Modern Koans – The Self Doesn’t Exist?

Modern Koans is an ongoing series that recognizes that good questions are often more important then their answers.

The riddles of God are more satisfying than the solutions of man. ― G.K. Chesterton

 

The Self Doesn’t Exist?

Did the Buddha say that the self doesn’t exist?  It is an assertion that I typically hear from Christians trying to show that Buddhism is a Nihilistic philosophy. I don’t think anyone can say that the self doesn’t exist.  My understanding of the Buddhist teachings are that the qualities of “self” exists in the same way that anything else we observe exists.  How we think of ourselves is impermanent. Meaning our qualities shift and change.  Today we can feel special – it might be our birthday  or we’re recognized by our peers. Tomorrow we might feel down and worthless.  What the Buddha warned us about is that if we think that our special-ness or worthlessness are who we are we end up deluded.  These qualities are contextual temporary things.

So can I feel special and be a Buddhist? Can I enjoy it, feel it fully.  should I not feel down, because there is no me to feel sad?What do you think? Is Buddhism Nihilistic? Or can we be ourselves and Buddhists at the same time?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

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