What is real? Forming perceptions of others and self

[Mornings Son]

glance left wrote:"Rather, how does one know the job is truly done?"

Good question. I just figure I'll know when the time comes. Death of the body seems like a propitious time to let go while holding onto core awareness. OBE's help in terms of practicing this detachment from the body. Recap, I think, helps to ensure to let go the compulsion to cling once detachment has taken place....though any practice of looking within to see where compulsion to cling resides would be effective if thorough, I'm guessing.

"what if the point is to be a circle"

I agree, but in an abstract sense. To be a circle, or ball of awareness that can cohere with or without human moorings.

I should just speak for myself, honestly. There are those who stay indefinitely, I know...who remain of service and "self entertain" as you say. More power to them.the job... The Job ... just back from a weeks retreat with my teacher - zen master from japan - so in that traditions the master can see if the student has done the job.The job here meaning seeing ones true self, realizing the source of awareness, letting go completely of body and mind and being it - the Tathagata - suchness.

"what if the point is to be a circle"
i like the prune .... point and circle is essential geometry 

being a circle... heh so zen.. the empty mind that mirrors all that appear before/in it