Buddhists.....?

Question

I was raised and while i find the religion to be on of absolute beauty i've always had trouble with one concept. Can anyone explain the idea of not-self?

I was raised Buddhist***

Answer 1

It's a difficult concept to grasp but here are the words of the Buddha-


"I proclaim, Simha, the annihilation of egotism, of lust, of ill-will, of delusion. However, I do not proclaim the annihilation
of forbearance, of love, of charity, and of truth."


Self as the Buddha perceives it clearly means the delusion of materialism and egotism whereas to pursue "not self" or Simha, as he calls it means to pursue the moral virtues of love, charity etc.

Answer 2

My personal view on this is from personal application. I, too, had troubles with the whole 'anti-ego' thing for some time. Alot of this has to do with the fact that I am primarily a user of Wiccan style magickal practices and I felt that ego was very important with such practices. How can you direct your will if the very idea of will is egotistical. Quite a conundrum. I have practiced a 'humility' concept within the last year and found it to be very useful and it has shown me the value of 'ego-lessness' like Buddha talked about. I would focus my various bodies onto my physical form and 'groove' on the humility of my mere physical being. This has given me great ability to 'duck and cover' when confronted with another's ego-based vibes and/or dominance. From that perspective I can see what Buddha meant. I can see how the ego is frail and fragile. I cannot give myself 'airs' or get all puffed up when I'm like that, but I'm safe and my state of mind is healthier when I'm in that state. I know that the terms I have used can be confusing, but this is the best way that I can relate these experiences to you.

Answer 3

Only one thing causes us to suffer: resisting the spontaneous flow of life
The ego is the shield we use in resisting
Self (ego) is just a bunch of memories.
Thoughts originating from memories must be put aside (meditation) to find peace in life.

"Pain is physical; suffering is mental. Beyond the mind there is no suffering. Pain is merely a signal that the body is in danger and requires attention. Similarly, suffering warns us that the structure of memories and habits, which we call the person (vyakti), is threatened by loss or change. Pain is essential for the survival of the body, but none compels you to suffer. Suffering is due entirely to clinging or resisting; it is a sign of our unwillingness to move on, to flow with life."

Nisargadatta

Answer 4

When you care about people, and your efforts go to treating them well, you kind of forget about your own self. When people are just as important to you as your own self, then there is no concern about self.

For the sake of definition, I think it's more of a by product of right thoughts and action. Not-self is a result.

One thing to remember is to consider your self with the people in your world. You also have to serve your own self (equally).

Answer 5

I found that all the Buddhist tenets that seemed insuffciently clear to me from Buddhism were answered fully, when I learned about "Rational Spirituality".

You can click on it on the Dhaxem website.

Answer 6

I am sorry I do not understan your question,but would like to say that I have a high opinion of your religion.Jesus said you can judge a tree by its fruit.I hope you find what you are looking for.

Answer 7

I want to see these answers too.