Keep it simple...
To fully understand what this paradox is all about, you have to use a method until such time as the method simply isn't required any more.
It dissolves lets say!
The Buddhist theory on this subject is to use many methods.
Those of you who know me, will know that I like to keep the whole subject of spirituality simple and practical, but also recommend using methods. But not too many.
Keep it simple.
What is a method and of what use could it be to me?
Using methods such as meditation and self enquiry effectively open up an alternative viewpoint to the machinery of life. You could point to this as the second stage of growing up, developing a transcended viewpoint.
The mind for example is seen through meditation as not being the 'be all and end all' of 'me'. Through this method of meditation, a simple technique of sitting quietly and not hooking into the streaming thoughts machine, it is quickly realised that there is much more to yourself than what is going on in your head constantly.
Further more, a method of self enquiry can open up the channel to realising how much programming and conditioning effects the way we view the world.
How the idea of 'me' in 'here' and the rest of the world being 'out there' is not correct.
But rather a programmed illusion which pulls a veil over the way we see things, not for what they are, but for what we 'think' they are.
Programmed illusion
Our judgements and opinions completely paint a different picture of the world and those who occupy it, than the reality of what is happening.
If you doubt what I point to here, I invite you to investigate this for yourself.
Just take 24 hours and stand back from your viewpoints (opinions) and see life 'un-conditionally'. It's not so easy, but once achieved (or this is how it appears), the picture can be quite 'enlightening'.
Nothing is better or worse, only different.
Start there! A method then!
Who are you without your opinions?
Nobody or Everybody.
Nice to find out.
True Advaita
I know that I am now in serious trouble with the true advaita buffs.
But I can live with that quite happily because until it is seems that indeed there is nothing to do and nowhere to go, doing and going on is happening.
Adopt a method in your life that gives you the feeling of expansion, of moving forward and of becoming wiser.
Understand the pitfalls of 'conditioned living', of constantly wanting something different from what is.
Simply sink into the realisation that the only place you can be is in this very moment, because that is all that is ever happening.
The gateway to enlightenment is in the 'now'.
Anything else, everything else, is all in your mind!
A nice subject to contemplate over.
