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Non-Self, Signlessness, and True Freedom in the Life of the Sangha
The flower does not exist as a separate entity, but is always “interbeing” with the sun, the clouds, the gardener, the air… The beauty of the flower is a gift from the sky and the earth, so we must practice looking deeply to recognize non-self and avoid pride. The word “emptiness” in Buddhism, or “neti neti” (Upanishads, Vedas), reminds us “it is not like that” – do not be quick to believe in concepts that you have not deeply experienced. The teaching of Sunyata calls us to break through all rigid notions about ourselves and others, because every concept can be mistaken and binding.
In the sangha, when someone is caught in the desire to establish their own temple, they will have to bear all kinds of worries; up to 90% of monastics who hold on to their own temple no longer have time for walking meditation or sitting meditation. On the other hand, when living in community with the practice of “views in harmony, understanding in harmony,” each brother and sister maintains freedom and happiness by contemplating that we are not independent selves. The concepts of signlessness (looking deeply to break through all forms and attachments) and aimlessness (a mind without goal, without calculation) are practical tools to nourish peace and joy in every moment, without waiting for grand results or great projects.
Humankind has only appeared for about half a million years, very young compared to the 540 million years of life’s history on Earth. Practicing non-self and signlessness helps us overcome the illusion of being “lords of all species” and realize that we are the earth, the leaves, the clouds, the river, the continuous flow of all beings. By living together in mindfulness and sharing each other’s happiness and suffering, the sangha becomes the place to transmit the “eye of wisdom” of the Buddha, to grow true interbeing, freedom, and genuine peace.