Insight 1: Looking at the Calm Mind

Verse 17

When one looks again and again at the mind that is not a thing to be seen,
And sees vividly for what it is the meaning of not seeing,
Doubts about the meaning of “is” and “isn’t” are erased.
Without confusion, may my own face know itself.

Instructions

Allow the silent times in the recording to directly experience the mind free of thinking.

Meditation

  • Let the mind rest, allowing a calm mind. 
  • Rest in the experience of a mind that is calm. 
  • Look at the mind that is calm, free of having any ideas about it. 
  • Look at the calm mind, does it have a color to it? 
  • Does the calm mind have a shape? 
  • Does the calm mind have a form? 
  • Does the calm mind have any solid, sustaining characteristics?  
  • Relax the looking and let the mind rest.

After Meditation

  • What can you say about a calm mind? 
  • Can you identify what a calm mind is? 
  • If you can rest in the experience of a calm mind, what is that experience like?

During the Day

Take a few moments during the day, especially when caught up in “doing,” to be in the experience of a calm mind. 
Notice what happens when you develop the capacity during the day to be in the experience of a calm mind. 
Make note of your ability to recognize that the mind is calm.