Chapter 2 of On No Mind, the three secret gates for tempering truth in the worldly life. We suffer in relationships, often because we enter them carrying the entire script of “me.” Why didn’t he text back? What did she mean by that? I’ve given so much to this family, why is it not understood? We are like directors and lead actors on the stage of intimate, family, and professional relationships, stubbornly demanding others perform according to our script. When they don’t comply, pain, anger, and resentment inevitably arise. Chapter 2 of On No Mind points out that this is precisely the fabrication of “mind at work” in relationships. We project a “self-story” woven from memories, expectations, and judgments, demanding the world—especially significant others—to confirm its truth. Relationships thus become a collision and game between two individuals with “mind at work.” But this chapter also reveals a deeper path: Relationships are not a battlefield, but the finest whetstone for “No Mind.” It presents us with three gates we must pass through. Cross them, and vast horizons open up. Gate 1: The Gate of Emotion – The Fire That Melts “Self-Grasping” Most relational pain stems from boundaries of the “self” that are too rigid. We believe the hurt is real because a real “me” has been hurt by a real “them.” On No Mind offers a disruptive perspective: From the view of the Deep Sea of No Mind, the other is not your “better half,” but another manifestation of Self-Nature. This is not a romantic metaphor, but reality. When you feel hurt, try to see clearly: it is…
Title: The Physics of Suffering: Attention as a "Congealing Projector" Subtitle: The precise mechanism by which 'mind at work' builds your pain, from The Shastra of No Mind Date: 2025-12-17 Tags: attention, psychology, chronic pain, mindfulness, no mind We speak of "paying attention," but rarely consider what we're actually paying with. Attention is not neutral. It is currency. It is creative force. And according to the framework in The Shastra of No Mind, it is the very substance that builds and sustains the experience of illness—both physical and psychological. The process is called "the congealing projection of attention." Let's break down this precise mechanism: The Cycle of Solidification: The Unconscious Spark: A random sensation, memory, or fearful thought arises. "My heart skipped a beat." "That old back injury is acting up." "I'm so overwhelmed." The Hook of 'Mind at Work': Instead of letting it pass, the 'mind at work' (youxin) latches on. It identifies with it: "This is my pain. My problem. My anxiety." This identification is the first act of projection—you project "selfhood" onto a transient event. The Energy Lock: Your conscious energy (attention) now follows this projection and becomes stuck on the location—the body part, the emotional feeling, the mental loop. Like a laser pointer held perfectly still, it stops the natural flow. Congealing into Form: Sustained focused energy alters the frequency of the life energy in that zone. Flowing, high-frequency energy slows, densifies, and congeals. This is not just metaphor. This densified energy is the pain, the tension, the tightness in your chest, the heavy depression. It is energetic ice. The Feedback Loop: The now-solidified sensation ("the ice") feels even more "real" and threatening, which causes the 'mind at work' to panic and focus even more attention…