Observing thoughts and observing no thoughts are two different states. But don't worry so much about what state you are in; just be in it. That's what Tolle is talking about -- he's not telling you to strive for a particular state. Striving takes you out of the now and creates thoughts. He's saying to thoroughly give up all concern for states and just be as you are that moment. And the secret to getting there is realizing that you're always there, you're just blocking it out with all your thoughts and worries. Why are you worried about bliss? Do you know what bliss is to know you are not experiencing it? Will my description of my bliss help you identify yours? Bliss is the moment that you unconditionally accept and experience without fragmentation. How you experience it is individual and won't translate from person to person.
If you are looking for intuitive insight, don't try to raise the question while you're meditating -- that's a thought and a striving that will take you out of the present. Try this: relax the body, relax the mind, hold on to the question without analyzing it or looking for answers while you let everything else arise and recede in your mind. Hold the question in your mind for a minute or so then let it go completely. Then proceed with your meditation holding your awareness around your heart. If noticing your breath or heartbeat helps with this, go ahead. Just don't let it cause mind movement.
The other key is learning to distinguish between ego and intuition. Ego can put on a near-perfect imitation of intuition; observing thought arising will teach you to differentiate. Intuition comes from a place of peace and knowing.
Good luck!
Andy |