An Exhortation and Self-image or Self-knowledge?: Two Dhamma Talks

Excerpt from An Exhortation by Ayya Khema

Self-identification with one’s state of being is the great trap. So we must first become aware of the props we use to maintain who we think we are. It begins with: “I’m a woman” or “I’m a man.” There’s strong identification. There’s strong support for the ego, for that “I am” is the ego itself talking. Next we identify with our abilities and our knowledge. “This is what I can do” and “This is what I know.” Two further strong supports for the ego.

Excerpt from Self-image or Self-knowledge?

Let go of all self-images, of all ideations, of all hopes and plans. Then you can dwell in this particular moment—and no one can take that away from you. It can’t disappear, or be broken, or get lost. It just is. Security lies in the simple fact that in essence one has nothing and one is nothing.