We cannot look at the sun directly. In the same way, we cannot look at consciousness directly; we cannot see the source of what we are. But even this description breaks down; awareness cannot be approached because we are not separate from it. We are it-that-isn’t-an-it. Coming to this experiential knowing requires bellying up to it again and again, wearing the mind down until it just plain gives up.

The best we can do is provide pointing out instructions which generally use metaphor or questions to approach the unapproachable. We know words always fail, yet the deep love of truth requires that we try to express its “isness.” So we approach the sun–or awareness–the only way we can. Slantwise.

© Amrita Skye Blaine, 2013
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