Non-Self and Ethics
In this session, Lezlie Laws continues her multi-week exploration of the Buddhist concept of non-self (anatta)—one of the three marks of existence alongside suffering (dukkha) and impermanence (anicca). Focusing primarily on Chapter 8 of Jay Garfield’s book, Lezlie examines the intersection of ethics and the illusion of the self.
Drawing from Buddhist philosophy and cross-cultural ethical frameworks, she explores:
The Problem of Moral Egoism: How the deeply ingrained belief in a separate, independent self creates a self-centered moral landscape, leading to egoistic behaviors and rationalizations.
The Illusion of Ego vs. Personhood: Distinguishing between an inherently existing, static "self" (which is an illusion) and a "person" as a dynamically changing, causally interconnected system.
The Four Brahmāvihāras (Divine Abodes): Exploring loving-kindness (mettā), compassion (karuṇā), sympathetic joy (muditā), and equanimity (upekkhā) as the ultimate moral responses rooted in interdependence rather than self-interest.
The Pernicious Nature of Self-Illusion: How viewing oneself as completely autonomous damages our responsibility to the broader community, the environment, and collective well-being.
The talk concludes with a lively Q&A session addressing the nature of karma, personal identity, and how practicing non-self can lead to genuine liberation and ethical maturity.
Referenced Resources & Mentions
Books:
Losing Ourselves: Learning to Live Without a Self by Jay Garfield (Philosopher and Buddhist scholar at Harvard Divinity School).
Infinite Awakening: A Guide to Non-Dual Wisdom and the Pathless Path by Stephen Bodian (Non-dual teacher).
Teachings and writings attributed to the 8th-9th century monk Śāntideva (specifically referenced regarding the harm of bad acts and interdependence).
Bodhicaryāvatāra (The Bodhisattva's Way of Life) by Śāntideva.
Courses & Programs:
How to Live an Awakened Life — an online course on the Bodhicaryāvatāra mentioned by Lezlie during the session.
