Anatta and the Four Noble Truths - Insight Meditation Center

Insight Meditation Center of the Mid-Peninsula
www.midpeninsight.org
OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2002 VOLUME 5, NUMBER 4
Anatta and the Four Noble Truths
People are often perplexed by the Buddha’s teaching of
anatta, or not-self. One reason is because in different religions
and schools of psychotherapy and philosophy, as well as in
everyday language, the word “self” is used in many ways. When
people talk about “the self” without defining their terms, they
may be unknowingly talking about different things.
So, to understand the Buddha’s teaching of not-self, we must
understand how the Buddha defined self, or, in his language,
atta. First we must distinguish between two uses of the word atta.
In some religious circles at the time of the Buddha, atta referred
to a form of metaphysical self. A metaphysical definition of self
is any theory of the real nature of self; for example, a permanent
abiding essence that survives death, or a true self that is larger or
more essential than the personality or the individual. In this
sense atta could be translated into English as “the Self” or “the
Soul.” Quite distinct from the metaphysical use, atta was more
commonly used as a reflective pronoun, like the English word
“self” in such terms as “oneself” and “myself.” In this latter
sense it was used as a simple convention of speech, rather than
referring to any metaphysical or essential idea of “the self.”
We must keep both these uses of atta in mind in understanding
the Buddha’s teachings. On the one hand, he clearly did not
accept any metaphysical definitions of “Self.” On the other hand,
he emphasized the suffering that can come with clinging to anything
as belonging to or defining “myself.” The Buddha’s path of
practice leads to the ending of this clinging.
The most common metaphysical “Self” against which the
Buddha was arguing is implicitly defined in his Anatta Lakkhana
Sutta, The Discourse on Anatta. For something to be atta, according
to this view, it needed three components. It had to have
complete control over the body, feelings, thoughts, impulses,
intentions, consciousness, or perceptions. It had to be permanent.
And it had to be blissful. In this discourse, the Buddha
makes it clear that nothing in our psycho-physical experience has
these three qualities and is therefore fit to be regarded as an atta
or self.
Here in the modern West, this ancient Indian definition of
the Self does not have much, if any, meaning. However, we have
our own notions of what the self is or what it needs to be. In part
these are the legacy of Western ideas of “soul,” and in part they
derive from the strong human drive to identify with certain
things as defining what this self is. We identify ourselves with
our thoughts, feelings, consciousness, volition, personal characteristics,
or with a sense of continuity. Held lightly and provisionally,
such identifications may be useful. Held tightly, they
are self-limiting. If we expend the energy to cling to anything as
the definition of the self, we will sooner or later suffer. In order
to find a deeply abiding peace, we need to learn to let go of any
attachment to or habit of fixating on self-identity.
Contrary to popular conception, we have no record of the
Buddha ever saying, “There is no self.” In the entire preserved
volumes of the Buddha’s discourses, in only one place did someone
actually ask the Buddha: “Is there no self?” The Buddha
refused to answer the question. The same person then asked:
“Is there a self?” This too the Buddha declined to answer. What
the Buddha did say repeatedly is that no particular aspect of our
psycho-physical being qualifies as atta or the Self. Not our body,
not our feelings, not our thoughts, not our dispositions, and not
our consciousness.
The Buddha’s teachings on self and not-self get even more
subtle and fascinating. Aside from the specific definition of self
he refuted in the Anatta Lakkhana Sutta, he argues that it is not
useful to frame Buddhist practice through any conception of self.
Views about the existence or non-existence of a self, or identifying
the self with any characteristic or experience, even awareness
itself, lead to a jumble of speculation. And more importantly, he
claimed that they would not lead to liberation.
As an alternative to framing the spiritual life around the self,
the Buddha suggests instead that we look at our experience
through the framework of the Four Noble Truths, focusing honestly
and directly on our suffering, the grasping that causes it, the
peace or happiness that results from the release of grasping, and
the way of living that supports a sense of well being.
Continued on back page
“Identifying with the self is a mine field.”
—Yogi Bruce

Sangha Programs & News
SANGHA LIBRARY NEWS
Our collection is growing quickly, with books by spiritual
teachers from all traditions, focusing especially on the
traditional Buddhist teachings and application of the
Dharma in daily practice. In our reference section we now
have the new translations of the Long and Middle-Length
Discourses. Regretfully we can't accept all donated books
for our collection. Those not accepted will be sold or traded
at Bookbuyers in Mountain View, with proceeds to go
to the library fund. Please help us by placing book donations
in the Donations box, and returning checked-out
books within 4 weeks. Contact: Allicin 650/325-8570,
allicinr@yahoo.com.
NEW VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Laura Reynolds is our new volunteer coordinator. Her
role is to match volunteer opportunities with Sangha
members who want to lend a helping hand in some capacity.
There is something for everybody—one-time projects,
ongoing projects (such as helping water our landscape on a
weekly basis), technical opportunities and more. A list of
opportunities is posted on the back bulletin board. Please
talk to Laura at the Center (she wears a name tag), e-mail
her at laura.l.reynolds@att.net, or fill out a volunteer
form located at the community table and she will contact
you!
REPRINT OF THE ISSUE AT HAND
Last year Gil Fronsdal gave our sangha a wonderful gift
by writing The Issue at Hand—Essays on Buddhist Mindfulness
Practice. This book has been distributed freely to the sangha
and to all those who request it. Inquiring Mind, a
Buddhist journal, wrote an enthusiastic review of the
book, and we've had many requests for it since. In fact,
requests have been so widespread that we will be doing a
reprint of the book.
We've sent books to Germany, Thailand, Canada,
Egypt, and many U.S. states; some have gone to prisoners
and military bases. Many have gone to dharma teachers,
one who is using it for a course she is giving. It's also being
used by a Kalyana Mitta group, and a Jewish Meditation
group. The reach of the book is an inspiring example of
the power of generosity.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
Or would you like to give assistance? Sangha
Neighbors is a support network for people in our mindfulness
community. During times of transition or crisis,
support is available for home visits, household chores,
shopping, transportation, meals, etc. We encourage members
to ask for support when needed. Service is a gift both
for the receiver and the provider. To request support or to
offer your services, please contact Maria Straatmann
650/329-9639, mstraat@pacbell.net.
A NEW ROOF
After much deliberation and research, a new roof is
being installed this September. We are not only replacing
an old worn roof, but we are adding 3 inch thick foam
boards to the new roof for insulation, which will help keep
us cooler in the summer and decrease our heating needs in
the winter. We are grateful to Dave Cortesi and Courtney
Potter for all the groundwork!
DHARMA TALKS
Recordings of Dharma talks by Gil and our guest speakers
are available to listen to online or to download at
www.audiodharma.org or through our website at
www.midpeninsight.org. Please note the “Accessing
Talks” link for details, as not all the talks listed are available
all the time, only the ones that are listed under “View
Online talks.”
If there is a talk you would like to hear, but are unable
to access, contact Glen Ingram at gleningr@pacbell.net.
If you are interested in buying tapes or CDs of Dharma
talks, contact Allicin at 650/325-8570 allicinr@yahoo.com.
SANGHA GARDENERS
New Time!
1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, 11 to 11:30 a.m.
Contact Ken Moffeit, moffeit@slac.Stanford.edu.
QUESTIONS ABOUT PRACTICE?
The following Senior vipassana students are available to anyone
who has basic questions about meditation, retreats or our center:
Jim Bronson 650/856-1791 JBrons@aol.com
Susan Ezequelle 650/592-0324 susanjanus@earthlink.net
Ines Freedman 408/732-7535 inesfreed@hotmail.com
Steve Gasner 650/969-5793 stevengasner@aol.com
Berget Jelane 408/255-2783 bbjelane@earthlink.net
Allicin Rauzin 650/325-8570 allicinr@yahoo.com
Peggy Rogers 650/857-0557 rogers5@flash.net
Please refrain from wearing scented products to our Center, as there
are those who have allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities.

Dear Friends of IMC
It’s hard to believe we’re fast approaching our Center’s first
birthday, coming up in January 2003. The past nine months have
been a true learning experience for me, as I suspect they have
been for many of you, as we navigate the uncharted waters of
running a community-based meditation center.
IMC is active nearly every day with retreats, regular sittings,
meditation classes and yoga sessions. In addition to Gil’s treasured
presence, a steady stream of wonderful guest teachers—
including in July our first resident guest teacher, Taraniya—has
given us an “enlightening” spectrum of interpretations on the
teachings.
One of the most gratifying aspects of this dream come true is
the number of new faces I see at the Center. In the years prior to
owning a building, as we worked towards making a permanent
home for our Sangha a reality, it was my deepest desire to be able
to offer the Dharma freely to all who enter our doors. If you are
someone who is new to IMC, I extend to you my warmest welcome.
A common question I hear from newcomers is “how is IMC
supported?” IMC relies totally on the ancient Buddhist tradition
of dana for the financial support of its building, activities and
teachers. Dana is the Pali word for Generosity, which means we
do not charge for any of the events at our Center (with the exception
of our fundraising benefits). Rather, we rely on the generosity
and gratitude of those who attend. Without voluntary donations,
we could not pay our bills and sustain the Center, nor
could our teacher support himself and his family.
So as you leave our building after a sitting, retreat, or yoga
class, please take note of the two dana baskets beside the door—
one for building operations and one for the teacher. Your generosity
will be much appreciated. I’d also like to extend my deepest
gratitude to all those who have so generously contributed
over the past nine months to keep our Center financially secure.
One last note on finances: in November we will begin our
annual fundraising effort aimed at paying off our mortgage. The
current goal is to raise $50K each year for the next four years in
order to pay off the loan completely. More on that in November.
Be well,
—Susan Ezequelle, IMC Board President
PLEASE ENROLL IN E-SCRIP!
E-scrip is a near effortless way of raising funds for our Center.
If you register your grocery club card, and/or credit card with E-
scrip, the participating merchants will donate a small percentage
of your purchases to our Center. After registering, this is completely
paperless and effortless. You can register online at
www.escrip.com, use the forms on the literature table at our
Center, or contact our E-scrip coordinator, who would be happy
to register you or answer your questions: Ines, inesfreed@hotmail.com
408/732-7535.
NOTE FROM GIL
Teaching in our new center has been a greater delight than I
could have imagined. I had not foreseen the degree to which
having a center has allowed us all to deepen our practice and to
give expression to so many people’s goodwill. I am both inspired
and grateful for how our community is coming together.
My family is also changing. In July we moved to Redwood
City, into a house one mile from the center, and in mid-October
we are expecting our second son.
Directions to IMC
1205 Hopkins Avenue in Redwood City.
From 101: Take Whipple exit. Go west. Turn left on El
Camino Real. Make the first right on Hopkins. Go 2
blocks. IMC is located at the corner of Birch and Hopkins.
From 280: Take Farm Hill exit and go east. Turn left on El
Camino Real. Turn left on Hopkins. Go 2 blocks. IMC is
located at the corner of Birch and Hopkins. Please do not
turn left onto Birch from Hopkins—Birch is one-way.
Parking
Please reserve spaces in our Center's parking lot and immediately
adjacent to the Center for those in need. The parking
lot kitty corner from the Center (Manzo Dental on
Hopkins) is open to our members for parking on evenings
and weekends.
The large lot behind 160 Birch (next to the VA center at
2946 Broadway) is available to us for parking on Sundays
ONLY. Please do not park in any of the other professional
office parking lots. Ample street parking is available.
E-MAIL LIST
To subscribe to the Insight Meditation Center E-mail list and
be able to receive and send announcements, please send a blank e-
mail to: insight-announce-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
You will soon receive an e-mail message back from Yahoo
Groups. Click Reply, then Send, without changing or adding anything.
Mailing List Options and Change of Address:
Contact Barbara Ryan at bryan@minitab.com or 650/493-7478 if:
• You wish to be added or removed from the Mailing List and/or
Directory, or for address, phone, or e-mail changes.
• You would rather pick up the newsletter at the Center, or read it online
but remain on the Mailing List.
• If you wish to receive an e-mail copy of our Sangha Directory.
Newsletter questions: Elena Silverman at e-lena@mindspring.com.
General Information about the schedule or events: 650/599-3456 or
e-mail info@midpeninsight.org.

Insight Meditation Center
of the Mid-Peninsula
1205 Hopkins Ave.
Redwood City, CA 94062
Printed on
Recycled Paper
Dharma Friends Group
Do you have an idea for a Dharma Friends event? If you are
interested in joining the Dharma Friends Steering Committee,
please contact Anne Foster, Anne@Foster.name, 650/625-0812.
This quarter we thank outgoing Steering Committee members,
Jill Boone and Ashvin Iyengar for all they have done to help
make Dharma Friends events such a wonderful part of our sangha.
Dharma Friends encourages spiritually-based friendships
and a sense of community in our sangha. All sangha members
are welcome to our events and may bring friends.
• October through December—Movie Madness: Friday night outings
to the movies, bimonthly. Bill Roberts,
billyblacksmith@yahoo.com.
• October 26, Saturday, 7 to 10 p.m.—Hungry Ghost Halloween
Ceremony for All Boo-dhists. Anne Foster, Anne@Foster.name,
650/625-0812. At IMC.
• November 1, Friday, 6:30 p.m.—Next Steering Committee
Meeting, at IMC.
• November 16, Saturday, 6:30 to 10 p.m.—Vegetarian Harvest
Potluck. Kate Godfrey, khgodfrey@hotmail.com, 650/322-9148.
At IMC.
• December 21, Saturday, 6:30 to 10 p.m.—Winter Solstice
Celebration, at Dan and Helen Quinn's. Anne Foster,
Anne@Foster.name, 650/625-0812.
Anatta and the Four Noble Truths, cont’d.
The Buddha’s teaching points us away from looking for the
self, or trying to understand or improve the self. Instead it suggests
that we pay attention to the fear, desire, ambition, and
clinging that motivate the building of self identity. Perhaps we
feel that we are defective in some way, and that our meditation
practice will help us make or find a better self. Can we instead
find the particular suffering that is connected with wanting to
improve the self? Liberation entails releasing our suffering, not
avoiding it, seeking relief from it or compensating for it. This
doesn’t necessarily mean that we dwell on our suffering, either;
or that suffering never ceases. Indeed, the third Noble Truth
reminds us that there is a cessation to suffering.
If you were to go to Africa to photograph the wildlife, you
could walk all over the plains looking for the different animals.
Or you could sit by the watering hole, where all the animals
eventually come. Likewise, practice becomes very simple if we
pay attention, carefully and non-reactively, to our suffering, that
is, the contractions, restrictions and stresses in our body, mind
and heart. For the sake of liberation, what you do and don’t need
to know will come to you if you simply watch your suffering and
its cessation. You will see the grasping and you will see the possibility
of genuine happiness that comes from releasing that grasping.
May you know the peace of non-grasping to both self and
no-self.
—adapted from a talk by Gil Fronsdal

Schedule of Events: October - December 2002
For more information call 650.599.3456 • 1205 Hopkins Ave., Redwood City (corner of Hopkins and Birch)
Monday Evening Sitting and Talk
Every Monday, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Basic Meditation Instruction
First Monday of each month, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Basic meditation
instruction is given prior to the regular sitting and talk.
Also, every Thursday 6:15 to 7:15 p.m., prior to the regular
sitting and talk.
Monday Evening Yoga
6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Join us for Yoga before our evening meditation.
Suitable for all levels. Please bring a large towel and
sticky mat, if you have one. Taught by Terry Lesser.
Monday Evening Book Discussion Group
Every Monday except the first Monday of the month, 6:30 to
7:25 p.m. Informal discussion of Buddhist literature. For
name of current book, e-mail Anne@Foster.name.
Sangha Potluck
First Monday of the month, 6 p.m. An informal gathering of
Sangha friends. Everyone is welcome.
Wednesday Morning Sitting
7 to 8 a.m.
Thursday Morning Yoga and Meditation
8 to 10 a.m. Suitable for all levels. Bring a large towel and
sticky mat, if you have one. Taught by Terry Lesser.
Thursday Basic Meditation Instruction
6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Basic meditation instruction is given prior
to the regular sitting and talk.
Thursday Evening Sitting and Talk
7:30 to 9 p.m. Especially suited for new meditators.
Teen Program
Fridays, twice monthly. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. September 20,
October 11 and 25; November 8 and 22; December 6.
Contact Ines inesfreed@hotmail.com(408)732-7535.
Sunday Morning Sittings and Talk
1st Sitting 8:30 to 9:10 a.m., Walking Meditation 9:10 to 9:25
a.m.; 2nd Sitting 9:25 to 10 a.m.; Talk 10 to 10:45 a.m.
Potluck brunch on the last Sunday of the month. Contact Di
or Dave Tatro 650/595-4260.
Children’s Program
Last Sunday of the month, 9:15 to 11 a.m.. Place TBA.
Contact Patty McLucas: pmacdesign@att.net 650/802-0665.
One Day Meditation Retreats
• Saturday, Oct. 12, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with Gil Fronsdal
• Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with Gil Fronsdal
• Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with Shaila Catherine
Dharma Practice Days
Meditation, Teachings and Discussions. Please come for the
entire program. Bring a lunch.
• Friday, Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with Gil Fronsdal.
• Friday, Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with Shaila Catherine
Half Day Retreats
Silent sitting and walking meditation with a few short meditation
interviews with Gil Fronsdal available. Bring lunch for
an informal period of discussion afterwards.
• Wednesday, September 18, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 2, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 16, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, November 6, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 11, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
SPECIAL EVENTS AT IMC
Sutta Study Course with Gil Fronsdal
6 Wednesday evenings, September 18 to October 23, 5:30 to
7 p.m. A class on the discourses of the Buddha from the Pali
Canon exploring some of the important teachings and
themes of practice.
Introductory Course in Mindfulness Meditation
• 6 Wednesday evenings—September 18 to October 23, 7:30 to 9
p.m. Taught by Gil Fronsdal.
• 5 Wednesday evenings—January 8 to February 5, 7:30 to 9
p.m. Taught by Gil Fronsdal.
Insight Dialogue Retreat with Gregory Kramer
Virtue, Tranquility & Wisdom in Speaking and Listening
Friday, September 27, 7 to 9 p.m., & Saturday, September 28,
9 to 5 p.m.
We will learn a practice which extends silent and solitary
Vipassana meditation into words and our relational lives. It
offers practical guidelines for cultivating the kind of intention
and mindfulness while speaking and listening to others
that we cultivate in sitting practice.
Gregory has been teaching Vipassana and Metta since 1980,
and directs the Metta Foundation in Portland, OR. Recently,
his primary focus has been developing the practice of Insight
Dialogue, a form of Vipassana meditation encompassing listening,
speaking, and online communication.
Present Moment
A One-Woman Play with Michal Rubin
Friday, October 4, 7:30 p.m. $15 suggested donation.
This one hour play reveals the journey of a young Israeli
woman on her first meditation retreat in Thailand. It is

ased on the playwright’s experience on a 26-day retreat.
There will be discussion afterwards. From the press: "...fascinating
emotionally and intellectually... Touches the gut gently, full
of human love and humor...recommended"
IMC Parents’ Meeting
Sunday, October 6, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Sitting, dharma talk & discussion on parenting led by Gil
Fronsdal, followed by discussion of recent children's programs,
and planning activities for the next six months.
RSVP: Patty McLucas pattymclucas@att.net .
Yoga for Meditation with Lolly Font
Benefit for IMC. Suggested donation $30.
Saturday, October 19, 10 to 12:30 p.m.
A workshop to enhance meditation practice, focused on
developing proper alignment, breathing and strength needed
to sustain a painless, comfortable sitting posture. Simple
yoga postures that everyone can do will be taught. Lolly is
former director of the California Yoga Center and is a certified
Iyengar teacher.
Sangha Community Meeting
Sunday, October 27, Noon to 2 p.m., (after the potluck)
Please come to share your ideas, suggestions, feelings, or concerns
about IMC. The Board will also be giving an update on
finances and some of the key issues it has dealt with in the
past six months.
Intermediate Course in Mindfulness
4 Wednesday evenings, October 30 to November 20, from
7:30 to 9 p.m. Introducing the principles & practices which
deepen mindfulness practice. Participation will require 45
minutes of daily meditation practice and keeping a meditation
journal. Prerequisite is an introductory course in mindfulness
practice or equivalent. Taught by Gil Fronsdal.
Halloween Dharma with Gil Fronsdal
Thursday, October 31, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Our regular 7:30 p.m. sitting followed by a topical talk.
Yoga and Meditation for Arthritis
A workshop for people with arthritis and related conditions.
Sunday, November 3, 1 to 6 p.m. Taught by Terry Lesser &
Beatrice Netter. Bring a blanket and large towel.
There will be a related talk on “Pain” by Gil Fronsdal on Monday, November 11
after the 7:30 p.m. sitting.
Buddhism and Recovery (12 Step) Retreat
Saturday, December 7, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Taught by Ann Buck and Kevin Griffin. The Buddha said
craving is the cause of suffering. 12 Step programs work with
the deepest forms of craving—our addictions. How can these
traditions support each other? What is a higher power from a
Buddhist perspective? Let’s explore and meditate.
Lovingkindness (Metta) Meditation Retreat
With Sharon Salzberg. A Benefit for IMC Building Fund.
$50 to $75 suggested donation. Saturday, November 2, 10
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring Lunch.
Please pre-register as space is limited. Send check to: IMC, c/o
Ines Freedman, 1142 Sherwood Ct. Sunnyvale, CA 94087.
Contact: Ines, inesfreed@hotmail.com (408)732-7535
Metta meditation cultivates our natural capacity for an
open and loving heart. Sharon will guide us in our experience
and cultivation of metta through direct instruction
and guided meditation. This workshop is suitable for both
new and experienced meditators, and will be followed by a
book signing at the end of the day.
Sharon has been leading meditation retreats worldwide
since 1974. She is co-founder of the Insight Meditation
Society in Barre, MA, the Barre Center for Buddhist
Studies, and the Forest Refuge. She is the author of several
acclaimed books, including Faith, Lovingkindness, and A
Heart as Wide as the World.
Buddhist Movie Night! “Enlightenment Guaranteed”
Presented by Michael Wenger from the SF Zen Center.
Saturday, December 13, 7 p.m. "A funny, moving story of two
brothers on a spiritual journey that takes them to a Buddhist
monastery in Japan." There will be discussion afterwards.
SATI CENTER CLASSES
Contact: www.sati.org or 415/646-0530 Please pre-register.
• September 21, 9 to 5 p.m. Dzogchen with Anne Klein
• October 5, 9 to 5 p.m. Dhammapada with Gil Fronsdal
• October 26, 9 to 5 p.m. The Jhanas with Leigh Brasington
SAN JOSE SANGHA
All events are held at 1041 Morse Street, San Jose.
Contact Berget 408/255-2783, bbjelane@earthlink.net.
• Wednesday Evening Sitting & Discussion, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
• Beginning Meditation Instruction: First Wednesday of the
month, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
RESIDENTIAL RETREATS AT SPIRIT ROCK
• December 4 - 8 with Gil Fronsdal and Mary Orr. 415/488-
0164 X373.
• December 19 - 22 with Gil Fronsdal and Robert Hall.
415/488-0164 X398
• December 27 - January 5, 2003 with Gil Fronsdal, John Travis,
Adrianne Ross, & Sharda Rogell. 415/488-0164 X377.
BUDDHIST PEACE FELLOWSHIP RETREAT
October 25 - 27. Socially Engaged Buddhism at Jikoji with
Diana Winston & Donald Rothberg. Sponsored by West Bay
BPF Chapter. Contact Jill, 408/379-6835,
BPFWestBay@aol.com.