Gyuto monks in hobart

Recently i had the fortunate opportunity to spend some time listening to buddhist teachings presented by the Gyuto monks during their ten day visit to Hobart. Gempende(sp?) (their head monk) spoke on many topics, some of which struck a chord with me whilst others didn't.

..one thing he mentioned was consistent with my personal experience (and so must contain some degree of 'truth' (real or percieved), and that is this:

'Buddhism' isn't about adding layers of mystique to your identity, but removing them one by one, right back to the core. Who are 'you'? Does this identity actually exist or is it a fabrication? if it doesn't exist, why suffer in order to perpetuate it?

..So next time you're feeling mental suffering, look very, very, very closley, concentrate on it with all your being, don't let your meandering thoughts interfere (..that meddling ego..) and ask: what perception has created this 'situation'?

..meanwhile the clouds continue to float benignly overhead, the grasses blow in the breeze, the pinecone falls from the tree, the stream trickles over the rocks..

..ask yourself, what is real? and what is made up?