Insight 13: Memory

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

Reflect and rest in the quiet times of the recording.

Meditation

  • Rest the mind open to all experiences. 
  • Bring up the experiences of yesterday, be it conversations, actions, thoughts, feelings, sensations, sights, sounds, whatever comes to mind. 
  • How do you experience these events? 
  • Recall a vivid dream you have had.  
  • How do you experience the dream? 
  • Be in the experience of what is happening right now: be it thoughts, feelings, or sensations. 
  • How will these experiences appear tomorrow, next week, next year? 
  • What do these three experiences of yesterday’s events, dreams, today’s events that are happening right now have in common? 
  • In what way are they the display of the mind? 
  • Rest in the dreamlike quality of experience.

After Meditation

  • How reliable are your memories of experiences? 
  • Do these memories contain attachment and aversion? 
  • Do they contain all the sensations that were involved? 
  • Can you establish a connection with life and how illusory and impermanent it is?
  • Are you able to recognize that memories are difficult to pin down?

During the Day

Connect with the dreamlike quality of the events of the day. Notice how often you use your memory. 
Check out how reliable it is. 
To what extent is your memory supporting you in navigating your life?
To what extent do you use your memory to make sense of your life?