Self versus No Self

Although we often talk about the similarities within Buddhism and Unity Truth Priniciples, there are some distinctions that are worth evaluating. In Buddhism, a foundational teaching is that of No-Self. In this regard, Buddhism is unique, since no other major religion or philosophy articulates this perspective--that this stuff that we think of as “me” is really just a collection of feelings, and thoughts and ever-changing cells. In Unity, there is a foundational teaching of the ability of the mind to create reality, and thereby healing oneself and one’s life. Well, if there is no self, then what are we healing? Why are we do we meditate to become better selves, if there is no self to become better? Is it possible that this concept of self and no-self can be reconciled?

--Walpola Rahula (Theravadan teacher), What the Buddha Taught

Buddhism stands unique in the history of human thought in denying the existence of. . . a Soul, Self, or Atman. According to the teaching of the Buddha, the idea of self is an imaginary, false belief which has no corresponding reality, and it produces harmful thoughts of "me" and "mine," selfish desire, craving, attachment, hatred, ill-will, conceit, pride, egoism, and other defilements, impurities and problems. It is the source of all the troubles in the world from personal conflicts to wars between nations. In short, to this false view can be traced all the evil in the world.

Whether we see life from this point of view or not, this philosophy gives us an opportunity to explore this thing we call “me” and figure out what to do with our perception of it being real. So, in this moment, right now, close your eyes and ask the question, Who am I? What am I? Where am I? Are you your body? Are you your feelings? Your thoughts? Breathe deeply into these questions. What is my essence? Where is my essence? The Buddhist teachings are saying that this firm belief in a solid, separate self is just an illusion. We’ve all heard the truism that since every cell is born, lives, then dies, over a period of time, that each of us will be completely new people in seven years. So, why doesn’t that seem to really happen? How is that seven years ago, it seems that we were quite similar to what we think we are right now? Certainly, there are some stuff called DNA that apparently determines what kind of cells can be created. And yet, in both Buddhism and Unity and now in scientific circles, it’s understood that DNA does not absolutely predict what is manifested. We do know that as long as we keep reinforcing the same thoughts and perceptions of existence, there will continue to be this assumption that things are a certain way, and that we are a certain way, and similar thoughts will continue to be created, because that’s what we’ve always believed. So how is the cycle broken?

Both Unity and Buddhism agree that beyond what is perceived by our conscious mind, that there is a Powerful “energy”-- God, Rigpa, Buddha Nature, Christ Consciousness, Source, whatever we want to call it-- and it is this “energy” that is what’s actually real. With this energy, we can manifest many different kinds of life, and it is our minds that we train to discover this Power within us.

Buddhism challenges the view of life as separate and distinct, but doesn’t become nihilistic and say, well, it doesn’t really matter, so no need to do anything. Why should we care? Why don’t we just sit and do nothing and wait to die? Buddhist Teachings aren’t saying that at all. The teachings are trying to break down this false front, this fakery that appears to be our self to find true happiness, the complete end of suffering, the clear seeing what truly is real. Most of us spend a lot of time protecting this image of our self. What if we could drop all that extra work? The Buddhist Teachings as Walpola Rahula stated, that most unskillful acts in the world are created in an attempt to protect this illusion of self.

In Mahayana Buddhism, the emphasis on No Self gets a little watered down, when the teachings of innate Buddha nature began. A debate sprung up about whether Buddha Nature existed within each person, whether there was this timeless changeless, beingness OR whether there truly was “Nothingness” as Nirvana has sometimes been translated. (Words seem to be a major obstacle in any spiritual discussion.) Mahayana texts talk about how we release our attachment to our lower little mind self, and rise up to experience our higher Selves, our True Self, our innate Buddha Nature. So as you will see in the teachings, even the various Buddhist traditions do not agree completely on the concept of No Self.

So, whichever way you go, these teachings challenge our beliefs at the very core of who we think we are and how we think life operates. It breaks us down, forces us to see ourselves and the world in a new way. The more we let go of our need for superiority over others, the less suffering we begin to experience. The more we let go of our need to cling to our old way of seeing life, the more likely it is that we can see things and people and situations with fresh eyes, with a new perspective, and begin to see the underlying beingness of all things, including our “selves”. Imagine that the only glue holding together this old notion of a separate and solid being is your delusional thoughts. And unfortunately, most of our society believes these delusional thoughts as well, encouraging us to fight for some perceived piece of the proverbial pie that we’re all supposed to want. But what if it weren’t true?

What if we could see the underlying connection between and around each of us. As you are present in this moment, imagine that you can physically see the energy around you, the giving and receiving of energy that is happening with other “selves”. It isn’t something special happening. This process of giving and receiving and merging of energy is happening all the time—it’s just that most of the time, we don’t notice it. So, when we start to pay attention, to be mindful, the underlying reality of our co-existence is revealed. And understanding this gives compassion a whole new way of being seen. Imagine that you could loosen your hold on this image of me and mine. Imagine that your concerns are the concerns of others as well, that your joy can be the joy of others.

In this new way of seeing, we are not being compassionate because we want to be good people. We can be compassionate because we see the other person as us, is a part of us, is us, is a part of the ocean of energy swirling around, each of us, each as waves on the ocean.

Imagine that your individually perceived problems are not isolated to just you. We are each sharing joy and sadness, hopes and dreams and anxieties and fears--in each moment. Ever hear someone justify their bad behavior by saying that they’re not hurting anyone but themselves. Imagine that is not true. Imagine that any destructive behavior does impact us all, because we are all interconnected. So, Buddha taught that if this fact is understood, then compassion comes naturally, living a compassionate life is a no-brainer. I love you and care about you because you are me. I can start to widen my sense of my self to include others, to share in their concerns and happiness.

And this change in thinking changes reality as we perceive it. The third Unity Principle proclaims. “My thoughts create my reality”. Although the language that Unity uses may sound self-ish, the purpose is still the same, to live a happier life more in tune with the Eternal Truths. Can you really be happy without being compassionate? I guess that is the question? We study these teachings to help ourselves and in the process, our presence is supporting and encouraging others that are interacting with us. By being a better you, you are better for and to other beings. Unity doesn’t dwell on whether the self exists or not. The teachings assume that we are beings, in fact talks about each of us as a unique manifestation of God, the Source. But Unity teachings do focus on the malleability of this being we call “me”.

Unity teaches us that whatever old notions we have about how we operate, none of it need be forever true. Unity teaches that the old concept you’re hanging onto about who you are and how you are is nothing more than a result of all the years of thoughts about being a certain way. Unity teaches that if you want to be something different, you can change your thoughts to create another experience of life. Unity teaches that we are each divine manifestations of God, The Source. That no matter what we’ve done in our lives, our underlying being-ness is a manifestation of God. If there is only one power and one presence in the Universe, then that must be true.

So Buddhism teaches to deny a separate self, and Unity teaches that the self is malleable. This is a distinction that we can reflect upon and grow spiritually from a deeper understanding. As you go about your daily routines, be aware of how you experience your self. How or if you experience a sense of separation with others. How do you know you’re alive? How tightly are you holding on to this sense of self, holding on to how you see yourself? We can lighten up and not take our self so seriously, since it may not actually exist anyway.

From It's Up to You © 2005 by Dzigar Kongtrül Rinpoche

When we question the self directly, it is exposed for what it is: the absence of everything we believe it to be. We can actually see through this seemingly solid self. But what are we left with then? We are left with an open, intelligent awareness, unfettered by a self to cherish or protect. This is the primordial wisdom mind of all beings. Relaxing into this discovery is true meditation—and true meditation brings ultimate realization and freedom from suffering.