Cosmological Oneness

The true anatman (no Self) philosophy maintains the ideal of universal oneness. “No Self” speaks to our position in the cosmos and our ego. “…the intellect and… the ego are the primary causes of all pollution. It is not by the elimination of intellect, but by understanding its proper function, that we eradicate the source of pollution (Graef 45).” Our egos inherently cause us to label and claim things in the context of their usefulness to us – my dog, my land, my possessions and personality identify me. The ego is the essence that a majority of individuals cling to as their identity or "Self." Once one realizes anatman, they may finally abandon their ego and, not merely comprehend, but completely feel with all of their being the inseparable connection between themselves and the cosmos. We, as humans, are not above or below any other aspect of creation – we are one with the cosmos. In the words of the Buddha Gotama:

…with spiritual awakening comes the realization that we are not just a tiny speck in the universe, two hands, two legs, a face, and a mind, but that we embrace all existence. Awakening brings the realization that we are no less than the universe itself.

We are as inseparable from the universe as the universe inseparable from us. This unitive cosmological view alters the way one views the world, creating an indivisible bond between humanity and all of creation. Anatman gives us a conscious responsibility for the wellbeing of the universe as it is inseparable from our own wellbeing.


Graef, Sunyana. "The foundations of ecology in Zen Buddhism." Religious Education 85 (1990). Academic Search Premier.