Discovering the Indivisible Essence: A Guide to Self-Realization

The journey of self-realization is an exploration beyond the everyday. Bentinho Massaro talks about the importance of recognizing the indivisible unity of life. This unity exists beyond description, beyond the confines of reasoned debate and mental disputes. It’s about tapping into something more profound, more essential than our habitual thoughts and perceptions.

At the core of self-realization is the understanding that you cannot escape your essence. This essence isn’t something that can be argued with or reasoned away; it’s a fundamental part of who you are. To embark on this journey, one needs to develop a transparent relationship with this inner essence, recognizing and knowing it deeply.

Ben suggests that each moment of recognition, each instance where we bring this understanding to the forefront of our minds, especially during meditation or contemplation, changes something within us. This change is like a rewiring, a purification of our being. The purer we become, the more naturally we recognize the power manifesting as our existence.

The practice of self-realization involves becoming subtler in our reasoning and perception. It’s a journey towards understanding without clinging to the solidity of conventional knowledge. The subtler we become, the more flexible and open our minds are, allowing us to transcend conventional reality while still incorporating it.

To aid this process, Ben recommends moments of deliberate recognition, where for a few seconds to several minutes, we concentrate on subtle recognitions of our true nature. This practice, repeated consistently, helps us become more aware of the assumptions operating in the back of our mind, allowing us to observe and eventually dissolve them.

As we continue this practice, we begin to experience a state of emptiness, a state where the assumptions that shape our reality are seen for what they are and are transcended. This emptiness is not a void but a space of pure awareness, a direct perception of our being without the clutter of attributes and assumptions.

Ben’s teachings encourage us to question and go beyond our assumptions about self and the world. This process leads us to a deeper understanding of our true nature, one that exists beyond the conventional subject-object dichotomy.


Quote:
“Every time you go backwards, go backwards, go backwards, say no, I’m not this, I’m not that, these are perceptions, but I’m the consciousness that sees and knows the perceptions, of which the perceptions are made, from which the perceptions derive their apparent existence.” – Bentinho Massaro

“The more we assume, the less we see. The less we assume, the more we understand directly.” – Bentinho Massaro

Bible Verse: “For in him we live and move and have our being.” – Acts 17:28

Romans 12:2, echoes a similar sentiment: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This verse aligns with the idea of transcending conventional assumptions to discover a more profound truth.


So how do we cultivate this awareness? Bentinho offers three key practices:

  1. Deliberate Recognition: Take 2-5 seconds throughout the day to pause and simply observe the present moment. Notice the sensations, thoughts, and emotions without judgment. This practice helps to strengthen your ability to recognize the indivisible unity of life.
  2. Daily Meditation: Dedicate time each day to meditation, focusing on subtle recognitions and purifying your mind. Through consistent practice, you can become more subtle and nuanced in your awareness, leading to greater wisdom and balance.
  3. Inquiry and Contemplation: Engage in intentional inquiry and reflection on the nature of reality. Ask yourself questions like “Who am I?” and “What is the nature of consciousness?” This process can help to dissolve your assumptions and open you up to a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

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