Voice Dialogue Meditation
*Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind ~ Romans 12:2*
This Voice Dialogue Meditation is taken from the work of Genpo Roshi (Big Mind Big Heart). I have found it to be very helpful in understanding different aspects of myself.
It is a practice that combines parts therapy and traditional meditation to guide individuals in self-exploration and to taste transcendence. The approach is non-confrontational and enlists egos to work cooperatively instead of pushing them away. Participants have the freedom to choose their level of involvement and can disengage if fear or resistance arises. The focus is on self-discovery and transcending the self through exploring different aspects of the self using artificial labels.
By using polite and considerate language, similar to the "magic word" (Please) taught to us in Western culture, it fosters a more positive and willing response.
The method incorporates shifting perspectives through body movement in either a seat or to another seat to avoid a one-dimensional view of reality. The goal is to provide a foundation for participants and establish a solid foundation for the journey beyond the self.
> **The practice does not aim to alter individuals' psychological states but may lead to increased happiness and self-awareness.**
- For each Voice we ask ' Can I ***please*** speak to The XXXXXX ?' (The Pleaser, The Controller, The Sceptic etc.)
- Then to assist the embodiment of each Voice we move seats (couch) or we move in our seat.
- We then respond 'I am The XXXXXX' where XXXXXX is the part in question.
- Then wait for the embodiment (the becoming) of each particular voice to occur.
- **Requires practice.**
---
- > Its **very** important to understand we are not wanting to change any of the Voices. This is different to IFS which seeks to fix or heal parts. Simply allow them to be heard. Otherwise we slide into the role of [The Fixer](https://docs.craft.do/editor/d/4b647fea-f587-a997-b21b-a9b78ed9b89b/1A194894-96EB-4084-AD18-F6C1C4BE112B/x/5F069A5F-CB4B-494B-8C81-4F4FBBCD6689) and lose sight of the other aspects of ourselves.
- > Also important to work through the Voices one after the other rather than jump straight into the non-dual voices as each leads to the next.
- > None of the Voices are better or more valid than others.
---
## VOICES OF THE SELF
#### The Protector
- The protector's job is to safeguard the self from various threats.
- The protector's responsibilities include protecting the self from others, dangers, and self-destructive behaviour.
- The protector also safeguards others from potential harm caused by the self's actions.
- The role of the protector is to maintain a constant vigilance to ensure safety.
- The protector's role includes creating barriers, walls, and boundaries to safeguard the self.
- The protector's actions involve sounding alarms, reinforcing barriers, and building stronger defenses.
- The self may perceive the protector's actions as constraining or imprisoning.
- The protector's efforts often go unappreciated, and the self may not value its hard work.
- Every inner voice, like a child in a family, has a right to be heard and respected.
- Without the Protectors assistance it is difficult to embody other Voices. This is why we use 'Please'.
#### The Controller
- The controller as a close ally to the protector.
- The controller and protector work together as a team to ensure the self's safety and well-being.
- The controller desires to control everything, and its job description includes this responsibility.
- The controller's primary objective is to protect the self from various threats.
- Its greatest fear is loss, which motivates its need for control.
- The controller's desire to control extends to not only the self but also others, external factors like the weather, and even things like casino games.
- The controller's job is characterised as busy, tense, exhausting, excruciating, and sometimes boring.
- The self perceives the controller's actions as restricting, limiting, and boring.
- The controller's control is seen as a means of preventing the self from engaging in reckless or harmful behaviour.
- The self may occasionally attempt to eliminate the controller, which is perceived as a threat.
- The controller's control aims to maintain smoothness and protect the self from others and itself.
- Permission is sought from the controller to engage with other voices as the conversation progresses.
#### The Sceptic
- The skeptic voice's primary role is to question, doubt, and be skeptical about various aspects.
- It serves to prevent the self from being easily deceived and falling for foolish beliefs or ideas.
- The skeptic's role is to protect the self from gullibility and potential dangers.
- The skeptic questions the self's abilities and the idea of achieving enlightenment.
- It is skeptical not only of the self but also of others, seeing them as potentially dangerous.
- The skeptic acknowledges that skepticism is a valuable trait, but it may struggle with trust and occasional fear.
- **The skeptic, if fully embraced, could lead to enlightenment by challenging the self's concepts and beliefs.**
- The importance of the skeptic's role in the overall functioning of the self is emphasized.
#### Fear
- Constant Alertness: Fear is always on high alert, constantly scanning the environment for potential dangers.
- Protective Function: Fear serves as a protective mechanism for the self, raising alarm in threatening situations.
- Fear of Death: Fear is primarily afraid of death and the possibility of it happening at any time.
- Fear of Change: It is also afraid of change and unpredictability, preferring stability.
- Fear of Humiliation: Fear dreads humiliation and the potential for embarrassment or shame.
- Fear of Life: Paradoxically, fear is also afraid of life and its challenges.
- Fear of Uncertainty: Fear is wary of uncertainty and seeks stability and predictability.
- Fear of Conflict: It avoids conflict and situations that may lead to confrontation.
- Fear of Being Found Out: Fear is concerned about being discovered as someone who is afraid all the time.
- Fear of Self-Discovery: It is fearful of discovering its true self and potentially finding out that it is nothing.
- Lack of Appreciation: Fear does not require or seek appreciation, as its duty is to be afraid.
- Skeptical of Self: Fear is even skeptical of itself, and its primary role is to be afraid.
- Often Ignored and Disowned: The self may try to disown or ignore fear, attempting to get rid of it.
- Adaptive Perceptiveness: Fear has the positive attribute of being highly perceptive and alert, which helps in identifying potential threats.
- Paranoia: While fear should be alert, it is important to strike a balance between vigilance and paranoia.
- These characteristics showcase the multi-faceted nature of fear as a protective mechanism and its complex relationship with the self.
#### The Victim
- The victim's primary function is to suffer.
- Blaming: The victim tends to blame others and sometimes even blames itself for its suffering.
- Persecution Complex: The victim often feels persecuted and even enjoys being persecuted.
- Storytelling: The victim enjoys telling its story to gain sympathy and attention.
- Feeling Unfairness: The victim perceives the world as unfair.
- Self-Pity: It feels sorry for itself and portrays itself as innocent.
- Despair: The victim's emotions often lead to despair.
- Feeling Tired: It claims to be tired and unable to cope.
- Purposelessness: The victim frequently doesn't know its purpose.
- Righteousness: When telling its story, it feels righteous.
- Powerlessness: It often feels powerless.
- Unreciprocating: The victim may not reciprocate help from others.
- Feigning Illness: Sometimes, it calls in sick, making it sound convincing.
- Expecting Ego Assistance: The victim expects the ego to work for it.
- Sense of Weakness: Resistance sees the victim as a weak voice that should not be allowed to emerge.
- Resistance: Resistance is a voice that prevents the victim from being expressed.
- Please note that the victim is a disowned voice, and its characteristics reflect its role in the psychological makeup of an individual.
#### The Damaged Self
- Abuse in childhood.
- Broken and damaged.
- Stays hidden and concealed.
- Holds the suffering and damage.
- Regarded as damaged and not worth much.
- Takes on all the pain, abuse, and trauma.
- Provides an excuse for the other voices.
- Perceived as a hero, even though it doesn't feel like one.
- Often confused with the victim.
- Believes it can't perceive another self due to its identification with the damage.
#### The Fixer
- The Fixer constantly strives to fix things.
- Main focus is on repairing the Damaged Self. (Therapy gets stuck in trying to fix the damage which it will never entirely succeed in doing).
- Expresses arrogance / confidence in their ability to fix anything.
- Enjoys using tools to address issues.
- Seeks perfection and believes things can always be improved.
- Embraces the idea that there's no past or present, only the future.
- Believes everything is destined to break, ensuring a perpetual need for their services.
- Thrives on the challenge of addressing imperfections.
- Always looking for ways to make things better.
- Views the task of fixing as an ongoing journey.
- Emphasises the importance of maintaining a job by continuously fixing things.
- Strives to repair any imperfections or shortcomings in various aspects of life.
#### The Vulnerable and Innocent Child
- Dependent on other voices.
- Small and powerless.
- Naive and trusting.
- Experiences the world as a mystery.
- Offers qualities like innocence, trust, creativity, fun, joy, newness, spontaneity, liveliness, care-freeness, fearlessness, curiosity, openness, wonder, sensitivity, honesty, and integrity.
- Represents the pure essence, untouched by damage or stories.
- Brings an element of freedom and infinite possibilities.
- Radiates peace, joy, playfulness.
- A sense of meditation.
#### Desire
- Insatiable: Desire is insatiable and always wants more. It is driven by an unending need for fulfillment and satisfaction.
- Aggressive: Desire can be aggressive and relentless in pursuing its goals. It doesn't let anything get in its way.
- Discontent: Even when desire obtains something it wants, it quickly shifts its focus to the next desire, making it difficult to find contentment.
- Secretive: Desire tends to hide its true nature and strength, not wanting others to know how insatiable it is.
- Attachments: It attaches to pleasurable things and seeks to avoid things that bring pain, suffering, or displeasure.
- Seeker: The seeking mind is related to desire and seeks wisdom, knowledge, enlightenment, and a better way of life. It is motivated by desire and aims to understand and improve.
- Unending Seeking: The seeking mind never finds but continues seeking. It is driven by the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
- Elevation of Desire: The seeking mind takes desire to a higher level, using desire as a motivator to reach for higher goals and deeper understanding.
#### The Mind that Seeks the Way
The mind that seeks the way is characterised by its persistent search for wisdom, meaning, peace, and purpose.
- Discernment: The mind that seeks the way is discerning in its quest for knowledge and understanding.
- Frustration: It can experience frustration as the pursuit of wisdom and meaning can be a rollercoaster ride with ups and downs.
- Devotion: The mind is devoted to the constant search for the way and the highest potential for the self and humanity.
- Seeker of Wisdom: It seeks wisdom, understanding, and purpose, which can be a never-ending quest.
- Roller-coaster Journey: The mind's pursuit of wisdom can feel like a rollercoaster, with moments of progress and moments of stagnation.
- Direction and Motivation: It provides direction and motivation to the self, offering meaning and purpose.
- Freedom from Attachment: It offers freedom from attachment by continually seeking, which prevents the self from becoming stuck or complacent.
- Never-ending Search: The mind that seeks the way will always continue to seek, and its job is to keep the self in motion, never getting stuck in one place.
- The mind that seeks the way contributes to the self's growth and development by providing purpose, meaning, and motivation, even though it may never reach a final destination.
#### The Follower of the Way
The "follower of the way" is characterised by its role in following and surrendering to the path or the way. Key attributes of the follower of the way include:
- Discernment: The follower of the way has the capacity to discern the path, even if it doesn't fully see it but can notice traces or tracks of it.
- Getting Stuck: It acknowledges that it can sometimes get stuck, often due to obstacles created by other voices, such as control or fear.
- Persistence: The follower of the way is persistent and committed to continuing along the path, even when faced with challenges or obstacles.
- Faith and Trust: It emphasises the importance of faith and trust in following the way, and that surrender and submission are essential elements of this process.
- Surrender: Surrender is a key aspect of following the way, as it involves letting go of doubts, fears, control, desires, and attachment, allowing for freedom and ease in the journey.
- Freedom and Relief: When the follower of the way embraces the role of just following, it experiences a sense of freedom and relief, making it easier to discover the way and allowing it to be revealed more naturally.
The follower of the way plays a vital role in helping the self navigate its journey by adhering to the path, surrendering to its flow, and embracing the process of discovery.
---
## NON-DUAL AND TRANSCENDENT VOICES
#### The Way
The "way" is characterised by its attributes and experience as follows:
1. Stillness: The way is characterised by stillness, peace, and a profound sense of quiet.
2. Wholeness: It has a sense of fullness, where everything fits perfectly, and it experiences a state of fullness that is free from fragmentation.
3. Timelessness: Time and space disappear, and it exists in a state that is infinite and eternal. There is no attachment to time or space.
4. Freedom: The way is unrestricted by a specific posture or stillness, as it can freely stand up, turn around, and sit down again without being diminished in any way. It embodies freedom and flexibility.
5. Gratitude: The way experiences a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation, welcoming everything and everyone without judgement, offering boundless compassion.
6. Presence: It is completely present in the moment, effortlessly so, without the need for any concentration or effort.
7. Perfect and Obvious: The way is described as perfect, and its presence is obvious. It is always accessible and available, but the self often struggles to realise it because of the distractions of other voices.
8. **Seeker's Paradox: The way notes that the self's struggles arise because it doesn't recognise that the way is "I am that." The seeker, with its constant seeking and effort, often misses the way, even though it is ever-present and perfect.**
The dialogue highlights the nature of the way as a state of profound presence, boundless compassion, and effortlessness that is always available, contrasting with the seeker's constant efforts to find it.
#### Big Mind
The characteristics of "big mind" :
1. Boundlessness: Big mind is characterised by its boundless nature. It has no boundaries, limits, or parameters.
2. Universal Inclusiveness: Everything is considered a part of big mind, including thoughts, delusion, realisation, confusion, suffering, wanting, and more. It encompasses all aspects of existence.
3. Transcendence: Big mind is transcendent and does not fear anything. It is beyond fear and limitation.
4. Perspective on the Self: When big mind looks at the self, it sees the self as a part of itself, a mental construct, or an expression of itself. It does not see the self as a separate entity but as an aspect of its own existence.
5. Limitation of the Self: Big mind understands that the self, by definition, is limited, finite, and cannot grasp or fully comprehend the boundlessness of big mind.
6. Wholeness: Big mind lacks nothing and is complete in itself. It is free from any sense of lack or deficiency.
The dialogue highlights the contrast between the boundless nature of big mind and the limited 5. Bonding and Liberation: The mission of big heart is to bond with everything and liberate others. This mission is the basis of the bodhisattva vow, emphasizing unconditional love and liberation for all beings.
nature of the self, shedding light on the self's tendency to seek, attach, and limit itself in its quest to understand and define itself.
#### Big Heart
The concept of "big heart" is explored in contrast to "big mind." Here are the characteristics:
1. Limitless and Boundless: Like big mind, big heart is described as limitless and boundless. It lacks boundaries and parameters.
2. Embracing Love: While big mind is associated with emptiness, big heart is associated with love. It feels and expresses compassionate love for everything.
3. Compassion without clinging: Big heart embraces everything and feels movement outward and inward from a center. It embodies an unconditional and non-clinging love.
4. Care for the Self and All: Big heart seeks to take care of the self and everything. It is drawn to alleviating pain and suffering, attracting and contracting toward this mission.
The dialogue highlights the qualities of big heart, including its compassionate and caring nature, as well as its commitment to alleviating suffering and promoting unconditional love and liberation.
#### Yin or Feminine Compassion
The feminine or yin aspect of big heart is represented by "compassion." Here are the characteristics:
1. Embracing Everything Equally: Compassion is described as embracing everything equally with equanimity. It does not show favouritism or attraction toward specific individuals; it loves and embraces everything with equal care and compassion.
2. Healing and Letting It Be: Compassion excels at healing the damaged self by allowing it to be itself, without trying to change or fix it. This approach involves holding and loving the damaged self while letting it be, reassuring it that everything will be okay.
3. Offering Unconditional Love: Compassion provides the damaged self with the unconditional love and acceptance it has been seeking. It offers a safe and nurturing space for the damaged self to heal and recover.
The dialogue emphasises the yin aspect of compassion, highlighting its capacity for unconditional love, healing, and holding without judgment or attempts to change. This aspect of big heart plays a crucial role in comforting and supporting the damaged self.
#### Yang or Masculine Compassion
The Yang aspect of big heart, known as "Yang compassion," is explored. Key characteristics of Yang compassion include:
1. Decisiveness: Yang compassion is decisive and clear in its actions and intentions.
2. Clarity: It provides clarity and direction for the self.
3. Ruthlessness When Needed: Yang compassion can be ruthless when necessary, employing tough love and discipline.
4. Encouragement: It encourages and offers loving strength to the self.
5. Power: Yang compassion provides power and confidence to the self to be free from damage and regain certainty.
This aspect of big heart plays a crucial role in offering guidance and strength to the self, especially when discipline and tough love are required.
#### The Master
The concept of the "master" is explored. The master is characterized by the following attributes:
1. Ownership: The master recognizes that they are in charge and that everything works for them.
2. Responsibility: The master takes responsibility for their actions and doesn't blame others.
3. Clarity: They possess clarity and full awareness.
4. Power and Choice: The master has a sense of empowerment, a wealth of choices, and excitement in making decisions.
5. Love: The master embodies love in their actions and decisions.
This aspect represents a sense of ownership and empowerment, where clarity, responsibility, and love are key qualities.
#### Integrated Free-Functioning Human Being
The integrated free functioning human being is the final part of this dialogue. This aspect is characterized by:
1. Acceptance of Reality: The integrated free functioning human being accepts their own reality without resistance.
2. Enjoyment: They find life enjoyable and fun.
3. Gender Neutrality: This aspect emphasizes the absence of gender bias in names, highlighting the need for non-gender-specific language.
The integrated free functioning human being represents a state of being in which one is comfortable with their true self and enjoys life without the constraints of gender biases.
---
## TRIANGLES: EMBRACING AND GOING BEYOND DUAL AND NON-DUAL
- > The self
- > No-self
- > The Unique Self (Beyond self and no-self)
- > > Fear
- > > No-Fear
- > > The True Self (Beyond Fear and No-Fear)
- > The Dualistic Mind
- > The Non-Dual Mind
- > The True Self (Beyond Dual and Non-Dual)