Bhikkhuni Dhammadina | Early Buddhist Teachings On Not-Self And The Construction Of Identity: A Practical Approach To Personal Authenticity And Relational Sincerity (9:00 am – 12:00 pm; PT, US)

During this session Bhikkhunī Dhammadinnā will explore the potential of transformative insight into the teaching of not-self (Pāli: anattā, Sanskrit: anātman) in supporting self-authenticity and interpersonal sincerity. We will look at what the early Buddhist texts have to say on the construction and reification of the self and identity (or identities)—both in meditation and in daily life. In this context, the four establishments of mindfulness play a crucial role in progressively freeing oneself from the limitations of a distorted view of the self, and, ultimately, of oneself. This process requires a complete existential disinvestment from anything to which one may attach as “I,” “me,” “myself,” or “mine”—without exception. Not only does this perspective not imply the rejection of one’s personal identity or the denial of others’ subjectivity, nor does it promote the renunciation of ethical and affective ownership in one’s life and relationships, but it also nourishes deeper relational honesty.

Sati Center Event