Seeing the self
In the spiritual search, the quest for true self-definition, we soon come to the realization that our best efforts, and even our very selves, are mechanical and reactive. No matter how subtle or astute our meditation may be, we will never realize nirvana by using yet another facet of samsara. A different level of seeing is needed, a pure awareness that is not itself a product of the world or mind, but primary to the reaction pattern we call ourselves. A looking which is attentive, yet not reactive. A listening which is not affected by circumstance and the constant changes of the mind. Such an attention would lie outside of time and space, beyond circumstance, yet be aware of them as well as itself. Such a Listening Attention would also be directly connected to the formless inner realm of our True Self, and provide a Gateway to the Inner Self
” I see only what you see, but I notice what I see.” – Ramana Maharshi
I only see what you see, but I have trained myself, Doctor Watson, to notice what I see.” – Sherlock Holmes
The above quotations point to something valuable, to what we might call a second attention. There are three parties involved, rather than the usual two. There is the looker, or the person, and what is seen: the world, or outer environment. Together they make up our reactive pattern, the duality of the mind. The one referred to who ‘notices’ is something different. This noticing, or second Looker, sees the entire game, or mind realm, but is not affected by it. It has no active interest in the game, being passive, but notices the game entire. It is active only in its attention, not in its reaction. This Listening Attention sees both ways at once, outwardly towards the mind, and inwardly towards the Unknown. It forms a bridge, or gate, between the outer and Inner man. The angst that many feel, the undefined suffering of the average man, is due to this loss of connection with his Inner Self.
How can we re-connect, open the Gateway to Within, and once more gain the Peace and Understanding of our Inner Self? We may need to remove any obstacles and misconceptions which block us and keep us from being able to listen to the voice within. Many tricks and traps can stop us, and we may doubt if it’s a worthwhile endeavor, this stalking ourselves. We must connect with those who have been within and can point the way and establish links to our fellow seekers and their experience.
If you’re looking for the next level for your mindfulness or meditation practice, this book will take you there.
Bob Fergeson distills the best of his advice on the practical matters of the spiritual search in this little book of self-knowledge. Unafraid to speak of his own difficulties and realizations, Bob offers an everyman’s guide to self-realization: not through believing the words of another, but through seeking within; cultivating what he calls the Listening Attention.
The sense of eternality marks the work of photographer, mountaineer, and spiritual teacher Bob Fergeson. Set among the Rocky Mountains, Bob’s story weaves the passions of the creative life and a love for the outdoors into a compelling narrative of a spiritual search.
To convey the timeless feeling of essence through photographs, revealing a beauty common to us all.
The TAT Foundation
The TAT Foundation and its spiritual search site offer a place for genuine philosophical and spiritual inquiry on all levels, modeled on the principle that cooperation and interaction with fellow inquirers can expedite a seeker’s own investigation.
Media: Books and Videos on the Spiritual Search
Listening Attention Blog Posts
This compilation showcases a diverse array of essays that capture the essence of seeking, reflecting the unique styles and perspectives of each student or teacher.
Ways and Means: Systems for Serious Seekers