The mode of being that is expressed by the Buddha is at the heart of reality. It’s not the notion we usually construct for ourselves. Our notion of being is dualistic. We think of it as the opposite of the notion of nonbeing. The reality of being that the Buddha tries to convey is not the opposite of nonbeing. He’s using language differently. When he says “self,” it’s not the opposite of anything. The Buddha is very aware that self is made of nonself elements. That is our true self.

-- Thich Nhat Hanh