Absolutes Quote by Robert Thurman
“The idea that somehow "no self, no problem"- I don't exist because I don't have a self- would be a mistaken understanding. However, the selflessness teaching is not that hard to understand. What it means is a type of self that people feel they have, like a fixed, unchanging identity. Either they know they have it, or for some, they feel they need to seek it, and possibly have an experience where they feel like they found something. That type of fixed, unchanging, essential self, or absolute self doesn't exist. That's what "no self" means.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Buddhist Philosophy, 2015
The concept of "no self" rejects a permanent identity; selflessness is a misunderstanding of a fluid, non-fixed self.
In simple terms: No permanent self exists.
Key Takeaway
Embrace fluid identity.
Themes
spirituality
identity
philosophy
Mood
calm
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- mindfulness practice
- psychotherapy
- creative expression
Key Concepts
non-self
impermanence
self-concept
Questions to Reflect On
- How does letting go of a fixed self affect your life?
- What practices help you experience fluidity?
A Different Perspective
Misinterpretation can lead to nihilism.
![“The self does not exist “from its own side,” [...] as an object that can be isolated and defined. The more you search for it, whether through meditation, philosophical inquiry, psychological analysis, or dissection of the brain, you will not, in the end, discover any “thing” that corresponds to…” quote by Stephen Batchelor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00d/stephen-batchelor-5328_buddhism_the-self-does-not-exist-from-its-own-sid_2408637.jpg)
![“Their [the U.S.’s] defense budget in absolute figures is almost 25 times bigger than Russia’s. This is what in defense is referred to as ‘their home — their fortress.’ And good for them, I say. Well done!” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec3/vladimir-putin-261_absolutes_their-the-u-s-s-defense-budget-in-absolu_10791.jpg)
