As will be described in depth in the coming chapters, the selflessness of the Buddha-selfless meaning dissolution of the self-is easily excised since it provides a logical inconsistency in the rest of the philosophy. One simply has to ask the following: If we study and practice Zen Buddhism in order to become enlightened, who, exactly, is following that path? Who is becoming enlightened? Who has made the conscious decision to meditate today? There is no way to answer these questions without saying, "I am following the path, I am on the path to enlightenment, I have made the choice to meditate and walk this path," which is a strong declaration of the existence of the self.

Sounds like the ego solidifying ego by confusing ultimate reality with relative terms. Ultimately there is no becoming, no path, no choice and no-self. Buddhism teaches to realize true nature, not to create it.

This is happiness in one's accomplishments, it is happiness in the arms of your lover, and it is happiness when you get recognition at work for a job well done. This form of happiness is externally based-even when the happiness is derived from the self, it is how the self acts and interacts with respect to the external world.

One of the logical flaws of traditional Buddhism is that it denies the existence, or importance, of the second form of happiness.

This isn't denied in Buddhism. It's that these things will bring temporary, fleeting happiness and attachment to them will lead to suffering since they cannot be sustained. One can still have money and lovers but taming the mind causes a release from dependency on them.

Second it's just simple truth that it's far easier to gain inner peace and experience harmony with the universe when your life doesn't suck.

When we have true inner peace nothing "sucks", not even death.