METHOD

     The method of contemplation presumes prior analysis and thoughtful reflection of the practitioner and confidence in the possibility of illumination based on the principle of nonduality.   What is call “logical proof” is no proof at all because reasoning is partial and obscured by mental factors; mind is limited and insufficient for establishing “final proof”, which can only be found through direct experience.  This type of contemplative science advocated by Advaitayana Yoga is a nonconceptual understanding that bypasses the mind, once it has been used properly to attain certainty in analytical formats.   Beyond the analytical formats, the conceptual basis for further progress, a nonconceptual approach is the necessity.   Rational and critical affirmations and negations must serve their purpose but must be swept aside once their utility is exhausted. The initial thrust of learning contemplative science is to notice what the mind keeps doing habitually.   We don’t have to direct the mind in its habitual processes; it will do its own thing, it will go along on its own way.  So we can learn to just watch it, just witness its operations.  There is no need to correct it.  There is, however, a need to let the mind rest and remain free and openly receptive.  This is done by just remaining as a witness.  When watching what the mind is up to an incredible event occurs: the practitioner feels himself as pure witnessing awareness, pure consciousness, and the mind stops its incessant chattering.  At this point the Advaitayana Yogi gets a glimpse of original nature.  This glimpse evolves itself out of obscurations and limitations into self-recognition of its universal omniscience.