| | IOne simple letter. However, it is a philosophical mind field. Is there really an "I"? If you're a Buddhist (which is probably the closest definition of my mind state), then the answer is "no." In Buddhism, nothing is really solid. Everything in life is fluid. Everything is impermanent and is in a constant state of flux.
In Buddhism, "I" is simply a created construct. My perceptions create this sense of being that I then call "I." There is no "I" apart from my perceptions of what is "I."
This is actually one of the subtle beauties of Buddhism. Since no real "I" exists, then there should be no attachment to this whole concept of "I." If there is no "I" then who can be offended? Can there really be any problem with something that conflicts with this created sense of "I"? Decartes would say, "I think therefore I am." However the Buddhist would counter with "who is the one that thinks?" There maybe thoughts, but there is no thinker. Similarly if there is no "I" then there is no "me" to be offended by things that occur around me.
In a way, it's a subtle but profound shift. Can you offend me? No, because there is no "me" to be offended.
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| | Posted 5/13/2008 1:16 AM - 4 comments
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