Only a self-centered self, a self that is attached to mind and body, can be hurt. That self is really a concept formed of thoughts we believe in; for example, “If I don’t get that, I’ll be miserable,” or “If this doesn’t work out for me, it’s just terrible,” or “If I don’t have a house to live in, that’s really terrible.” What we call the self is no more than a series of thoughts that we’re attached to. When we’re engrossed in our small selves, reality—the basic energy of the universe—is hardly noticed at all.
Charlotte Joko Beck, Steve Smith
Nothing Special: Living Zen
