One of the resounding themes in the Buddhist studies and practices I’ve taken on over the last years has focused a lot on labels, concepts, and views. The foundation of everything being emptiness, impermanence, and unsatisfactoriness.  In the beginning, emptiness was confusing and cryptic, but as I explored the titles and labels I wore, I realized I had to stop calling myself a Buddhist. Continue reading “Calling Yourself Buddhist Isn’t Buddhist” »

In the years I’ve been pursuing Buddhism, I find the topic of not-self coming up frequently. This topic can be baffling and disturbing at first. We are advised to investigate inwardly for evidence of a solid, intrinsic self, and we smash into this voice that says, “This is me, myself, and I!” Yet, as I dig more deeply, pick apart the many parts and essentials that make up the human being, I am discovering a subtle understanding of the not-self concept. Continue reading “Just Who Am I Anyway?” »