| | the way across third nana, which i am almost certain is where you are right now, is by keeping up attention but letting it take on a life of its own. you may come to some serious blockages or brick wall-kind of feelings, but thats totally fine, in fact, it can be fun to play with. let the intensity build up and break down, just keep getting closer and closer to it, again and again, before 'flinching' and avoiding it. at some point, you'll either break through, or it will stop coming on so intensely, and either way (it doesn't matter which one) you will get through to the stage of arising & passing away.
if it's too hot to handle, just dont handle it. let go, let go, let go.. and let the sensations do their own thing. can you feel vibrations throughout the body? let your body just sit there and hum.. tune in to the resonances. they're pleasant, and should be of some aid through this difficult territory. 50% attention to the vibrations, 50% attention to relaxing into them even more. what is your current technique or mode of practice like? i would advocate less controlled breathing, and more attention to how breathing just presents itself naturally, however it is, smooth or ragged, deep or shallow.. and also attention to the attitude of the mind (is there craving or aversion?), with the aim of noticing that your attitude itself is also made of sensations - that is, fleeting sensate impressions. and be patient.. learning to get through this one can take a while, but once you do - and if you keep going you certainly will - then it'll be time for some real fun. |