The Formation of the Self and the Path to No-Self
Teachings from Namo Amituofo
Recorded and transcribed by Namo Amituofo’s disciple, Venerable HaiZe, on 14 November 2025
The Great Obstacle of
In the journey of spiritual practice, one must realise that only through the attainment of can one truly achieve success. Consequently, the deeply rooted concept of the self becomes the primary obstacle to our practice. It is essential that we transform this attachment and learn to let go of it. How does this sense of self come into being, and how does our environment shape it? Initially, we develop a conceptual framework of the self. Once this concept is established, the self takes shape, manifesting as our distinct personality and defining the kind of person we perceive ourselves to be. operates through our personality and the people, events, and objects we encounter.
The Architecture of the Ego
From the moment of birth, the purpose of the Buddha’s teachings is to guide us toward the truth of no-self. We must actively nurture and protect the virtues that lead us away from selfishness. These virtues include:
- : The heart that feels for the suffering of others.
- Wisdom: The clear insight that sees through the illusions of the world.
- : The natural state of a heart that is at peace.
- Generosity: The willingness to let go of attachments.
- Goodness: The fundamental purity of our original nature.
- Filial Piety: The foundation of all moral conduct.
- Mind-capacity: The ability to embrace all beings with an open heart.
- Tolerance: The strength to accept others without judgement.
By capturing these virtues—whether through physical actions, speech, or thoughts—and by highlighting, protecting, and educating them, it becomes much easier for children to grow into individuals who embody these noble qualities.
The Malleability of the Young Heart
Children possess a strong sense of malleability. The younger they are, the greater this malleability. If they begin to receive the Buddha’s teachings from birth, they are far more likely to grow into children who are kind and possess the quality of no-self. This is because the character traits of the concept of self, our personality, and the kind of person we are have not yet fully solidified. Therefore, if the Buddha’s teachings provided by caregivers or educators are taken to heart, they will form a character and behaviour rooted in goodness and compassion—such as understanding that one should not be selfish, that one should consider the needs of others, and that one must not harm others for one's own benefit.
From Pollution to Purity
To have a self is to have a personality, which is a form of pollution; to have no-self is to be without a fixed personality, which is to be pure. As we grow older, the more we insist on our own experiences, our own views, and our own subjectivity, the more stubborn and uncompromising our personalities become. This rigidity makes it increasingly difficult to return to our original, pure nature. Traditional Chinese Buddhist education and foundational childhood education have successfully guided the next generation, enabling them to become children who are selfless, dedicated to the collective, and gentle and polite. May we all strive to let go of the self and return to the boundless compassion of Namo Amituofo.
Namo Amituofo
More by Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
The Final Curtain Call of Chu Ke-liang
A candid reflection from the late Taiwanese entertainer Chu Ke-liang on his life, his career, the karmic weight of his influence, and his ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Soul's True Equality: A Conversation with Mahatma Gandhi
This is a record of an interview with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life and his journey to the Pure Land.
A Reflection from the Western Pure Land
This is a record of an interview with Zhao Puchu, who sought deliverance at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life in the 20th century. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa Hui, on April 18, 2026.
The Truth Behind My Rebirth: A Message from Liu Suqing
Liu Suqing, the elder sister of the renowned practitioner Liu Suyun, shares her harrowing journey through the spirit realms and her ultimate deliverance to the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss through the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre.
The Burden of a Historical Name
This is a record of an interview with Lin Biao, who sought Chao Du at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. He now resides in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account reflects upon his life approximately 54 years ago. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fa, on May 18, 2026.
The Poet’s Journey to the Western Pure Land
A reflection on the life, tragedy, and ultimate spiritual liberation of the ancient statesman Qu Yuan, who found peace through the teachings of Practitioner Su.
About the Author
Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre
Contributed to Pure Land Buddhism knowledge library