How to Lose Yourself – An Ancient Guide to Letting Go

This book consists of three parts, texts from early Buddhist teachings, Middle Way teachings, and finally Chan teachings, with original texts on the left-hand side. The core message resonates with that of Ravi Ravindra, namely that it is better to be free of self, which in Buddhism has neither substance nor continuity. Here lies the path to inner peace, not conventionally as a ‘person’ but ultimately by recognising ‘impermanence, suffering, no-self, clusters, elements, sense experience, foundations of mindfulness.’ (p. 47) Headings include What am I? There is no Mind, and Nothing to be Attained. The texts are presented as dialogues between student and teacher. The student is advised to look rather than think, and that words are only pointers, while duality is an illusion. Towards the end, there are parallels with Daoism, where the natural order is the Great Way. Cryptically, the sage has no self, but does know the Way. An engaging and significant book on the heart of Buddhism.