Continue Seeing Conventions

Any consciousness that does arise simply arises, endures, and then ceases; it doesn’t remain long. There is no self there to be found. However, the heart attaches to the “seeing” as me seeing. This is where the problem lies. When “I” am the one who hears, then it’s: “he insulted me,” “he criticized me,” “he doesn’t like me.” That’s how the heart will perceive it. So get in and investigate this. Hey, where is this “me”? Who is the one who sees? Who is the one who hears? Who is the one who smells? Perceiving this flavor, that bodily sensation, the mental phenomena that arise—they simply arise, remain and then cease. But when the heart goes and becomes attached to them, the sense of self comes up as well. See? This is the way to investigate.

If we find ourselves liking or disliking something then consider: Is there a self ? Is there a “me”? Who is the one who dislikes? Who is the one who loves and hates? Who is angry? Who is scared? Have a look. One can see into this fact of not-self. If there is enough wisdom present, then we will be able to let go. The mind will be empty. This is tadanga vimutti, a momentary liberation, a momentary Nibbāna. This Nibbāna is not far away, ok? It’s here in the heart. If we are to see the Dhamma, then we will see Nibbāna in the heart. Awakening to the Dhamma, one awakens right here in the heart.

This reflection by Ajahn Anan is from the book, The World and the Heart, pp. 65-66.