Tracing the I

When you say "I," what do you mean?

Notice the thought "I." Where does it come from? Where does it go?

Trace the I-thought back to its source. Do not follow it outward into thoughts about yourself. Go back—to where it arises.

This is like following a river upstream to find its source.

The I-thought arises from something. What is that something?

As you trace it back, you may find that the I-thought dissolves. It has no substance when you look for it directly.

What remains? That which is aware of the absence of the I-thought.

Stay there. This is your true nature.

You were never the I-thought. You are that which watches it come and go.