I am not sure what you are asking, Middleway. I hope that you are not starting another discussion on what "self" is.
He talks about an experience that he calls "true self" - not just "self". And he is quite specific.
Listening to him again, and for a third time, I am inclined to listen to his talk and voice, the way I read a poem. Of course he explains a view on life, a philosophy - and the experience of life of an old man, who was and is inquisitive and thoughtful.
For instance at minute 12:30: "It always seems that the events come from outside and are put upon us. It becomes so specific that your name is an event that occurred. Someone named you."
He speaks with beauty and wisdom.
There are only a few instances that I take so much distance, that I have "thoughts about his statement".
For instance at this point: I agree with him, that at adulthood we get lost in personality. But I would not name it as "getting lost". I would name it as "taking on" a personality. I remember, that my son really needed to have a form, he asked for it. Even from school, he got as homework to ask his parents what they thought would be a career or interest that he could pursue in this life. Even as a child, he needed to take on form more and more, and he wanted that. He had a hard time with me as a father, who has this fluidity and versatility and who is always unsure about who he is. Thanks God
my wife is very different from that. And he sees, that I take on personalities: as a job, as a rower, as a volunteer at the dance evenings, as a participant on Vipassanaforum.
Also, this man is more romantic, and more enticing than I am, about following this path.
Is this a proper reaction to your question?
