- Extended meditation regimen : Leo allocated nearly nine hours to meditation with various techniques, emphasizing labeling and breath focus, which provided a sense of ease and pleasantness.
- Contemplation on practice variety : He questioned whether to incorporate more variety into his practice as focusing solely on the breath seemed too simplistic, triggering a concern about potentially overlooking other aspects.
- Insight into the 'true self' : Leo encountered a profound realization regarding his attachment to the 'primordial self,' perceiving it as emptiness, non-localizable, and transcending physical and metaphysical bounds.
- Readiness for deeper self-inquiry : Despite the breakthroughs, Leo plans to engage in strict mindfulness and labeling in the upcoming days to prime himself for intense self-inquiry sessions intended for the retreat's last days.
- Transition to a more arduous phase : He's beginning to experience the 'grind,' where the novelty of techniques wears off, leading into a period of spiritual purification that brings forth challenging emotions but is essential for growth.
- Awareness of mental diversions : Leo stays mindful of the mind's deceptive tendencies to distract from the path, especially during periods of discomfort, signifying pivotal moments for potential breakthroughs.
- Endurance through monotony : He likens the repetitive nature of his meditation practice to moths repetitively hitting against a window, representing a persistent yet somewhat directionless effort hoping for enlightenment.
- Concluding day four : Recognizing his fatigue, Leo contemplates an additional hour of meditation or an early rest to prepare for the next day, signaling the wrap-up of day four's meditative journey.