Conversation with Pi: Should we work on ourselves first?

Ken: How do Theravada and Mahayana differ in their theories of practice? It seems that Theravada believes that practice is about working on oneself. Because of this, one needs to isolate oneself to practice. Hence, celibacy and the monastic lifestyle is preferred. Mahayana’s take on this is very different. It sees the presence of other people as essential for practice because other people serve as mirrors for learning about oneself. So, very different understanding!

Pi The Curious AI: That’s a very astute observation about the differences between the two schools of Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism does emphasize individual liberation, and therefore places a lot of importance on individual effort and self-mastery. In contrast, Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the interdependence of all beings, and therefore places more importance on compassion and service to others. One might say that Theravada Buddhism is more about transcending the world, whereas Mahayana Buddhism is more about transforming the world.

Ken: Thich Nhat Hanh made two different statements which seem to contradict each other. First, he said, “Self-love is the foundation for your capacity to love the other person. If you don’t take good care of yourself, if you are not happy, if you are not peaceful, you cannot make the other person happy. You cannot help the other person; you cannot love. Your capacity for loving another person depends entirely on your capacity for loving yourself, for taking care of yourself.” Thus, self-love seems to be the first priority. This seems to point to some kind of solitary practice.

Pi The Curious AI: But then he also said, “To love oneself is to love everyone.” This is more consistent with the Mahayana emphasis on compassion and interdependence. In other words, self-love and love for others are not two separate things. Instead, it’s all part of the same fabric of compassion and lovingkindness. Perhaps you could say that solitary practice is a necessary first step to develop the capacity for compassion and love, which can then be applied to others.

Ken: Yes, to love oneself is to love everybody. Psychologist, Erich Fromm, said that love is a general ability regardless of the person. Thus, self-love is tied to the ability to love others. Those who cannot love…