Selflessness, Identity, and Inclusion: Balancing the Relative and Absolute

One of the defining characteristics of Buddhism is its explanation of two modes of existence: the absolute and the relative, or conventional. On the absolute level, we say that everything is merely labelled by the mind, nothing exists inherently, or independently. But does this mean that noticing individual characteristics and difference is somehow wrong or misguided? What is the role of identity within this view?

Many people interested in Buddhism, introspection and self-development are also interested in politics, activism and social change. How do we reconcile this work with our view of the ultimate, and unify and integrate the work we do internally with the changes we seek externally? Can we hold this view while still naming and addressing harmful policies in our government, workplaces, or even family structures?

Join our conversation with special guests Ven. Lozang Yönten and Emily Hsu, experienced Buddhist teachers, for this exploration of the balance between the absolute and the relative. With guest host Mathew Divaris.

Listen to the episode at KSQD.org.

Show Notes:

The following talks inspired this episode, and are wonderful resources with which to learn more.

Asian Americans Under Attack: How Would the Buddha Respond?

(Featuring Emily Hsu and others)

Equanimity & Identity: Relating Identity Politics & Dharma Wisdom

(Featuring Ven. Lozang Yönten)

Emily Hsu, our first guest, has taught widely in our local area, having taught for over a decade at the Bay Area Buddhist Centers. She completed FPMT's seven-year Masters Program of Sutra and Tantra at Istituto Lama Tsong Khapa in Italy, a program based on the geshe studies curriculum, graduating in 2004 with high honors. Emily currently divides her time between doing retreat and teaching in the United States and abroad. She emphasizes meditation, emptiness, the good heart, and the practical application of the traditional teachings in daily life.

Venerable Yönten, our second guest, started her intensive Buddhist studies at age 19 at the Chenrezig Institute in Queensland, Australia, and was ordained in 2003. Ven. Yönten studied intensively under Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Tashi Tsering for seven years, completing an advanced Buddhist Studies Program and is authorized to teach at the in-depth level. Ven Yönten has taught widely in Australia, New Zealand, Israel, India and Taiwan -- and is now leading classes hosted by Land of Medicine Buddha right here in Soquel. Ven Yönten can be found online at lozangyonten.wixsite.com/website

In Search of Your Self

The Buddha famously taught the doctrine of selflessness. But what does this mean? Doesn’t modern psychology urge us to have a healthy sense of self? What part of “me” am I trying to give up? And who am I, anyway?

Everyone has a natural tendency to focus on “me” – my body, my feelings, and my thoughts. This focus has played a critical role in keeping each of us safe, alive and fed… and in developing our ego construct – the story we tell ourselves about who we are. But there comes a time when this prioritization of “me” and limited view of “who I think I am” actually gets in the way of our personal and spiritual growth. Join Ven. Tenzin Chogkyi as she shares empowering, practical steps to identify and let go of the limited ego so we can make space for something much more expansive, loving and profound.

Celebrating our Interdependence

Western culture places a great deal of emphasis on the individual, yet the reality of our existence is that we are able to do very little — even for our own survival — without relying on others. Charles Darwin’s work on evolution radically changed how we, as humans, understood the history of our planet, yet these are often misunderstood as “survival of the fittest." The true spirit of his findings were that cooperation is, in fact, the defining factor of successful species. In this wide ranging conversation, Ven Tenzin Chogkyi shares with guest host Mathew Divaris how cooperative interconnection is not only an accurate view of how things exist, but also how it can help inform many of the most pressing issues we face today.

Listen now on KSQD.org.