[Bonus] Clearing up misconceptions about the “Non-Self.”

from Spring 2010 Shamatha Retreat Hosted by B. Alan Wallace

This podcast was spurred by a question from our philosopher Ilse asking about the difference of "Identitylessness" [or non self] and "Personhood" (as she put it). There are many misconceptions about Buddhism and the theme of the "Non-Self," and here B. Alan Wallace breaks it down skillfully and with his characteristic [irony alarm went off], funny and good-humored but extremely wise and accurate examples. This is really recommended if you have any doubts (as many of us do) on this topic! It is explained extremely clearly. As a bonus within a bonus, Ilse comments that the practice of Shamatha in this retreat so far is starting to weaken her sense of identity. Alan quickly says it’s a good thing then talks about how Shamatha can and does weaken the sense of identity (and the suffering it entails) and breaks down the "fortress" of ignorance and delusion, along with their derivative afflictions such as craving, aversion, anger, hostility, etc. At the end it gets very philosophical (and nicely so). All in all a great podcast for reflexion. In the spirit of this podcast, do you know who is in the picture? You might say, “What kind of stupid question is that?... That's Alan!” But what is it that you call Alan? The pixels on the screen? Your appearance of Alan? The voice? A dharma teacher? A friend? Do you see the same Alan that I am seeing as I add the picture? How many Alans are there? Is there an Alan (I hope so!) ? Have fun with that one!

Episode details come from the podcast's RSS feed.

Embed this episode

Attribution link and audio player

Ready to play

[Bonus] Clearing up misconceptions about the “Non-Self.”

No transcript yet.

Requests help us decide what to transcribe next.

Share this episode

Similar podcasts

Ukraine - History in the Making Emil Juhler When I started the conversation series ”Ukraine - History in the Making” I could have never imagined where this journey would lead me. It all started in March 2023 after I got home from an exchange stay in Chile and felt, that I had to do more for Ukraine, than what I did on my social media accounts and on the streets in the spring and summer of 2022. I think most of us remember that initial period after Ruzzia’s the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Speaking from a European/Danish point of view it was a time of big fear, desperation and uncertainty, but also a time of high hopes, energy and big solidarity. In the very first conversation of the show with Veronika Netrebenko, she says the following about the feelings of Ukrainians during the Maidan Revolution: ”We understood we gotta fight for it, and it was something totally different, we felt different, we felt that we need to fight for it”. To a certain degree I believe you can say the same about what happened within the hearts and mi Mufti Menk Muslim Central Mufti Menk, (Doctor, Mufti, Ismail Menk) is a leading global Islamic scholar born and raised in Zimbabwe. He studied Shariah in Madinah and holds a Doctorate of Social Guidance from Aldersgate University.Mufti Menk’s work has gained worldwide recognition and he has been named one of “The Top 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World” since 2010.He has millions of followers across his social media platforms. Mufti Menk’s personable style and down to earth approach has made him one of the most sought after scholars in our time. He has endeared himself to people with his much loved lecture series, a Mufti Menk hallmark.He travels the world spreading a simple but profound message: “Do good, help others while preparing for the Hereafter”.He is active in the international arena and is a strong proponent of peace and justice, speaking up against all forms of terrorism. Hamza Yusuf Muslim Central Hamza Yusuf is a cofounder of Zaytuna College, located in Berkeley, California. He is an advisor to Stanford University’s Program in Islamic Studies and the Center for Islamic Studies at Berkeley’s Graduate Theological Union. He also serves as vice-president for the Global Center for Guidance and Renewal, which was founded and is currently presided over by Shaykh Abdallah bin Bayyah, one of the top jurists and masters of Islamic sciences in the world. Recently, Hamza Yusuf was ranked as “the Western world’s most influential Islamic scholar” by The 500 Most Influential Muslims. Hamza Yusuf has also authored several encyclopedia articles and research papers. His published books include The Burda (2003), Purification of the Heart (2004), The Content of Character (2004), The Creed of Imam al-Tahawi (2007), Agenda to Change our Condition (2007), Walk on Water (2010), and The Prayer of the Oppressed (2010).Shaykh Hamza was born in Washington State and raised in Northern California. In 1977

Frequently asked questions

When was this Spring 2010 Shamatha Retreat episode published?

This episode was published on May 11, 2010.

Can I download this Spring 2010 Shamatha Retreat episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.