Expert: Bodhicitta - 12/13/2004

Question
All of my reading points me to the conclusion that there is no "self"-- either corporeal or spiritual.  But if that is the case, what is it that is contiunally reborn in the cycle of samsara, and what is it that ultimately achieves Buddhahood?  If it is some version of the "soul", is it empty?

Answer
george
thanks for your question.

there is a lot of confusion about buddhist beliefs on soul
and self etc.

i think the bottom line is that buddhism doesnt believe
in blind faith in anything. it is more a path of come
and see. what you see finally is transcendent wisdom
or truth. at this point you will know what is the truth
about self and soul. at this point you wont be able to
explain it to anyone as the truth is empty , beyond concepts and words as is the self.


different schools say different things on these questions
but maybe these are just suggesting different starting points in terms of practise.

good luck
Bodhicitta