Where Is The "I"?

An ancient Indian text, the Visudhimagga, posed a very interesting question : -

"Precisely where is what we call a 'chariot' located? Is it in the axles, the wheels, the frame? Is it in the poles that connect with the horse?"

The answer? "Nowhere"

What we name as a chariot is just an illusion. It is made up of various component parts arranged to form a "chariot" - when it disintegrates into its various components, the "chariot" is no more. It is just a physical object that our mind recognizes as a chariot base on the label that we put on it.

It is the same as "I".

Where is the "I" inside you? Is it your mind? Is it located in your brain? Is it the physical form that you see reflected in the mirror?

Going to a more minute component, is it the billions of cells in your body? Is it the "intelligence" that govern how you behave, how your the various parts of your body behave?

Some people say that the "I" is your soul.

All these are just labels that we place on objects in an attempt to explain and categorize our physical world.

According to Buddhism, everything is an illusion. Nothing is permanent. All the physical objects that we see, touch or encounter are just form construct that our minds make up.

In the final analysis, all form is nothingness. And all void is form. This is what the Heart Sutra states.

If you can understand this profound idea, you will be free from all the illusions of life ...