Thanissaro Bhikkhu: Selves and Not-Self, Part II

(New York Insight Meditation Center) One in a series of 3 Talks: The Buddha viewed perceptions of self and not-self as a form of karma, or action. Thus the question is not, “Do I have a self?” or “What is my true self?” Instead, it is “When is it skillful to perceive a self, and when is it more skillful to perceive not-self?” This series of three talks will explore this last question. Part II explores ways in which a healthy, mature sense of self is essential to the practice.