Identity view ⏳
Giving up craving is so difficult because craving is reinforced by views, which rationalize our identification with the five aggregates and thus equip craving with a protective shield. The type of view that lies at the bottom of all affirmation of selfhood. The Nikayas often mention twenty types of identity view, obtained by considering oneself to stand in relation to each of the five aggregates: either as being identical with it, as possesing it, as containing it, or as being contained within it. Adopting any of these views is a cause of anxiety and distress.
- it is a cause of clinging and duality
- Duality implies that things have separate and enduring essences
- Much of human suffering stems from having this self that needs to be psychologically defended at all costs.
It is through insight into the three characteristics that ones sees the true nature of the five aggregates and no longer regards them as self or the belongings of a self.
References
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Bodhi, Bhikkhu. (2005). In the Buddha’s Words An Anthology of Discourses From the Pali Canon Chapter IX. SHINING THE LIGHT OF WISDOM (Location 5304). Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications.
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Pollan, Micheal. (2018). How to Change Your Mind Chapter 5. The Neuroscience of Your Brain on Psychedelics (Location 4987). New York, NY: Penguin Random House.
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Pollan, Micheal. (2018). How to Change Your Mind Chapter 5. The Neuroscience of Your Brain on Psychedelics (Location 4987). New York, NY: Penguin Random House.
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Samyutta Nikaya 22:56; III 58–61
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Samyutta Nikaya 22: 82, abridged; 100–103
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Majjhima Nikaya 109, abridged; III 15–19
Metadata
Type:🔵 Tags: Philosophy / Psychology Status:⛅️