Non-Self – When What Is Not Present Helps Us Use What Is
Sit & Dharma Talk with SIM Founding Teacher Dennis Warren.
The principle that the absence of something can be as significant as the presence of something is a fundamental element of Buddhist practice. One of the more popular definitions of mindfulness expresses this as “moment to moment non-judgmental awareness.” Non-doing and non-clinging, among other qualities of mind, are considered core elements of an ethical and maturing practice.
In this context, it’s important to remember that the historical Buddha considered everything to be non-self or not-self. In other words, whatever non-self or not-self is or means is not unique or exclusive in its application to our western psychological notion of “self.” As a result, it applies across the board to all of our experiences and everything else – you, me, animals, plants, rocks, the environment, our plant, the universe.
The broad based application of the principle of non-self is one of the things that make it practical, concrete and relevant to our sitting practice, daily life, relationships…and our death.
For those using In The Buddha’s Words – An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Cannon, edited by Bhikkhu Bodhi as a reference, please read the four (4) pages of the following suttas starting on page 341 and end on 345.
- (c) The Characteristic of NonSelf
- (d) Impermanent, Suffering, Nonself
- (e) A Lump of Foam
For those using online reference materials, please read substantially the same materials under the following titles: