The ‘Self’ or ‘Non-self’ in Buddhism
A cogent reinterpretation of many of the key arguments of Mahāyāna philosophy, providing new insights in relation to the question of what a ‘self’ may or may not be, relativistically perceived as an I-consciousness in light of the doctrine of the Void (śūnyatā). The major classical logic relating to such things as the Two Truths, Dependent Origination, the Sevenfold Reasoning, are properly examined by presenting an esoteric view (the Dharmakāya Way) that represents the middle way between extremes. In doing so many concepts are modernised and inherent errors expunged via the presentation of a new valid hermeneutic.
474 pages, softcover ©2016
DG –
I am a Buddhist monk of Plum Village, a Mahayana tradition with the emphasis on Early Buddhism and Zen. In my practice as a monk, I began to experience intense energetic states in the chakras. In searching for answers, I came across the author of the ‘A Treatise on Mind’ series. I realised very soon that it is not an easy subject as propagated in many books. It requires an in-depth study to get an overall picture. I am not a Buddhist Scholar, but the detailed and precise step by step guidance into sacred scriptures opened a door for me to enter which before I thought I couldn’t. The process of studying is in itself a practice. It requires care to train the mind in logical thinking and to develop abstract concepts to gain fruitful contemplation and meditation experiences.
This Volume attempts to unify different schools of Buddhism from an esoteric as well as an exoteric angle. By analysing how the schools ‘interrelate’ to each other, we can understand the need for clarification and reformation of the teachings. The author supplements the Buddhist expressions with terms from Theosophy (The Ageless Wisdom Teachings) in the third and last two volumes of the series. In his later writings Advaita Vedanta is also analysed and compared to Buddhism. The knowledge provided is like a map to navigate when getting in touch with subtle energies or the inner realms. It is of the utmost importance to resist the desired attraction of mystified psychic practices (e.g. Siddhis) to go in the right direction. Esoteric Buddhism can bring these teachings ‘down-to-earth’ and lead one in the right direction of serving compassionately. I had to realise that most important in spiritual practices is to develop Bodhicitta and Wisdom and a mind that is free from too much emotionality.
In this book, there are so many unique perspectives on the relativity of enlightenment, the ‘Self/Non-self’, ‘the Two Truths, the Middle Way’, emptiness, and karma. An Eastern and Western (scientific) integration expand the understanding of Buddhist cosmology, e.g. in connection with “Dependent Origination”. That is just the beginning of a long, joyful journey. Nowadays there is so much information available and when wrongly applied the worst karma is the outcome. To whatever tradition one belongs as a monastic or lay, we are responsible when we lead people on the spiritual path.
For Buddhist-oriented practitioners and students who like to study the esoteric doctrines, this is a great book. Volume 6 of this series is an excellent place to start and gives a good overview of this monumental work.