Reference: Postulate Mechanics (PM)
The first action of the mind is to look and recognize what is there. Looking does not involve thinking. In other words, to know something, you do not have to label it, or use words to describe it. It is important to understand the difference between looking and thinking.
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Looking
Look and simply observe what is there without expecting anything, or attempting to get an answer.
Any expectation will add extraneous thoughts to what one is looking at. Attempts to get an answer will also add extraneous interpretation to what is there. Therefore, when looking, do not expect any particular phenomenon, result, answer or cognition.
Thinking is natural. It is a common experience to have thoughts arise in the mind as one looks. Carefully notice the thoughts for what they are and move on. Do not suppress the thoughts because that will color and modify your looking.
Often, one is taught to suppress one’s thoughts. For example, in many meditation techniques the primary goal is to make one’s mind blank. In some other meditation techniques one is required to concentrate on a thought at the exclusion of all others. Such actions suppress the ability to LOOK and realize what is there.
Looking does not require suppression of thoughts arising in the mind. You look at these thoughts the way you look at anything else.
When one is not suppressing any thoughts or feelings, and is simply looking without being judgmental, then, in that moment, one is able to see things as they are. This applies to all sensory input.
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Exercise
The purpose of the following exercise is to practice the key idea above. The exercise introduces the concept of looking by letting the student experience it. This may be accomplished quite quickly in most cases.
Exercise 1
- Look around the room and observe different objects. Notice if the mind is labeling these objects as you look at them. For example, the mind may present the thought, “This is a lamp,” when you look at a lamp.
- If so, then do not stop the mind from labeling the objects. Simply notice the activity of the mind.
Exercise 2
- Look around the room and observe different objects. Notice if the mind is evaluating as you look at them. For example, the mind may present the thought, “This is an expensive lamp,” as you look at a lamp.
- If so, then do not stop the mind from evaluating. Simply notice the activity of the mind.
Exercise 3
- Look around the room and observe different objects. Notice if the mind is offering any conclusions as you look at them. For example, the mind may present the thought, “I will never buy this lamp,” as you look at a lamp.
- If so, then do not stop the mind from offering conclusions. Simply notice the activity of the mind.
Exercise 4
- Look around the room and observe different objects. Notice if there are thoughts appearing in the mind.
- If so, then do not suppress the thoughts from appearing in the mind. Simply notice these thoughts while continuing to look at the objects.
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Postulate Mechanics
The understanding of Postulate Mechanics starts with looking.
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