QUESTION FROM JOHN
Hello Pitaka, I read the article you wrote and I have a few questions about the Edge Intensives. I understand that the only question participants pursue is the one Ramana Maharshi advised we ask ourselves - "Who am I?" But is there something else that is different about the Edge Intensive? I mean, does one ask or hold the question in a different way? Is this intensive open to only some people? Are participants supported in a different manner? Is the technique of inquiry any different from the regular E.I.? (Find the object of your inquiry - endeavor to experience directly the truth of life, self or other - report only what occurs for you as a result of your inquiry). Why do you call it the "Edge" Intensive?
John

ANSWER TO JOHN
It's the same contemplative "technique" usually used on Enlightenment Intensives. The what am I question is also used. The what or who is not the focus, but the I in both cases. This type of intensive is not for everyone. The participants are supported onto what's called the "fast track" in intensive jargon. It's possible for people who are ready and committed to go deeper faster and stay there longer having major experience more easily and learning what I call easy access to direct experience. Hopefully they can discover this access is also available outside the dyad, alone or with others in life.

The Edge Intensive evolved because I felt the frustration of the beginners when I was speaking to groups on my Intensives which were half filled with seasoned contemplators and those who were for whatever reason prepared to go deeper quickly. Also, I had many experiences as a participant in the past when my direct experience was cut off or interrupted by the schedule.

I encourage people to stay with the experience when it occurs and not abandon it for anything or anyone, not for the schedule, not for me, etc. There is a lot more flexibility all around to allow for this to be everyone's priority. For example, If a person is still for two hours, as they are breathing, I will not try to move them but will adapt the dyad room around them instead and carry on.

Another reason The Edge Intensive evolved is that I went on several Intensives out in New Mexico trying out the Who am I question using Ramana's instructions, while holding true to the contemplation technique as given. I found that it was the emphasis on the I or Self in the deeper, absolute sense and the total lack of interest in the individuality as body or mind that allowed the penetration so quickly and completely. So, I recommend for participants on the Edge Intensive to use the who am I question in the way Ramana used it. ie. putting one's attention on the I itself, diving into or penetrating that sense of I.

Being open becomes complete surrender to Truth. Intention becomes complete absorption in the turning inward into the I, to the exclusion of any other interest or concern. This may however leave some people with clearing work to do later around hidden personal/mind issues untouched in this stage.

ANSWER TO THE MOST COMMON QUESTION
What am I doing that's keeping me away from direct experience? 

Trying to answer the question, usually the way we can tell when we're doing this is that we will be saying, "what I am is...." or "who I am is....". Let this go and focus on what you experience.

Telling about indirect or out of the present time experiences, for example stories, life problems, possibly gossip, distractions, feelings, fantasies, etc. Set this aside and begin in the present.

Changing our question, we can begin working on "why" questions or any other questions. The motivation to find out something else has taken over the original intention. Just to notice this will usually get us back on track.

Entertaining or engaging in personal or social talking with our partner. Sometimes this is actually a dialogue between partners, even though it may look like a dyad. Remember you only have three precious days, socializing is available daily in life.

Teaching or preaching "the truth" or some philosophical wisdom. This may be a universal truth, but the motive is to provide information to the partner in the form of a conclusion drawn from an experience, which is usually in the past or memory. Begin afresh. The only time we can directly experience Truth is in the present.

Indulging in complaints, this can be about anything in life or at the intensive. Often it's distractions about others, behaviors, etc. Remember the intention to experience Truth and re-focus your attention.

Limiting our openness and attentiveness to our partner. Although we can all get tired or lose our good intentions temporarily, to fully receive our partner's being-ness and communication, often opens a big doorway to direct experience.