Sustained Practice and Its Transformations

Rob Burbea, in "Seeing That Frees," discusses sustained attention to the three characteristics of experience: impermanence (anicca), unsatisfactoriness (dukkha), and non-self (anattā). A consistent focus on these characteristics lessens the fabrication of dukkha and self, and leads to noticeable alterations in the experience of phenomena. Comprehending and enjoying these changes are essential for deepening insight. However, an understanding of these transformations is critical, especially to fully grasp dependent arising. Some transformations may not be necessary for all practitioners, but they can provide profound openings and understanding of meditative depths.

The Space of Awareness

When practicing with the three characteristics, consciousness may become more apparent, presenting as a vast, clear space where appearances are held. Akin to the sky, this space supports the content it holds without disturbance. This perception of consciousness as a vast space, detached from particulars, is a significant transformation. In this space, phenomena appear to emerge, exist, and dissolve effortlessly, which can lead to a perception of stillness and imperturbability. Meditators can use this sense of awareness to deepen the letting go of control and interference with the unfolding of experiences.

Appreciating the Vast Awareness

As this sense of vast awareness becomes more pronounced, phenomena may seem less substantial and similar to impressions within awareness. Everything, including the self, begins to be perceived as part of this ethereal 'substance.' The non-duality between inner and outer, as well as between phenomena and awareness, leads to a sense of oneness and unity of all things, sometimes accompanied by a natural arising of love. The impermanence and intermediary nature of these aspects remind us that such experiences, though profound, are not ultimate.

Encouraging a Spacious Perceptual Opening

The vastness of awareness can emerge organically or through deeper states of samādhi and can be encouraged in practice to facilitate letting go. It's possible to experience openings to vast awareness without meditation, and these can be consolidated through practice. Methods such as open listening meditation and visual space awareness can help. The intimate understanding of how perception changes pave the way for advanced insights into the nature of mind and phenomena.

Inquiring into the Nature of Experiences

The peace and freedom associated with the vastness of awareness may mislead a practitioner into viewing it as ultimate. The space of awareness may be wrongly identified with various concepts such as 'Emptiness' or 'Ground of Being.' These experiences, while significant, are still conditioned and not the deepest understanding available. A deeper inquiry into the changing nature of this perceived space, and the qualities inherent in it, reveals the subtle degrees of fabrication present in the perception.

Utilizing Views Skilfully

In practice, conflicting views about the nature of awareness and its relationship to phenomena can be freeing. Both the sense of awareness as separate from phenomena and the view of non-separateness can be used skillfully, even though both may eventually require reassessment for deeper insight. Meditators might need to spend time with these views, as stepping-stones, despite their provisional nature. Flexibility and openness in views prevent stagnation and support the emergence of more profound insights.

In summary, this chapter examines the spacious nature of awareness that emerges from sustained practice and how this serves as a foundation for deeper investigation and insight. It emphasizes the transient nature of these profound experiences, encouraging meditators to continually refine their view and understanding as they progress on their path.