No self

In this month’s first episode, we decided to take on the difficult Buddhist concept of “no self” or anatman. It can be a frightening prospect to give up the idea that any of us have a permanent self, but don’t be afraid! It’s good to wrestle with these ideas and come to a deeper understanding of how the five skhandas (discussed last month) are interrelated and impermanent. We start off a little silly today, but somehow manage to get to a good place, wandering through the likes of Tan Luan, J.D. Salinger, Enter the Dragon, and the Mahayana doctrine of “two truths.” Enjoy this episode and don’t forget to send us your questions for future podcasts!