Brahmanism, the Indian philosophy, and Buddhism may both be called the product of self-culture[1] under Nature. The result of the custom of meditating morning and evening reverently before Nature was yoga (concentration of mind) in Brahmanism, and dhyana or zen (meditation) in Buddhism. There might be a sect in Brahmanism which does not require yoga, but in Buddhism no sect can be without dhyana. At present certain sects in Buddhism do not practice dhyana daily. However, it is a well-known fact that even those sects have their origin in dhyana. This is true with both Hinayana and Mahayana. For instance, the Three Learnings of Buddhism (trisiksa) are discipline, contemplation and wisdom; and one of the Six Perfections (Paramita) is samadhi or concentration. Without samadhi the attainment of Buddhist knowledge is impossible. In Buddhism to act righteously is to think deeply.

The Essentials of Buddhist Philosophy, p21

Note 1: ‘Anatman’ denies the self as permanent substance or entity. However, Buddhism retains the self as a combination of matter and mind in continuous change. This ‘self’ is perfected by cultivation. This is what is meant by ‘self-culture’ or ‘self-creation.’