Hey man,
It sounds like an experience of no-self alright, congratulations :-)
As for what gives a path, it appears that a huge number of approaches do the trick, for me stream entry came with time and practice, second path with a lot of effort and noting 24-7, third path with a more easy and intuitive, open and targeted approach (really looking out for an understanding of the three characteristics, suffering in particular, searching for what it was that was not being perceived clearly enough).
The only thing that has been constant is that practice has been necessary, but all of the paths happened of their own accord, usually at unexpected times and more or less out of nowhere (even if, I was in equanimity at the time).
As for the best approach or attitude, it seems that this changes frequently. Now I am at a point where surrender is just about the only thing that makes sense but I remember making a lot of progress (even if it was a bit unpleasant at times) with a more aggressive approach earlier on. I suspect that really going for it (despite not being able to tell what it is that one is going for) early on is a good way to go if one is strong enough to do it. And at the end the only thing that matters for the first three paths is to apply the technique well, to understand what it means, what it is, to meditate (and to do it well and frequently); to experientially know and to learn how to perceive reality as it happens moment-to-moment. Practice does it.
All the best and happy popping.
Pavel
