Stillness Reflections 2 - No One To Defend

This is the second in a series of short contemplative reflections—quiet pointers toward the nature of one’s inseparable awareness. In this reflection, we explore the sense of having no one to defend. When the belief in a separate personal identity softens, no centre needs protecting, justifying, or resisting. Words are heard, feelings arise, experiences unfold—yet no separate “someone” is found at the heart of them. Life continues, freely and naturally, without ownership.

These reflections are gentle invitations into stillness and recognition, offered as moments of pause, contemplation, and returning to that which has never been absent.

Transcript

A short contemplative reflection by Pratikha.

Take a moment to settle.

There is nothing to be done here.

When there is no one to defend.

Taking things personally depends on the belief in a personal identity.

That identity is shaped by likes and dislikes and attachments.

For instance,

When there is no separate self,

No separate self is found,

No separate personal identity,

Who is there to defend,

To justify or to protect?

Words are heard,

Events unfold,

Experiences are had,

Feelings arise and emotions are felt.

But there is no separate someone standing at the centre of life's experience.

In this deeper wisdom seeing,

There is a quiet,

Spacious freedom,

An ease and acceptance,

Timelessly present as the unchanging background of all perceiving.

Now rest in what timelessly is.