Understanding 'Not Self' with Noah Levine
Episode Overview
Suffering often comes from self-centric thoughts. Meditation can help detach from these thoughts. Community support is crucial for spiritual growth. Self-inquiry should focus on 'What am I?' rather than 'Who am I?'. Understanding causality can reduce suffering.
Almost all of our suffering comes from selfing - the thoughts and feelings around I, me, and mine.
In this episode of Against The Stream, Noah Levine, the founder of the American Buddhist lineage and author of several influential books, takes a deep dive into the concept of 'Not Self'. Levine explores how much of our suffering stems from the thoughts and feelings around 'I', 'me', and 'mine'. He argues that our meditation practice can lead to an understanding that these thoughts are not as personal as we might think.
The episode is peppered with anecdotes and practical advice on how to detach from these self-centric thoughts. Levine also discusses the importance of community, or Sangha, in the Buddhist path, emphasising that surrounding oneself with wise friends is crucial for spiritual growth. He encourages listeners to engage in self-inquiry during meditation by asking, 'What am I?', rather than 'Who am I?', to avoid seeking a fixed identity.
With a mix of humour and deep reflection, Levine makes complex Buddhist teachings accessible and relatable. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in reducing their suffering through mindfulness and community support. Tune in to gain practical insights and meditative techniques that can help you live a more liberated life.