According to my interpretation of Buddhism, our…
““According to my interpretation of Buddhism, our dissatisfaction with life derives from a repression even more immediate than death-terror: the suspicion ‘ that “I” am not real. The sense-of-self is not self-existing but a mental construction which experiences its groundlessness as a lack. We have seen that this sense-of-lack is consistent with what psychotherapy has discovered about ontological guilt and basic anxiety. We cope with this lack by objectifying it in various ways and try to resolve it through projects which cannot succeed because they do not address the fundamental issue.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Buddhist view: the self is a mental construct, leading to existential anxiety and attempts to fill the void with futile projects
In simple terms: The self is an illusion causing deep insecurity and unfulfilling pursuits
Key Takeaway
Recognize self‑construction to reduce anxiety
Themes
existential
psychology
spirituality
identity
Mood
introspective
serene
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- Meditation
- therapy
- creative work
- relationship building
Key Concepts
Nonduality
ontological guilt
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing the self as a construct affect your life?
- What practices help you confront existential lack?
A Different Perspective
Addressing the root of self‑illusion is difficult and may clash with cultural narratives