“I” think, therefore “I” am.

One of the Buddha’s radical, and also most challenging, contribution to spiritual paths is the teaching of “anatman” (Sanskrit, anatta: Pali) or not self.

Descartes is famous for his statement above. And it makes sense at first, until we ask ourselves ‘who or what is this “I” that thinks?’ inevitably followed by ‘who or what is this “I” that is?’ At which point preconceived ideas and assumptions start collapsing.

Aimed at those who wish to know – or know more – about this fundamental Buddhist teaching: what makes up the self. This talk will attempt to present the teaching in a pragmatic, easy to approach manner. There will be exercises aimed at discovering first-hand and in a very personal way what the talk points to.

Pierrick Parigot has been a practising Buddhist for over 25 years. He has learned meditation and has been taught much on the Dharma (Buddhist Teachings) when involved with the Triratna Buddhist Order. Pierrick has also led, co-led and organised Buddhist retreats and workshops in France and here in New Zealand. Pierrick tries to present the Dharma in ways that are easily accessible to most people, and immediately applicable in daily life. The Dharma is a living teaching, enacted by us, not just words in dusty tomes, and it is Pierrick’s wish to offer this teaching in a dynamic and enthusiastic way, by involving the audience in the discovery of the Buddha’s message.