In short 'not-I'. The lengthier answer is that being is a process rather than a static point of reference. If you look at the Buddha's teachings around dependent origination you will see a description of how beings arise and pass away as part of a dynamic process and that includes parts of beings or actions beings do such as make choices. So for example many choices we make are a result of a habit, which relies on past actions and memory. However, memory is not static either and can be influenced by present conditions. Also the existence of what is called 'sati' a type of consciousness that can reflect on other states of consciousness allows us to reason and to change behaviour. This is what makes following the Buddha's path possible and allows us the potential to 'escape' samsara. Hence why the Buddha said that only from the human realm is escape possible. However, to reiterate, all this is happening without a self.
How can attachment occur without a self? if there is no self, then there is no attachment, already free with nothing to liberate from. So then what is the point of zen ?@@thezengateway8578
Something is in control of your hearing and understanding, and that controlling started in your own will inside of you when you decided to learn the language! It's always you that controls your life as long as you live, but under God's grace of choices that we make! Here the reference of God has nothing to do with any religion!
Yes, there is a control mechanism in play but this is still not - I in Buddhism. As mentioned above being is part of a process and that process is subject to forces that condition it to arise and pass away. Of course, YMMV, but this is the Buddhist take on it.
❤
Excellent.
Beautifully put, Martin. I'm seeing this more clearly in my direct experience as I look for the one who is 'doing'. It simply doesn't exist.
How are you doing Mike? Hope all is fair weather with you.
Doing well, thanks Martin. Glad to see your videos pop up 🙂 @@thezengateway8578
If there is no self then who is choosing to follow the precepts?
In short 'not-I'. The lengthier answer is that being is a process rather than a static point of reference. If you look at the Buddha's teachings around dependent origination you will see a description of how beings arise and pass away as part of a dynamic process and that includes parts of beings or actions beings do such as make choices. So for example many choices we make are a result of a habit, which relies on past actions and memory. However, memory is not static either and can be influenced by present conditions. Also the existence of what is called 'sati' a type of consciousness that can reflect on other states of consciousness allows us to reason and to change behaviour. This is what makes following the Buddha's path possible and allows us the potential to 'escape' samsara. Hence why the Buddha said that only from the human realm is escape possible. However, to reiterate, all this is happening without a self.
How can attachment occur without a self? if there is no self, then there is no attachment, already free with nothing to liberate from. So then what is the point of zen ?@@thezengateway8578
Something is in control of your hearing and understanding, and that controlling started in your own will inside of you when you decided to learn the language! It's always you that controls your life as long as you live, but under God's grace of choices that we make!
Here the reference of God has nothing to do with any religion!
Yes, there is a control mechanism in play but this is still not - I in Buddhism. As mentioned above being is part of a process and that process is subject to forces that condition it to arise and pass away. Of course, YMMV, but this is the Buddhist take on it.
❤