Empirical Reality Stands as a Barrier

Bernadette Roberts

I had already learned how empirical reality stands in the way as a barrier, not only limiting our vision, but limiting any discussion of no-self as well. Seemingly this barrier is the failure to realize that the reality we see, hear, feel, and think is so perishable, we can grind it down to a few elementary particles which, even then, continue to baffle the mind. 

Nevertheless, I do not regard empirical reality as a true barrier to vision; on the contrary, it is the gateway through which we must pass in order to see what, if anything, lies on the other side. But the irony of this passage is that empirical reality is not seen as a barrier until the other side is reached, at which time, it seems to be no barrier at all. Therefore it is only in retrospect we see this as a barrier to others, while knowing it is also the gate through which all must pass.

The Experience of No-Self, pages 142-143