The Open Question

On a weekend retreat some years ago, was introduced to the technique of inquiry.

The instruction was to look into our nature by using the question
” What am I ? ”

We were also given the “answer” to the question.

The “answer” was supposed to be ” I am the potential for awareness.”

So, that was that.

Got it. [wink]

Had the answer.

Done.

Moving right along!

If anyone asks, I’ll know what to say.
(No one ever asked.)

It would be years before I returned to the practice of inquiry.

* * * * * * * *

The inquiry phrase more closely resembles a koan than a conventional question.

Getting an “answer” to the question initially leads to a conceptual dead end.

Open-ended inquiry practice helps to chisel out of the conceptual prison cell built by mind.

In open-ended inquiry practice,
the inquiry phrase acts as a focusing tool for attention,
dragging it away from familiar conceptual resting places,
toward freedom.

The question must remain open until seeing the Truth happens, spontaneously;
until there is nothing left.

A paradox comes with the open-ended question.

The end of this path, dissolution, is characterized by a decline in desires.

Yet, how it looked from here, the engine of practice ran on the fuel of enthusiasm/desire !

Determination and exasperation poured on in great abundance.

How could this be ?

Emotional energy propelled inquiry ?

Desire
to end desire
drove the imagined desirer
closer to its death
every day.

That’s exactly what it looked and felt like.
Until it was done.

* * * * * * * *

Let it happen.

Let it all burn up.

There’s nothing to lose,

except “your” life.

**************************************************************************

Thanks to these websites for the photos:

The dead end sign came from here: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_dead_end.jpg

The steam engine came from here: http://www.carrtracks.com/sou4501e.htm

The swan dive comes from here: http://northshoresunsports.blogspot.com/2008/12/plunge-into-warm-hawaiian-waters.html

To further explore inquiry, please see Nirmala’s blog here: http://endless-satsang.com/life-as-question.htm

Or listen to Adyashanti here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCrWn_NueUg

Or Nisargadatta here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW1QUhc9rA0