How It Started – My Journey

Posted on by Branimir

Reflecting on how it all began and unfolded, my journey took a significant turn in 2019. At that point, I decided that the way life was unfolding did not make much sense. Something was definitely not right, and there was a prevailing sense that it should be and can be different. The fact that I could not control how I acted and reacted in social situations was causing me so much restlessness. This burden of not having control over life had reached a point of absurdity. It became evident that the prevailing approach to life was flawed, though I lacked the tools to counter it.

One ordinary day, while seated and observing a Buddhist monk share thoughts on meditation, a simple statement resonated deeply within me: “We cannot control our thoughts and emotions,” shared the monk. Reflecting now on this moment, this is probably one of the most profound statements I have encountered. It simply meant there is no control center where thoughts and emotions arise and can be regulated. It was so simple, but I had never approached my inner emotional landscape in that way. I overlooked it for years. Motivated by this insight, I delved further into meditation, spiritual literature, and exploration. Meditation provided glimpses into the seamless nature of reality, often accompanied by profound and lasting peace. So, I knew it was the right path, and I had to simply continue exploring. I discovered that there is such a thing as awakening and enlightenment, where suffering has no place, where I do not exist!

The concept of awakening, particularly the idea of no-self, captivated my imagination. People talking about the dissolution of boundaries between internal and external realms intrigued me immensely. I was completely obsessed with finding the right pointers to discover this nature of no-self and awakening. One day, my quest led me to a book dedicated to direct pointers toward this realization. I started reading it with intense excitement. The pointers were deceptively simple, yet intuitively, there was this knowing that this makes sense. What is interesting, I realized that I had never questioned my direct experience in such a simple manner. I never thought that there is no need for the existence of self for sound to be heard or a thought to arise. This is simply happening.

The next morning, while reflecting on the book’s pointers during a walk, something profound occurred. It felt as though the sky had opened up, releasing a surge of energy from within me. A profound realization dawned: there is no separate-self orchestrating existence; life simply unfolds. Laughter and tears intertwined as the clarity of the realization washed over me. The peace I felt I had never felt before.

In the ensuing hours and days, the sense of agency was not present, leaving behind a profound sense of peace. However, this spiritual honeymoon phase persisted for weeks, gradually receding as familiar patterns of selfing, attachments, and emotional discomfort resurfaced. Yet, I took this as a reminder that there was more to explore and address. Over the following years, I delved deeper into the principles of openness, non-resistance, and allowing all experiences to arise without interference. I scrutinized subtle beliefs that perpetuated the illusion of a separate entity.

Eventually, everything ceased: time, restlessness, and, most significantly, the identification with the mind and stories that created tensions and suffering. Thought is not more than just a thought. The urge to change reality evaporated, replaced by a sense of unconditional freedom, peace, and equanimity. The sense and illusion of separation dissolved, leaving only the directness of the present moment, empty of ego but brimming with life.

Comments

  1. jiliok says:

    Great insights on poker strategy! It’s refreshing to see analysis that goes beyond luck and focuses on skill. Platforms like JiliOK Login also emphasize smart gameplay with AI-driven insights-worth a look for serious players.

    Reply
  2. 365casino says:

    Baccarat strategy is fascinating – understanding patterns can help, but discipline is key! Seeing platforms like 365 casino offer secure, local payment options (GCash, PayMaya) is a big plus for accessibility too. Good read!

    Reply
  3. jljl3 says:

    Interesting read! Seeing more platforms cater specifically to mobile players is smart – convenience is key. Quick registration sounds great, especially with options like biometric login. Check out jljl3 download for a streamlined experience – perfect for on-the-go gaming! 👍

    Reply
  4. OpenClaw Network says:

    This realization about the illusion of control is profound. In my work building AI systems, I’ve found that understanding the non-linear nature of human consciousness actually helps create better openclaw network assistants that respect genuine human experience rather than trying to mechanize it.

    Reply
  5. okpun says:

    This moment of realizing we can’t control thoughts and emotions is so powerful. That insight about having no “control center” resonates deeply with my experience managing high-stakes environments. Like the okpun app casino teaches about probability, accepting what’s beyond our control brings peace.

    Reply
  8. iGOTechnology says:

    [2991]iGOTechnology: Secure Login & Register, Official App Download, and Philippines’ Best Slot Gacor via Official Link Alternatif Experience Philippines’ best slot gacor at iGOTechnology. Secure iGOTechnology login & register via our link alternatif. Get the official iGOTechnology download app for big wins and safe gaming today! visit: iGOTechnology

    Reply
  9. gopub says:

    [2266]Gopub Philippines: Top Slot Games, Easy Login & Register. Get the Gopub App Download and Official Link Alternatif for the Best Online Casino Experience. Experience the best of Gopub Philippines with top gopub slot games, easy gopub login, and fast gopub register. Get the official gopub app download and gopub link alternatif for a seamless online casino experience. Join now for big wins! visit: gopub

    Reply
  14. kkkkph says:

    It’s so important to remember gambling should be fun, not a source of stress. Seeing platforms like KKKKPH prioritize transparency with RTP rates (96.5%-98.7%!) is a positive step. If you’re exploring options, check out kkkkph download – but always gamble responsibly! 😊

    Reply
  15. big bunny says:

    Smart risk management is key with online casinos. Seeing platforms like Big Bunny leverage stats & probability is interesting-transparency builds trust! If you’re exploring options, check out the big bunny app download for a data-driven approach. Remember to gamble responsibly!

    Reply
  21. jljlboss says:

    Solid article! Thinking about bankroll management & game selection is key in tournaments. Seeing platforms like jljl boss emphasize data could really help refine strategy-especially with KYC for secure deposits!

    Reply
  252. where to buy weed says:

    Area 52 becomes the first and only online dispensary to ship premium cannabis legally to all 50 states.
    This breakthrough service follows their strict compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill, making quality weed available to
    everyone, regardless of local laws.

    “We’re the only company offering this nationwide shipping service for premium cannabis products,” said Area
    52’s founder. “While others can’t or won’t ship across state lines, we’ve found the legal path forward.”

    Area 52’s federally compliant products include:

    THCA Flower – Diamond-dusted premium buds

    Pre-Rolls – Ready-to-smoke in multiple strains

    THC Gummies – Potent UFO MAX (15mg THC) and other varieties

    Vape Products – Fast-acting THCA disposables and
    cartridges

    Functional Blends – Sleep, Energy, and Mushroom formulations

    Unlike competitors, all Area 52 products ship
    legally nationwide by containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC while delivering powerful effects.

    “No other company can legally ship weed to all 50 states like we can,” the founder emphasized.
    “This is a game-changer for people without local dispensary access.”

    Every product includes a 60-day money-back
    guarantee and orders over $110 ship free.

    Want legal weed delivered to your door? Area 52 is the only online dispensary
    that can ship to your state.

    Reply
  265. Danielle Garcia says:

    In the final phases of this process, when “everything ceased: time, restlessness, and identification with the mind”—was this a single, definitive moment, or did it unfold gradually? Was there a final, unmistakable realization of no-self, or did you notice over time that you had fully transitioned into living without a sense of self?

    Reply
    • Branimir says:

      Liberation is a process, and while there is no secret recipe regarding its duration, it is usually slow and gradual. In general, and in practice, you’re not dealing with a fixed self but rather working with the process of selfing, which involves grasping at thoughts, identifying with them, and clinging to emotions, sensations, the body, belief in control and a doer etc. This process, when taken for granted, creates the illusory sense that there is a central entity operating. To be able to dismantle these beliefs, the process may take a few years for sure.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *