Untangling Self: A Buddhist Investigation of Who We Really Are

by Andrew Olendzki

Overview

Untangling Self invites us to see nonself, interdependence, and mindfulness as rational, real-world solutions to the human condition of suffering.

In psychologically rich essays that equally probe traditional Buddhist thought and contemporary issues, Andrew Olendzki helps us to reconcile ancient Buddhist thought with our day-to-day life. His writing is sophisticated and engaged, filled with memorable imagery and insight drawn from decades of study, reflection, and meditation on Buddhist teachings. Seasoned Buddhist readers and anyone interested in the intellectual heart of Buddhism will find this collection of fascinating essays rewarding. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781614293217
Publisher:	Wisdom Publications MA
Publication date:	12/13/2016
Sold by:	SIMON & SCHUSTER
Format:	eBook
Pages:	200
Sales rank:	548,444
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Andrew Olendzki, PhD, was trained in Buddhist Studies at Lancaster University in England, as well as at Harvard and the University of Sri Lanka. He is the former executive director of both the Insight Meditation Society and the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Challenge of Nonself 1

1 Understanding the Buddha 11

The Radical Buddha 11

A Modest Awakening 14

The Other Dukkha 17

A Protestant Buddhism 20

2 Mindfulness and Meditation 25

Finding the Center 25

Mind Like a Mirror 28

Bait and Switch 31

Growing Pains 34

3 Nonself 39

I Think I Am 39

Castles Made of Sand 42

Simple Awareness 45

Waking Up 48

4 Understanding Ourselves 51

Mind Comes First 51

The First Person 57

Ten Billion Moments 60

Blinded by Views 63

5 The Interdependence of Experience 67

Pinch Yourself 67

A Perfect Storm 70

The Buddha's Smile 74

Music of the Mind 76

6 Healing or Harming? 81

Pleasure and Pain 81

Deeper Health 84

Turning the Corner 87

A Tree Called Steadfast 90

Shining a Light 93

7 Rethinking Buddhism 97

The Mindfulness Wedge 97

Walking the Talk 100

Cherish the Nuns 103

Helping the World 106

Conclusion: The Promise of Nonself 109

Acknowledgments 117

Notes 129

Index 131

About the Author 145

Editorial Reviews

A compelling review of the basic tenets of Buddhism...Works on many levels for many audiences: those looking for a succinct, engaging introduction to Buddhist teachings; those seeking to deepen their understanding and meditation practice; and those exploring provocative solutions to the human condition of suffering.

ForeWord Reviews

Olendzki’s perspective on Buddhist teachings carries the freshness of science and the fragrance of the Pali tradition. His voice is natural, enabling the words to reach in and touch the reader.

Gregory Kramer

Brilliant! A breathtakingly clear synthesis of a vast body of early Buddhist teachings.

Christopher Germer

Essential to all of us who continue to puzzle over the Buddhist formulation about the self.

Paul Fulton

By challenging core assumptions about who we think we are, Untangling Self opens the door to a radically new way of living in this world.

Stephen Batchelor

The book shines in that it makes Buddhist insight easy to understand.

Tricycle

A rare gem, accessible and compelling.

Susan M. Pollak