How Great Thou Art: interfaith reflections: Self-Denial


	"How Great Thou Art" Reflections and Teachings Self-forgetfulness [ Self-Denial - UCS ] [ Self-forgetfulness - Advent 2 - LCC ]


	Self-Denial and No-Self United Communities of Spirit Self-denial is necessary to overcome the hindrances of egoism, pride, and selfish desires which obscure the true nature within. The person who is always concerned with himself or herself, is trapped in "the ego-cage of 'I', 'me' and 'mine.'" Consequently, he can neither realize his own true self nor relate to Ultimate Reality. From a Hindu perspective, denying "I," "me," and "mine" is in fact a way to find the true "I" that is transcendent and one with Reality. In the Western perspective it is a way to recover the true self, which is loving and compassionate, having been created in the image of God. Both perspectives affirm the paradox that "he who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life will keep it." For more on this paradox, see Reversal and Restoration, pp. 544-50. Buddhism also teaches that the path to the religious goal requires one to deny the self and all egoistic grasping. But it goes further, grounding the practice of self-denial on the ontological statement that any form of a self is unreal. Buddhism is most sensitive to the insight that self-denial, when done for the purpose of seeking unity with an Absolute Self or God, can become subtly perverted into a form of pride and self-affirmation. Total self-denial should therefore dispense even with the goal of a transcendent Self. There is no self, either on earth or in heaven; all forms are transient, subject to birth and death. Interfaith passages at: origin.org/ucs/ws/theme126.cfm


	Self-forgetfulness - Advent 2 From a Liberal Catholic source with permission Today’s epistle gives us instructions on how to live, clearly indicating that we live for others and not for ourselves, clearly forgetting self for love of Christ and all creation. And the Gospel indicates that the more knowledge and wisdom we have, the more shall we acquire. In preparing for Christmas we must reflect on the enormity and significance of that feast, not merely as a time for family and celebration, but as a way of expressing our love for God by showing our love for His creation, our families and friends. Think not about the gifts that you want, but about the needs of others and how you can assist in meeting those needs. Can we not think of giving a spiritual gift, such as the regular reciting of prayers for a loved one, attending a Healing and Benediction service to pray for them, or even having a Mass said in a home with them for their spiritual needs. And think too of the family that is this community, our parish, and what its needs are in practical ways and how we can help meet those needs. In considering others like this, we forget self and selfishness and move closer to the path that our Lord wishes us to take. Let us truly put Christ back into our Christmas planning this Advent.