"I don't deny that there is a self-y feeling. I certainly feel like someone, but there is no such thing."

I came across that fascinating (really, please listen to it) interview at Metafilter and promptly picked up the book from the library.  I know I’ll buy it eventually; while the language is everyday, the ideas are not, and it’s tough to really comprehend.  It will take a few readings, I’m sure.

Of course, I always enjoy it when science and Western philosophy intersect with Buddhism.  We had a great Dharma Punx meeting this Sunday. I haven’t gotten to meditate for weeks and weeks.  You know that feeling when you’re hungover as shit and can barely get off the couch all day, but then you eventually take a shower and presto-changeo, you feel miraculously human and alive?  That’s what it was like to get to watch my breath for 15 minutes.

This book (and Buddhism) talks a lot about how our perception of reality is just that: a simple perception, and that we can never really be in touch with real reality.  And I had the thought after DP that Buddhism is really sort of the ultimate agnosticism.  I was an atheist for many, many years.  Now?  I just don’t know.  I am tremendously unqualified to answer the question of whether or not there is a God because I am tremendously unqualified to answer the question of whether or not there is a me.  Or what the nature of reality is outside of my little pinprick perception of it.

I find dwelling in this place of not-knowing immensely comforting.  It’s great to be relieved of the responsibility of acting as though I have a clue about anything.

I probably have more to say on the subject, but I’m going to catch up on Mad Men with my wife now.