Reflection on Buddhist Not Self
Every now and then, meditation leaves me not with an answer but with a question.
The teaching of Buddhist not-self (anattā) is one of the deepest and most challenging aspects of the Dharma. Intellectually, I understand that what we call “self” is not a fixed or permanent entity. Yet ordinary language constantly tells a different story.
“I think to myself.”
“I’ve changed my mind.”
“I know who I am.”
Perhaps that is why the Buddha encouraged us not merely to think about the Dhamma but to observe our own experience directly. Rather than trying to solve the paradox, I have gradually become more comfortable sitting with it.
Some questions are themselves part of the path.
“All phenomena are not-self.”
— The Dhammapada
Haiku
I think to myself—
How can I think to myself
If there is no self?
From “Stillness | Moments of Buddhist Practice in verse”
Stillness is a collection of haiku, senryu and short reflective poems inspired by my Buddhist practice, meditation, pilgrimage and the quiet moments of everyday life. Sometimes a few carefully chosen words can express what a much longer article cannot.
Come and See More 👉Mindfulness of Dhamma 👉Mindfulness of Mind