Russell's Practice II

"Intention to try to do anything leads to dissatisfaction."

One thing that seems to be free of downsides, is to intend/resolve "may I awaken as quickly as possible, for the benefit of all beings." Remember, all beings include you, so this isn't a martyr's resolution.

Then just let practice happen!

Nice.

Thank beta! I looked back at my post and it sounded negative. I didn't mean for it to, it is just interesting and feels weird to come to a place where I feel quite differently about practice.

Last nights sit was more of the same but I remember having a sharp fruition, a real "What was that?" kind after I laid down to go to sleep.

Lots of short sits this weekend. Gearing up for a longer one in a sec. Not much to report. Very tired. Off cushion, seems to be the place to get the most practice in. I'm interesting in learning more about 3rd gear, but can't seem to grasp it.

I have this lingering feeling that is hard to describe. There is a desire to look for 3rd gear. Almost like I know what it means now in a true way, but I cannot surrender fully and see it yet. It's not really a desire, but a feeling that it is right there but the veil hasnt been lifted yet. Earlier, I always thought I had to stop resisting sensations. But all that is, is resistance of resistance. There has to be this mode where none of this is going on.

Anyways, practice update: Just sat last night. Thats all I can say about it other than i intend to nothing. Didn't notice any states or jhanas, then suddently my focus shifted up and out into PL1. Thats when I started 'un-letting go' (I was startled and tried to control the situation) and i shifted back down out of the jhana.

More of the same with practice. Every sit is different, so it is really hard to describe. Practice on-cushion feels somewhat the same as practice off-cushion. There is no effort in noticing, I just do. There is just an overall feeling that I have the key, but I don't know how to put it in the lock and turn just yet. Ron suggested I work trying to look deeper and find what I have not investigated fully. Look deeper into the unsatisfactoriness, etc...

This is a very paradoxical part of the path. Confused but not sure what I am confused about. I feel like I can see that this is all right in front of me but I can't truly see it yet. And on and on and on...

For the sake of my journal - It looks like that was 3rd path back in early August. This feels weird posting it because it doesn't feel like it matters to me but for the sake of future readers of this journal, there you go.

How'd you figure it out?

Congrats Russell!

"
How'd you figure it out?

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It doesn't really have to do with what happened then, but more about what is happening now. In retrospect, there was a shift back then that hasn't changed back and things are evolving from there. Also, Whereas Ron was about 50/50 before, he is certain now. Regardless, the label doesn't change anything. Just stating for my journals sake.

Very cool - congrats!!

Thanks, Chris, you have been a big help. Pressing on..as usual.

It's cool to think that there's a new "generation" of people who will hit technical 4th path in the next year or two, seems like a whole second round of KFD yogis heading this way, after the first round of Nadav, Ron, Chris, Nik and many others.

Even cooler is that, all those previous guys have a big part in helping the 'next gen' guys like us.

New thread started here: kennethfolkdharma.wetpaint.com/thread/5018437/

Congratulations to the path! Always follow our journal with great interest. Next one coming.....

Congrats on third path, Russell!

Goodie!

!

Thanks all!