Shakyamuni Buddha Daiosho is held in the highest regard by Buddhists worldwide. For many, he is the personification of realized perfection. He is held as a human who dispenses wise meditation and practical spiritual advice, while not having the normal foibles of ordinary humans. This has led some Buddhist teachers, in their teaching, to unknowingly disregard the work of purifying and releasing the building blocks of the sense of self. In fact, on the spiritual path of Awakening, we all, and each, need to work our personality, our psychological material, and our identity beliefs. We need to candidly explore and sincerely question the rooted beliefs and cherished conceptual convictions about ourselves and the world we inhabit. We must repeatedly examine everything around us, as if we are holding up an inner compass that reveals what is ultimately true.
― Stephen Snyder, Liberating the Self: Buddhist Practices for an Authentic Life
What is absence of self and the core wound?
In this video Mugen discusses a theory of how the self is formed which is particularly helpful on the spiritual path.
Mugen discusses his book Liberating the Self
Perfection is not avoiding all negative experiences and states of mind but rather accepting whatever is truly here in this moment, resting on this breath.
― Stephen Snyder, Liberating the Self: Buddhist Practices for an Authentic Life
Example practice from Liberating the Self
Deep acceptance is our goal when we work with challenging inner reactions and reactivity centers. We must accept what is here in order to fully be present. We must acknowledge that we experience anger sometimes. Perfection is not avoiding all negative experiences and states of mind but rather accepting whatever is truly here in this moment, resting on this breath.
― Stephen Snyder, Liberating the Self: Buddhist Practices for an Authentic Life
Working the issues of hatred and anger
It is common for students to struggle briefly with contacting their own hatred. Yet opening to its full impact in our inner experience allows us to be more authentic while freeing us temporarily from the limiting self-definition of always being a good person who does not harbor negative feelings or reactions.
― Stephen Snyder, Liberating the Self: Buddhist Practices for an Authentic Life
Releasing Guilt and Shame
When the guilt couples with the witnessing of another’s suffering, it does not afford us sufficient interior space for loving-kindness to arise. We need to recognize, and be present to, our guilt as it arises. Under observation, guilt moves from unconsciousness to consciousness. The act of seeing it reduces its effect on us. Guilt, when witnessed, can become something we can engage rather than something that overwhelms us.
― Stephen Snyder, Liberating the Self: Buddhist Practices for an Authentic Life
Dysfunctional behavior after awakening
Interestingly this was Mugen’s most watched YouTube video by far. It is an excerpt from a longer talk Mugen gave at an Awakening Retreat in Utah, October 2024.
How do I learn more about personality work?
Mugen’s book, Liberating the Self, gives examples and practices that help us identify the building blocks of our personality and self-beliefs. It also includes instructions for transforming dysfunctional emotions, such as hatred, anger, or guilt, into authentic peace, strength, or loving-kindness.
The Liberating the Heart and Self Mentorship Program deals specifically with this kind of material.
Check for upcoming online teaching events or in-person retreats and events.