Emptiness

How can one tell whether progress is being made in meditation or spiritual practice?

One hallmark of progress, is the ability to recognise and rest in awareness itself. When attention alternates between awareness and identification with thoughts or the personal self, this can be described as non-abiding. Over time, with sustained practice or through natural unfoldment, this oscillation can reduce or stop altogether, revealing non-dual awareness in its place.

When this state becomes stable or continuous, it may be referred to as abiding — a shift in perception that does not revert to previous patterns.

In the process, the sense of a personal self — the ‘driver’ of experience — begins to recede. It is as though the ego, once steering the vehicle, has now moved to the back seat. Alongside this comes a greater capacity to observe thoughts simply as thoughts. An image of a loved one and an image of a feared figure are both transient appearances in the mind; without recognition of their empty nature, each can be taken personally, giving rise to unnecessary suffering.

Another indication of progress may be a profound insight into emptiness, or the non-substantial dreamlike nature of life. When such an insight is genuine and deep, it can transform our relationship with the world. Daily life continues — eating and carrying out ordinary tasks — yet the experience of ‘looking out’ can begin to shift in liberating ways.

Emptiness from the Pali Suttas: https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/MN/MN121.html