·       1)    Self- no self- anatta = confusion /contradiction/ clarify

 ·       2)   Concept of Spectrum: bandwidth / light etc.

 ·       Spectrum of consciousness:  (self awareness)  "dirt to divinity"

·       3) Self = fixation at some point on spectrum

Fixation = contraction = resistance = knot

·       Self = contraction like a fist-- noun/ verb

Fr John Powell- (stairs /mother hold rail)   

·       4) Imagine ladder w/round rungs                       

To climb you grasp/ and you let go etc

·       Dharma practice is letting go existing self &

 Opening to new                                                                               

·       Awareness of self  (fist) = delusionFist = Grasping / Resisting          

Spiritual growth (evolution) = dying to one self /

 Becoming reborn to another  

  The Higher on ladder = less grasping / less self

Ladder itself disappears = Nirvana/ No Self    

Hindu--self= stick fire

  Rumi

I died as mineral and became a plant,
I died as plant and rose to animal,
I died as animal and I was human,
Why should I fear?

When did I become less by dying?