The teachings are teachings but different people see it differently.
One monk said, the teachings were not really assertion of reality but a tool used to direct the monks into enlightenment.  Another says we should not think about this but use it in meditative state to examine what self is.

The concept of atma - is different in Hindu and Buddhist ... These are all just concepts, theories - like trying to explain red to blind person. different people do it differently but there is no absolute way to do it? The concept is like a map or a finger pointing in a direction or something. its not the real thing.  self exists /doesnot exist may both make sense, may be different ways of looking at a reality. we will know what red means only when we actually get sight... now after all these lectures dont u feel - if you dont trust your self then waht is? then again self is perceptions emotions and thoughts are all misguiding and wrong :D It seems like a paradox intellectually but may be when we experience it , it isnt.

[Some maps are totally wrong -- Like you have a map of Delhi and you are actually in New york.  I think Kuran and Bible with angry Jealous punishing god are like that. :D ]