Page 14 - Extinguishment of self, in search of dhamma

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If our mindfulness is strong and we can observe and see that the mind and sensations are separate, then, the next step is to observe where these sensations emerge. Just now, I said that (sensations) emerge in the knees. But, it is not necessary for us to feel the structure of the knees. Due to our perceptions (sanna), we believe that (the sensations) are in the knee area. But, do the sensations take the form of the knee? Or, do they emerge as a lump, situating peacefully in an empty space? The observation here will enable us to let go of our attachment (upadana)—our attachment that (these sensations) belong to us.
Then, we need to have the intention to contemplate how these sensations change; how they emerge and cease. Does the aching phenomenon intensify then soften periodically? Or, does it emerge and then disappear quickly and consistently? This is the way to experience the changes of sensations. Therefore, to wilfully contemplate sensations, we should have the intention to experience the emergence, existence, and cessation of sensations. And, we should examine where sensations emerge: Do they emerge in the back? Do they emerge in the shoulders? Do they emerge in the knees? Do they emerge in tranquility? Do they emerge in a wide-open space? Observe in this way.
To contemplate in this way, we must understand that we should wilfully contemplate according to reality, not according to how we want it (Translator’s note: the