Exploring the Essence of Self: Necessity and Role in Daily Life

Introduction to the Concept of Self

It’s intriguing how the practice of actively denying one’s 'self' can be the most self-asserting action. This concept has deep roots in philosophical and religious teachings, such as those found in the teachings of the Buddha. The middle way and the Catuskoti, or four-cornered logic, propose a path that avoids the extremes of affirmation and denial. By denying the self, one might paradoxically bring greater clarity to one's existence and identity.

The Middle Way and Self-Assertion

The Buddha's teachings emphasize the importance of the middle way, which advocates neither denying nor affirming the self. In nondual thinking, the very act of clinging to a specific view of the self limits the mind, reducing it to a mere reflection of material and social objects. In other words, we become passive within the framework of these representations, rarely questioning their validity.

The Buddha's Perspective on Self

In the records of the Buddha's teachings, one finds numerous examples demonstrating that any personal view on the non-existence of something does not liberate one from the burden of living. To the Buddha, clinging to forms, or objects in the world of representations, is equivalent to embracing a limitation that burdens our true nature. The Buddha would show individuals that their views are mere reflections and not direct knowledge of their true being.

The Nondual Nature of Self

Our self is not a separate entity but rather an extension of our awareness. We are mobile perceivers, constantly navigating different situations with various aspects of self. Each social situation has its own 'self,' tailored to the context. For instance, the self that greets a pet is different from the self that addresses a boss or spouse. These diverse selves operate independently to avoid conflicts and maintain harmony in different social settings.

Energy and Clarity of Mind

The strength of the sense of self consumes a significant amount of cognitive energy. When this sense is dialed down, there is more energy available for attention to sensory experiences. This reduction in the sense of self can lead to a heightened sense of perception, where the body directly experiences everything without the chatter of interpretation. It's intensely vivid and “real,” providing a refreshing and vivid awareness of the world around us.

Conclusion

While the sense of self is essential for our daily interactions and social navigation, it is important to recognize that it is not a permanent, fixed entity. By understanding the nature of self through nondual thinking and the teachings of the Buddha, we can find a path to greater clarity and liberation. The key lies in recognizing that our true self is inseparable from our awareness, and that we are always changing, yet fundamentally non-phenomenal.