2. The Process of Inquiry

The Process of Inquiry

The word exercise usually implies some kind of repetitive activity. “Doing exercise” also assumes there is a set result we are trying to achieve, and the foreknowledge of this “correct” result tends to color our perceptions of that which is expected of us. The purpose of the inquiries is to provide you with a situation in which you can explore and discover new skills for yourself. While it is likely you will discover some of the principles through your own actual practice experience rather than other’s.

No movement, thought, or impulse is insignificant in open awareness. There is no good or bad perception. This nondiscriminatory awareness will allow you to go far beyond the limited perspective that is your lot when your sole concern is to “get it right.” Without this largely self-imposed pressure how delightful it is to experiment and find the true delight of learning. Surely it was this same process of experimentation that allowed the ancient yogis to discover the vast and creative range of practices handed down to us today. It is only through a recapitulation of this process that we can discover the inner meaning of the practice and go beyond mechanical repetition.