More About Double Attention

[GeorgeGogle]

Great martial artists also achieve amazing results in their performance by applying D.A., that is by seeing simultaneously their rival and themselves as if from some distance. Thus they can calmly estimate the formation of the fight and execute correct and resultant movements.

[GeorgeGogle]

Another Zen teacher (I think it was Suzuiki) was saying that for awakened practicioner everything is the same as for others with only difference that now he feels or has a "distance" between himself and the rest of the world's phenomenas, even between himself and his own body, thoughts, feelings, etc. I think this is the main core of the D.A. as taught by Zen teachers.

[GeorgeGogle]

This kind of practice is not new of course but good for James to bring it back in a fresh form again. I believe this approach can help many who suffer from daily distractions and inner conflicts. D.A. method has had been mentioned and taught by many teachers now and before. For example Osho was referring to this method as one of his meditative practices for his group and now days I noticed such teachers as Mooji, E.Tolle and Adyashanti speaking about D.A.

[GeorgeGogle]

James, what happens when we lose double attention, meaning what is so bad about losing it in truth?... I understand that it might be not desirable in order to maintain one's awareness of the environment and ability to react accordingly , but is this really so bad and how bad is it? Thanks.

[JamesJTraitz]

@GeorgeGogle It's not that it is so bad,but it is the ordinary state of consciousness-with all of the distractions,worries ,fears,anxieties.We become 'lost' in the 'parade' of the external matrix and tend to fall into internal considering,expression of negative emotion and habitual and repetitious behaviors

[GeorgeGogle]

@JamesJTraitz  Ok, I now understand what you meant. Very clear explanation, thanks!

[cuervo1957]

So what is the benefit of being in the state of double attention? Because, I am assuming that when one is sitting by that river watching the debris going by and also being aware of the sun on your face and your breathing and other things, someone can still come up behind you and surprise you in any way they want. So what is the benefit of double attention?

BTW, I appreciate all your videos, thanks for taking the timed to post them where we can all learn things that are not taught anywhere else.

[JamesJTraitz]

Just try it (Double Attention) for yourself and you will feel the heightened awareness

[GeorgeGogle]

@JamesJTraitz James, what happens when we lose double attention, meaning what is so bad about losing it in truth?... I understand that it might be not desirable in order to maintain one's awareness of the environment and ability to react accordingly , but is this really so bad and how bad is it? Thanks.

[thesonofmetallica123]

You are refering to The Ambush of the Flyer . To achieve sucsess in remaining present without internal dialogue, we have to be as vigillant warriors guarding the treasure. It seems we must learn to stand, weapons in hand , in readiness at the gateway of the mind. If we sleep even for a moment the intruder will slip through our gaurd. When it slips through,you are cought and pulled along by its magnetic tail until you can extrocate yourself. This is called the 'Tail or 'tail'' of the Flyer'.

[mrjones422]

So no one watching this video was in double attention I am assuming by watching this video? Cause I was focused on what you where saying.

[JamesJTraitz]

If you maintained an awareness of yourself while watching ,then you were

[sciencerules175]

its only recently when i began to look deeper. i wonder where this beginning can take me. i dont think it could end

[gnosis555]

How do you keep Double Attention during the day at work, and surviving in our hectic environment? I've been practicing double attention, but when I need to do something, I find myself focusing or zooming in on it to complete the task, and then only afterwards do I breathe and enter a grounded/aware state of double attention. Is this an incorrect approach, and if so, how do you go about life connected, surviving, and getting lots of tasks done while maintaining strengthened consciousness?

[OpenMind00]

I felt the same way as you. However, with continued work and effort you begin to get used to the feeling and start to see things differently. IE being aware of others expressions, mannerisms, actions etc while still being aware of yourself or working on a project and trying to stay in that double attention self remembering state. " 'I ' am hitting this hammer on the nail head" Things u never used to be aware of become visible to you.

Its not easy. we are talking years of work, my friend.

[OpenMind00]

Jim,

While at the river, don't you need to be aware of yourself as well? Isn't that the added kick, the shock of conscious work needed to increase the octaves. You can do the double attention exercise but If its done without remembering oneself as a being, a being aware of oneself and remembering themself it will fall short of the work needed to shock oneself.

However, I think you were giving a simple double attention exercise example.

[CommanderUTube]

My brother gets to that a Zen point of singularity by listening to his classical music until he is aware of an inner presence which he takes to be real. I thought he was crazy but know better. He is a high achiever and a Professor to boot.

But can people become possessed by practising double attention? Serious, I came across someone who seems to have lost his mind (completely inert) practising some sort of Falungong. Looks happy enough though!

[Panaceamedia]

I'm interested in how you would describe the involuntary mental weakness type of spacing out versus the mental acumen serene controlled way of rising above one's surroundings.

[LightDetective]

Fantastic chat on double attention! You've skipped the esoterics and gone right for the real nitty gritty fundamental reality of a consciously alert mind fully alert in the here and now, versus a distracted mind whose attention gets hijacked by whatever bright and shiny stimulus arises - and most of the time those bright and shiny objects that hijack the perception are thoughts and internal dialogue. Good show!

[wardenofthetomb]

James,

How would you differentiate between double attention and what's commonly known as "spacing out"? Usually the term "spacing out" is used negatively to point out the fact that someone is not on their toes.

Also, by the way, I really appreciate what you're doing with the YouTube videos - I think your practical message can help a lot of people on their spiritual paths.

Rashed

[OpenMind00]

Spacing out would be when you are focused on some 'distraction so to speak' thought, object whatever and lose your overall awareness.

Double Attention is completely opposite as you are aware of everything going on around you and not just day dreaming (spacing out) about the lady in the red dress.