THE BATTLE OF EGO

One way or another, most of us have a strong sense of identifying with the notion of self - in many cases as an independent, ongoing, and singular being with a definable and substantial existence. But is that accurate?

Ironically, the Buddha's doctrine of anatman (or non-self) does not align with the myriad “self-improvement” or “self-realization” philosophies prevalent in his time and still popular today. Instead, he questioned the very existence of such an entity, which was and still is a very radical perspective.

So how do we exist individually? What is the true nature of our existence in this world? It seems there is considerable confusion around these topics. We can quote sages, rely on faith, grace, and higher powers, but in the Buddhist teachings, according to the Buddha, there is only one way to know for sure:

And that is to find out for ourselves.

In this six-week course, Larry Mermelstein and David Nichtern will explore the traditional Buddhist teachings on the nature of the individual self, moving beyond new-age platitudes and habitual thinking. They will draw from the wisdom of their teacher, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, and the provocative analysis presented by the Buddha.

This course is open to all!