Dear David, >> Is the direct perception of essential meaning something that I should put off specifically trying to develop until I have reached the emptiness-of-mind stage in step one, since they seem to be directly linked? << That makes logical sense since in order to *directly* perceive essential meaning you need to assume an EOM-like state. However, working with essential meaning might well aid your work with EOM. In any event, there's no harm in trying. :) The main thing though, especially at Step One, is to master the IIH exercises. >> And, is essential meaning discussed in IIH? << Not directly, no, but its direct perception is inferred in later Steps. My best to you, :) Rawn Clark 05 May 2004 rawnclark@... rawn@... http://www.ABardonCompanion.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BardonPraxis http://E.webring.com/hub?ring=arionthebardonwe