Meditating on No-Self

A Dhamma Talk

Excerpt from Meditating on No-Self by Ayya Khema

Clinging is the greatest possessiveness and attachment we have. As long as we cling, we cannot see reality. We cannot see reality because clinging is in the way. Clinging colors whatever we believe to be true. Now, it is not possible to say “all right, I’ll stop clinging”. We can’t do that. The process of taking the “me” apart, of not believing any more that this is one whole, is a gradual one. But if meditation has any benefit and success, it must show that first of all, there is mind and there is body.

If we really want to get rid of suffering, completely and totally, then clinging has to go. The spiritual path is never one of achievement; it is always one of letting go. The more we let go, the more there is empty and open space for us to see reality. Because what we let go of is no longer there, there is the possibility of just moving without clinging to the results of the movement. As long as we cling to the results of what we do, as long as we cling to the results of what we think, we are bound, we are hemmed in."

©1983 Buddhist Publication Society (P)2022 Pariyatti

Clear & Helpful

Good narration and valuable, concise explanation that actually makes ‘no self’ seem possible (if only for brief moments). The short length gives countless hours of reflection.