All activities are ‘objectless’ When I talk about the void, you should avoid developing a concept of nothingness. Many people have fallen into this subtle trap, believing that they have discovered some ultimate truth. Some of them become false teachers who urge their students to sit quietly with blank minds. There are such teachers active today, claiming that they are teaching “objectless meditation.” Sitting for long periods trying to suppress thoughts is not objectless meditation; it is abiding in a state of useless impotence.

You should know that there is not an objective particle in the entire universe. Once you truly awaken, you realize that all activities are ‘objectless’.

The Flatbed Sutra of Louie Wing by Ted Biringer, p.186

What is Objectless Meditation?
After returning from a Zen center, Julian asked, “What is objectless meditation?”

Louie Wing said, “It is meditation on an object.”

Julian said, “Why do you say it is meditation on an object?”

Louie Wing said, “‘Objectless’ is a conceptual construct that is only valid in contradistinction to ‘object’. Each term is dependent on the other. To posit one is to validate the other; to deny one is to deny the other…

If you grasp for objects, you are clinging to the delusion of a separate self. If you grasp for the objectless, you are still clinging to the delusion of a separate self. Therefore, I say, grasp neither the notion of object nor the notion of objectless. Then you will be in accord with the true masters of all the spiritual traditions.”

The Flatbed Sutra of Louie Wing   by Ted Biringer,  p.179

Ceasing conceptualization is not a difficult to understand, mystical technique. However, people turn it into a concept, too, causing confusion and misunderstanding. When the sages of all times saw people suffering due to their own habitual conceptualization, they tried to show them how to step back from delusion and realize their own pure and clear awareness.

Later, people developed intellectual interpretations about the various methods preached by the sages. Without realizing the fundamental truth of ceasing conceptualization, they misapply the teachings and set about trying to cease thinking altogether!
They sit still for hours and days, suppressing their thoughts and trying to make their minds blank. They call this “just sitting” and “objectless meditation.” It would be laughable if it were not so sad.

The Flatbed Sutra of Louie Wing by Ted Biringer, p.161

Peace,

Ted

Who Hears? Who Sees?

If you are moved with aspiration to awaken, consider the wholeness of each moment. Each moment includes all of space and time. The beginningless past is centered here; the endless future is centered here. Nothing exists apart from this moment here and now, which includes you. The whole universe includes you; you include the whole universe. Who hears? Who sees?

The Flatbed Sutra of Louie Wing by Ted Biringer