One of the fundamental points we need to question is that of our relation to the practice of sitting.
Is it an honest relationship?
Isn’t our practice an arrangement with ourselves?
Of a process of identification, of a surface similarity with a model ?
Of a satisfaction found at the level of appearances ?
Criteria relating to social integration ?
Can we practice alone, doors closed, curtains drawn ?
Do we know how to practice without the gaze of the one from whom we seek to be valued ?
Without the internalized version of that gaze ?
Can we practice through the incomprehensible ?
What is the value of our faith ?
How ‘beyond’ are we willing to sit ?
– ©FJ Dec 2021
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Notes & Silence 
« Is it an honest relationship? »
One evening, I may sit in a chair, in whatever posture happens to be comfortable at the time, and gaze at the rain on the window.
The next day, I may walk to where I can see the mountain and listen to the wind.
I do not see these as « practice » of walking or sitting. Rather, the practice, if anything, is in seeking simply to be – wherever I am, however I am positioned.
Therefore, your fundamental question seems so for you rather than for me. I have no fundamental posture, and no forms to which to conform, whether honestly or otherwise. At least, that is my aim.
« Isn’t our practice an arrangement with ourselves? »
No. It just « is ».
« Of a process of identification, of a surface similarity with a model ? »
I have no model. Gave that up a long time ago. I can make my own mistakes quite happily, without having to repeat those of others.
« Of a satisfaction found at the level of appearances ? »
Appearance of what? Of spirituality? Of wisdom? Whilst wandering up the hillside in my old jacket and boots? No.
« Criteria relating to social integration ? »
That stopped the day I walked out of the church.
« Can we practice alone, doors closed, curtains drawn ? »
Of course. And otherwise.
« Do we know how to practice without the gaze of the one from whom we seek to be valued ?
Without the internalized version of that gaze ? »
The last thing I want is to be watched, and I know no-one who would view my approach with any particular approval.
« Can we practice through the incomprehensible ? »
That’s life.
« What is the value of our faith ? »
None, since I claim to have no faith. But we have had that discussion before, and we are trapped by our own terminologies
« How ‘beyond’ are we willing to sit ? »
The answer to that is beyond me.
So, what are your answers? Ignore that if it is too personal a question.
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There is a fundamental posture inside every situation your body/mind is engaged in.
There can be no practice of being without a postural context.
Even while sleeping.
The posture, standing, lying, sitting, is always the backbone of practice.
Model:
One cannot claim to be without prior representations they interact with.( or against =react to).
Sometimes they lie at a deeply unconscious level.
(Transpersonal?)
Appearances:
sometimes they are a dialogue we have with ourselves.
pretending is mostly a solitary form of art…
As you’ve certainly noticed, the vast majority does not care, bit is entrapped in their own representations/models/appearances complex.
Some people are freer than others.
I’m talking talking to the latter here.
Some parts of ourselves are freer than others,
…
The very writing of this text is my answer.
Had I not faced such aspects, how could this text be brought to life?
It is a series of guidelines, questions one has to face in their spiritual practice.
Thanks for answering them so « bluntly’.
Now, how beyond, really?
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Your response as to posture reflects a fact rather than anything requiring « relationship », it seems to me. I cannot walk without walking. I do not have an honest or dishonest « relationship » with walking, as I « am » – am able to be – regardless; hence, to that extent, it is irrelevant to me whether I stand, sit or lie down (save that I am more likely to fall asleep with the latter).
Model – I took this to mean the example of another. Can be only insofar as others are? Disentangling threads may be an issue – how far am I acting in imitation or seeking to avoid? Generally, I would seek to stand apart. But the question of one’s self-made model is another – and, potentially, even more dangerous, aspect. Is not « being » the process of divesting oneself of the illusions of such models?
You are correct. You cannot have responded without having gone through the process. Whether this set of « guidelines » is complete or could be otherwise formulated would require greater thought.
As far beyond as one’s self image hides reality behind lies and illusions. Maybe, what one can achieve, and what one may (or should) trust oneself to achieve, are very different. I would rather not make a claim in the first place.
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It never claimed completeness.
Just a snapshot.
I do not believe those « how beyond? » questions are meant to be answered.
As we have mindsets, they’re a ‘soulset’
to Orient us.
Thanks for applying such a thorough look to those few ‘notes’…
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But thanks for supplying the notes for consideration.
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A mere supplier
That s what I am.
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I never claimed to have been thorough…!
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How presumptuous would that have been..
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That makes you sound like a wholesaler of groceries…
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In times of inflation and shortages, this may a good move.
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