No self, no attachments, no suffering In Buddhism the concept of 'no self' does not mean we don't exist. It refers to our mistaken sense or interpretation of 'self'. The type of self we believe in does not exist. It is the delusion that we are a separate, independent entity with an unchanging spiritual essence or 'soul' at its center. The Buddhist view is that this is a fiction we create based on ignorance of our true nature and reality. Unfortunately, because we believe this self exists, we strive to serve and protect it. We try to maintain the mistaken perception of self and build a solid world we can depend on, one whose existence confirms our own existence. But due to the reality of constant change and impermanence, this just leads to further suffering. By letting go of this false sense of self, we begin to see the interdependence between all things and that we are not separate from anything. We begin to see our true nature. The ego sees the world in terms of fame versus insignificance, praise versus blame and gain versus loss. The ego is challenged by the concept of 'no self' and demands what is the point of living if we are not special, unique and individual? I think the answer is that when we are not driven by our mistaken sense of who we are and when we let go of the struggle to serve and protect it, we become aware of our true nature. We find a deep sense of calmness which gives our thoughts clarity, develops compassion and we radiate positivity. I believe that if we can become aware that the misunderstanding of self (ego) generates anger, greed and indifference which leads to suffering, then we can find our true nature which is love, compassion and happiness. Mike Heseltine