My-ness Quote by Dada Bhagwan
““There is not a single atom (parmanu) of my-ness (mamata) in this coffee table. There is nothing of the Self (Atma) in it either. But there is someone’s ‘my-ness’ (mamata-bhaav) in it (for the table). Therefore, if you burn this coffee table, you become liable for the wrongdoing.””
About This Quote
Source Spiritual Teaching: Discourses of Dada Bhagwan, 1990s
The table has no intrinsic self; any perceived ownership is a mental construct, so harming it creates moral liability.
In simple terms: Objects lack true self; harming them is ethically wrong.
Key Takeaway
Respect objects as extensions of others' relationships.
Themes
ethics
mindfulness
ownership
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- home
- environmental stewardship
- personal conduct
- legal liability
Key Concepts
non-self
moral responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “my-ness” mean to you?
- How do you assign responsibility to in objects?
A Different Perspective
If you view the table as merely material, the moral claim weakens.
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