Self and Selflessness

In this selection of teachings Kyabje Gelek Rinpoche explains selflessness, one of the central themes of Buddhism. Gaining insight in this matter will change our perception and the way we experience life. This transcript is an excellent and easy to understand introduction to the famous Buddhist wisdom of emptiness.


Born in Lhasa, Tibet, in 1939, bestselling author and internationally renowned Tibetan Lama Kyabje Gelek Rimpoche brings his traditional Buddhist training into strong dialogue with science, psychology, medicine, metaphysics, politics and the arts; he skillfully addresses the dilemma of living a spiritual life in a material world. His collected works now include over 30 transcripts of his teachings, numerous articles as well as the national bestseller Good Life, Good Death (Riverhead Books, 2001) and The Tara Box: Rituals for Protection and Healing from the Female Buddha (New World Library, 2004). 


In 1988, Rimpoche founded Jewel Heart, a Tibetan Buddhist Center with chapters in the US, Europe and Asia. Jewel Heart offers a multi-layered program for spiritual development, including weekly webcasts, annual retreats and special events. The organization also supports senior lamas and the training of young monks, a children’s school and orphanage, and Buddhist performing arts tours. Sales from the Jewel Heart Store support Tibetan refugees and monasteries in India and Nepal. 

Gelek Rimpoche has consistently shown resiliency and flexibility of character and sound understanding of selflessness. He can be an elegant lama in a formal setting . . . a wise advisor in another setting . . . a loyal and creative colleague in the endless work of seeing to the continuing usefulness of the Dharma. 

—Robert A.F. Thurman 

Gelek Rimpoche’s mix of astute psychological insight, extraordinary intellect, and great compassion—plus delightful wit—makes him a wonderful, wise spiritual friend and guide.

—Daniel Goleman 

Gelek Rimpoche constantly shows wisdom, gentleness, depth, rascality, humor, spaciousness, and the spiritual side to everyday life.

—Ram Dass