My Mahamudra Notes
Inspired by Daniel P Brown
Complete Guide to Mind and Event View Switching
1. Introduction
Overview
Mind and Event View Switching is a meditative technique used to shift the perspective of awareness between two modes: the mind view—focused on the field of awareness itself—and the event view—focused on the contents arising within awareness (such as breath, body, or thought). This dynamic switching enhances clarity, strengthens non-dual insight, and deepens meditative stability.
Foundation
This practice is rooted in advanced meditative systems such as Dzogchen and Mahāmudrā and has been made accessible through modern contemplative training like those in the Pointing Out the Great Way (POGW) tradition. It draws on phenomenological insight and metacognitive precision.
Transformation Promise
Through this guide, you will:
Learn to distinguish between awareness and its contents.
Cultivate the ability to effortlessly shift between perspectives.
Experience deeper insight into the nature of self, awareness, and reality.
2. Core Principles
1. Awareness as Ground
Explanation: The "mind view" centers on the timeless, boundless, knowing field of awareness—awareness aware of itself.
Practical Application: Regularly shift focus from thoughts and sensations to the background field of awareness during daily activities.
2. Emptiness of Events
Explanation: The "event view" recognizes that all mental content—thoughts, emotions, sensations—arise and dissolve within awareness, possessing no independent existence.
Practical Application: Track events like breath or sound with careful attention, noticing their momentary, insubstantial nature.
3. Non-Dual Integration
Explanation: Mind and event views are not separate; both are expressions of the same non-dual awareness.
Practical Application: Alternate between views until the distinction begins to blur, leading to a stable, unified experience.
3. Most Powerful Methods
1. Three-Point Meditation Object
Description: Use breath in, breath out, and the whole-body sensation between breaths.
Step-by-Step Process:
Focus on the inhale fully.
Focus on the exhale fully.
Rest in awareness of the whole body between breaths.
Best Practices: Stay precise but relaxed; sharpen metacognitive awareness.
Common Mistakes: Over-efforting or spacing out.
Expected Results: In 1–2 weeks, stability and continuity of attention increase.
2. Mind View Focus
Description: Rest in the awareness within which breath and body occur.
Step-by-Step Process:
Notice the breath rising.
Shift attention to the awareness registering the breath.
Maintain awareness in the foreground.
Best Practices: Gaze softly into space; avoid internal commentary.
Common Mistakes: Confusing attention with awareness.
Expected Results: In 2–4 weeks, increased spaciousness and calm.
3. Event View Focus
Description: Place attention on the sensory detail of arising phenomena.
Step-by-Step Process:
Track the full duration of inhale and exhale.
Feel the vividness of the body as a whole.
Stay with the object without strain.
Best Practices: Use high-resolution tracking.
Common Mistakes: Ignoring subtleties in the breath-body rhythm.
Expected Results: Improved clarity and sensory intimacy within 1 week.
4. Alternating View Drill
Description: Intentionally switch between mind and event views.
Step-by-Step Process:
Establish event view for several breaths.
Shift to mind view for the same duration.
Repeat the switch multiple times.
Best Practices: Keep transitions smooth, not abrupt.
Common Mistakes: Forcing or mentally narrating the shift.
Expected Results: Within 2–3 weeks, flexible awareness and view stability.
4. Advanced Strategies
1. Seamless Oscillation
Purpose: To dissolve the distinction between views.
Methodology: Gradually reduce the transition time until both views feel simultaneous.
Tools Needed: Strong foundational familiarity with both views.
Implementation: Practice daily for 20–30 minutes, tracking subtle merging.
2. View-Led Stabilization
Purpose: To enhance concentration using awareness itself.
Methodology: Use the mind view as an anchor during distraction-prone periods.
Tools Needed: Quiet setting, consistent breath rhythm.
Implementation: Begin with mind view, then layer in breath or body as support.
3. Reverse Inquiry Integration
Purpose: To challenge re-identification with content.
Methodology: Ask “Who is aware?” or “Where is the observer?” while in either view.
Tools Needed: Reflective mindset, journal for tracking insight.
Implementation: 5–10 minutes of inquiry following each meditation session.
5. Integration Protocols
Daily Routine
Morning: 15–30 min alternating views.
Daytime: Use event view while walking or eating; shift to mind view during breaks.
Evening: 10 min seamless oscillation practice.
Weekly Intensive
1-hour dedicated session alternating 5-min segments of each view.
End with inquiry-based reflection.
Monthly Assessment
Rate: stability, clarity, flexibility (1–10 scale).
Journal shifts in self-perception or presence.
Adjust method based on weak areas.
6. Obstacle Mastery
Common Challenges
Over-efforting – causes agitation.
Solution: Ease up, adopt a receptive attitude.
Drifting or dullness – loss of vividness.
Solution: Brighten the mind with intention or posture check.
Confusion between awareness and attention.
Solution: Pause and re-clarify your vantage point.
Troubleshooting Guide
If switching feels mechanical → Lengthen intervals.
If awareness feels distant → Increase embodiment cues.
If distractions dominate → Shorten sessions, build stamina gradually.
7. Acceleration Factors
1. Gaze Practices
Enhances: Stabilizes awareness quickly.
Applications: Space gazing, candle flame.
Implementation: 5 min before each session.
2. Retinue Invocation
Enhances: Emotional support and inspiration.
Applications: Visualize supportive figures encouraging your view.
Implementation: Include in every session setup.
3. View Affirmation
Enhances: Rapid return to awareness.
Applications: Silently affirm “I am the field of awareness” at each view change.
Implementation: Use between view switches.
8. Measurement and Tracking
Progress Indicators
Internal: Reduced reactivity, increased lucidity.
External: More fluid engagement with people and tasks.
Tracking Methods
Daily journal entries with ratings (e.g., view clarity, mental stillness).
Weekly reflection audio notes.
Milestone Timeline
Week 1: Understand view distinctions.
Month 1: Smooth transitions between views.
3 Months: Spontaneous switching and integrated awareness.
6 Months: Stable non-dual recognition.
1 Year: Unbroken naturalness in daily life.
9. Specialized Applications
Emotional Regulation – switch to mind view during emotional storms.
Focus Training – event view sharpens attentional precision.
Non-Dual Realization – seamless oscillation reveals non-separation.
Creativity – mind view opens spacious insight; event view refines details.
Therapeutic Contexts – aids clients in defusing identity-based suffering.
10. Evidence and Validation
Research Foundation
Phenomenological studies on awareness-based meditation (e.g., Wallace, 2007).
Neuroscience confirms awareness practice boosts metacognition and default-mode deactivation.
Expert Perspectives
Dustin DiPerna: Promotes this method within Ocean and Wave teachings.
Susan Mickel: Uses this technique to help liberate reactivity into wisdom.
Case Studies
Practitioners report reduced anxiety and improved clarity within 3 months.
Long-term use correlates with stable insight and compassionate presence.
Theoretical Framework
Combines principles from Buddhist emptiness theory and cognitive science on perception and attention.
11. Resources and Next Steps
Essential Reading
Pointing Out the Great Way by Daniel P. Brown
Radiant Mind by Peter Fenner
Practical Tools
Timer apps (e.g., Insight Timer)
Journaling apps (e.g., Day One)
Learning Opportunities
POGW Level 1-3 training programs
Online courses with qualified meditation instructors
Community Connections
Online sanghas (e.g., Dharma Overground, POGW forums)
Local meditation groups offering advanced instruction
Expert Guidance
Schedule 1-on-1 guidance with certified POGW teachers
Retreats that focus on awareness-based insight meditation
12. Conclusion
Key Takeaways
Switching views refines meditative insight.
The ultimate goal is non-dual realization—awareness viewing its own expressions.
Consistency and gentle precision are key.
Immediate Next Steps
Begin with 10 minutes daily of view switching.
Track clarity and continuity each session.
Reflect weekly on how this changes your relationship with thoughts and self.
Long-Term Vision
With committed practice, the view becomes the default.
Awareness operates effortlessly, even in the midst of life’s activity.
Final Motivation
“Like an ocean viewing its own waves—remain vast, steady, and free.”