In Zen we talk a lot about no self — but what is this no self? It points to the reality that there is no "fixed" self. We actually have many selves, perhaps an infinite number of internal perspectives, all co-existing. Some, perhaps, in conflict with others.

When we disown or deny some of those voices, it can create a lot of disfunction. Working with vows can be helpful to see what we might be bypassing — what is getting in the way of realizing our vows? How might we love, nurture and integrate all of our selves to be more fully embodied in our lives?