Not-Self
Fall 2001 Vol. 18 #1
Fall 2001 Vol. 18 #1
Introduction
The terrorist attacks of September 11 took place just after we had finished layouts for this edition of Inquiring Mind. . . . In these difficult times, we are thankful for the refuge of the Triple Gem.
Features
We begin our investigation with passages about anatta from the Pali Canon, prepared by Ajahn Amaro.
Spirit Rock teacher Guy Armstrong provides a clear explanation of what the Buddha meant, and didn’t mean, by anatta.
Ajahn Sundara, a senior nun from Amaravati Monastery in England, explores the insidious assertions of our “silly” self.
Physicist and meditator Robert Fraser offers a scientific perspective on selflessness and free will, using the laws of physics and evolutionary biology to support the Buddha’s understanding.
Dan Clurman’s interview with Eckhart Tolle, author of the best-selling The Power of Now, adds the provocative Advaita Vedanta approach to not-self.
Joan Tollifson brings the teachings on not-self to life is this experiential essay.
The question of self in relation to the wider world is explored by journalist and writer Jon Stewart, who looks at the effects of the Internet from a dharma point of view.
Author and activist Ken Jones asks us to examine how our lives are intertwined with the global economy and cultural conditioning.
According to S. N. Goenka, whose renowned ten-day courses have brought vipassana practice to literally thousands of students worldwide, the Buddha was the greatest spiritual superscientist the world has ever known.
In a talk given at the Millennium World Peace Summit, S. N. Goenka highlighted what all spiritual paths, have in common: the universal dhamma.
Poems & Not Poems
Artist Virginia Ray created a yearlong performance-art piece relating to self-image.
Reviews
(200 pp., Adams Media Co., 2001)
Religious Feminism and the Future of the Planet: A BuddhistChristian Conversation, by Rita M. Gross and Rosemary Radford Ruether
Reviewed By Peter Dale Scott
(238 pp., Continuum, 2001)
A Mindreader’s Briefing
Reviewed By Brian Hodel, Ajahn Amaro, Peter Dale Scott, Alan Williamson, Charlotte Painter, Jeff Greenwald, Ronna Kabatznick, Wes Nisker
Short reviews of Blue Jean Buddha, edited by Sumi Loundon • Saffron Days in L.A. by Bhante Walpola Piyananda • King Bimbisara’s Chronicler by Jason Siff • Itivuttaka: This Was Said by the Buddha, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu • Buddhism with an Attitude by B. Alan Wallace • Minding the Darkness by Peter Dale Scott • Transforming Problems into Happiness by Lama Zopa Rinpoche • The Art of War: A New Translation by the Denma Translation Group • Manoa: Song of the Snow Lion, edited by Frank Stewart, Tsering Shakya & Herbert J. Batt • Lord of the Dance by Richard J. Kohn • Graceful Passages, (2 CD Set, Companion Arts)• Stretching Lessons by Sue Bender • The Buddha’s Book of Daily Meditations, edited by Christopher Titmuss
Practice
Swiss dzogchen teacher Charles Genoud introduces the Tibetan practice of exchanging self with other.
Sangha Speaks
Inmate Robert Coulthard offers reflections on meditating in prison.
The Dharma & the Drama
Wes Nisker meditates on species die-offs, evolution and Life with a capital L.