Mindfulness of the emptiness of the I

• Reviewing how to allow the conventional nature of the mind to arise
• Investigating if I or self is in the body or in the mind
• Self designated in dependence upon body and mind
• Appropriated and appropriator
• Basis of designation and designated object
• Mindfulness of the body, mindfulness of the feelings and mindfulness of the mind
• All phenomena are merely designated in dependence on their basis of designation
• Mindfulness of the impermanent nature of the mind
• Mindfulness of mental states
• Eight pairs of mental states as objects of mindfulness
• Inclinations of the mind

111 Mindfulness of the Emptiness of the I (download)

Contemplation points

1. Contemplate the extent to which you’re focused on the external world: through your senses, through your mental consciousness… Take some time with this. Why is it so important that we stop thinking about external events and internal objects to allow the conventional nature of the mind to arise?
2. As we meditate on the nature of the mind, we become aware of two things. Spend some time with each of these. How does a deeper awareness of these lead to understanding true cessations, the third truth?
   • The natural state of the mind is free from both destructive and constructive emotions.
   • The mind is momentary and fluctuating.
3. Think about a time when you were in a bad mood. Focus on the experience. Is it one thing or is it momentary and fluctuating? Note that when you’re not focusing or watching that mood, it seems like it’s the same and not going to end. When you watch it, you notice something quite different. How might bringing this to mind in the moment change how you experience various moods? How might it change how you interact with the world around you?
4. When we search to find out exactly what the I is, to isolate and identify it as an objective entity with its own independent nature, what do we find? What happens when we don’t search? Really take some time with this and investigate the many questions about the “I” that Venerable Chodron presents in the teaching.
5. Consider: “Being aware of our mental and emotional patterns is essential. The more we think a certain thought or have a particular emotion – either a constructive or destructive one – the more it becomes entrenched in our mind.” What are some mental habits from your own life? Keeping in mind that you are creating your future right now, consider what kind of person you want to become. Which mental habits do you want to enhance and which do you want to abandon?