Reflection in the Shaded Courtyard

"Learning from internal sources, one engages in Reflection in the Shaded Courtyard upon developing conceptual paths of return from the Solidity of Interpretation of Experience to the Insubstantial Basis of Being." - Walking the Wakeful Path Home

The Shaded Courtyard is the fourth of six locations identified in 'Walking the Wakeful Path Home.'

The image of a shaded courtyard evokes a flourishing, natural, peaceful place to spend time in Reflection, supported by the stability of nearby structure and society.

In walking the wakeful path of Asheyana, one develops a close and genuine relationship with the nature of their own mind.

Walking the wakeful path home has a natural, peaceful feel to it, though there may be exciting or disappointing detours along the way.

From an Asheyana perspective, the path is not linear, though, in retrospect, one's path may appear linear when framed to share for understanding.

In learning from internal sources, one is developing skill in working with their own mind in friendliness.

In engaging in Reflection in the Shaded Courtyard, one is allowing space and time for this friendly relationship, for this skill with mind, to naturally develop.

This step has to do with refining one's approach to skillfully working with mental and emotional arisings in daily life or pervadings throughout daily life.

It is recommended to spend some time walking or pacing in a nearby, public garden or natural space that has trees and plant and animal life moving freely through, organically. Overly cultivated, manicured, or sterile, natural-looking spaces can be avoided in this step.

The 'Solidity of Interpretation of Experience' has to do with taking the perception present right now as permanent and true.

'Developing conceptual paths of return' has to do with applying practices and reminders to interrupt the solidity, gently leading the mind back to the Insubstantial Basis of Being.

The Progression of Reflection

Reflection has a progression from mindfulness of emergent sensory experience through absorption into non-sensory experience.

The sub-steps are as follows:

• Mindfulness

One is in touch with sensory and mental experience as discovered in the Eight Foundations of Mindfulness, presently experiencing body as body, senses as senses, mind as mind, and awareness as awareness. 

• Comprehension

Through wise attention, one becomes aware when:

• Some mental or emotional state has arisen:

• Such as a strong emotion like disgust or exultation, or

• Such as a strong thought like 'I should be happier', or 'I made a mistake', or 'why me?', and so on

• Or some mental or emotional state is discovered as pervading:

  • Such as a strong state like depression or despair

In this way, one comprehends an arisen 'solidity' in interpreting their own experience.

• Reflection

One then gently returns to abiding in the Insubstantial Basis of Being through:

• • Recognition

    • Regarding the arisen state as known or knowable rather than incomprehensible, novel, and unique

    • Applying mindfulness and to discern the experiential qualities of the arisen state

    • Applying clear seeing to discern the visceral difference of the arisen state from the Insubstantial Basis  

  • Re-establishment

    • Recalling the peace and freedom of the Insubstantial Basis

    • Re-establishing oneself in the Insubstantial Basis of Being

    • Regarding the arisen state from that re-established perspective

  • Resolution

    • Reflecting with wisdom on the mental or emotional path one took to be able to step out of the arisen state

    • Resolving the arisen state with humor and kindness

    • Reclaiming the resolved state as an arising of one's own mind, like a wave in the ocean

One may also apply inquisitiveness as to why the state arose in the first place, shifting effort towards the Insubstantial Basis of Concepts.

• Concentration

Having re-established the Insubstantial Basis of Being, experiencing again its peace and freedom, one concentrates with gratitude and faith on the qualities of that state. 

• Absorption

To deepen mindfulness further, one takes a seat, then relaxing Mindfulness of Senses, applying effort to Mindfulness of Attention, and letting the qualities of the Insubstantial Basis of Being express themselves.

Absorption in this way can help to develop strength of mind and wise attention for when mental and emotional states next arise in daily life.

Reflection Practices

It is recommended for one to develop and share their own Reflection practices, concepts, and reminders.

Some known practices include:

• Reflection Support: Unobstructed

• Reflection Support: Unperforated

• Reflection Support: Altruistic Abidings

Further Reflection practices may enumerated here as appropriate.

Abiding peacefully in the Shaded Courtyard, one sees the many detours and side trails along the way home.

First, one may see these detours and side trails as distractions and personal failings to practicing well.

Next, one may see traversed detours and side trails as accomplishments and personal confirmations of practicing skillfully.

Finally, one may see these detours and side trails as supports for knowing for oneself what is the way is forward, towards home.

May these words inspire the Asheyana practitioner to develop skill in Reflection and delight in resting peacefully in the Insubstantial Basis of Being. May it be of benefit.