The Illusion of Self and the Changing Nature of Personality in Buddhism
According to the teachings of the Buddha, it is our personality that re-embodies and changes from one life to another, not a static self. The term 'self' is often regarded as an illusion within the mind, a concept devoid of substantial permanence.
Understanding the Self as an Illusion
The self as we commonly perceive is an illusion; it does not carry over into the next incarnation. Our personality, however, is a product of myriad interactions between the mind, body, and the environment. Each interaction shapes our personality, making it so uniquely dependent on these conditions that it cannot be replicated elsewhere. This makes the idea of a fixed, unchanging self non-existent.
The Implications of Reincarnation and Past Conditions
As entities reincarnate, they often inherit the conditions left behind when they died. Beings who are not yet enlightened are prone to being subject to these conditions and may experience karmic reactions. However, the absence of a fixed self suggests that while personalities can be influenced by past conditions, there is no inherent 'score book' that is carried over.
Enlightenment and Permanent Escape from Suffering
Only by becoming awakened to the Buddhist truths can individuals permanently escape from the cycle of greed and suffering. The nature of a being at birth may often be weak in certain areas, such as greed, leading to negative consequences. It is through cultivation of awareness and the cessation of egoic mechanisms that true liberation is possible.
The Nature of the Soul and Personality
Personality can be seen as the outcome of our soul as it interacts with life experiences. More succinctly, it is the expression of our spirit in each unique encounter. Given the ever-changing nature of our experiences, our personality will undoubtedly shift with each incarnation.
The 'self,' on the other hand, is the identity of one as separate from all else, and requires the separation mechanisms of the ego. The ego is an artificial construct and does not carry over to each subsequent incarnation. This means that the 'self' will be both different and reset with each new life, preserving only imprints of the self on the soul.
As we reincarnate, the soul evolves, slightly changed with each new life, unless one achieves enlightenment. Even then, the soul will continue to bear the more lasting imprint of the self.
The Unchanging Reality
While the totality of reality itself remains unchanged, it is only one aspect of reality. Our everyday experience of changing reality is just a small part of the whole. The totality of reality, undivided, is the only thing that remains unchanged, regardless of the number of incarnations.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In the grand scheme of things, the concept of an unchanging self is illusory. It is the ever-changing nature of personality, shaped by interactions with the environment, that truly defines us. By understanding and embracing the teachings of Buddhism, we can begin to break free from the cycle of suffering and truly understand the nature of our being.