When there is hearing, but without thought, where is the self that hears?
When there is seeing, but without thought, where the self that sees?
When there is feeling, but without thought, where is the self that feels?
When there is tasting, but without thought, where is the self that tastes?
When there is smelling, but without thought, where is the self that smells?
When there is touching, but without thought, where is the self that touches?
Look in your direct experience before you answer any of those questions. Really look!
The self is an idea that gets placed over hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting, smelling and touching.
Now look at that idea. Notice it comes by way of a set of words (like a voice that is heard) or a mental picture?
Is that idea, by itself, the self?
Sometimes it seems as if the idea is the self, but usually it seems that way only because there is a corresponding sensation or emotion that feels stuck to that idea.
Now turn to the emotion or sensation. Feel that, without thought. Where is the self that is feeling? There is an emotion or sensation but there is no self.
Once you see that neither the idea or the emotion/sensation attached to it is the self. Go back to the top of this writing and start again.
Repeat as necessary.
When you think there is a self that is inquiring or trying to get somewhere or have a realization or be enlightened, just go back to the top again and repeat.
When you think there is a self that has realized there is no self or that is liberated or enlightened, just go back to the top again.
Keep it that simple.
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