>>if you lose the concept of self, what happens to the concept of motive?
<<
>Can you demonstrate that the concept of self can be wholly abandoned?<
Per above, not personally; my practice has not yet reached that stage. I
am informed through books and such that it is possible, and has been done
by many persons. Eventually I hope to reach this point.
>>Being steeped in a deific culture is a good point: how can you really
>>know when you've overcome or transcended a lifetime of conditioning? <<
>It's a difficult one alright. Question authority, question yourself and
>don't be afraid to laugh at your own stupidity when you find it.<
Still trying! Still capable of laughing at myself, so my self is still
there!
>>I think I'm pretty close to abandoning any need for deities at all,
now; I don't
>>think I need a supernatural protector from the forces of nature.<<
>One would be nice, provided the price wasn't too high.<
I begin to suspect that all such arrangements are Faustian bargains.
<Snip middle section, mostly humor and agreement>
>>Define "improvement", please?<<
>A life more fitting to that which I would choose for myself, mentally
>(first and most important) and consequentially physically.<
We appear to be using different paths to the same end.
Cheers!
james