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The Higher Self...Does it exist at all ?

Thus have I/eye heard/seen on the odd occasion:

The "higher self" and "lower self" are ultimately just mind-made concepts. They are empty of inherent existence.

The concepts of higher and lower self are complex, and fascinating. Tickling the intellect's fancy, intellectual entertainment for the ego. They are just another object for the mind to cling to, and thus, another form of delusion.

Awareness is fundamentally non-conceptual before thinking splits experience into subject and object... AKA The original mind's eye: what is seen before the seer (thoughts) arrives on the scene.

As the second most disagreeable member of the forum, I'll stand up for the importance of challenging people's opinions and stand against pitchfork mobs running people off.

I will, however, point out that part of Buddhism's right speech includes stating things in an agreeable manner and with a good intention. Perfection isn't what's important, or I'd be out on my ass, its the understanding and willingness to try.

Truthful speech: Speaking honestly and truthfully.
Kind speech: Using words that are friendly, benevolent, gentle, and endearing.
Beneficial speech: Speaking in a way that is useful and promotes well-being.
Timely speech: Speaking at the right time, considering whether the words will be helpful and whether it's the appropriate moment to say them.
Speech with goodwill: Speaking with a kind and benevolent intention, hoping for the best for all involved.
Noble silence: If one cannot speak in a way that is truthful, beneficial, and kind, it is better to remain silent.

@IdleChater said:
A real place - not some made-up metaphor. Is it found in the brain, the heart, the liver. Where does the self reside, and how do we find that place?

And I don't care what "Indian gurus" say.

Well...
What is it that does not care - self maybe?
The self resides wherever you place your attention.

Strangely enough that is also where Nirvana and samsara hang out, too.
And if that is unclear. What is unclear? The self maybe?

And now back to the Hire Self... oh wait that might be COD (Cash On Delivery) by No One...

@IdleChater said:
A real place - not some made-up metaphor. Is it found in the brain, the heart, the liver. Where does the self reside, and how do we find that place.

For something that’s less than real to look in a real place seems like a fool’s errand.
Metaphors and fingers pointing to the moon are all that is available in this search.

IdleChaser tell me, how is it that you show so little consideration? For a Buddhist your pattern of speech is decidedly unusual.

@IdleChater said:

@person said:

From what I remember you're in a Tibetan tradition. I have some familiarity, is it a Madhyamika school or a Yogacara?

Karma Kagyu

I mainly studied Gelug which in my understanding is more philosophically negating. From what I gather Kagyu and Nyigma both take a more positivist view regarding the ultimate nature of mind. They don't think of it or call it a self in any way, but I believe its known as Rigpa or primordial awareness.

I ask because this is my understanding, but your answer was a decided no, so maybe there's more to it than my semi outsider view.

A real place - not some made-up metaphor. Is it found in the brain, the heart, the liver. Where does the self reside, and how do we find that place?

And I don't care what "Indian gurus" say.

Did the Buddha say that there is no self whatsoever? Or did he say certain qualities (form, feeling, perception, formations, consciousness), were not a self? It's been debated for a long time. What is the watcher that watches to notice when you have drifted away from the object of meditation? Is it a higher self? Or is the idea of a watcher being there also merely thinking?

There are different sort of powers of awareness of a enlightened being that I read about and I think seem powerful or "higher":

mirrorlike wisdom
discriminating Wisdom
equanimity
activity accomplishing wisdom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_wisdoms