TIBETAN
BUDDHISM
BOOK EXTRACT:
Illustration:
The 'I' is empty of inherent existence
Usually phenomena are divided into two types:
a) the mental and physical are things that are used by
the 'I' and b) the I that uses them. When someone calls
my name to what are they referring. For example someone
calls out to me "Hello Craig". Are they referring
to my body? No clearly my body is not the thing that is
me. Similarly it is not my mind for both mind and body
are things used by me. Neither are the 'I' itself. There
is clearly an 'I' that is separate from the mind and body.
Mind and body are things that I use, they are not the
essential me.
I may complain about
my body if it gets ill or I may reprimand my mind if it
looses concentration or cannot recall a memory. If I cut
my fingernails am I throwing away part of myself? Think
about your own concept of 'I'. What is it's nature? Does
your 'I' have a separate identity from your mind and body?
Notice how the more you search for the I the more elusive
it is. It is impossible to pin down. The Tibetan Buddhists
teach us that the seemingly independent I doesn't exist
at all. This specific non-existence is what the Tibetan
Buddhists refer to as selflessness. The I is an illusion.
THE I IS EMPTY OF INHERENT EXISTENCE
The ultimate nature
of the I is emptiness. The I is empty of inherent existence
as too are all things used by it. The I and the things
used by the I are therefore the same. There is no difference
between you and that. If the mind dwells in the meaning
of emptiness the dualistic division of things becomes
less. The meditator may see all things including himself
as the one clear light.
Tibetan Buddhists
do not say that there is a self that is completely separate
from the mind and body. They say that there is no permanent
independent self. Buddhism says that the following truths
hold good that a) all products are impermanent, b) all
contaminated things are miserable c) all phenomena are
empty of self, and d) nirvana is peace.
Click for: Application:
Fixing the mind in meditation
Click
here to order
Timeless Wisdom of the Tibetans
