Frequently Asked Questions

What is self-inquiry?

Self-inquiry is the practice of looking directly at your experience to see what's actually there. Rather than thinking about the self, you look for it.

Can you find the "experiencer" behind your experience? The "thinker" behind your thoughts? This direct looking, rather than philosophical discussion, is what leads to insight.

What are the fetters?

The fetters are ten mental "chains" identified by the Buddha that bind us to suffering. They're not sins to avoid — they're illusions to see through. When you see through them directly, they lose their power. See the full list.

Do I need to be Buddhist?

No. This practice doesn't require any beliefs. You don't need to believe in Buddhism, karma, rebirth, or anything else. You just need to look honestly at your direct experience.

Do I need to meditate first?

No. Meditation can help calm the mind, but it's not required. Self-inquiry is about looking at your experience right now, in any moment. Some people find meditation helpful; others don't. Use what works for you.

How do I actually "look"?

When we say "look," we mean: turn your attention to your direct experience and notice what's actually there. For example, if you're looking for the "experiencer," you're not thinking about whether it exists — you're trying to find it in your actual, present experience.

It's like looking for your keys. You don't philosophize about keys — you look around and see if you can find them.

What is "direct experience"?

Direct experience is only: seeing (colors, shapes), hearing (sounds), sensation (touch, temperature), taste, smell, and the arising of thoughts. Everything else — "self," "cup," "anger," "meaning" — is a concept layered on top.

How long does this take?

There's no fixed timeline. Some people see through self-view in days or weeks. For others, it takes months or years. What matters isn't speed but honest looking. Don't compare yourself to others.

How will I know if it "worked"?

When self-view is seen through, you'll know. It's not subtle. There's typically a clear recognition: "Oh. There's no separate self here. There never was. How did I miss this?"

After this, doubt about the path vanishes — not because you've convinced yourself, but because you've seen directly.

Is this dangerous?

For most people, self-inquiry is safe. However, some practitioners experience challenging phases during intensive practice — sometimes called the "Dark Night of the Soul." Symptoms can include difficult emotions, perceptual changes, or existential distress.

If things feel overwhelming: pause. The insights will be here when you're ready. We include grounding practices and safety resources.

Is this therapy?

No. This is not therapy, mental health treatment, or a substitute for professional support. If you're struggling with mental health issues, please seek appropriate help. Self-inquiry is an exploration of perception, not a treatment for psychological conditions.

What if I have trauma?

Self-inquiry can sometimes bring up unprocessed material. If you have significant trauma, consider working with a trauma-informed therapist alongside (or before) this practice. Your wellbeing comes first.

Can I do this alone?

Yes, many people do. However, working with a guide can be helpful, especially if you get stuck. Liberation Unleashed offers free one-on-one guidance. The Fetters app provides AI-guided inquiry as a complement.

What happens after stream entry?

Life continues normally. You still use "I" in conversation, still have preferences, still deal with daily life. But something fundamental has shifted — the core illusion of being a separate self has been seen through.

There's typically a "honeymoon period" of clarity and peace, followed by integration as old patterns continue to arise but are seen more clearly.

Will I lose my personality?

No. Your personality, preferences, and quirks remain. What changes is the identification with them. You see thoughts and emotions as processes happening, rather than as "you."

Will I still feel emotions?

Yes. Emotions still arise. But you see them more clearly as "sensation + story" and they tend to pass more quickly. There's less getting stuck in emotional loops.

Is this the end?

Stream entry is the first of four stages. There's more work to do on the remaining fetters. But the hardest part — seeing through self-view — is done. The rest unfolds more naturally.

Is the app free?

Yes. Free, no ads, no premium tiers, no accounts required.

Is my data private?

Yes. Your journal entries stay on your device. We don't track your progress or sell your data. The AI conversations are processed but not stored.

Can AI really guide self-inquiry?

The AI is trained on the Liberation Unleashed methodology and asks the same questions a human guide would ask. It's not a replacement for human guidance, but it's available 24/7 and can help you start looking immediately.