[Buddha-l] Personality disorders and anatta

[Franz Metcalf]

Hello all,

On Nov 25, 2010, at 10:42 AM, Dante Rosati wrote:

> low self esteem, like most forms of mental inbalance, is caused by
> self-obsession. mental illness = narrowing horizon. generating
> bodhicitta is probably the most immediately effective treatment,
> although anatta meditations proabably wouldn't hurt either.

I would counsel against the use of anatta meditations for people with  
low self-esteem. As Jack Engler has famously said, you need a self  
before you can lose it. This is why meditation centers have learned to  
routinely advise borderline personality types to receive psychological  
counseling/therapy before they begin serious meditation.

Indeed, I lack the time to fully explain, but I find myself doubtful  
of everything Dante wrote in the above quote except that mental  
illness can be seen as a narrowing of horizons. Sorry to be so blunt  
and to now withdraw, but it is Thanksgiving Day here in America and I  
have other obligations.

With thanks for the existence of buddha-l,

Franz Metcalf