Beyond Being Overwhelmed…

Oftentimes, despite everything we've learned, when defilements strike, it can feel like we're helpless—completely at their mercy. Recently, a particular insight from Teacher Tuck Loon’s sharing has helped me tremendously in this area.

I realized that we can only be overwhelmed by a situation when we make ourselves the reference point—the center of the experience. Once we assume that position, no matter how much "right information" or strategy we try to recall, it all seems futile against the rawness of the moment. The feelings and mental pain feel undeniably real, and so, we become overwhelmed.

What Teacher Tuck Loon pointed out is that whatever we experience is essentially just thoughts—including the sense of self, the so-called reference point. He asked: if non-self is the reality, how can this sense of self be real?

That question was a revelation. I found myself noticing the presence of the self and gently questioning its authenticity. Over time, I noticed that through this process, awareness became more consistent—more natural—compared to when I had to consciously prompt myself to "be aware."

I remember moments when I felt drowned in emotion, overwhelmed by experience. It felt like I was endlessly stepping back, yet still left affected. But this simple act of questioning the sense of self—the very core of the experience—cuts through all that effort. In a way, it's like asking, “Who am I?” in that very moment.

This recent learning has deepened my faith in walking this path. It also highlights the importance of listening to the wise. Truly, I feel blessed to be in their presence.

In grace,
Nancy Cheah
20 May 2025