This idea obviously follows from the two preceding ones. But while you may be
able to accept it intellectually, it is unlikely that it will mean anything to
you as yet. However, understanding is not necessary at this point. In fact, the
recognition that you do not understand is a prerequisite for undoing your false
ideas. These exercises are concerned with practice, not with understanding. You
do not need to practice what you really understand. It would indeed be circular
to aim at understanding, and assume that you have it already.
It is difficult for the untrained mind to believe that what seems to be pictured
before it is not there. This idea can be quite disturbing, and may meet with
active resistance in any number of forms. Yet that does not preclude applying
it. No more than that is required for these or any other exercises. Each little
step will clear a little of the darkness away, and understanding will finally
come to lighten every corner of the mind which has been cleared of the debris
that darkens it.
These exercises, for which three or four practice periods are sufficient,
involve looking about you and applying the idea for the day to whatever you see,
remembering the need for its indiscriminate application, and the essential rule
of excluding nothing. It is emphasized again that while complete inclusion
should not be attempted, specific exclusion must be avoided. Be sure you are
honest in making this distinction. You may be tempted to obscure it.
For example:
"I do not see this typewriter as it is
now."
"I do not see this key as it is now."
"I do not see this telephone as it is now."
Begin with things that are nearest you, and then extend the range:
"I do not see that coat rack as it is
now."
"I do not see that face as it is now."
"I do not see that door as it is now."
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