Understanding Self-Construction

The teachings of the Buddha emphasize that the self and all phenomena are fundamentally empty of inherent existence. The concept of emptiness is divided into the emptiness of persons (personal selflessness) and the emptiness of phenomena outside the self (selflessness of phenomena). These concepts highlight the constructed nature of reality as perceived by our minds, which fabricates representations of an inherent self and the world.

Emptiness practices are not aimed at erasing existence but rather at understanding it in a way that liberates and fosters compassion. The root of suffering, dukkha, is attributed to the belief in inherent existence. Through gradual recognition and deconstruction of mental fabrications at both obvious and subtle levels, practitioners can achieve freedom from this imprisonment.

A particular strand of practice involves recognizing when a sense of self is being constructed, understanding this construction, and learning to undermine it, thus lessening the suffering associated with self-attachment.

Blame as a Constriction of View

Blame accentuates the construction of self by solidifying perceptions of self and others, leading to cycles of dukkha. Transforming the viewpoint to one that sees events as outcomes of a wide array of conditions, rather than through a self-centered lens, opens the door to a more compassionate understanding.

Seeing past the narrow self and acknowledging various internal and external conditions contributing to a situation allows for the dissolution of blame. This broader perspective permits space for our empathy and compassion to grow by recognizing multiple influences on any given circumstance.

Conditions are Inner, Outer, Past, and Present

Challenging self-blame necessitates a practice called "re-viewing," where one inspects events through the lens of contributing conditions rather than a fixed self. This approach relies on the awareness of present inner and outer conditions at the time of an event, past inner states and habits, as well as external influences from our history. Such reflective practice requires the mind and heart to collaborate, expanding our view and potentially loosening the grip of self-view.

Guilt, Remorse, and Responsibility

This shift in perspective allows for a distinction between debilitating guilt and constructive remorse. Remorse appreciates the influence of conditions on our actions, fostering a future-oriented mindset where individuals feel capable of making better choices. Contrarily, guilt binds the self in negative self-views and hinders growth. The realization of dependent arising and interdependence dissolves personal blame and rouses a deeper understanding of interconnectedness.

A Web of Interdependence

Everything arises dependent on countless conditions. When exploring relational dynamics, it becomes evident that the perceptions and expressions of self vary contingent on the situation. This illuminates the authenticity of varied personas and stresses the freedom that stems from understanding the absence of an inherent essence.

The way we perceive a situation or person is a critical condition that influences our experience and interaction. By altering perceptions, we can affect internal emotions and potentially change the external unfolding of events. Recognizing this implies that with practice, we can cultivate less self-binding views, which in turn, enable us to interact with life with increased openness and flexibility.

Practice: Ending Blame Through Recognizing the Confluence of Conditions

To address self-blame, one can reflect on the myriad conditions that led to a regretful event, examining present and past, internal and external factors. By recognizing the lack of an inherent self within these conditions, the practice can reduce feelings of self-blame and guilt. Repeated reviews of various events help consolidate this open perspective, while discussing with a friend can reveal overlooked aspects. Applying the same contemplative approach to current and future situations can have immediate liberating effects. Similarly, this practice can apply to others, facilitating the dissolution of blame directed at them.

Where persistent negative self-views such as shame are present, combining this practice with other approaches like mettā (loving-kindness) can offer profound healing, helping to unbind the sense of self further.

In essence, fully engaging with the practice of understanding the empty, constructed nature of the self and phenomena through the lens of dependent arising holds the potential for deep freedom and compassion.