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Significance of Egolessness

Egolessness is a crucial concept in both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, although interpreted differently. In Mahayana, it emphasizes the absence of a self-centric view, necessary for enlightenment and recognizing the unity of all things, as well as the acknowledgment of the impermanence of the self or ego. In contrast, Theravada views egolessness as a higher virtue attained by transcending the individual self, leading to oneness with all beings. Both traditions highlight the importance of overcoming the ego for spiritual growth.

Synonyms: Selflessness, Humility, Egoless state, Modesty, Self-effacement, Self-abnegation

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Egolessness'

Buddhism Books

Egolessness in Buddhism signifies transcending the self to achieve oneness with all beings, recognized as crucial for enlightenment. It embodies the understanding of the impermanence of ego, central to Buddhist teachings.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Lankavatara Sutra

(1) The realization of the non-existence of a permanent self or ego, central to Buddhist philosophy.[1] (2) The absence of a self-centric view, recognized as essential for achieving enlightenment and realizing the unity of all things.[2]

From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra

(1) The quality of being free from the ego or sense of self, leading to a deeper understanding of reality.[3]

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) The realization of the absence of a fixed self, leading to freedom from gross and subtle afflictions.[4]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) A higher virtue achieved when one transcends the sense of self, resulting in oneness with all beings.[5]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).