| | Great questions, Gary.
Yes, the object does "break up," as the anaology suggests. As you notice more and more the subtle vibratory sensations that make up the experience of a seemingly solid object, you begin to really notice the Three Characteristics (impermanence, selflessness, and unsatisfactoriness) of each fleeting sensation. This, IMO, is what it means to penetrate an object.
Regarding your experience of being "inside" a solid and fluid breath sensation, this sounds more like what happens sometimes when concentration gets really strong. We can become so fixed on the process of breathing that we move with it. From my view point, the object (in this case, the breath) is not being penetrated when this happens. If it's solid, there's more noticing to be done. When this happens again, direct your concentration (which is probably pretty strong at this point) to the particle-like sensations that the breath is composed of, and then watch them all arise and pass away swiftly. I'm confident that you can do this.
Also, if you're having a hard time noticing the more subtle sensations, you may wish to try noticing the more gross sensations that arise and pass. The rising and falling of the abdomen are great for this. When rising is happening, note "rising, rising." When it stops, note it. When falling is happening, note "falling, falling." When it stops, note it. This always helps my mind incline toward noticing the arising and passing of sensations.
I hope this helps. Good luck! |