[yharmon6614]

No, you're not the only one. I do not believe (although I have no proof either way) that the Buddha taught that there was no "self"

No, certainly he never taught that. That is nihilism.

[tutkarussia]

Having the experience of depersonalisation, derealization or lack of a sense of self often lead individuals into emotional instability, mental illness and in need of psychiatric care rather than able to study and practice the principles of Buddhist teachings

Wow! that is really hard to know... I think that maybe the idea of "Not-Self" is not a good beginning for many people that knows Buddhism for the first time. The only way IMHO, to understand such idea is through meditation. There you can have glimpses about what "not-self" is about. I insist that Buddhism and mostly, its practice, is not for everybody. It is needed a huge amount of balance between the pure intellectual understanding and the insight developed through the practice of mindfulness.

[Narkeere]

The only thing that will yield any kind of result is open investigation. We need to carefully observe what is actually occurring within our continuum. In the Anapanasati sutta Buddha demonstrates the mode of investigation.

Very true Kris! Such understanding, IMO, is only possible through meditation and insight. Intellectuality has many shortcomings to understand "Not-Self". Also, yes, I see it as a process too...

[elossenen]

To Continue from #20 with more from another page of Ajahn Sumedho's book, he says :

What has really motivated my practice has, of course, been the orthodox teachings of the Theravada scriptures. I have always used the Four Noble Truths, Dependent Origination and all the essential teachings as my way of practice. And as you begin to realise what intuitive awareness is, you see that it is emptiness; you realise there is no self in it.

Awareness is consciousness and discernment; it is intelligence, but there is no sense of a separate self or anything else within it. You are not holding on to a doctrinal position or an attitude of any sort; even 'Buddhism' disappears. Everything resolves itself. This is what is often called anatta, sunnata, or nibbana (non-self, emptiness, the unborn or unconditioned)
Anyway, to return again now to the subject of rebirth , which was mentioned in the OP and the first few posts of this topic, here's a little extra from Ajahn Sumedho:

"The word 'rebirth' doesn't necessarily mean physical rebirth - being born again in the next life - it can mean the mental rebirths that are so ordinary we don't even notice them. As soon as life becomes boring or unpleasant, we seek rebirth into something else. That means beginning again, choosing something that has the potential for fulfilment, for happiness, for entertainment, for being totally mesmirised and taken over.........

....If we are not aware, the tendancy is to want to fill our lives with plans, possibilities, distractions, eating, drinking, television and many other things. Peacefulness, calm, emptiness and stillness, we can't stand, actually; they are just too hard to bear! "

[glagoliska]

I know this may have been answered already but isn't the whole point of Buddhism is to break the cycle of rebirth?

[Optipitle]

but isn't the whole point of Buddhism is to break the cycle of rebirth?

Yes it is... but the next issue is: the "rebirth" of what?

[evammaUselp]

I know this may have been answered already but isn't the whole point of Buddhism is to break the cycle of rebirth?

My view is that teachings about literal rebirth are primarily for the purpose of morality and they are not the main focus of the Dhamma.

The whole point of the Buddha's message is to recognise and overcome dukkha and its causes in this lifetime here and now. Dukkha is unsatisfactoriness, conflict, discontent, not getting what one wants.

[duncanalisstmp]

My view is that teachings about literal rebirth are primarily for the purpose of morality and they are not the main focus of the Dhamma.

The whole point of the Buddha's message is to recognise and overcome dukkha and its causes in this lifetime here and now. Dukkha is unsatisfactoriness, conflict, discontent, not getting what one wants.

Ahh okay I see now thank you for clearing that up for me!