Points of view
Points of view, in the teaching of Candice O'Denver, encompass all appearances, phenomena, and experiences that arise within awareness. Think of it as the entire landscape of our perception, both internal and external.
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The External World: Everything we perceive through our senses : people, objects, nature, time, space, etc.
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Internal Sensations: This includes physical sensations like touch and taste, as well as our thoughts, emotions, and mental states.
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Concepts and Labels: The words we use, the ideas we form, our beliefs, judgments, and the stories we create about ourselves and the world are all points of view.
Essentially, anything that can be labeled, described, or conceptualized is a point of view.
The Illusory Nature of Points of View
The key to understanding points of view is recognizing their empty nature. They are like :
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Mirages: We see a shimmering oasis in the desert, but upon closer inspection, it vanishes.
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Holograms: A three-dimensional image appears, seemingly solid, yet it's just a projection of light.
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Hallucinations: Vivid experiences that appear real but lack any basis in external reality.
Points of view are vivid appearances that lack any inherent, substantial reality. They appear real and solid only because we believe in them and give them meaning.
Key Characteristics of Points of View
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Inseparable from Awareness: Points of view cannot exist independently of awareness. They arise, abide, and dissolve within the space of awareness.
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Impermanent and Fleeting: Like a line drawn in water, points of view are constantly changing, appearing and disappearing. We cannot hold onto them.
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Equal in Nature: Whether we label them as "good" or "bad", "spiritual" or "worldly," all points of view are fundamentally equal. They are all expressions of awareness.
The Importance of Understanding Points of View
Recognizing the illusory nature of points of view is fundamental to the practice of resting as awareness. When we cling to points of view as solid, fixed realities, we create suffering. We chase after pleasurable experiences and try to avoid unpleasant ones, but this pursuit keeps us trapped in a cycle of craving and aversion.
By understanding that points of view are empty, impermanent, and ultimately just appearances within awareness, we can begin to let go of our attachment to them. This letting go allows us to rest in the peace and freedom of our true nature.