CONTEMPLATION OF THE ELEMENTS OF THE DIGITAL SELF 

back to contemplation of the parts

The contemplation of the elements of the digital self involves looking at the digital experiences as constructed components of various elements: material (plastic, glass, metal, etc.), light, electricity, and sound. This exercise is the same as the contemplation of the parts of the digital self but involves paying attention to the elemental components. Take each of these elements of the digital self and apply the three lines of inquiry: Is it permanent? Is it self? Can it give lasting satisfaction? For instance, if you are looking at a picture of yourself and contemplating it relative to the element of light, you might ask these questions: Is the light on this screen permanent or impermanent? Does it fluctuate or stay precisely the same? Is the light me or not me? Do I exist separate from the light? Does the light provide lasting satisfaction? Apply these lines of inquiry to material, electricity, and sound as well.