We have completed the basic idea related to:
The VACUITY of the SENSATION.
Now we must turn to the following sequence, which is:
VACUITY OF THE OBSERVING TRUE SELF OR FALSE IDENTITY EXPERIENCING THE SENSATION
It is clear that the problem of impediments is due to the presence of Identity at each of the levels of the Fire Sutra. So at each stage when one achieves a discernment of the rise and fall at each different level, then you will discern that all is mind without real external substance.
The Identity too is simply another experience of SENSATION at the first and successive levels, so understanding the Vacuity of this identity is important.
Now if you have understood and begun to practice correctly you will find that you never have to enter meditation with the idea of CONCENTRATION on the SENSATION. You simply prepare yourself and sit in a state of relaxation which is the “becoming” of search and permit that state to become stable. Then quite automatically the system will direct itself unidirectionally at the sensation. (In this case, the Sensation of the Tactile sense of Breath at the nostrils).
Eventually, after much practice, you will find that even with the subtle energy now directing attention to the sensation, the system does not respond. That is simply because the mind itself, without conscious awareness, has discovered that there is neither threat nor benefit in that unidirectionality (when there is no interference of Identity). Do you understand that clearly?
When that occurs you will experience this “Becoming of consciousness state” and will note that there is a conscious Identity, an observer looking at that “becoming.”
It is not complex, it simply declares to Conscious awareness “I am sensing touch,” not of course with those complex words. The touch, of course, is the generalized sense of the totality of the body, including all the sensors of pain, pressure, heat, etc.
The new object of attention then is precisely that observer. That observer is the Identity related to Sensation.
Now the question may arise, "Why not go to that observer in the first place?”
It is because it simply does not work, because the observer is too related to the "I" concept, and other sensations, emotions and thoughts enter.
But if once you have conquered the sensation you fixate unidirectionally upon that Identity, once more without either physical or mental force, there is an ebb and flow between the Raw Sensation Identity and the Becoming of Consciousness State.
When this occurs and the meditation becomes stable, the identity simply disappears and along with it the “becoming” impression. When this happens do not be alarmed. The mind has simply let go of the Identity of Sensation.
The trap of course is that the mind is capable of turning off the system and the state of nothing appears.
You will know the difference, however, for you will experience a generalized state of “well-being” and a subtle “bliss.”