How to Practice "Non-Self"
Written in Chinese by
Dr. Yutang Lin
Translated by Stanley Lam
Edited by Dr. Lin and Ann Klein
Translated by Stanley Lam
Edited by Dr. Lin and Ann Klein
Introduction
The fundamental theme of Buddhist teachings is the demonstration of "Non-Self." Most people find this concept very hard to accept and may also feel very puzzled by it. In daily life everything operates from self-centeredness; such a way is almost universally accepted as the norm of worldly life. However, Buddhism talks about "Non-Self." What could that mean? Although expressions like "selfless" and "unselfish" are also used in worldly life, their meaning is simply to promote the ideal of sacrificing personal interests for others' interests; there is no denial of the existence of a "self." If the "Non-Self" as taught by the Dharma denies the existence of a "self," then such a concept is impractical to social life. If the concept of "Non-Self" which denies the existence of one's self is acceptable, how can it be applied in real life? If the ideal of "Non-Self" does not work in social life, is it not just empty talk or a metaphysical notion?
Worldly life centers around the self of individuals and groups. Although this results in various difficulties and suffering, as there are no other alternatives, everyone in the society has to comply with such a way of life. Although some political parties, be they in power or not, ostensibly promote the common welfare of all, they cannot do without factional politics and rewards of power and self gain when faced with real gains and losses. Why does the Dharma ignore all these realities of life and advocate "Non-Self" instead? The Dharma also teaches people not to become attached to worldly fame, gains, love and desires; what is the real aim of such teachings? Given that practicing "Non-Self" is contrary to normal worldly considerations, what are the benefits and importance of adopting it?
For some Buddhists even after accepting by faith or through understanding the real meaning of "Non-Self," they may still encounter the following questions: Since there is no self, who is practicing? Who will attain Enlightenment? Who will guide sentient beings to liberation? How to practice "Non-Self"? How to verify whether one's practice is correct or not? Is the intention to practice "Non-Self" a self-attachment in itself? If it is a self-attachment, would not practicing "Non-Self" reinforce self-attachment? How then could one attain "Non-Self"? If there is no self, why is there a need to practice? Would it not become a fool's self-entanglement and a redundant activity?
The Dharma teaches that one needs to practice observational meditation on Sunyata and enter into deep Samadhi, only then can one cut off the very subtle fundamental ignorance and self-attachment, and thereby thoroughly realize "Non-Self." Ordinary practitioners usually do not have the ability to enter into deep Samadhi, how then should they practice "Non-Self"? Does it mean there is no way to practice it? Since "Non-Self" is so difficult to understand and practice, is there any other teaching among the ocean of Buddhist teachings that can achieve the same result and yet much easier to practice in ordinary people's daily lives?
The series of questions were presented above to demonstrate the need and urgency to investigate the subject of How to Practice "Non-Self." For those who want to immerse deeply into the Dharma these questions are difficult to evade and not easy to answer. The present essay attempts to explain each of these difficult issues and provides insight based on my own experiences in practicing "Non-Self." I hope that this essay will be useful to practitioners who are attempting to practice "Non-Self," and that it will arouse in others the motive to practice "Non-Self."
The fundamental theme of Buddhist teachings is the demonstration of "Non-Self." Most people find this concept very hard to accept and may also feel very puzzled by it. In daily life everything operates from self-centeredness; such a way is almost universally accepted as the norm of worldly life. However, Buddhism talks about "Non-Self." What could that mean? Although expressions like "selfless" and "unselfish" are also used in worldly life, their meaning is simply to promote the ideal of sacrificing personal interests for others' interests; there is no denial of the existence of a "self." If the "Non-Self" as taught by the Dharma denies the existence of a "self," then such a concept is impractical to social life. If the concept of "Non-Self" which denies the existence of one's self is acceptable, how can it be applied in real life? If the ideal of "Non-Self" does not work in social life, is it not just empty talk or a metaphysical notion?
Worldly life centers around the self of individuals and groups. Although this results in various difficulties and suffering, as there are no other alternatives, everyone in the society has to comply with such a way of life. Although some political parties, be they in power or not, ostensibly promote the common welfare of all, they cannot do without factional politics and rewards of power and self gain when faced with real gains and losses. Why does the Dharma ignore all these realities of life and advocate "Non-Self" instead? The Dharma also teaches people not to become attached to worldly fame, gains, love and desires; what is the real aim of such teachings? Given that practicing "Non-Self" is contrary to normal worldly considerations, what are the benefits and importance of adopting it?
For some Buddhists even after accepting by faith or through understanding the real meaning of "Non-Self," they may still encounter the following questions: Since there is no self, who is practicing? Who will attain Enlightenment? Who will guide sentient beings to liberation? How to practice "Non-Self"? How to verify whether one's practice is correct or not? Is the intention to practice "Non-Self" a self-attachment in itself? If it is a self-attachment, would not practicing "Non-Self" reinforce self-attachment? How then could one attain "Non-Self"? If there is no self, why is there a need to practice? Would it not become a fool's self-entanglement and a redundant activity?
The Dharma teaches that one needs to practice observational meditation on Sunyata and enter into deep Samadhi, only then can one cut off the very subtle fundamental ignorance and self-attachment, and thereby thoroughly realize "Non-Self." Ordinary practitioners usually do not have the ability to enter into deep Samadhi, how then should they practice "Non-Self"? Does it mean there is no way to practice it? Since "Non-Self" is so difficult to understand and practice, is there any other teaching among the ocean of Buddhist teachings that can achieve the same result and yet much easier to practice in ordinary people's daily lives?
The series of questions were presented above to demonstrate the need and urgency to investigate the subject of How to Practice "Non-Self." For those who want to immerse deeply into the Dharma these questions are difficult to evade and not easy to answer. The present essay attempts to explain each of these difficult issues and provides insight based on my own experiences in practicing "Non-Self." I hope that this essay will be useful to practitioners who are attempting to practice "Non-Self," and that it will arouse in others the motive to practice "Non-Self."
1.The Real
Meaning of "Non-Self"
The Dharma teaches "Non-Self" in order to save sentient beings from the tormenting sea of Samsara; however, "Non-Self" is not a conceptual tool or pedagogical instrument constructed for this purpose. "Non-Self" is a verifiable truth both in terms of philosophical analyses and of attainment of realization through practice. Therefore, the salvation through the Dharma does not involve blind faith, but points out the truth to help people become free from confinement and confusion.
"Non-Self" does not mean that entities as they are commonly perceived do not exist; it means that the concept of "self" has no referent which has absolutely independent existence. The contents of all our experiences are phenomena resulting from a combination of various conditions; these phenomena change following changes in their constituent conditions, hence they have neither absolutely independent existence nor autonomy. Any denotation or labeling is just a relative cognitive activity of artificial naming and delimitation in the inseparable entirety of our experiences. Although one can denote and distinguish the existence, disappearance, and activities of individual entities in social interactions, under careful inspection one must admit the absence of any object of absolute denotation; those denotations and distinctions are just temporary grasping of appearances, serving as means of convenience. Upon thorough examination, "self" is only a conceptual tool of denotation, but not necessarily related to actual experiences. Ordinary worldly activities and personal speech and actions are all dominated by the concept of "self," without understanding of the nature of this concept, and rarely can people reflect on this issue. People are therefore imprisoned by self-attachment; they not only are trapped in endless suffering, but also reinforce entanglements based on the self; the situation is analogous to a silkworm spinning a cocoon to enclose itself deeper and deeper. If a practitioner can cease the flow of thoughts or even loosen, in Samadhi, the subconscious constrictions of various concepts and dispositions, then he or she will be able to experience the original state which is free from the antagonism of subject and object, i.e., the absence of discriminative identification of "I," "you" and "others."
The Dharma teaches "Non-Self" in order to save sentient beings from the tormenting sea of Samsara; however, "Non-Self" is not a conceptual tool or pedagogical instrument constructed for this purpose. "Non-Self" is a verifiable truth both in terms of philosophical analyses and of attainment of realization through practice. Therefore, the salvation through the Dharma does not involve blind faith, but points out the truth to help people become free from confinement and confusion.
"Non-Self" does not mean that entities as they are commonly perceived do not exist; it means that the concept of "self" has no referent which has absolutely independent existence. The contents of all our experiences are phenomena resulting from a combination of various conditions; these phenomena change following changes in their constituent conditions, hence they have neither absolutely independent existence nor autonomy. Any denotation or labeling is just a relative cognitive activity of artificial naming and delimitation in the inseparable entirety of our experiences. Although one can denote and distinguish the existence, disappearance, and activities of individual entities in social interactions, under careful inspection one must admit the absence of any object of absolute denotation; those denotations and distinctions are just temporary grasping of appearances, serving as means of convenience. Upon thorough examination, "self" is only a conceptual tool of denotation, but not necessarily related to actual experiences. Ordinary worldly activities and personal speech and actions are all dominated by the concept of "self," without understanding of the nature of this concept, and rarely can people reflect on this issue. People are therefore imprisoned by self-attachment; they not only are trapped in endless suffering, but also reinforce entanglements based on the self; the situation is analogous to a silkworm spinning a cocoon to enclose itself deeper and deeper. If a practitioner can cease the flow of thoughts or even loosen, in Samadhi, the subconscious constrictions of various concepts and dispositions, then he or she will be able to experience the original state which is free from the antagonism of subject and object, i.e., the absence of discriminative identification of "I," "you" and "others."
Practicing
"Non-Self" simply means giving up self-attachment in order to regain
the original clarity of the mind. Being able to maintain an open perspective,
let go of things, be tolerant, not compete with others, and leave causes and
conditions to their natural courses would be close to practicing
"Non-Self." "Non-Self" is the truth; those who act
accordingly will be liberated, and those who do not will remain trapped; there
is nothing to compel, nor any need to argue. Practicing "Non-Self" is
merely the awakening of the innate enlightened awareness to acting and living
in accordance with the truth; there is no deliberation in achieving any result,
and even the salvation of beings through the spreading of the Dharma is just an
activity that is necessary in accordance with the truth, hence it is not a kind
of self-attachment. "Non-Self" does not require practice to realize,
and there is nothing to be practiced either; the so called practicing
"Non-Self" simply means to give up all sorts of self-attachment and
one's grasping of a substantial "self." If a sentient being becomes
aware of the presence of some self-attachment, then it is necessary to employ
various methods to release it in order to refresh the innate
"Non-Self." Therefore, practicing "Non-Self" is not a fool's
self-entanglement, but rather a wiseman's taking appropriate medication for a
diagnosed disease.
2.
Reflection on the Adoption of a
"Self"
Although there is indeed no self in terms of philosophy and realization, nevertheless, real-life relationships based on interests and social functions of society are all built upon this concept of a "self." Why does the Dharma not conform to the worldly ways but insist on preaching an opposite approach to life? The reason is that if we reflect on all the suffering and causes in the world, we will discover that this concept of a "self" is the basic factor of much unnecessary but strictly man-caused suffering. Adhering to "self" will necessarily yield prejudices and biases, and thereby render one incapable of treating others equally and extending one's love to all sentient beings; consequently it becomes difficult for one to learn about various skillful service to others. Nevertheless, as it is commonly understood, it is obvious that there are distinct individuals with respective needs, speech, actions, rights and responsibilities; if "Non-Self" is to be implemented thoroughly, then how should society be structured and operate? How should the lives and sustenance of individuals be protected? Should we not restrict the discussion to the distinctions and choices between right and wrong at the moral level instead of investigating further and thereby shattering the foundational concept of our social structures?
In order to understand the basic compassionate intention from which the Dharma teaches "Non-Self," one needs to recognize first the scope of saving sentient beings from suffering to happiness that are envisioned by the Dharma. The goal of the Dharma is to set all sentient beings completely free from the suffering of life and death in Samsara for all eternity. If we do not make fundamental changes and live in accordance with the reality of Non-Self, then it will be impossible to achieve this goal of ultimate liberation. If Non-Self cannot be practiced thoroughly, then any charitable activity is only a show performed in a relative situation. In other words, when one holds onto a "self" and is under the pressure of the environment, self-preservation will replace charity, and worldly interests and power will definitely rule in life. During harvest years the old and the weak may still have a share of the left-overs, but in times of famine the poor will not be able to even sustain their lives. Worldly regulations can do very little to rectify such a situation. As to the safeguard of our environment and what we might encounter, how can we maintain an upper hand over the forces of nature? No matter how hard people endeavor, there is no absolute protection of social and individual well-being. Adoption of a "self" will necessarily result in competition, confrontation, suspicion, jealousy and discord; the rule of survival of the fittest is no less applicable in the human world than in the jungles.
Pitfalls of the adoption of a "self" have been described briefly above; nevertheless, how can the sustenance and stability of the society be ensured with "Non-Self"? Even though a small number of practitioners with clear and pure Dharma insight and lofty aspiration are practicing "Non-Self" in life, nevertheless most people do not follow their examples but stick with the practices of self-centered ways. How then can the society be improved and the customs changed? Salvation of all sentient beings from Samsara for all eternity is even further away. If the self-centered ways of the society cannot be changed, what good can a few people practicing "Non-Self" bring? Therefore, it is necessary to explain the importance of practicing "Non-Self."
Although there is indeed no self in terms of philosophy and realization, nevertheless, real-life relationships based on interests and social functions of society are all built upon this concept of a "self." Why does the Dharma not conform to the worldly ways but insist on preaching an opposite approach to life? The reason is that if we reflect on all the suffering and causes in the world, we will discover that this concept of a "self" is the basic factor of much unnecessary but strictly man-caused suffering. Adhering to "self" will necessarily yield prejudices and biases, and thereby render one incapable of treating others equally and extending one's love to all sentient beings; consequently it becomes difficult for one to learn about various skillful service to others. Nevertheless, as it is commonly understood, it is obvious that there are distinct individuals with respective needs, speech, actions, rights and responsibilities; if "Non-Self" is to be implemented thoroughly, then how should society be structured and operate? How should the lives and sustenance of individuals be protected? Should we not restrict the discussion to the distinctions and choices between right and wrong at the moral level instead of investigating further and thereby shattering the foundational concept of our social structures?
In order to understand the basic compassionate intention from which the Dharma teaches "Non-Self," one needs to recognize first the scope of saving sentient beings from suffering to happiness that are envisioned by the Dharma. The goal of the Dharma is to set all sentient beings completely free from the suffering of life and death in Samsara for all eternity. If we do not make fundamental changes and live in accordance with the reality of Non-Self, then it will be impossible to achieve this goal of ultimate liberation. If Non-Self cannot be practiced thoroughly, then any charitable activity is only a show performed in a relative situation. In other words, when one holds onto a "self" and is under the pressure of the environment, self-preservation will replace charity, and worldly interests and power will definitely rule in life. During harvest years the old and the weak may still have a share of the left-overs, but in times of famine the poor will not be able to even sustain their lives. Worldly regulations can do very little to rectify such a situation. As to the safeguard of our environment and what we might encounter, how can we maintain an upper hand over the forces of nature? No matter how hard people endeavor, there is no absolute protection of social and individual well-being. Adoption of a "self" will necessarily result in competition, confrontation, suspicion, jealousy and discord; the rule of survival of the fittest is no less applicable in the human world than in the jungles.
Pitfalls of the adoption of a "self" have been described briefly above; nevertheless, how can the sustenance and stability of the society be ensured with "Non-Self"? Even though a small number of practitioners with clear and pure Dharma insight and lofty aspiration are practicing "Non-Self" in life, nevertheless most people do not follow their examples but stick with the practices of self-centered ways. How then can the society be improved and the customs changed? Salvation of all sentient beings from Samsara for all eternity is even further away. If the self-centered ways of the society cannot be changed, what good can a few people practicing "Non-Self" bring? Therefore, it is necessary to explain the importance of practicing "Non-Self."
3. The
Importance of Practicing "Non-Self"
First, I need to explain that advocating "Non-Self" is not only not contrary to the sustenance and stability of the society, but even conducive to it. Usually it would seem that if we carry out the ideal of "Non-Self," then individual rights and responsibilities would become out of the question; consequently it would either become empty rhetoric or be used by the ruling class to hypnotize the public in order to reap tangible benefits. If ordinary people sincerely practice "Non-Self," would it yield a sequence of undesirable side effects? In order to understand the root of the problem, the first priority is to recognize that the stability and sustenance of a society basically relies on mutual trust and good nature of its constituent members. All rules and regulations are very limited in function; they are either so complicated that only professionals can understand them or dependent on the interpretation and implementation of the enforcer for their applications. If everyone sets their priority on reinforcing their self-attachment and taking care of their own interests, then all rules and regulations are merely cosmetics for the cruel scenes of survival of the fittest. If, however, there is a consensus in the society that it is important to practice "Non-Self," then an atmosphere of harmony, happiness, mutual help and understanding will naturally prevail. Only with the practice of "Non-Self" can people really understand and care for one another, as well as realize the common fate of being a sentient being subject to the suffering of birth, aging, sickness and death. Besides, whether or not one can enjoy real peace and happiness in life also relies on practicing Non-Self and benefiting others. This point is much more important and fundamental than calculating gains and losses in the material world.
First, I need to explain that advocating "Non-Self" is not only not contrary to the sustenance and stability of the society, but even conducive to it. Usually it would seem that if we carry out the ideal of "Non-Self," then individual rights and responsibilities would become out of the question; consequently it would either become empty rhetoric or be used by the ruling class to hypnotize the public in order to reap tangible benefits. If ordinary people sincerely practice "Non-Self," would it yield a sequence of undesirable side effects? In order to understand the root of the problem, the first priority is to recognize that the stability and sustenance of a society basically relies on mutual trust and good nature of its constituent members. All rules and regulations are very limited in function; they are either so complicated that only professionals can understand them or dependent on the interpretation and implementation of the enforcer for their applications. If everyone sets their priority on reinforcing their self-attachment and taking care of their own interests, then all rules and regulations are merely cosmetics for the cruel scenes of survival of the fittest. If, however, there is a consensus in the society that it is important to practice "Non-Self," then an atmosphere of harmony, happiness, mutual help and understanding will naturally prevail. Only with the practice of "Non-Self" can people really understand and care for one another, as well as realize the common fate of being a sentient being subject to the suffering of birth, aging, sickness and death. Besides, whether or not one can enjoy real peace and happiness in life also relies on practicing Non-Self and benefiting others. This point is much more important and fundamental than calculating gains and losses in the material world.
The next point is to explain the necessity of practicing "Non-Self." If we give up practicing "Non-Self" because such practitioners are rare, while "practitioners" of self-centeredness are abundant, then not only would society become more profit-oriented and unstable but also each one of us would never enjoy a moment of spiritual peace and joy. However, if one can endure the difficulty of staying above the flood of self-attachment in this impure world and practice service of the great compassion of the common entity born of "Non-Self," then it would become possible for one not only to influence people's minds and customs through devoted and enduring service but also to develop fully one's potential for life; even attain the summit of supreme Enlightenment and transcend the ocean of suffering of samsaric life and death. Practicing "Non-Self" is not only related to an individual's awakening and value of life, but also closely related to the ultimate salvation of all sentient beings; hence, it is not only something that we should not speak lightly about giving it up, but also the great path that all those who want to save all beings from suffering should tread.
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