The Art of Witnessing

Life has become a repetitive mechanical process. We follow the same sequence of activities day in and day out. We seem to behave like robots, not humans. The pressures of society have moulded our behaviour to an invariable pattern. The same song keeps playing until finally the record breaks down.

The art of witnessing is a spiritual method devised by the ancient sages to help create awareness of the soul. Buddha mastered the technique of witnessing. To be a witness, you simply have to become an observer of activities. Just watch. Do not judge; do not become emotionally involved.

From now on, resist the impulse to perform your tasks in the usual mechanical manner. Do them as a witness. All you have to do is witness the event. If you have to play a role in the daily events, play your role but observe yourself.

When you wash your face in the morning, look at yourself in the mirror and remind yourself, “Today, I will only witness events. I will witness my role as a parent; I will witness my role as an employee; I will witness my role as a child; I will witness all my activities of the day.”

When you see your family members, remind yourself that they are all individual souls who have come to earth for a short time. They are simply passengers on the same journey. Fulfill your responsibilities to them, but as a witness.

When you arrive at work, recognize that your fellow employees are individual spirits trying to make professional decisions in order to survive. Look at their different reactions when they are confronted with their daily tasks. Once again keep your emotions in check; eliminate your usual bias; don’t judge anyone.

On the way home, calmly observe all the drivers around you. Don’t drive angrily or impatiently; you will no longer be a witness. Remind yourself that we are all temporary drivers on a road towards eternity. We are all spiritual brothers and sisters going towards the same destination.

Witnessing is a constant process of consciousness. When you drive, drive consciously; when you work, do it consciously. When you are a parent, be a conscious parent. The art of witnessing simply keeps you aware at all times. As you become more aware, you will cease to be prey to your emotions. The more conscious you are, the less you will judge. The more you witness, the fewer mistakes you will make.

The law of karma says, “Every action causes a reaction.” By becoming a witness, you immediately become aware of each action you instigate. Your daily activities become a form of meditation for you. You are not giving your emotions or ego a chance to react, since awareness is controlling your actions.

We must also learn to witness our own absent-mindedness. Note all the thoughts that pass through your mind. Memories are aroused; anger, sadness, and bliss succeed each other. Witness all these thoughts passing through one by one. Let all the thoughts merge into your consciousness. The mind is like a crowded highway; as soon as one car passes the next one comes. Let them all keep coming. After a while, the highway of thoughts will start to slow down.

The art of witnessing is a form of meditation that you can perform throughout the day. It helps your spirit evolve to a higher level. This simple technique can give you access to the soul if you learn to use it in the right way. Take this art seriously and you will see the benefits.

July 2002

The Art of Witnessing

by Mohmood Valimohamed