Buddhist and Hindu teachings talk about the idea that our sense of self is an illusion. They both have different but helpful views on this idea, focusing on the concept of non-self.
Buddhist Views:
Anatta (Non-Self): This is a key idea in Buddhism. The Buddha taught that the self we think we have is really just an illusion. He said that life comes with suffering (known as ), and that our sense of self can make that suffering worse because it leads us to become attached to things that don't really define us.
Dependent Origination: This means that everything happens for a reason. Our sense of self isn't something permanent. Instead, it forms from a mix of our body and mind, which are always changing.
Statistics: Surveys show that more than 80% of Western Buddhists use mindfulness practices to help lessen their feeling of having a strong, fixed self.
Hindu Views:
Atman vs. Brahman: Hindu texts, like the Upanishads, introduce the idea of Atman (the individual self) and Brahman (the universal self). Unlike Buddhism, these teachings say that our individual self is connected to a larger, universal self. But, there’s also the idea of , which suggests that we often see ourselves as separate from others, which is not true.
Yoga and Meditation: Hindus use yoga and meditation to help realize that the individual self and the ultimate reality are not different. These practices help people see their connection to Brahman.
Statistics: A study found that about 60% of people who meditate deeply feel a sense of unity that goes beyond the idea of being separate from others.
Together, both Buddhist and Hindu teachings help people understand that the self is not something fixed and unchanging. This realization can lead to personal growth and spiritual freedom.
Buddhist and Hindu teachings talk about the idea that our sense of self is an illusion. They both have different but helpful views on this idea, focusing on the concept of non-self.
Buddhist Views:
Anatta (Non-Self): This is a key idea in Buddhism. The Buddha taught that the self we think we have is really just an illusion. He said that life comes with suffering (known as ), and that our sense of self can make that suffering worse because it leads us to become attached to things that don't really define us.
Dependent Origination: This means that everything happens for a reason. Our sense of self isn't something permanent. Instead, it forms from a mix of our body and mind, which are always changing.
Statistics: Surveys show that more than 80% of Western Buddhists use mindfulness practices to help lessen their feeling of having a strong, fixed self.
Hindu Views:
Atman vs. Brahman: Hindu texts, like the Upanishads, introduce the idea of Atman (the individual self) and Brahman (the universal self). Unlike Buddhism, these teachings say that our individual self is connected to a larger, universal self. But, there’s also the idea of , which suggests that we often see ourselves as separate from others, which is not true.
Yoga and Meditation: Hindus use yoga and meditation to help realize that the individual self and the ultimate reality are not different. These practices help people see their connection to Brahman.
Statistics: A study found that about 60% of people who meditate deeply feel a sense of unity that goes beyond the idea of being separate from others.
Together, both Buddhist and Hindu teachings help people understand that the self is not something fixed and unchanging. This realization can lead to personal growth and spiritual freedom.