we suffer because we construct an ego, superimposing fabricated values over simple experience. in Buddhist terms, this is called reflexivity: we automatically a

we suffer because we construct an ego, superimposing fabricated values over simple experience. in Buddhist terms, this is called reflexivity: we automatically assign a value—desirable, undesirable, or neutral—to each experience provided by the senses and mind. but these values are imagined, arbitrary artificial constructions, not part of reality. Vedānta terms it adhyāya, superimposition. in that view, the individual self is due to the real Self, Brahman, being covered by an upādhi (limiting adjunct) of ahaṅkāra (false ego). so only the false ego appears to suffer.