|
The
Enlightenment Technique
|
|
| At the core of the Enlightenment Intensive is the dyad. These dyad periods are 40 minutes long, during which each participant sits opposite a partner whilst contemplating a koan (a question that the mind cannot answer satisfactorily), with the intention of directly experiencing themselves. The koan most often used is “Who Am I?” The contemplator communicates to a silent listening partner whatever occurs in his/her consciousness as a direct result of their contemplation. After 5 minutes the roles reverse and the contemplator becomes the listener, and vice versa. This cycles around until the 40 minute period has passed. | |
|
The
Power of Real Contact
|
|
| One of the reasons this process is so powerful is due to the direct contact participants have. The nature of this contact is non-physical and differs greatly from the type of contact that we have become accustomed to in the world. Ordinarily, contact is based on forming and maintaining relationships which mostly carry personal agendas and are inevitably charged. The contact that is established on Enlightenment Intensives is not orientated toward developing relationships, but rather to be supportive in a silent openness of reflection. In the receptive role, one is simply available to the other, listening without interuption, evaluation or consequences overlaid on what is communicated. In the active role, one is encouraged to communicate authentically, honestly, and without discerning what is usually considered socially acceptable according to the individuals preferred model. The participant simply communicates what arises out of their contemplation from wherever they are, regardless of whether it is egoic, mental, emotional, or from the very core of their Being. This type of contact is a very significant part of the Intensive and one which carries far reaching implications when the individual returns to a more normal environment outside of the retreat. | |
|
The
Schedule & Rules
|
|
| Additionally there is a carefully crafted pre-set schedule and a set of simple rules, which together with the Enlightenment technique are designed to maximise the participants chances of having an enlightenment experience. Essentially by employing these means in a self-responsible manner, a conducive environment is co-created which disarms the mind's Self-avoidance strategies and therefore becomes fertile ground for awakening to occur. This environment is an all too rare opportunity for the individual to let go of all external considerations and simply focus all their attention on enlightenment for the duration of the retreat (most often 3 days) without distraction. | |