Hi there,

As you may know, there is a unique meditation skill known in Buddhist texts as “cessation" - a deliberate pause in all conscious experience, which the advanced meditator can choose will last hours or even days. 

It is defined as “the absence of all experience and consciousness—with no retrospective awareness of anything having taken place during the absence—accompanied by a subsequent profound sense of clarity, openness, and vitality.” 

Importantly, it is not the same as an experience of no-self, or consciousness with no phenomena, or nondual awareness. 

It is said that cessation causes an important transformation for how the mind works and triggers a profound clarity and openness, with some ancient texts claiming it can create a vital insight into the nature of mind and of reality, supporting a full awakening. 

"Moreover, in some cases, what is discovered upon emergence is believed to be important because one is exposed experientially to the progressive reconstitution of the mind." 

It has only very recently been introduced into western scientific literature, thanks partly to the work of Ruben Laukkonen. So I'm very much looking forward to speaking to him about this tomorrow, and welcome anyone that would like to join! The recording will be emailed to anyone that can't join live. 

See you there I hope! 

(Unless you are currently experiencing a cessation of consciousness, in which case I would love a full report when you come out of it.)

With appreciation!

Amir

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