Is there necessarily a difference between experiencing reality as non-self and simply intellectually understanding the true nature of self being non-self?
I think intellectual understanding is verbal and mental. It is a logical apprehension for explaining something. Experiencing reality as non-self is beyond thought and logic. To experience non-self is to know it and be living it which is quite different from just being able to understand or explain it with words.
Ego is the thinking that thinks it is you. It is your identity. It is the inner voice in your head that you hear when you think. It is an abomination - a parasite - the machine that takes over the people. It is the curtain that hides the jewel of life. Ego doesn't just roll over and go away. It fights to be you. The danger in spiritual search is that it is the ego that does it. Many just end up being more spiritual egos thinking they've arrived and missing the boat totally.
You have made a profound observation about the nature of reality. Also, most people can understand what you said and really appreciate it. Unfortunately, my parents would think you are nuts!
Ego can take on very subtle identities. It can be a Dr, a fireman, a victim, a hero, or a spiritual teacher! It is cleaver, and knows how to hide in plain sight. My ego always wants to know more, and more, it is never satisfied, and must always be on the lookout for something else to eat.I understand the concept of non-clinging, but to experience it, there lies the true liberation! So how do you not cling to something that is an integral part of you?
I don't like it. When you say...mind...or say ego...you separate one thing from a another, and you break the being apart.
And talking about words...there was this thing i did when i was like...5 or 6 years old, heres the thing: I always think a lot...so there was this one time that i forgot how to talk. The words repeating one time after another lost sense in my head. And there was this wordless thought in my head.
And i realized that language is a fantasy...it's fake.
"ME" was one with earth once...than something went very wrong...now it is like a butler trying the masters clothes.2012 is supposed to change that in "Me" again.I like this teory:)
Thanks for communicating this Gerald. My objections remain because I don't think you can separate ego from feeling and emotion. And as emotion is a powerful motivational force, disabling it by suppressing the ego seems of questionable merit. Seems like a recipe for the domination of the masses to me. There are functions of the ego we need as a culture, on which our very existence may be dependent. Understanding the interplay of the forms involved is important, and I enjoyed your video.
The idea is Not Suppression. There is no suppression of emotions, thoughts, desires. It is ALLOWING ALL of this to exist in its own measure WITHOUT feeding it until it grows into an identity we cling to. Clinging to my THOUGHTS as ME is incorrect. I am more than thoughts. My understanding is shaky, but I do not believe suppression is an appropriate word, I'd say extinquishment not through Any Act. By not doing anything to feed the Ego, the natural order of mind returns to non-clinging.
I think its the ego arguing that its important to understand the ego. I beleive the truth in the Zen koans is deeper and more profound. Consider master gutai... when asked any question he would simply hold up one finger. Mumon was very fond of this answer.
Words are empty. They are arbitrary symbols that are not the reality of what they intend to describe. They, the words, are not that which they describe. Ego Is an illusion. Good video Gerald.
Is there necessarily a difference between experiencing reality as non-self and simply intellectually understanding the true nature of self being non-self?
1Moregano1 1 year ago
@1Moregano1
I think intellectual understanding is verbal and mental. It is a logical apprehension for explaining something. Experiencing reality as non-self is beyond thought and logic. To experience non-self is to know it and be living it which is quite different from just being able to understand or explain it with words.
kmcdon6 9 months ago
Ego is the thinking that thinks it is you. It is your identity. It is the inner voice in your head that you hear when you think. It is an abomination - a parasite - the machine that takes over the people. It is the curtain that hides the jewel of life. Ego doesn't just roll over and go away. It fights to be you. The danger in spiritual search is that it is the ego that does it. Many just end up being more spiritual egos thinking they've arrived and missing the boat totally.
livenowdoing 2 years ago 2
@livenowdoing You really think so? Who knew?
TheGoldenWildcat 1 year ago
very well put. it's so inspiring to see younger folks speaking truth like this and sharing a bit of light with all of us.
nonesuchone 2 years ago
Great Job!!!
Though a bit of smiling would light the presentation;I believe...
If ultimetly ego is not real,why take it seriously?
Great job anyway!!
biondi44 2 years ago
You have made a profound observation about the nature of reality. Also, most people can understand what you said and really appreciate it. Unfortunately, my parents would think you are nuts!
online4now 2 years ago
Ego can take on very subtle identities. It can be a Dr, a fireman, a victim, a hero, or a spiritual teacher! It is cleaver, and knows how to hide in plain sight. My ego always wants to know more, and more, it is never satisfied, and must always be on the lookout for something else to eat.I understand the concept of non-clinging, but to experience it, there lies the true liberation! So how do you not cling to something that is an integral part of you?
peacelovelightjoy 3 years ago
Great Video. This is what Buddha explained as "DEEDS are DONE, but there is no doer to be found"
"Mere suffering exists, no sufferer is found;
The deed is, but no doer of the deed is there;
Nibbana is, but not the man who enters it;
The path is, but no traveller on it is seen."
craigMellow 3 years ago
I don't like it. When you say...mind...or say ego...you separate one thing from a another, and you break the being apart.
And talking about words...there was this thing i did when i was like...5 or 6 years old, heres the thing: I always think a lot...so there was this one time that i forgot how to talk. The words repeating one time after another lost sense in my head. And there was this wordless thought in my head.
And i realized that language is a fantasy...it's fake.
thehornypuppy 3 years ago
Have you read the "Power of Now" Gerald? It's a great book on transcending ego.
koele1 3 years ago
Beautifully, expressed! I'm Subbin.
LatinoParaSiempre 3 years ago
By the way...I like your observation.
LeonShnider 4 years ago
Thank you, thanks for commenting :D
GeraldP1983 4 years ago
It came long time ago as a saviour.
"ME" was one with earth once...than something went very wrong...now it is like a butler trying the masters clothes.2012 is supposed to change that in "Me" again.I like this teory:)
LeonShnider 4 years ago
thanks for the dharma talk.
mountainmystic10 4 years ago
Interesting.
headhead9 4 years ago
good try
denisedubois 4 years ago 2
Thanks for communicating this Gerald. My objections remain because I don't think you can separate ego from feeling and emotion. And as emotion is a powerful motivational force, disabling it by suppressing the ego seems of questionable merit. Seems like a recipe for the domination of the masses to me. There are functions of the ego we need as a culture, on which our very existence may be dependent. Understanding the interplay of the forms involved is important, and I enjoyed your video.
patternsinchaos 4 years ago
The idea is Not Suppression. There is no suppression of emotions, thoughts, desires. It is ALLOWING ALL of this to exist in its own measure WITHOUT feeding it until it grows into an identity we cling to. Clinging to my THOUGHTS as ME is incorrect. I am more than thoughts. My understanding is shaky, but I do not believe suppression is an appropriate word, I'd say extinquishment not through Any Act. By not doing anything to feed the Ego, the natural order of mind returns to non-clinging.
cosmanthony21 4 years ago
Fair enough. :D Thanks for your thoughts. Always appreciated.
GeraldP1983 4 years ago
I think its the ego arguing that its important to understand the ego. I beleive the truth in the Zen koans is deeper and more profound. Consider master gutai... when asked any question he would simply hold up one finger. Mumon was very fond of this answer.
simonodell 4 years ago
Words are empty. They are arbitrary symbols that are not the reality of what they intend to describe. They, the words, are not that which they describe. Ego Is an illusion. Good video Gerald.
cosmanthony21 4 years ago
Thanks Taylor, thanks for continuing this dialouge/inspiring this video :D
GeraldP1983 4 years ago