The Contemplative Life

* Vedanta uncompromisingly stresses the need to overcome self-will/selfish desire (Bhagavad Gita 2:54-65, 71-72; 6:26; 3:9-10, 15-18; etc.); the entire traditional Buddhist path entails giving up attachments and craving for self; theistic traditions stress the need to “die to self” or “die before one dies.” See esp. The Perennial Philosophy Ch. VI for a comparative analysis of the theme of selflessness from across the contemplative traditions.