Jay L. Garfield, a scholar of Buddhist philosophy and professor at Smith College, shares compelling insights on the concept of no-self. He explores how our fixation on individuality fosters suffering and moral dilemmas. Garfield emphasizes the importance of interdependence and compassion in human connections. The conversation delves into Buddhist teachings on selflessness, advocating for the dismantling of ego to cultivate deeper relationships. He also discusses the philosophical arguments against nihilism, championing a view of reality rooted in interconnectedness.
Recognizing our interconnectedness encourages a shift from self-interest to cooperation and gratitude, fostering societal harmony and maturity.
The misconception of a permanent self leads to suffering, as it fosters competition and undermines our connection to others.
Embracing the fluidity of identity allows for deeper relationships, emphasizing compassion and collective responsibility over isolation and possessiveness.
Deep dives
Interdependence Over Autonomy
Human existence is characterized by interdependence rather than autonomy, highlighting a profound moral debt to others. This perspective challenges the notion that individuals are self-sufficient agents, reinforcing the idea that one's well-being is intrinsically linked to the welfare of others. When people recognize their interconnectedness, they shift their focus from individual rights and competition to cooperation and gratitude. Such a change in mindset leads to greater societal maturity and a healthier moral framework, replacing the dog-eat-dog mentality with one that fosters harmony and collaboration.
Cultural Preoccupation with the Self
The cultural obsession with selfhood, particularly within the influence of Abrahamic religions, significantly shapes individual identities and ethical frameworks. This entrenched belief is often so pervasive that individuals fail to question its validity or relevance in their lives. The misconception that one possesses a core self underlines moral inquiries, which tend to prioritize self-interest over communal welfare. Breaking free from this self-centered lens allows for a more inclusive understanding of justice and morality, emphasizing the importance of belonging rather than isolation.
Suffering Arising from Self-Identification
The attachment to the notion of self is directly tied to the pervasiveness of suffering in human experience. Buddhism posits that attraction and aversion, essential components of suffering, stem from the illusion of a distinct self that separates an individual from others. This misperception fosters competition and conflict, as individuals regard themselves as the nucleus of their moral universe. By acknowledging the absence of a permanent self, individuals can combat the fears associated with death and loss, fostering a more profound sense of peace and connection to others.
Losing the Illusion of Self
The idea of 'losing ourselves' refers to the dissolution of the belief in a static self, allowing for a deeper exploration of what it means to be a person. Rather than existing as autonomous entities, individuals are seen as convened assemblages of experiences and interactions within a social context. This understanding leads to the realization that personal identity is shaped by shared processes, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. Embracing this perspective promotes genuine relationships where compassion and collective responsibility replace self-interest and possessiveness.
Ultimate Truths and Conventional Reality
The relationship between ultimate and conventional truths in Buddhist philosophy emphasizes the emptiness of self and its implications for ethical understanding and social interaction. Consciousness and identity are framed as conventional constructs rather than independent absolutes, illustrating the interconnected nature of reality. This perspective encourages individuals to engage meaningfully with others while recognizing that identity is socially negotiated rather than inherently solitary. By acknowledging the fluidity of identity and relationships, one can cultivate a more profound sense of community and ethical living.
No-self is a core teaching across Buddhist traditions. Yet what does it look like to actually live without a self? In How to Lose Yourself: An Ancient Guide to Letting Go, scholars Jay L. Garfield, Maria Heim, and Robert H. Sharf present a series of accessible and engaging translations of key Buddhist texts on why we are selfless persons—and why this insight leads to greater freedom and compassion.
In this episode of Tricycle Talks, Tricycle’s editor-in-chief, James Shaheen, sits down with Garfield to discuss why our preoccupation with the self causes us so much suffering, how dismantling the self is a project of moral development and spiritual freedom, and what it means to be a person without a self.
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