In this contemplation we make space in a way that is absolutely essential to self-inquiry, and in fact essential for all meditation.
It’s so important to have a few moments that are not about “how to live your life,” that are not to be judged as a way of life that leads this or that way, nothing at all even about attaining something that will help you in the future.
It’s only temporary. It doesn’t mean you won’t think about how to live your life later, if that interests you. It doesn’t mean that you won’t think about what you want to get, even spiritual things you want to get to, in the future. But just for now, it’s not about that.
And the same with the past. Just leave that aside, just for now. Those stories can be thought about later, but just for now leave past and future aside. You’ll come back to them later.
And any expectation or hope of gaining something– you’ll gain things in the future. Just for now, leave that aside. Not waiting for anything. Just leave all that aside.
Even if thought comes about those things, that’s fine, but you are not going to get busy and engaged with that. You’ll do that later. You’ll pick all that up later but for now that’s checked at the door.
Without all those things, what is there?
And just as is the case with all the contemplations here in this challenge, you should do about 5 minutes of untimed silent sitting before or after. (The time is just a guideline, read: no need to go for a long time, and stop when you feel like it).
Maybe before you do your silent sitting, you might leave all this stuff aside and check it out. What is, without all that?
Check Your Past, Future, Beliefs and Expectations at the Door
just for a moment, temporarily, leave everything out for later
