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I am happy (you) responded; and will share all that I know over the next few threads as long as I receive 1 (you) from you.
The second lesson of dharma is the nature of consciousness. Consciousness is shared amongst living beings, the same way a dog knows you have a treat even before any training exercise begins. You must learn to hear the voices of consciousness, even those which are not agreeable. Find a crowded place, like a popular bar, sit down, and observe. Close your eyes, and continue observing. Slowly, you will learn to identify who is whom, what their problems are, and how best to placate them with sweet words.
The second exercise is to silence the bar - project your spirit consciousness and drive the conversations to a halt by power of will. Weaker souls will bow to the infinite wisdom you are projecting, and silence their voices in deep thought about themselves. Do not think of this as your own achievement, or you will fall out of dharma, as my first pupil.
Rather, consider the silence you can now create as the precursor to true meditation.
Now we will improve your meditative technique.
First, go buy a candle. Stare at the flame. Observe how it flickers and dances; observe how it consumes both the wick and the oil. Extinguish the flame, and sit in darkness.
Clear your mind, and focus all of your consciousness on imagining the flame still flickering within your mind's eye, in full detail. Continue this exercise until the flame feels real, that it truly exists; when your hand goes over the extinguished wick, you recoil for fear of burning your fingers.
Now, in full concentration on maintaining the fire, delete the flame from your mind. What is left? Pure consciousness. Strive to maintain pure consciousness without thought as long as possible in your future meditations.
