To forget the self
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To forget the self
John Daishin Buksbazen’s "To Forget the Self" is a stark and uncompromising examination of the ego's pervasive influence. Unlike many popular works that offer gentle affirmations, Buksbazen presents the dissolution of self as a demanding, yet ultimately liberating, undertaking. The book excels in its direct confrontation with the Western predilection for self-definition. Its strength lies in its rigorous philosophical underpinning, drawing parallels between Zen Buddhist concepts and Western esoteric thought. However, the text can feel dense, particularly for readers unfamiliar with the philosophical traditions it engages. A passage discussing the ‘unconditioned awareness’ as distinct from subjective experience powerfully illustrates the book’s central thesis, but requires careful contemplation. It’s a work that demands, and rewards, sustained attention.
📝 Description
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John Daishin Buksbazen's 1977 book, 'To Forget the Self,' offers a practical path to egoless awareness.
Published in 1977, 'To Forget the Self' directly addresses the Western inclination toward ego identification. Buksbazen suggests methods drawn from various spiritual and philosophical traditions, not for academic study, but as direct tools for transcending the self. The book emphasizes the internal effort needed to dismantle the mental structures that limit our perception of reality. It is written for those who prioritize lived experience over intellectual agreement.
This work is aimed at serious practitioners and scholars of esoteric thought interested in self-transcendence. It will appeal to individuals tired of superficial spirituality and ready for deep self-examination. Readers familiar with comparative mysticism, Zen Buddhism, or Western esotericism will find connections and new insights. The book requires commitment to challenging ideas and sustained inner work, distinguishing it from quick spiritual solutions.
Emerging in 1977, 'To Forget the Self' arrived during a time of growing Western interest in Eastern philosophies. Unlike contemporaries who popularized Zen more broadly, Buksbazen focused on the practical application of egolessness, integrating Zen teachings with Western esoteric thought. This contrasted with purely psychedelic or psychological explorations of consciousness prevalent then, offering instead a structured philosophical approach to liberation from self-identity.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Gain practical methods for dismantling egoic identification, moving beyond mere intellectual understanding to experiential insight, inspired by the concept of 'no-self' explored in chapter 3. • Understand the historical dialogue between Eastern meditative practices and Western esoteric philosophy, as Buksbazen contextualizes his work within the intellectual currents of the late 1970s. • Cultivate a deeper appreciation for the nature of consciousness by examining the limitations of personal identity, as detailed in the book's critique of Western self-perception.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary philosophical tradition informing "To Forget the Self"?
The book draws heavily from Mahayana Buddhist philosophy, particularly the concept of 'no-self' (śūnyatā), and integrates these ideas with Western esoteric thought, aiming for a unified approach to transcending egoic identification.
When was "To Forget the Self" first published?
The original publication date for "To Forget the Self" by John Daishin Buksbazen was 1977.
Is "To Forget the Self" suitable for beginners in spiritual studies?
While accessible in its core message, the book is dense and philosophical, best suited for those with prior engagement in esoteric or contemplative traditions seeking a rigorous exploration of ego dissolution.
What is the main goal of the practices discussed in the book?
The central aim is to facilitate the dissolution of the ego and the false identifications that bind individuals, leading to a state of egoless awareness and direct perception of reality.
How does Buksbazen's work relate to Western esoteric traditions?
Buksbazen bridges Eastern insights on emptiness with Western mystical and philosophical frameworks, offering a unique perspective on the perennial quest for self-transcendence within a Western context.
Does the book offer specific meditation techniques?
While not a manual of techniques, it discusses the principles underlying contemplative inquiry and meditative practices as essential tools for realizing the unconditioned nature of awareness.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
Ego Dissolution
The central theme is the systematic deconstruction of the ego, viewed not as an inherent self but as a construct of habitual thought and identification. Buksbazen guides the reader to recognize the illusory nature of the 'I' and to move towards a state of unconditioned awareness. This process is presented as the key to liberation from suffering and the attainment of authentic perception, moving beyond the confines of personal narrative and self-importance.
No-Self (Śūnyatā)
This concept, central to Mahayana Buddhism, is explored through a Western esoteric lens. The book elucidates how the realization of emptiness, or the absence of a permanent, independent self, is not a nihilistic void but the very ground of being. Understanding śūnyatā is presented as the direct antidote to ego-centric delusion, allowing for a more compassionate and interconnected experience of reality.
Contemplative Practice
Buksbazen emphasizes the necessity of direct experience over mere intellectual understanding. The book implicitly advocates for meditative and contemplative disciplines that facilitate introspection and the observation of mental processes. These practices are framed as the active means by which one can dismantle the structures of the ego and directly apprehend the nature of reality beyond conceptualization.
Western Esotericism & Eastern Philosophy
A significant aspect of the work is its synthesis of seemingly disparate traditions. It demonstrates how core principles found in Zen Buddhism regarding egolessness echo within various Western mystical and philosophical lineages. This comparative approach highlights universal quests for truth and offers a bridge for practitioners engaging with both Eastern and Western paths to wisdom.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The self is a phantom, a ghost conjured by the mind's incessant activity.”
— This statement captures the book's core assertion that our sense of a solid, enduring 'I' is an illusion, a product of continuous mental processes and identifications that create a false entity.
“True freedom is not the acquisition of more, but the shedding of what we think we are.”
— This highlights the book's focus on release and non-attachment as the path to liberation, contrasting it with common Western notions of self-improvement through accumulation or achievement.
“To forget the self is to remember the whole.”
— This captures the paradoxical nature of ego dissolution: by letting go of the limited personal identity, one reconnects with a larger, universal reality or consciousness.
“The path requires diligent observation, not passive belief.”
— This emphasizes the book's practical, experiential approach, stressing that genuine understanding and transformation come from active inner work and self-inquiry, rather than simply accepting doctrines.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
Awareness, unconditioned and pure, is the ground from which all phenomena arise.
This paraphrased concept points to the book's view of consciousness as primary and not dependent on an individual ego, suggesting a fundamental reality underlying our perceived individual existence.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
This work sits at the intersection of Mahayana Buddhism, particularly Zen, and Western Esotericism. It translates the concept of 'śūnyatā' (emptiness/no-self) into terms accessible to those steeped in Western philosophical inquiry, particularly the contemplative and mystical branches. It departs from typical Western esoteric paths that might focus on self-empowerment or occult mastery, instead emphasizing radical self-effacement as the ultimate goal, aligning it with certain non-dualistic spiritual paths.
Symbolism
While not heavily reliant on overt symbolism, the book's title itself functions symbolically, representing the ultimate aim of transcending the limited personal identity. The 'self' can be seen as a symbolic construct, a prison built of concepts and memories. 'Forgetting' this construct is the key to unlocking direct experience of reality, symbolizing a return to a primordial state of pure awareness before conceptualization. The implied contrast is between the illusory self and the unconditioned reality.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary thinkers and practitioners in fields like mindfulness, non-dual spirituality, and even certain branches of transpersonal psychology draw upon the core ideas presented in "To Forget the Self." The book’s rigorous approach to ego dissolution remains relevant for those seeking depth beyond superficial self-help, offering a philosophical anchor for practices aimed at achieving greater equanimity and freedom from self-centered concerns.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Students of comparative religion and philosophy: To understand the convergence of Zen Buddhist concepts like 'no-self' with Western esoteric thought, offering a unique cross-cultural perspective. • Dedicated practitioners of meditation and contemplation: To gain a profound intellectual and philosophical grounding for their inner work, clarifying the purpose of dismantling egoic structures. • Those disillusioned with conventional self-improvement narratives: To explore a path that prioritizes radical self-transcendence and egolessness over personal achievement or ego-reinforcement.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 1977, "To Forget the Self" emerged during a period of significant cross-pollination between Eastern and Western thought. The counterculture of the preceding decade had opened Western minds to philosophies and spiritual practices from Asia, with figures like Alan Watts popularizing Zen Buddhism. However, Buksbazen’s work distinguished itself by integrating these concepts with a more rigorous, philosophical framework, often found in Western esoteric traditions. While popular interest in mysticism and consciousness exploration was high, Buksbazen steered clear of purely psychological or New Age trends, focusing instead on a disciplined approach to ego-transcendence. His work can be seen as a response to a growing demand for authentic spiritual inquiry, offering a challenging alternative to more superficial spiritual trends prevalent at the time. The book’s exploration of ‘no-self’ resonated with the philosophical underpinnings of figures like D.T. Suzuki, who had been instrumental in introducing Zen to the West decades earlier.
📔 Journal Prompts
The constructed nature of the 'self' as described in Chapter 2.
The implications of 'unconditioned awareness' for daily life.
How the concept of 'no-self' contrasts with Western notions of identity.
The role of diligent observation in the process of ego dissolution.
Connecting the idea of 'forgetting the self' with broader spiritual goals.
🗂️ Glossary
Ego
In this context, the ego refers to the constructed sense of a permanent, independent self, formed by beliefs, memories, and identifications, which the book posits as illusory and a barrier to authentic experience.
No-Self (Śūnyatā)
A core Mahayana Buddhist concept signifying emptiness or the absence of an inherent, independent self. It is not nihilism, but the understanding that phenomena lack intrinsic existence, leading to liberation from egoic clinging.
Unconditioned Awareness
Pure consciousness or awareness that is not dependent on or modified by any particular object, thought, or self-identity. It is considered the fundamental ground of reality, prior to conceptualization.
Dissolution of the Ego
The process of recognizing and letting go of the illusory sense of self, leading to a state of egolessness. This is not annihilation but a shedding of false identifications.
Contemplative Inquiry
A method of self-reflection and investigation into the nature of reality and the mind, often involving meditation and direct observation, aimed at experiential understanding.
Identification
The act of equating oneself with thoughts, emotions, possessions, roles, or beliefs. The book argues that these identifications are the building blocks of the illusory ego.
Phenomena
All observable facts, events, or experiences that appear to consciousness. The book explores the nature of phenomena and their relationship to the unconditioned awareness.
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