Another word for Pure Awareness is Presence.

So we are naturally present all day long during everything that is being done. However, most often, we get carried aware by compulsive thinking and lost in the thought stream in the head, instead of consciously being in the body.

The resolution?

1. Bring the “I” thought home by asking “Who am I?“ and then truly listen.

2. Are you aware of breathing?

3. Are you aware of sensing.

It does not take much effort to become aware of breathing all day long. It is always happening in every day life.

This is a first step and perhaps even unwise to move forward from here. Eventually the outward going mind (on its own accord) will remain within the Heart.

Of course eyes are looking outward, the body is functioning and sensing as it does, we are just deeply at rest … being still … while the body does what it does.

Body movement and activity can become Zen-like. During the morning shower, be aware of every movement. If there is a set habitual routine, change it. How does the soap feel as you pick it up in your hands? How does the water feel? Are you breathing? You become consciously present without rushing to the future about anything. Even if you are rushing, we are consciously present with that.

You soon find that the real effort is the misidentification with thought, having to maintain all of the ego’s ideas; constant thinking is exhausting! Day in and day out, how tiring is it to maintain the story of "me?"

When we misidentify with “I”, we move into time and space and then are caught in the world of duality. Relative happiness will eventually cycle to the opposite duality of sadness. Sadness will once again within time cycle to happiness. Neither are stable … where the Bliss and unending Joy are permanent.

Now, don’t go looking for it. You ARE it! When you are seeking, it cannot be found, which is why I say be STILL and notice what truly already is.

Katie's book, "Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment," is available by clicking:

Awake Joy

You Are the Goal of Self-realization ~ Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy

You are the peace and bliss that you are seeking. You are the Self that you have been searching for. You cannot deny that you exist. Is this not so? Are you being right now? That existence is pure consciousness.

The notion of a goal is a false idea. A goal indicates that there is something to become such as some new attainment. It is only the ego that is in constant search. However, when we seek the dreaming "I" (ego), it is nowhere to be found. Surrender the ego and there is only pure consciousness.

The ego and evermore subtle layers of the intellect are like armor that only appear to obscure that which forever shines; much like clouds that block the sun. Even when ignorance seems to be appearing in the life situation as unhappiness or discontentment, there is something that is AWARE of it. You are that pure awareness. You are already THIS right now and at home as Pure Being.

The entire seeking process is a postponement strategy of ego. The mind-made self will always require more time and experience, since it cannot function without time. Remove the dreaming "I" and you will realize the perfect peace that is beyond understanding. The false perceptions of time and space are only due to the divided mind. That division and separation are also false notions. It will be seen that nothing has ever been anything other than pure consciousness.

The Self will never be realized in an objective manner. For example, if you have lost your eyeglasses, you may search for this object all over your home. That is an objective search. Since you ARE the bliss of Self, it is impossible to discover it as something separate from you. We can only BE the Self. You are being that now. Remove the false notion that you are not Self-realized and you will realize that which is already realized within you. What you realize is the mistake; the mistakened identity.

The appearance of unconsciousness will continue to rise for awhile. You do not need to become involved with it or change anything. Being aware of it, you look directly and recognize it as false as it burns into consciousness.

In the end, it is seen that ignorance never existed, but the delusion must be directly noticed. Ignorance appears to come and go, while you remain the permanent awareness. Pure being IS ... whether with form or without form. Pure Awareness and its being-consciousness-bliss are eternal which means it must be here now.

Katie Davis is author of Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment:.

Awake Joy is a unique and comprehensive guide to awakening to the new state of consciousness that is currently emerging on this planet. It points to the discovery of the radiant joy that is beyond the thinking mind, the separate sense of self, its idea of separation and identification with form.

Awake Joy is meant to be your companion throughout your life’s journey to true and lasting fulfillment. It will be a trusted resource again and again throughout the years. This A-Z handbook stands free of concepts, philosophy and eastern jargon to point clearly and pragmatically for those who are ready to surrender suffering for themselves, their relationships, their families, the schools, the workplace, the world’s religions and the world.

"A powerhouse of a book! Katie Davis has captured the uncapturable: a clear view of enlightenment ... in plain English. Bravo!"
~ Chris McCombs, Author, Delicious Silence, Beloved, Lover's Road

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Practicing Presence ~ Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy

Questioner:

One question that I have been pondering is: How should we actually practice the presence, awareness or tranquility in everyday life? I guess that should become very natural for us, but as we have opposite tendencies that we are accustomed to, it is not so obvious at all!

If I practice being present, how much of the awareness should be in the outer 'things' and how much should be directed inwards? And should I be aware of details in my sensory experience or should my awareness be kind of diffuse and not to be fixed to particular things (if that is not needed in a particular activity)?

Does being present require psychic or mental energy? I ask this question because I have not found a way of being present that does not make me strained after some practise. I guess that I am doing something wrong as I have an intuition that awareness should come very naturally. How does the awakening to that kind of natural presence happen? Just by grace only?

Just yesterday I read an excerpt from Osho and he wrote that happiness is always fleeting but bliss can be found constant. How can I realize that bliss or inner joy are constant?

Katie:

Presence is natural and does not require anything more. In other words, Self-realization is not an attainment or something you strive for. This Being-Consciousness-Bliss that you are is ever-present. It is right now.

The situation seems to be that the thought "I" arises. In the old world, out of habit alone, we misidentified with the concept of "me;" the "I am the body" idea. When this misidentification takes place, the "dreaming" I has extraordinary pulling power and suddenly all the other thoughts appear. So the thoughts are really not problematic. It is our misidentification that is at issue. "I" is just another word. Where is the word pointing? We were taught that it was pointing to the body. This is true on a relative level of course. But is it true that your identity is limited to the body. I say this is not so, but this will be for your direct investigation. It requires great curiosity because you want to know the ultimate Truth. Ideas and concepts remain philosophical … instead we need to notice directly through authentic experience.

When this misidentification with the "I" thought occurs, a veil drops and we are unable to be conscious of the being-consciousness-bliss that we are. To remove the veil, it requires that you seek this "I." Sit quietly for a few moments right now. Just close your eyes and be aware of how exquisite the air feels as it moves in and out your nose. Then ask this question, "Who am I?" and listen with every cell in the body. We are not looking for a thought in reply. If a thought arises, such as "I am Katie," ask the question again, aware of your breath, "Who am I?"

That question alone with lift the veil to perfect peace.

It is beautiful that you are practicing being present. The best tool for this is attending the breath. Breathing is always occurring right now and the present moment is the portal to the perfect peace within. The body's sensing is another tool. What do you hear right now? Do you smell anything? The body is part of the content of the present moment and therefore the key to the inner body.

But let's take this a step further. The "I" that is practicing is the ego, the separate sense of self that needs more time and experience to realize. This is actually a postponement strategy of the ego. The more appropriate question might be, who is practicing?? Who am I?

You are aware when you are driving your car, aware when you are shopping, aware when falling asleep. Are you aware that you are always aware? You are this Pure Awareness that is closer and more intimate to you than even your given name and your body. You are appearing within this Awareness. You ARE this Pure Awareness that is beyond your name and form.

So we are naturally present all day long during everything that is being done. However, most often, we get carried aware by compulsive thinking and lost in the thought stream in the head ... instead of being in the body. The resolution? 1. Bring the "I" thought home by asking "Who am I" and then truly listen. 2. Are you aware of breathing? 3. Are you aware of sensing.

It does not take much effort to become aware of breathing all day long. It is always happening in every day life.

This is a first step and perhaps even unwise to move forward from here. Eventually the outward going mind (on its own accord) will remain within the Heart. Of course eyes are looking outward, the body is functioning and sensing as it does, we are just deeply at rest … being still … while the body does what it does.

Body movement and activity can become Zen-like. During the morning shower, be aware of every movement. If there is a set habitual routine, change it. How does the soap feel as you pick it up in your hands? How does the water feel? Are you breathing? You become consciously present without rushing to the future about anything. Even if rushing is required, we are consciously present with that.

You soon find that the real effort is the misidentification with thought, having to maintain all of the ego's ideas; constant thinking is exhausting!

This not require psychic or mental energy. All that is appearing within the Awareness.

What you shared about Osho's words is true. When we misidentify with "I" we move into time and space and then are caught in the world of duality. Relative happiness will eventually cycle to the opposite duality of sadness. Then, sadness will once again cycle to happiness after a certain duration. Neither are stable … whereas the bliss and unending joy are permanent. Now, don't go looking for it. You ARE it! When you are seeking, it cannot be found, which is why I say be STILL and notice what truly already is. Only still permanence can realization that which is permanent. Be still.

Only This Love ~ Katie

Questioner Report:

I am so grateful for your kind reply. I have read it now for a couple of times and I think that it is very close to what is required at the moment. :-)

I have observed an interesting phenomenon after the question I posed about practicing presence. During last two weeks or so I have found that I have been resting in peace more often. As I have attended to this peace, now and then I have investigated the question "Who am I?" Replying to this question feels utterly impossible and absurd. It feels that there is no "I" but just a vast presence. I guess that is probably how the question is meant to work, to leave the thinking mind disarmed so that it can surrender to the consciousness that it is born of. In gratitude ...


Katie:

Thank you for letting me know. Excellent, what are you attending right now? The perfect peace within or the noise in the head? Are you aware of breathing?

I am so grateful for this report. And you have now realized directly through asking this question “who am I?” that when you seek it, it disappears … no where to be found … only “vast presence.” Delightful! At ease. And yes, that is the point of asking the question. The dreaming I disappears into the Heart of all being … the Pure I that is the Pure Consciousness … unending joy … perfect peace … free of time.

Now when you notice once again that you are lost in the head (habits are sometimes hard to break!), just silently ask the question and there you are once again … being peace. Or, just for an instant notice the breath … notice sensing. Then we are in a type of meditation all day long during all that is being done. Being peace … paying bills … being peace … taking the shower.

All Love True Heart ~

Katie

What is Satchitananda? by Katie Davis, Author, Awake Joy

When speaking of awakening and Self-realization, we often hear the Sanskrit term "satchitananda" or being-consciousness-bliss.

Reality is alway Real. It never changes and is free of names and forms. It is the only enduring, supreme Reality ... and you are That.

You are beyond your given name, beyond "me and my thoughts," "me and my emotions," "me and my form."

You are the single immanent Reality and it is being experienced within you right now. The question, are you conscious of it?

When speaking, I often refer to this Reality as the Self, Essence, Heart, Pure Awareness or Pure I. They are only words that point to the supreme principle that is ever shining within and available for direct realization.

The Self is pure being and this being is not personal. The Reality is also conscious, so we speak of Pure Consciousness. The direct experience of this Pure Consciousness is unbroken happiness, uncaused joy and Pure Bliss.

While being-consciousness-bliss may appear to be separate attributes of the Reality, this is not true. It is one homogeneous field of intelligence that is absolutely inseparable from who you are.

My invitation is to be still and notice what is shining deep within.

Pure Awareness, Being Consciousness Bliss, the Fear of Death, Pointers and Practices by Katie Davis

Question:

As you have always said, I hear the call of the wild, not only the calling of Heart, but physically a call to the wilderness in the mountains. There has been much deepening and in the end, I only seem to know of less and less. I don't seem to really know anything! It doesn’t happen much any more, but sometimes I get caught up in sadness and I invite it to sit for as long as it seems to stay. Other times, a strange fear of death is playing. Instead of falling into the abyss, I am taking off for the wilderness to go camping and to just be alone. Could you offer some pointers or practices for during this time?

Katie Davis:

You are moving right to the edge of the cliff. For awhile, maybe you are feeling a bit vulnerable and precarious, but what a relief to finally say, I don't know! You don't know what you are looking at, you don’t know where you are going, and you don’t know who you are or even what is. “I don’t know.” Perfect! In this, you are sitting in the mystery, watching in wonderment as everything and everyone comes and goes; whether within or without.

We are conditioned to fixate on all of the objects that we see. Instead, letting all of the circumstances and life situations simple pass by. They appear and then they disappear. Be faithful to that flame in your Heart of all hearts.

This flame is the place of deep vigilance. It is a feeling of prayer; it is objectless worship and it is sacred. Perhaps we could call it adoration. Being vigilance is being devotion, until there is no longer any perception that there is "someone" who is separate from Truth. Be patiently and sweetly vigilant until the emotional pain body no longer has its way. You will see that you are not separate from Truth. You are the Infinite. Meet this divinity face to face … by simply being.

While you are camping alone, you will have the opportunity to observe your sleep. In a way, when we move into deep sleep, it is similar to dying and yet, we all adore it! In deep sleep, there is no point of reference (no you), no sense perceptions, not even a perception of the body. This is the bliss of deep sleep. Be aware of the many stages of consciousness as the body is going to sleep and aware of the stages as the body begins waking up. Right before the body stirs awake, the awareness that you are is purely being-consciousness-bliss; free of body consciousness. This is a brief passage, but it can be noticed. Then the body appears. Then suddenly the world appears.

I love the level of surrender that you are reporting. We used to get an idea of how we want our life to be and then we try to force life to be how we want it. We resist what is and try to bend life into our personal concept of life. We think that we are this independent entity and then try to get people to agree with our concept. When there is disagreement, there is usually fighting about it. All the while, life is passing and offering you everything. I wonder how it would be to be totally free of "me?"

This perception of yourself, as you used to think that you were, is surrendering. You used to believe that you were your thoughts, your emotions and your body. This preoccupation can only continue as long as you feed it. You have stopped feeding your mind and the related emotions. Now, simply wait and see without expectation, the destiny of this life.

Let the clouds of emotion pass by. The sky doesn't care about the passing clouds. You are the sky. You are not an individual looking up at the sky, you are the sky looking down at the appearance of body (ultimately, that isn't even true!). You are the sky of being. Isn't that beautiful?! This is a great contemplation for you as you sit restfully in the wilderness.

If suffering does begin to rise, it is a signpost that you are out of the moment. Stop for a moment and be vigilant to this flame in your heart. If you are looking to any past moment and trying to heal it, you are missing right now, where you are already whole, radiant and complete. If you are glancing to the future, where you hope to get such and such, in order to be happy, you are missing right now, which is always offering supreme happiness and the deepest joy of human experience. Often this game of past projecting a future will squeeze the moment of now out of conscious existence; well out of perception. The only place where true life takes place is right now. A life lived in the now is filled with joy and adventure. It is time to stop practicing for life. You can't practice for life. Live is right now. If you are practicing, you are not truly living.

So on this trip, instead of watching your mind be acutely present with whatever is. That attention stills compulsive thinking. While you are driving, notice an apple dangling on a tree that you are passing by; an apple on a sturdy, well rooted tree that bends with the wind; or a pretty crystal hanging from the rear view mirror in the car in front of you; every facet reflects the light. Concurrently, you are in devotion to that which does not move and that which is eternally present. Just let the Flame of Being burn naturally in your heart … as it always is. Awakening can be an ease of recognition. If you look directly, you will notice that life is now and that is is just naturally so. Wherever you are, the Flame is burning.

There are many great insights and profound experiences on this path, but to try to recreate them is a mistake. These revelations are part of that which comes and goes. Just let them go without the effort of holding on. When you are holding on, you miss it. Or maybe, you are contemplating a past, painful loss. Let the experience pass by without the fixation, preoccupation, compulsion and obsession. Instead, sit in not knowing, grounded in the now, Flame burning. Be true to That. Be That.

Have a wonderful trip. What an adventure. It is a blessing to see this willingness to surrender.

Katie Davis Website: www.katiedavis.org

Enlightenment, Nonduality, Personal Self by Katie Davis, Author, "Awake Joy"

Questioner: This is what I read on the book cover of "Awake Joy."

"KATIE DAVIS spontaneously awakened over twenty years ago, without spiritual practices or teachers. She had never heard of awakening and had never been a seeker of Truth. In fact, she had no intellectual reference whatsoever for what had occurred."

This statement is too illusive, as if it were too personal, or worse, that it seemed to you like a complete blunder or accident, like maybe you fell off your bike and hit your head: what i'm saying is, it is like you are not taking any personal responsibility for "what happened" to you. I can't help but to be a bit uncomfortable with such an evasion, if it is that, and so i am asking again.

The whole idea of Non-Duality is that it starts as a mere point and you are it. Your first task is to be it. Then, once you realize nothing-ness, then you must enlarge the point which you do by enlargement, which is achieved by rotation, like a whirling dervish; thus you grow both vertically and horizontally. I'm not sure that makes sense to you, but it is a perfectly natural state of affairs. I relate it to Non-duality because it regards time and space as a duality not to be taken as a stand alone reality. To see them together, you first must take them apart. If the only time is Eternity, then all time is Now!

I know this is a bit strange, but you probably are none the less familiar with it. The idea of taking responsibility for Enlightenment is fearless and in complete Joy, knowing in no uncertain terms, that no harm will come of such a venture. You know that you are in complete control over the experience you have inside and you are the exact same thing as the substance you are surrounded with, so you are at onement with bliss.

What I am trying to get you to say is something like "I always is!" If so, then you don't have to hide behind who or what you currently are presenting as, which is the Image of you , but you are so much more than that. You should know who or what you were presenting as at the moment you came into being or when this enlightening moment changed your perception of self. So what is consciousness? Katie, tell me, tell me, tell me, what do you remember?

Katie: First and foremost, I encourage you to follow your direct observations, which it seems from what you are saying that you would do just that. I mention this, since so many are looking for answers 'outside themselves' and the Truth is revealed through silent still watching. Before I begin sharing, I must also say that the world experience has only to do with the individual and its life story. Whereas, Self-realization is the final end to individuality as identity. This is no diminishment of course, but it is radically different than we have believed 'reality' to be.

Now over 20 years ago, the awakening did in fact happen to 'katie' quite by accident. I had never heard of awakening, enlightenment and indeed, did not even know that there was an 'inner' world. In retrospect, I see that all life experience was leading me to the Heart's way of living, rather than the mind's idea of life. You ask me to remember, but Self-realization is in fact, a non-experience ... a profound gap in experience that transformed 'my' life as I had previously known it to be.

There is absolutely no personal responsibility for 'what happened to me.' It is the end of the "me,' the mind-made sense of self ... the childhood toy that we attempted to carry with us into adulthood. Instead of being a fraction of Totality searching to complete itself, the fraction releases into a wholeness that already is and always has been. Our delusion has been that we call ourselves 'I' and equate it to the limitation of the body. It is for you to investigate to see if this is really so. Self-realization is the end of all psychological suffering and the conscious discovery of unending, uncaused joy. You are experiencing this transcendental peace right now ... you just may not yet be conscious of it.

All of the lovely ancient scriptures inform what you are not. So many helpful practices concentrate thought. Nonetheless, in the end, a concentrated mind and distracted mind are still merely mind. At some point, it is recognized that the practitioner itself is a delusion and another postponement strategy of the mind-made self and its desire for more time to be what it already is. Teachers can also help inform the mind, but the truest teacher is within. We simply dust off the dust of the mind, its time and all of its false concepts and what remains is Pure I ... not the 'dreaming' I that we equate to our body. We honor the body for it is the portal to the 'inner' body and of course its Essence is also consciousness. It is just that you are profoundly more than form and conscious experience.

"The whole idea of Non-duality" ... release it. It is an idea that brought you here and now. After the mind is informed, let it go. The mere point that you are speaking of is the limitation and primary obscuration. If you have discovered this point in consciousness that is quite beautiful. I now point to the spaciousness within which it appears. You are already the 'expansion' with no need to expand. So yes, if this is your reference point ... a point ... it will seem like expansion, but in the end you are the infinite Totality. Spinning is a practice and it can be helpful for some. The body spins. What is not spinning? Are you aware of spinning? Who is that?

Exactly ... the only true time in the universe is now. Could it possibly take more time to take you out of time? Does a mountain spin to become a mountain? No, the mountain IS. You are already that which you are seeking. So, spinning has worked well for you and we are grateful for that. You are aware of the duality of time and space. So now it is time to just stop all doing in the mind and see what already IS. Can you see the duality in 'me' vs. the Heart? Who is aware of duality?

Beautiful that you are aware of the formless no-thing-ness. Those are two reference points. Awareness aware of no-thing-ness ... duality. So, at this point we stop. Rest in 'I am' and when you become aware of the space around the dreaming I, just stop and be still as AM. If 'you' are in movement searching, you cannot be who you really are.

There is no control. There is no 'personal' self other than the primary idea that is the body. As an individual body, you are so unique. It just is not your identity, other than your given that you call your body. You have no limitation or boundary whatsoever. But don't take my word for it. Look for yourself.

Finally, yes, "I always is." It just is not the "I" that you think it is. Who is "I?" Ask "who am I?" This is the only essential question and sooner or later every intelligent person asks this question ...just like 'you.'

There is only the conscious intelligence of sacred unconditional love ... you are That ... just as everything that you see and everything that you cannot see is only That.

Yes! "I always IS" but it is not what you may think. Who is that? Who am I?

Katie Davis Website: www.katiedavis.org